The start date of the holy month depends on the sighting of the Moon because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The Moon-sighting committee – a group of astronomers, court officials and advisers from the country’s Islamic authority – typically convenes after maghrib, or sunset, prayers on the 29th day of Sha’ban to look for the new crescent moon. The holy month of Ramadan will start when determined by the UAE Moon-sighting committee which is  to meet on Monday. So the first day is expected to be Tuesday  If they see it, then Ramadan begins the following day. If not, Sha’ban will last 30 days and Ramadan will begin thereafter.

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic – or Hijri – calendar. It is also believed to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset every day of the month, which is typically either 29 and 30 days. As well as abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is also a time when Muslims strengthen their faith through prayer and increased recitation of the Quran.

Piety increases during the final 10 days, when Laylat Al Qadr is believed to fall. That night is believed to be when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.It is traditionally celebrated on the 27th night of Ramadan but its exact date is unknown. The rewards for acts of worship carried out on this night are said to be more than the rewards of 1,000 months of worship.

Ministries and other federal institutions will be open from 9am to 2pm during Ramadan.

Synergy Software Systems and Deyafa Systems offices will be open for support calls from 9-4 Sun-Thu during Ramadan. Outside those hours there will be minimal staffing.

Some general Ramadan Do’s and Don’ts

DO… make the most of the community spirit. Say ‘Ramadan Kareem’ to friends and colleagues, introduce yourself to those neighbours you’ve always meant to say hi to, organise an after-work iftar, and catch up with friends and family.

DO… understand that many locals become night owls. Everything happens later during Ramadan. Malls are open past midnight and suhoors go into the early hours. Similarly email responses may take longer as will processing visas, or just about any other government business transaction

Demos are not likely to overrun at end of day

DO… your bit for a good cause. Ramadan is a good time to put your money where your mouth is. The UAE has a wide range of charitable and volunteering organisations.

DON’T… forget the ‘rules. If you’re not a Muslim, then they still apply – you’re still expected to be respectful. It’s frowned upon to dress inappropriately, eat, drink or smoke during daylight, play loud music or swear in public. At the very least these things are frowned upon and will cause discomfort to others, and at worst you may find yourself in trouble with the police or fined.

DON’T… lose your patience. Working hours are likely to be shorter (and perhaps a little less productive), those who are fasting tend to be tired, and the UAE’s roads will be more hectic at times. Remember that Muslims may be fasting for more than 14 hours a day.

Do Exercise caution: large crowds gathering to break their fast can be targets for extremists,. Always be aware of your surroundings especially when travelling . outside of the UAE. Also be aware that common thieves and professional beggars also target charitable alms givers during Ramadan and Eid

A set of mandatory guidelines for worshippers attending prayers across mosques in Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan, have been announced. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) said that Isha and Taraweeh prayers can be performed in mosques, as long as worshippers observe precautionary guidelines, including wearing of face masks and maintaining physical distancing.

Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, director general of IACAD, said: “Crowding in the mosques or its precincts is strictly prohibited. The duration of prayers remains the same as previously announced. However, Isha and Taraweeh prayers are capped at 30 minutes (including Azan and Iqama). Mosques will be closed immediately after Taraweeh prayers are completed.”Al Shaibani further said that the guidelines for worshippers during Ramadan are part of measures directed by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management. All mosques in Dubai will be frequently sterilised throughout the day during Ramadan to ensure safety and prevention, he added.

The maximum duration of both prayers in mosques has been capped at 30 minutes. Worshippers praying in mosques must bring their own prayer mats, and must strictly avoid handshakes and any other physical greetings that breaches physical distancing protocols. They must also maintain a safe distance from other worshippers as guided by floor stickers.

Lectures and seminars in mosques remain suspended. However, worshippers have the option to virtually attend lectures. Worshippers are also advised to read the Quran through smart devices inside the mosques. The department will evaluate the situation before making a decision on Qiyam-ul-layl (late night prayers) performed during the last ten days of Ramadan. The Supreme Committee will be updating its guidelines in this regard, official news agency WAM reported. Organising Ramdan, Iftar and donation tents and Iftar tables is strictly prohibited. Donations should be channeled through accredited charity organisations in Dubai.

Meanwhile, general guidelines for praying in mosques include: –

• The mosque will remain open from the time of azan until the end of obligatory prayer.
• Maximum duration of Isha and Taraweeh prayers in mosques is capped at 30 minutes.
• Isha prayers will be held five minutes after the azan.
• The mosque’s doors will be kept open from the beginning of the azan until the end of congregational obligatory prayer.
• Performing a second congregational prayer or praying alone after the completion of main prayers is not permitted; worshippers must avoid crowding.
• All mosques will close immediately after the prayers.
• The distribution of food or any other items such as face masks at the entrance of the mosque is strictly prohibited.
• Individuals with chronic illnesses or compromised immunity are advised not to pray in mosques and avoid crowds.
• Intensive inspections will be conducted to ensure strict adherence to precautionary guidelines during Ramadan; violators will face penalties.

The UAE reported 1,883 Covid-19 cases on April 7, raising the nationwide toll to 476,019.

Eid Al Fitr is the annual three-day celebration after the last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to Shawwal 3. It’s been predicted that Eid al Fitr could fall on May 13

 سائلين الله عـز وجـل أن يرزقكـم فيه مغـفـره ورحمه وعتق من النار.

May all your prayers be answered