Ramadan in Qatar 2014

Holy Ramadan Fasting 2014 will start on June 29th 2014 in Qatar with reference to the Islamic calendar year 1435 A.H.
Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs officially announced the same last day through their twitter account.

Yesterday Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Medical Commission  have announced the schedule for the moly month of Ramadan, For more details you may look at the article published yesterday, Click here

This year, Ramadan falls in July, and is expected to have the longest days in almost 30 years.

To stay healthy while fasting this Ramadan, drink a lot of water during non-fasting hours, especially during Suhour (pre-dawn meal). Also avoid smoking, high sugar and high fat foods and focus on healthy food.

One should break the fast gently, not by eating a lot. Traditionally, one should break the fast with a few dates and water, as dates are an immediate source of energy and potassium.

In general, one should reduce salt and salty food intake, stop consuming caffeine and sugary drinks during the summer, whether one is fasting or not.

TIPS for those who are fasting.

- Dehydration, which results from the loss of a large amount of water from the body, brings about a range of negative health effects – muscle cramps, fatigue, lightheadedness, dry mouth and nausea as well a lack of sweat among them.

- In mild cases dehydration can be uncomfortable, in severe ones it can be life threatening.

- By following proper diet and taking precautionary steps during Ramadan one can avoid the dangers of dehydration.

- Choose the right foods and drink the right amount of water during the month’s iftar and suhour meals.

- Between sunset and sunrise fasters are advised to drink a large amount of water, around 1.5 to 2 liters, but do it slowly so as not to feel sick.

- If you don’t like drinking plain water, add some lemon or rose water to it

- Avoid carbonated and sugary beverages, such as soda and juice, as well as drinks that cause water loss like coffee and tea.

- Drinking a lot of coffee early in the morning for a buzz to get you through the day can seem like a good idea, but dieticians say it’s unadvisable.

- Coffee, like tea, is a diuretic and can cause the body to lose water. Also the first hours of an energy rush can turn into a major energy crash after the caffeine wears off.

- Regular coffee drinkers should watch out for how fasting will affect your caffeine intake. Immediately cutting caffeine out of a diet can be very uncomfortable.

- Prior to Ramadan, start to shift the time of drinking coffee, either backward to be drank at dawn or forward at sunset.

- The foods you eat can also play a role in staving off dehydration during the day. Nutritionists advise eating lots of fruit and vegetables, and avoiding salt as much as possible.

- Fruits in particular help fight the constipation that many suffer during the first days of Ramadan as a result of limited water intake, an altered eating schedule and reduced physical activity.

- Consume food from the major food groups: bread and cereal, milk and dairy products, fish, meat and poultry, beans, vegetables and fruits.

- Diet in Ramadan should not differ much from the normal diet and should be as simple as possible.

- Fried foods, very spicy foods and foods containing too much sugar, such as sweets, can cause health problems and should be limited.

- Eat in moderation and don't indulge in large feasts every night

All you need to know about Ramadan in Qatar - for both, Muslims and non-Muslims.

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 moderately. 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.