Ramadhan is the sacred month when Muslims fast for the pleasure of our Creator; when we set an intention to be disciplined in our fasting and our worship so that we may nourish our souls and rejuvenate our minds and bodies. What is Ramadhan and why do Muslims fast? may be useful if you are not acquainted with any Muslims.
Those coming to learn about Ramadhan in the Gulf may think that Ramadhan traditions are all about the lavish Iftar (meal taken to break the fast) and Suhoor (meal taken before the break of dawn) buffets at grand (and not so grand) hotels and restaurants that are marketed weeks in advance of the start of the holy month. Or that Ramadhan is a time for excessive food waste and extended mall shopping hours.
