Travelling during Ramadan
Photo: B. Simpson Cairocamels, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
For many foreigners, a trip to any Muslim country is not complete without wandering around the chaotic bazaars while tasting local street food. However, be prepared if you are travelling to a Muslim-majority area during Islam's holiest month, Ramadan, as you might find that roads and bazaars are almost abandoned, with no refreshments whatsoever available on the street.
Ramadan (also spelled Ramadhan and Ramzan), a month-long festival, falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is the time when Muslims all around the world fast during daylight hours every day. The month definitely brings a lot of joy for Muslims, but for many non-Muslims, travelling or living in a Muslim-majority country during this time may come with some inconveniences and restraints. On the bright side, however, it offers a chance to see a different side of life in Muslim countries. It's an incredibly important, sacred and religious time for Muslims, and while many tourists do keep visiting Muslim countries throughout the year including Ramadan, some basic knowledge about this special tradition will help to make your experience a fascinating one.
UnderstandThe history of Ramadan dates back to the pre-Islamic period, when Arabs used to fast from the rising to the setting of the moon.
Get aroundTravelling during Ramadan can be difficult, especially towards the end of the month when everybody tries to go back to their families for Eid and back again afterwards.
Suhoor and IftarThe primary practice in Ramadan is fasting from dawn to sunset (not always the local dawn and sunset, as this would be unreasonable in summer at very high latitudes), and there are two meals at either end of that period.
RespectThere's a saying: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"; the same goes for Muslim countries.
SurviveThink twice about travelling for business, as many businesses in Muslim countries close early and operate with a skeleton staff for the entire month of Ramadan.
BuyMost Muslim countries, as well as countries with long-established Muslim minorities such as India, China, Thailand and Singapore, will have large night bazaars selling halal food, as well as clothing and decorations for…
Eid al-FitrThe day to celebrate the end of Ramadan is one of the two major yearly holidays for Muslims.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Travelling during Ramadan" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: B. Simpson Cairocamels, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons