12 Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind this Ramadan

This Ramadan we’re looking to keep everyone on the same page (pun intended) when it comes to the holy month and living it in the best way possible. We compiled a quick run through of do’s and don’t during this month for those of you who are new to the country, or just in need of a quick reminder of what to look out for.

Do’s

Reap the benefits of fasting this month by eating healthy when you do have a meal. Fasting, if done with an eye to eating nutritious, healthy food in the right amounts, can actually benefit your health. Research has shown that fasting for as little as three days can regenerate the entire immune system. 

Make the most of Ramadan pricing. This is especially true of food, with grocery outlets selling much of their food at cheaper prices. For example, Al Meera and Geant Hypermarket will offer up to 1,438 consumer goods at just the cost price across its 35 branches in Qatar

Keep your eye out for cool events. Because this is considered a very special month, watch out for cultural events like Garangao, a traditional children’s party that is celebrated on the 14th night of Ramadan to mark half the month’s passing. 

Dress modestly, as a gesture of respect to others. We know it’s hot outside, but it’s best to avoid wearing anything too revealing and try to keep to the general rule of covered knees and shoulders.

Check working hours. Whether you need to go to the bank for a deposit or a government office to get something stamped, make sure you check the hours of operation before you set out. The working hours of many places change during this month, and there are few exceptions. Be sure to check our guide to Ramadan timings for quick info.

Get enough sleep. Many people’s sleeping schedules tend to turn upside down in Ramadan. Be sure to get some sleep while it is actually dark outside, and avoid taking too-long daytime naps at the risk of messing up your internal clock.

Exercise. We cannot stress this enough. Whether it’s a round of football with the boys after tarawih or a short walk in the early morning or late evening, this is a habit you should never forego. If anything, all the food consumed in the evening needs to be digested, and some movement will accomplish just that.

Don’ts

Let’s start with the most obvious. Don’t eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public from the hours of sunrise to sunset. Your car doesn’t count as private space unless it’s parked in your own garage, but for those of you who aren’t fasting, some offices and QF universities have a private space or area to take lunch.

Avoid blasting loud music or swearing in public. Ramadan is considered to be a month of reflection and devotion. It is also meant to be a month of tolerance. If you aren’t participating in the religious aspect of the month and need to let your freak flag fly, it’s best to do it in a private space, and use headphones to listen to music in public.

Singing, dancing or being intoxicated in public is a major no-no during this month, and punishable by law. Alcohol will not be served in any public locales, and QDC will be closed during Ramadan.

Avoid blood withdrawal and blood cupping while fasting. Your body is already fighting to preserve a balance, especially due to thirst in the summer heat, and disrupting it through such practices is not the best of ideas.

Public Displays of Affection are a bad idea. PDA between the opposite genders is forbidden and frowned upon, so be careful to respect this rule. It has less to do with how affectionate people are in Qatar and more to do with the rule of abstinence during the day in this month.

Overeating and being a glutton kind of defeats the purpose of this month. During Ramadan, there tends to be an influx of patients with gastrointestinal ailments at Hamad General Hospital's Emergency Department. Strive to eat modest portions, especially when breaking your fast.

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