Tips for Qatar residents not fasting this Ramadan
For non-Muslim expats, life in Qatar changes dramatically during the holy month of Ramadan, but this annual observance also provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's traditional culture and cuisine.
Ramadan serves as a healthy reminder that Qatar is a Muslim country. It is very important that you understand and follow the rules of public conduct during the holy month to avoid landing yourself in hot waters with the authorities.
Remember, whether you're a Muslim or not, all of us can appreciate the overarching themes of Ramadan - gratitude, tolerance, compassion and charity.
With Ramadan less than two weeks away, here are some or the do's and don'ts during the Holy month.
If there is anything else you think people who are new here need to know, please leave a comment below.
1. Eating or drinking in public:
As Muslims will be fasting from dawn to dusk, those who are not fasting are advised to refrain from eating or drinking in public places during Ramadan.
Some restaurants will be open during the day, but most will be shut until a short period before iftar(breakfast), and will extend their hours. The timings vary for each restaurant, so it's best to call in advance and check..
As for alcohol, Qatar bans the selling of alcohol during the holy month.
2. Public Display of Affection:
This is a no-no.
Muslims are also required to abstain from sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset. Any form of PDA between the opposite genders is prohibited and deemed disrespectful.
3. Clothing:
Out of courtesy and respect, it is best to dress modestly. This means avoid revealing too much skin, anything that's too flashy, attracts attention, or fuels sexual desire.
4. General Gestures:
Ramadan is a month of tolerance, devotion and tranquility. Those fasting are expected to refrain from profanity and exercising bad or impulsive manners. It is advised that even those that aren't fasting do the same. This means avoid things such as blasting loud music or swearing in public.
5. Working Hours:
Working hours are reduced for most during the month. This includes banks, shops and commercial establishments. It's best to check out the new operating hours before heading anywhere.
Photo credit: Mohamed Nanabhay
Yes must respect Muslim country because we only 1 Allah in the world, i m a Filipino but i know to respect all the Religion i been do what kind of religion, i most respect, them , i love the people they know to respect religion, keep and joy this coming Ramadan Kareem ,,, kabayan....
MM: I don't have that "virus" you are talking about. On the other hand, you have an unusual virus within you. You go about misguiding people by writing unwanted posts and giving them "advice" through your foolish "philosophies" which get "appreciated" by some people of your like. Sorry, I cannot think at your level and whenever I get to see any of your silly comments, I will write back to put matters straight. You write just for the sake of writing and to gain attention (also points which later on you brag about) whether you posts make sense or not.
I don't. I write sense or I don't write at all.
Hantar, Other than Brit & WT, there is one Wunae , plus two more Acchabaccha & Mufti who have that virus ........ ........... Lets see if Brit cares to observe your comment .......... even if he cares Wunae & WT will spoil his thought process , it will be a real disaster when Brit gets appreciated by Acchabaccha & Mufti ......
don't know what's with the over-reactions; or is it lack of comprehension? brit didn't say anything wrong and in fact it is what most people in our conservative society would like to see...
BRIT: Let who he without is cast sin the stone first.
Buhaha
KHAN: Let he who is without sin cast the first stone
I have sent away the devils with WT & Brit for sometime. But they will return back again. Dont worry I will take care of them when they return.
Nothing New. Somebody will cut & paste this when the Ramadan approaches
expected but not applicable among many other things
hantar: I said "
"Out of courtesy and respect, it is best to dress modestly. This means avoid revealing too much skin, anything that's too flashy, attracts attention, or fuels sexual desire." - Shouldn't this be the case all the year round ?
Is my comment wrong ? Isn't this expected all the year round ?
WT and britexpat, I noticed that you criticize every single article in QL, if you don't like living here, there is more than 200 other countries in the world .
yes indeed, but it's not bad to remind
"Out of courtesy and respect, it is best to dress modestly. This means avoid revealing too much skin, anything that's too flashy, attracts attention, or fuels sexual desire." - Shouldn't this be the case all the year round ?
I love the way they drive during Ramadan with tolerance, devotion and tranquility. Especially before the first meal after fasting!