Travel Ramadan Turky

Travelling during Ramadan Understand Suhoor and Iftar Respect Survive Eid al-Fitr See also Ramadan Ramadan is the 9th and holiest month in the Islamic calendar and lasts 29–30 days. Muslims fast every day for its duration and most restaurants will be closed until the fast breaks at dusk. Nothing (including water and cigarettes) is supposed to pass through the lips from dawn to sunset. Non-Muslims are exempt from this, but should still refrain from eating or drinking in public as this is considered very impolite. Working hours are decreased as well in the corporate world. Exact dates of Ramadan depend on local astronomical observations and may vary somewhat from country to country. Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries. 16 May – 14 June 2018 (1439 AH) 6 May – 3 June 2019 (1440 AH) 24 April – 23 May 2020 (1441 AH) 13 April – 12 May 2021 (1442 AH) Bazaars and mosques are colourfully decorated and beautifully illuminated during Ramadan 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. Understand The history of Ramadan dates back to the pre-Islamic period, when Arabs used to fast from the rising to the setting of the moon. In the Quran, the central holy scripture of Islam which Muslims believe was revealed by Allah (God) to the Islamic prophet Muhammad, the fast rules were made more onerous by the period being changed to the rising of the sun to its going down. Ramadan, in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, was declared as the holy month of Islam, and fasting was made mandatory for every Muslim adult, with certain exceptions made for health and other extenuating circumstances. The Muslim world: the percentage of believers in each country. Muslims worldwide observe the month of Ramadan as a month of fasting and, therefore, travelling during Ramadan into Muslim-majority countries can pose an added challenge. Along with fasting — no eating, drinking or smoking — from dawn until sunset, Muslims also refrain from engaging in sexual relations, and especially activities that are forbidden by Islam in any month. Prayer is usually followed by Iftar Mosques serve Iftar meals for fasting persons and local communities Ramadan is a time when many Muslims focus on their faith and spend much of the day in religious observances, so in that sense it is related to days of penance, fasting and reflection in other religions, such as Yom Kippur in Judaism and Lent in Christianity. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, one of five basic acts which are mandatory for every Muslim. During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to engage in extra prayers and worship of Allah, in order to learn willpower and self-control and for a kind of first hand experience of the sufferings of the poor, who rarely get to eat well. The ultimate goal is to inspire generosity and sympathy in Muslims across the globe. Muslims are expected to give generously to charity (zakat), which is another one of the Five Pillars of Islam. While Ramadan is not the easiest and most favoured time to visit a Muslim country, since daily life changes dramatically in those countries during this special month, you may have a totally different cultural experience if you do. In addition to the change in meal schedules for Muslims, businesses' opening hours often change as well, and people work only until afternoon in the majority of Muslim countries. School may take place on the usual schedule, so if you are teaching English or another subject and have Muslim students, whether in a Muslim-majority country or elsewhere, you'll want to facilitate their observance of Iftar (see below). Suhoor and Iftar Friends and family breaking fast together in an outdoor cafe The 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. The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the Suhoor, or Sehri in some countries. It is consumed early in the morning before the dawn (Fajr) prayer. Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast after the sunset (Maghrib) prayer. While Suhoor is often taken in private, Iftar is a much more social meal. Family and friends gather in homes to rejoice, and a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes and delicious desserts are prepared according to local traditions and preferences. Restaurants are busy as well and often have special dishes. Iftar parties and social gatherings are frequently arranged where people and communities gather to break fast together, and special arrangements are made daily in mosques as well, where free meals are offered to diners for them to break the fast. If you are invited for Iftar celebrations, it is good custom to bring a small gift (e.g. food) for your hosts. Dishes for Iftar vary from one region to another, but one item that is commonly consumed across the world is dates — especially dates from Saudi Arabia, which are fantastic and well worth buying if you have a chance to do so during this month or any other. Respect There's a saying: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"; the same goes for Muslim countries. Non-Muslims are not expected to fast or follow Islamic practices but they should be aware of the local laws and customs and should respect them. Even Muslims are not religiously bound to fast if they're travelling during Ramadan, though most do anyway. The most difficult thing may be to abstain from eating, drinking or smoking tobacco in public areas during the daytime, usually dawn until dusk. In some Muslim countries such as Gulf countries, it’s illegal to eat or drink in a public area during daylight during Ramadan, and this is considered a crime and prosecuted as such. Police usually patrol the streets and offenders, both Muslim and non-Muslim, can get fined. There have been incidents in Gulf countries where foreigners were even expelled from the country while Muslims were jailed. So even where it is legal you should refrain, both to avoid calling unwelcome attention to yourself and as a gesture of respect for those who are fasting. Consider stocking your hotel room with drinks and snacks that you can consume in private. If you are in an area where food is served for travellers even during Ramadan and where tipping is considered appropriate, tip heavily at this time. The poor staff are working — and seeing and smelling your food — even though they are fasting; they may deserve a little extra. Avoid public physical intimacy with a person of the opposite sex, even if you are married to each other. Public displays of affection are considered rude and even forbidden by law in certain Muslim countries, and this is especially true during Ramadan. As for same-sex displays of affection, homosexuality is taboo or illegal in many Muslim areas; see LGBT travel for details. Even in more liberal areas, restraint may be a good idea at any time, and especially during Ramadan. Everyone will be expected to dress more conservatively than normally, so ensure you dress modestly in public — always a good idea in Islamic areas, but particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Uncovered arms, legs, shoulders or hair may offend others. Try to not play loud music in public areas (including in a car) or dance during Ramadan, as it is seen as bad form. Mosques such as those which are usually open to visitors for sightseeing and even to non Muslims in other times of the year remain closed during Ramadan in some countries whereas in some countries, special tours are usually organised during Ramadan. Avoid chewing gum or smoking in public as well since these are also forbidden by the rules of the fast. Survive Think 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. Furthermore, even when hours are not affected, work performance is affected by fasting. If you nevertheless need to make a business trip to a Muslim country during Ramadan, try to make your appointments as early as possible in the morning, when your counterpart is more fresh and likely to be in a good mood. During the afternoon, energy level and working performance tend to decrease, people start to get lazy and sleepy, and everyone wants to leave for home as early as possible. Keep in mind that hunger and tiredness can cause irritability, and try to be forgiving when you find people a bit cranky. Muslims await the moonrise that will mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr In certain countries that see lots of tourism, such as Morocco and Turkey, many facilities remain open to some extent to serve non-Muslim travellers, and in general the change in the normal routine isn't too striking. However, the scenario is very different elsewhere — mainly in countries further off the beaten path such as Iran, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, but also some heavily touristed countries like the United Arab Emirates. Here, Ramadan is very strictly observed and few facilities are open. The majority of restaurants are closed during daylight in most Islamic countries, though a limited number may open to cater to non-Muslims, especially in touristy places in countries such as Turkey and Morocco and in Dubai. This is especially true in areas of some Muslim-majority countries that have large non-Muslim populations, including most Malaysian cities. The dining area is usually screened or behind curtains, and at some places, you may be asked to confirm that you're not a Muslim. Locating an open restaurant can be very tricky in small cities and non-touristy places — in which case your hotel may be able to serve you food in your room — but in larger cities, one can find a good restaurant if you ask at hotel reception. While in some countries it's also possible to grab takeaway food from fast food chains attached to fuel stations, this varies from place to place. For instance, in the UAE, you can get food from fuel station franchises in Dubai, but franchises in the neighbouring and more traditional city of Sharjah are closed during the daytime. In addition, alcohol is banned from sale or not available at all during Ramadan in many Muslim countries. You may also find that most attractions are closed during the day throughout Ramadan, as the level of activity during daytime is decreased. In some areas of Turkey, most probably touristed areas, you may not notice a significant change in Ramadan and you may even see people eating and drinking as usual. However, caution should be exercised everywhere to avoid offending the local culture and respect should be given to Islamic traditions. Your best course is probably to emulate the locals: take it easy during the afternoon, get out of the heat, and have a nap so you will be ready for the festive evening. If you are not Muslim, have a drink and a snack as well. People usually become "night owls" during Ramadan. Festivities begin right after Iftar — shopping areas and bazaars start getting busy and remain open past midnight hours. Streets remain vibrant until Sehoor in bigger cities, and people stay awake until Sehoor time to enjoy the feast. Even if you don't have a friend in a Muslim country you are visiting, you can still dine with Muslims when they break their fast. Across the Muslim world, tents and tables are set out on streets and in bazaars with free food served for fasting people. Non-Muslims are always welcome too. In many areas, especially in traditional bazaars, restaurants open after the sunset prayers and do a roaring trade until well after midnight. If you're a Muslim, even in non-Muslim countries a mosque is the best place to be for Iftar. Special arrangements are made in mosques throughout the world, let alone Muslim countries, where people are served with free meals and drinks. This gives a good opportunity to mingle with locals and taste the local food at no cost. If you're travelling into a non-Muslim country, you may also be able to find restaurants near the mosques that serve Halal food. People are usually very welcoming and friendly in evenings during the joyous time of Iftar and are happy to share free food with everyone. Many restaurants offer special Iftar buffet meal deals at lower prices and some may even provide free drinks for guests. Packing food and carrying bottles of water are strongly recommended, because food stalls are closed during fasting and open about 2 to 3 hours before Iftar, though starred hotels and minimarts often sell foods and beverages during the day, though this varies between countries and regions. Bazaars are also open 2 to 3 hours before fasting break and many kind of foods and drinks can be found, but mainly with (extra) sweet tastes. Avoid eating or drinking during the day in public areas. You also should not eat or drink in public transport, as fellow passengers are fasting. Even airlines in Muslim countries do not usually serve food to travellers (even non-Muslims), and even if they do, it's always best to not ask for a meal as your fellow passengers may be fasting and may not be able to control their appetite after seeing a delicious meal being eaten. Children, who are not expected to fast during Ramadan, should be freely served food and drinks as usual. Try to avoid being on the road during Iftar time, as traffic increases while everyone rushes home to feast with family members, and the chance of accidents therefore increases. Before Iftar, streets start to become empty, and right at Iftar, huge cities can become ghost towns, as public transport in many countries comes to a brief stop for up to half an hour. 3 days before and after Eid al-Fitr is not a convenient time to be on the road, because there are many traffic jams and public transport is also extremely crowded, while rental cars are very difficult to find, and if you do find one, rates will be much higher than usual. For about a week after the end of fasting month, domestic tourists flock to tourist resorts and hotels prices increase there, but in large cities, the hotels are empty. In some cities, drummers roam the streets well before morning, waking locals in time to prepare and have Suhoor. If you don't want to follow the Ramadan schedule yourself, make sure to pack some earplugs. Eid al-Fitr Ramadan is all about fasting but Eid is all about eating The feast to celebrate the end of Ramadan is one of the most joyous holidays of the year for Muslims. While Ramadan can be a challenging time to be in a Muslim country, Eid, which is usually celebrated for three days and goes by various names around the world, is a great time to be there, especially if you have friends who invite you to celebrate with them and share some of the wonderful food that is made especially for the holiday. Each country and region in the Muslim world has its own distinctive savory and sweet foods for Eid. Many countries have their own greetings in the local language used during Eid, but one used everywhere is the Arabic "Eid Mubarak", which translates as Blessed Eid or Happy Eid. If you're in a Muslim country, try to widely exchange the Eid greeting during the three days of Eid. Gifts are commonly given at Eid to children, friends and relatives. Most people choose to celebrate the first day of Eid at home with family and by visiting relatives and friends, but by evening, restaurants start to get crowded. Most bazaars and markets remain closed during the three days of Eid, while most other businesses are closed for longer periods. Even in non-Muslim countries, it is often possible to enjoy some aspects of this festival. Almost any restaurant which specialises in food from some Muslim region, or in halal food (food Muslims are permitted to eat under Islamic law), can be expected to do something special for Eid and, since they are doing it largely for their own community and in a spirit of celebration, both quality and pricing tend to be very good. How to travel during Ramadan A spiritual month for Muslims – but a logistical nightmare for travellers? Heed the advice of our country-by-country guide to travel during Ramadan Hazel Plush Print For most of us, the joy of travel stems simply from the chance to sample an unknown culture. No trip would be complete without gorging on traditional cuisine, wandering through bustling markets, and sharing a drink in local watering holes. But what if you arrived to find everything shut down and the streets near-deserted? Many travellers in Muslim areas are wary of such scenes during Ramadan. Tales of boarded-up restaurants and irritable hosts abound, but what's the real impact of Ramadan on travel? Falling in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar year, Ramadan is an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah. Healthy adults abstain from smoking, sex, drinking and eating during daylight hours, with some even choosing not to swallow saliva. In some cases, public observance of the fast is mandatory even for non-Muslims, but this varies by region. It's not all about deprivation, however: this is an intensely spiritual month, which 'purifies' the soul and brings families and friends together. Breaking the fast The daily fast ends with iftar, the first meal taken after nightfall; and the meals and celebrations often continue long into the night. The month reaches a climax with Eid al-Fitr, the Feast of the Breaking of the Fast – a three-day holiday marked by the exchanging of gifts, family visits and vast meals. In strict Muslim areas, travellers should always abide by Ramadan customs in public. Matthew Teller, Middle East expert and author of Rough Guide to Oman and Insight Guide to Jordan, is clear with his advice: "There aren't many differences between conservative countries – just don't eat, drink, smoke, kiss, hug, hold hands or play loud music in public." In less strict regions and multi-faith countries it's unlikely you'll be expected to abstain, but be discreet; those who are fasting won't relish having to watch you eat lunch. The combination of low blood sugar and tiredness often brings government offices and private businesses to near standstill during the day, with public transport also becoming sparse and unreliable. "Look out," Teller warns, "for short-tempered drivers, universally bad breath and lots of late-night partying." Opening hours are often cut short. Ramadan doesn't lend itself to inflexible plans. If you have a strict itinerary and short fuse, it's probably best to postpone your trip. It can, however, be an enlightening time to visit, giving unique insight into a country's faith and culture. Yes, days will be quiet and food may be hard to track down, but the evening markets, iftar feasts and community spirit are sensational compensation. Still up for the adventure? Read on for our country-by-country guide to Ramadan. Malaysia Just over half of Malaysia's population are Muslim, so Ramadan has a considerable impact. Non-Muslims aren't required to fast, however. Muslim-run eateries won't open until mid-afternoon, but the vibrant pasar Ramadan, markets selling vast quantities of iftar sweets and savouries, are worth the wait. Public transport is awkward at best. Indonesia As well as fasting and abstaining from smoking and drinking, many Indonesians also pay respects at family graves and royal cemeteries. Muslim-run restaurants remain firmly shut in daylight hours, but Christian, Chinese and Balinese businesses and facilities are open for business. Non-Muslims aren't required to partake in the fasting, but should be discreet in public areas. Finding food is likely to be most tricky in remote parts of west Java, south Sumatra and Aceh. Kenya Islamic communities are found mostly on Kenya's coast and throughout the northeast, so any travel disruption should be limited to these areas. Most hotelis (small restaurants) close during daylight hours, and fasting is widespread. There is little pressure for non-muslims to participate. Public transport and official business aren't generally affected in Mombasa and Malindi, but expect disruptions further up the coast. Saudi Arabia Ramadan is observed with fervour throughout the kingdom, and public observance of the fast is mandatory. Non-muslims are not expected to fast behind closed doors, but the mutawwa (religious police) patrol the streets to enforce abstinence. Eateries are closed during daylight hours – top-end hotels occasionally offer screened eating areas, but plan ahead. Evenings are lively, with people coming together to eat, drink, pray and shop. Ramadan lanterns (Shutterstock) Ramadan lanterns (Shutterstock) Morocco The largest, most touristy cities – Marrakech, Rabat, Agadir – are relatively easy to navigate, but travelling to rural communities is tricky. Non-muslims aren't required to join in with fasting, but may find themselves unwitting participants anyway: eateries (those outside of the aforementioned tourist hubs, at least) remain firmly closed until nightfall. It's a major taboo to be seen breaking the fast publicly. Evenings on Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech, are always chaotic and vibrant. UAE Everyone, regardless of religion, is required to fast in public. You'll find room service and screened eating areas in most large hotels, but prepare to be hustled away from public view. If offered refreshments by a Muslim, visitors should refuse initially to avoid offence. If the host continues to insist, agree or refrain at your discretion. Dance clubs remain shut, live music is prohibited, and camel racing ceases for the month. Bars are dry until sunset. The shopping malls heave with customers after dark: this is one of the handful of annual occasions when wide-spread promotions and sales are permitted. Egypt Although non-Muslim visitors are permitted to smoke, eat and drink, as a matter of courtesy such activities should be kept away from those who are fasting. Alcohol is not sold during Ramadan, and government offices tend close at 2pm. Look out for frenzied iftar feasts and buzzing streetlife as night falls, however – Luxor's Alub el Haggag mosque is the focus of vibrant celebrations throughout the month. Turkey Ramadan, or Ramazan as it's known here, holds varying degrees of difficulty for travellers. In the larger cities and along the Mediterranean coast, limited restaurants and shops are open for non-Muslims. Head further east, however, and you'll find limited conveniences until sundown. In Istanbul, crowds gather in Sultanahmet Square for iftar, with readings from the Qu'ran and Sufi music concerts. Oman Ramadan is taken very seriously in Oman; non-Muslims should always refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public. Eateries and bars will be firmly shut, and daytime entertainment and shopping will be limited. Large hotels will offer food to travellers but you'll be restricted to screened rooms, tucked away from those who are fasting. Jordan Ramadan is enforced by both religious and civil law. Restaurants stay closed until sunset, and shops operate shortened opening hours. It's illegal for supermarkets and restaurants to sell alcohol throughout the month – even Christian-run businesses. Travellers are expected to observe the fast publicly, but large hotels will serve daytime food to non-Muslims. Iftar celebrations tend to be more subdued than those in other conservative Muslim countries – a far cry from Egypt's street parties.Travelling during Ramadan From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office Part of: Advice for all countries Published: 2 July 2013 A guide to travelling overseas during Ramadan Contents Travelling to Muslim countries Iftar – breaking the fast Eid – the end of the fast Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. During this time, observant Muslims not only abstain from food, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk, but in general practice restrain from all activities or behavior that are not compatible with Islamic values. You should be aware that levels of observance of Ramadan will vary in different countries and cultures but most Muslims will conform to some extent with the requirements of the fast - that they fast between dawn and sunset. This means they can’t eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum during daylight hours. Muslims use this time of abstention for prayer, contemplation and charitable work. Check our travel advice for more information on specific countries. You will also find information on website of the relevant British embassy. Please note that the precise dates of observation will vary from country to country. Travelling to Muslim countries Non-Muslims should show respect to those who are fasting and pay attention so as not to offend Islamic values. If you demonstrate culturally insensitive behaviour that offends, you could be arrested. Non-Muslims should observe the rules of Ramadan in public and should note the following: Avoid eating, drinking, chewing gum or smoking in public during the daytime (including in your car) - many people will understand that you aren’t under the same obligation to fast but will appreciate your awareness. Pregnant, nursing women and young children are exempt from the provisions, but discretion should be exercised In some Muslim countries it’s actually illegal to eat and drink in daylight during Ramadan Some restaurants will close or operate amended opening hours during Ramadan Restaurants that cater to tourists may open as usual but hotels will sometimes use screens to keep western diners sectioned off from Islamic guests Take extra care about your clothing during the holy month. Ensure you dress modestly as standards may be policed even more carefully than usual Driving may be more erratic than usual, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening, be patient and show tolerance especially during this time Business hours may become shorter in the day Loud music and dancing is considered disrespectful during Ramadan. Please do not play music or dance in public areas. It’s not impossible to travel or do business in Islamic countries during Ramadan, but different rules do apply. Seek local advice on arrival either from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. Iftar – breaking the fast Iftar is the time each day when the fast is broken and a meal is taken with family and friends. During Iftar there is additional pressure on taxis and other public transport so it’s a good idea to time your movements around avoiding having to travel at this time. Eid – the end of the fast As the end of Ramadan approaches there is normally a lot of activity as people traditionally visit families to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the three-day festival marking the end of the fast. You should plan accordingly if you’re planning to travel at this time. This advice has been drawn up with the assistance of Lonely Planet Top tips for travelling during Ramadan Alison Bing Lonely Planet Writer Ramadan Mubarak! The Islamic holy month of Ramadan falls during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, and it's a time of spiritual reflection and involves fasting during daylight hours. If you're planning on travelling to a Muslim-majority region during this time, you’re in for an utterly fascinating experience. In many places, including the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt, daily life changes dramatically this month, giving visitors a chance to see a whole new side to these regions. Reading the Islamic holy book. Image by Aliraza Khatri's Photography / Getty The holy month of Ramadan is a time for reflection for Muslims around the world © Aliraza Khatri's Photography / Getty Know the basics Ramadan is a lunar month dedicated to sawm, or fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam. From sun-up to sun-down, the faithful abstain from food, drink, tobacco and sex to concentrate on spiritual renewal. After sunset, there's a euphoric iftar (sunset meal that breaks the fast), followed by a very late-night suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). Yet Ramadan isn't all daytime discipline and nightly parties: it's a time of generosity and zakat, or charity, another of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting isn't easy, so everyone slows down during the day – but you'll also notice people going out of their way to extend small kindnesses. Plan ahead Like any holiday, Ramadan affects business as usual and this definitely isn’t the best time to attempt a whistle-stop sightseeing marathon. Many venues operate with limited hours and staff, so try to book accommodation, transport and tours before you arrive. Plan your daytime meals in advance – international hotels will often carry on serving food, as will a limited number of restaurants (you’ll probably need to reserve a table). Packed lunches are also a good option, although you’ll need to make sure you have somewhere private to eat them. Always bring a bottle of water with you when you’re out and about, but be careful about where you swig from it. Finally, remember that alcohol will not be widely available, even in the evenings. Shift your schedule It’s all about the nightly festivities during Ramadan. Traditions vary from region to region, but everyone breaks fast with iftar at sundown, and then there’s often a long night ahead of socialising with family and friends, followed by the late suhoor meal. In Morocco, streets come alive with light displays, music and offers of sweets at every intersection. While life pretty much goes on as usual in Turkey during Ramadan (or Ramazan as it's known here), look out for the iftar tents where people flock to break their fasts; these are often subsidised by the local municipality, offering cheap or free food and covering parks and pavements with tables. In the Arabian Peninsula, the often very glamorous Ramadan Tents are popular places to spend the night snacking, smoking shisha and playing games. Wherever you are, non-Muslims are almost always welcome to join iftar or hang out in the tents until the small hours. Know the local law and customs Check the laws of the country you’re travelling in before you arrive, as some places are much stricter than others about public observance of the fast. Non-Muslims aren’t expected to keep the fast themselves – according to tradition, even Muslim travellers are exempt. But at best, eating or drinking in front of people who are probably fasting is bad form, and at worst you can find yourself slapped with a hefty fine. It’s a good idea to dress more conservatively than you would normally, too. Turkey travel guide £17.99 Lonely Planet Turkey is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden d… Visit Shop Get in the Ramadan swing This month is traditionally a time of great hospitality and generosity, so go ahead and accept Ramadan sweets or invitations to feasts, parties and family gatherings. You can always return the favour with gift boxes of food or by practising zakat and giving to a local charity. It might take a while for your body clock to adapt to the local rhythms of quiet days and staying up all night, but you'll have a far more pleasant and interesting experience if you go with the flow. Twitter can help you stay on top of Ramadan timings. If you tweet pan-Arab news network @AlArabiya with the hashtag #iftar followed by the hashtagged name of your city (ie #Dubai), you’ll get an instant reply with your local iftar time. Traveling and the Ramadan Fast Question: Is the fast of Ramadan fard (obligatory) upon a traveler as well? ANSWER Yes, but it is permissible for a traveler not to fast and to make up for unperformed days later. Question: Since it is not necessary to observe the fast during travel, does one who is observing the Ramadan fast earn the reward of a voluntary fast? ANSWER If a traveler observes the fast of Ramadan, the reward of an obligatory (fard) fast is given. Do not abandon the fast without an excuse Question: Is it a sin not to fast for a person who travels constantly due to being a long-distance driver? ANSWER If there is no difficulty that affects his work negatively, it is very thawab to fast in the holy month of Ramadan. To skip it without a valid excuse is a grave sin. It was declared in a hadith-i sharif: (If a person does not fast for a single day in Ramadan without a good excuse, he cannot earn the thawab of this single day, even if he fasts for all the year round instead of it.) [Tirmidhi] Therefore, one must not leave the fast without a good excuse. It is permissible for a person with a religiously legitimate excuse not to fast and to make up for missed days later. If fasting during travel causes inconvenience or problems with your work or a situation that may result in an accident, then it is permissible to abandon the fast and to make up for it later. A hadith-i sharif says, "It is not piety to observe the fast [with difficulty] during a journey" (Bukhari). [Travel, or safar, means to set out on a journey to go to a distance of more than 104 km. One who travels to a distance less than this does not become a traveler, or safari. Piety stated herein means to earn much thawab.] Question: I did not make intention for fasting on the basis that it was permissible not to fast during a journey. I ate breakfast and set off to board the plane at 11:00 a.m. Isn't it permissible not to fast during travel? ANSWER If you had set out on the journey before the time of imsak (it is the time when prohibition on eating begins), it would have been permissible for you not to intend to fast and to eat and drink when you commenced the journey. But when you were eating breakfast, you were settled (not a traveler). Instead of making intention, you ate and drank, which is a sin. You should have made intention, should have started the journey in a state of fasting, and should not have broken your fast. That is, you should have completed the fast on that day. However, since you ate and drank without making intention previously, it suffices to make up for that missed day. Fasting during a journey Question: Since we commence our journey after the time of imsak, we make intention for the fast before that time. In other words, we must complete the fast on that day, even if we are on a journey. However, we, for example, board a plane to travel to the USA at 11:00 a.m. As we fly northward, the day lengthens by 7 hours when we are going to New York and by 10 hours when we are going to Los Angeles. What should we do in such a case? ANSWER If you can observe the fast, you will receive thawab. But if you are overcome by hunger and thirst and break your fast, it is not sinful. When one breaks the fast without a valid excuse while traveling, it does not entail kaffarah (expiation by freeing a slave or by fasting for 60 consecutive days or by feeding 60 poor people). Question: We travel while we are fasting. When we travel from the east towards the west—from Erzurum to İstanbul, for instance—the sun sets more than an hour later. Conversely, when we travel from İstanbul to Erzurum, the sun sets more than one hour earlier. Should we break our fast according to the time of the city where we made intention or where we have arrived? ANSWER You break your fast according to the time of the place where you are breaking your fast. The fast cannot be broken before sunset. It must be broken not according to daytime hours but sunset. For fasting and prayer times, everybody has to act upon the time of the place where they arrive, no matter what country it is in the world. Question: If a person breaks a fast of Ramadan without an excuse while traveling, does it entail qada (making up for this day) or kaffarah (expiation)? If a person breaks the fast before meeting the conditions for becoming a traveler and then starts a journey, does it entail qada or kaffarah? ANSWER When one starts a journey, it is sinful to break the fast for which one previously made intention. Though being a sin, it does not entail kaffarah. But if one breaks the fast when one is settled (before becoming a traveler) and then starts a journey, it also entails kaffarah. Future of Ramadan Travel to Impact Many Destinations Across the World CrescentRating Staff Writers Staff Writers Read more on..Press Releases Many destinations will see an impact on visitor arrivals from the growing trend by Muslims to travel during the fasting period, according to new research released today by MasterCard and CrescentRating. With Ramadan set to occur from June to February during the next 15 years, different regions across the world will become attractive destinations for Muslim travelers according to data and analysis from the inaugural MasterCard-CrescentRating Ramadan Travel Report 2016. A total of 50 destinations across the globe were analyzed in the study and benchmarked across three criteria – average daytime temperature, fasting duration and Global Muslim Travel Index 2016 scores – over the next 15 years until 2030. It is the first ever report of its kind to provide destinations and businesses in the tourism industry with useful insights on how they can develop medium to long-term strategies to attract and cater to Muslim travelers during Ramadan over the coming years. In the years from now until 2020, Malaysia is ranked the top destination in the list followed by Indonesia while Singapore came third. The research identified a number of reasons why Malaysia topped the table including climate and marketing strategies to attract Muslim tourists. With Ramadan set to take place in cooler months from 2023, destinations in the Middle East such as the UAE, Qatar and Oman will become an attractive proposition for Muslim travelers. The report also showed that Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia could also benefit from this trend. Consequently this trend will see non-OIC countries and Southeast Asia become less attractive destinations resulting in a drop in visitor arrivals from 2030. “Ramadan travel has been largely ignored by the industry despite the growing trend in the last few years,” said Fazal Bahardeen CEO of CrescentRating & HalalTrip. “However, the report has revealed some very interesting insights especially for countries in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Muslims traveling in Ramadan is becoming a reality and one which can benefit countries, through strategic destination marketing and planning by the tourism authorities. “As one of the fastest growing tourism sectors in the world, the Muslim travel market brings tremendous opportunities. An increasing number of governments are boosting their efforts to attract more Muslim visitors to their countries. With travel during Ramadan also expected to grow in the next decade, the new MasterCard-CrescentRating Ramadan Travel Report will be valuable to businesses and governments in helping them gain a better understanding of the unique needs and preferences of Muslim travelers and how they can adapt or tailor products and services for them during the holy month,” said Safdar Khan, Group Country Manager, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei; Group Head, Islamic Payments, Southeast Asia, MasterCard. Six key drivers have been identified in the report to be contributing to the increasing number of Muslims traveling during Ramadan. These include the growing number of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, business travel, spending Ramadan with family, experiencing Ramadan in a different environment and culture, celebrating Eid with family and extreme weather conditions or duration of fasting. The report also takes into account the special place that Makkah and Medina (Saudi Arabia) hold as the top destinations from a religious perspective, irrespective of the three criteria used for this analysis. As such, the Kingdom is excluded from the ranking and has been addressed separately on how Ramadan travel can help boost efforts towards achieving Vision 2030. The MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2016 revealed that in 2015 there were an estimated 117 million Muslim visitor arrivals globally, representing close to 10 percent of the entire travel market. This is forecasted to grow to 168 million visitors by 2020 the equivalent of 11 percent of the market segment with a market value projected to exceed US$200 billion. Malaysia topped the list for the second year running while the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Indonesia and Qatar rounded off the top five OIC countries. Click here to view the full report CASE STUDY Name: Hajj Muhsin Sierra Occupation: Director of Visit Al Andalus From: Spain Spending Ramadan in (destination): Malaysia In 2015, I was in Malaysia during Ramadan as part of my work to build a new mosque in Saville, Spain. I have since fallen in love with the way Ramadan is celebrated in Malaysia. Firstly, the fasting period is quite short in Malaysia. The weather is nice and so is the food. The people in Malaysia are also very warm, humble and friendly and the culture is very laid back. Hence I’ve chosen to spend Ramadan again this year in Malaysia. In the city of Granada in Spain where I come from, there a lot of people who journey to the city to spend Ramadan with us despite the long fasting periods. Some of them come from England which experiences a longer fasting period of about 1.5 hours more than Granada, and so they like to travel and move around during Ramadan in the summer. About the Ramadan Travel Report 2016 The MasterCard-CrescentRating Ramadan Travel Report looks at the changing patterns of travel during the holy month of fasting. This report is the most comprehensive study of its kind giving destinations and business key insights in developing medium to long-term strategic plans to attract Muslim travelers in Ramadan over the next 15 years. A total of 50 destinations were analyzed in this year’s report. These were selected based on the top 50 destinations from the MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2016 report, of which 49 (excluding Saudi Arabia) were benchmarked based on the weighted averages of three criteria over a span of 15 years, which is an effective timeframe for the long term strategic planning for a destination. The criteria used in this study were based on the convenience, comfort and ease of travel, and not based from the perspective of Islamic rewards. As such, the MasterCard-CrescentRating Ramadan Travel Report focuses on the following three themes: Average Daytime Temperature Fasting Duration GMTI 2016 Score. For the purpose of this study, it was assumed that these GMTI scores remain constant over the next 15 years. So I get this question a lot! Travelling and fasting during Ramadan is not easy and it is not necessary sometimes either. I challenged myself to do 30days of Facebook live- answering questions from the thousands of emails I receive. Seriously sometimes it takes me hours a day and it can be lonely. So I thought instead of doing typing I will video myself, this way I get over my fear of video too. 🙂 Win win! Day 1 of 30 is about travelling and fasting during Ramadan which was asked on my Facebook page. Since we are in Ramadan is also very relevant. I try to keep the videos 5-10minutes to the point. So below is the video for you to watch. The points however that you have to keep in mind are: 1You can travel and fast and you can make up your fast later, the reward will be the same. You won’t get an extra reward because you just fasted and put more hardship on you. So if you are bound for 12 hours of flight and connections it might be hard to keep your fast. There is nothing wrong with opening your fast and making it up later. You are the only person that knows yourself best. 2If you are travelling and you want to open your fast make sure the sun has settled down and it is not bright and shiny. For example, if you start from London to New York and half way it is time to open your fast in London but you can see the sun up, you continue fasting. You have left London and you are heading towards New York so you follow that direction. TIP One tip I always have when travelling and especially not far away is to start my journey closer to Maghrib (the time you open your fast) this way I don’t have to travel too long before I can drink and eat. What it’s like to travel during Ramadan in Turkey, Morocco and the Middle East Guides Muslim man in mosque 24/05/2017 / By Peregrine Adventures / Egypt, Iran, Middle East, morocco, Turkey / Post a Comment Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. For around 30 days each year, millions of Muslims engage in religious thought and ritual fasting – or sawm – one of the Five Pillars of Islam. From dawn til dusk, people refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in sexual activity during the day, but also from gossiping, using profane language and fighting in general. Ramadan is a time for religious devotion and prayer, a time for individuals to practise restraint, patience and charity, and for families and communities to come together to pray and, once the sun has set, feast. But what is it like to travel to a country when the majority of the population are observing Ramadan? How might it affect your trip? After speaking to Caglar Gokgun and Sameh Tawfik, General Managers of our offices in Turkey and Egypt, we put together this handy Ramadan travel guide. When and where would you encounter Ramadan? Ramadan takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic year. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar – with the start of each month dictated by a new crescent moon – the dates shift each Gregorian year. In 2017, Ramadan is expected to begin on the 27th of May and end the 24th of June. The festival is observed by Muslims all over the world, from Indonesia to North Africa, Turkey to the Middle East, the UK to the USA. In many Muslim-majority countries, such as Iran, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco, you’ll notice a real difference in daily life. While the mosques are busier than usual, some shops and restaurants are closed and the streets are quiet – until the hectic twilight rush to get home or to the bazaar for iftar, the nightly breaking of the fast. In other destinations, especially the cosmopolitan cities of western Turkey, there’s less noticeable change, and you might find your trip largely unaffected by Ramadan. Are key sights closed, or travel itineraries affected? Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey For the most part, famous mosques and sights of interest remain open to tourists during Ramadan, although they often shut early to allow more time for prayers and evening meals with family. Sometimes a special event may cause closures or affect the day’s activities, but if you’re with a local Peregrine guide there’s no need to worry; they’ll rearrange the day accordingly. It just might mean a few earlier starts here and there! Are there fewer tourists around during Ramadan? Sometimes, although both Caglar and Sameh put this down more to seasonality than the festival itself. Currently, Ramadan takes place during summer, when temperatures in the Middle East and Northern Africa can spike above 40 degrees Celsius – too hot for many travellers. This is an important consideration when planning your trip. Eating and drinking during Ramadan According to Caglar, sawm, or fasting, is about working on your weaknesses, how you handle hunger and thirst, and is meant to give Muslims a deeper compassion for the suffering of others. Locals will partake in sahur, the meal before dawn, and then fast until iftar, usually commenced with the eating of a date. Image c/o Roy Cheung, Flickr Of course, travellers are not expected to fast themselves. In many destinations you’ll find a limited range of local restaurants operating during the day, although cafes catering to tourists will usually remain open. While it’s fine to eat and drink in hotels and tourist restaurants during the day, it’s respectful to refrain from doing so in public places (that goes for smoking, too). As for alcohol, in many parts of the Middle East (such as Iran), it is forbidden. In Morocco and Egypt, pubs will close for the month, but you can still get a beer or a wine in your hotel; in Istanbul, bars often remain open and locals continue to go out. Whether you drink is up to you (and where you are), but it’s a sign of respect to avoid consuming alcohol in front of locals. Again, having a local guide to help you navigate all this is especially beneficial during Ramadan. Some of Peregrine’s local guides will try to fast themselves, although only when it’s safe to do so. How can travellers show their respect to locals during Ramadan? Travellers in front of mosque Aside from not eating and drinking in front of locals, travellers should dress conservatively during Ramadan, covering legs, shoulders and arms, and donning a headscarf when visiting mosques or religious sites (for women). If you’d like to wish locals a ‘Happy Ramadan’, say ‘Ramadan kareem’ (‘happy or generous Ramadan’) or ‘Ramadan mubarak’ (‘blessed Ramadan’). So, should I travel during Ramadan? That’s up to you! While you might have limited food and beverage options, and the heat can be oppressive, visiting Morocco, Egypt, Iran or Turkey during Ramadan can make for truly unique travel experience. Lights twinkle on towering minarets, worshippers flock to mosques and the streets come alive in the evening. “The feeling of being at the market of Khan el-Khalili (in Cairo) during iftar… is indescribable,” says Sameh. “Hundreds begin eating at the same moment when hearing the Call to Prayer, followed by locals playing oud (a type of Middle Eastern guitar).” To be take part in that, as a traveller, is a very special experience. Caglar also reflects on the joy of showing travellers his country during Ramadan. A few years ago, when he took a tour group to Konya – a very traditional city in the Central Antolia region of Turkey – he invited his group to join him in fasting for a day, and all ten got involved. That evening after Call to Prayer, they sat down to break the fast together while overlooking whirling dervishes in the courtyard of Konya’s Mevlana Museum, home to the mausoleum of 13th-Century Sufi poet Rumi. “For a few years I stayed in contact with some of those group members, and they still talked about that memory.”Fasting and Breaking Fast while Traveling Print It was narrated on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, that she said: “Hamzah ibn ‘Amr Al-Aslami asked the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) ‘Should I fast while traveling?’ as he used to fast frequently. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) replie:,‘You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish.’” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, was reported to have said, “The Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) traveled in Ramadan and he fasted until he reached (a place called) ‘Usfaan, then he asked for a tumbler of water and drank it by daytime so that the people might see him. He broke his fast till he reached Makkah.”Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, used to say,“The Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) fasted and broke his fast while traveling, so one may fast or may not (while traveling).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Anas ibn Maalik, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “We used to travel with the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and never did the fasting person criticize the one who was not fasting, nor did the person who was not fasting criticize the fasting one.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] It was narrated on the authority of Abu Sa‘eed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said, “We set out on a battle with the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) in Ramadan. Some of us observed the fast and some of us broke it. Neither did the one who observed the fast have any grudge against the one who broke it, nor did the one who broke the fast have any grudge against the one who fasted. They knew that the one who had enough strength (to bear its rigor) fasted and that was good, and the one who felt weakness (and could not bear the burden) broke it, and that was also good.” [Muslim] It was also narrated on the authority of Abu Sa‘eed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: “We set out with the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) to Makkah while we were fasting. We halted at a place. There the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: ‘You are approaching your enemy and breaking your fast would give you greater strength’, and that was a concession (given to us). Some of us continued fasting and some of us broke it. We then stopped at another place and he (the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) ) said: ‘You are going to encounter your enemy in the morning and breaking your fast would give you greater strength, so break your fast.’As it was a point which was stressed, we broke the fast. We fasted with the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) while traveling after that.” [Muslim] Benefits and rulings: First: Islam is tolerant and the Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation) is easy and gives due consideration to the varied conditions of Muslims who are capable of performing their religious duties. So, all perfect praise is due to Allah. Second: The traveler may either fast or break the fast, and to comply with the Sunnah (tradition), he should do what is easier for him. These Hadeeths (narrations) indicate giving him that option. Third: People who find it extremely difficult to fast are advised to break their fast. If making up for the missed days is difficult for some people, and fasting while traveling is not difficult, it is better for them to fast while traveling to be free from the liability and relieve themselves from that hardship. Fourth: It is better for those who travel frequently because of their work and the like, to fast the obligatory days if the fast will not harm them or be difficult for them, so as to be free from liability. They must fast even while traveling if they have no time to make up for the missed days. Fifth: Those who are capable of fulfilling their religious obligations should free themselves from liability as much as they can. Sixth: The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was reported to have fasted and broken his fast during his travels according to what was considered more beneficial, warded off harm and removed hardship. Muslims are required to follow the guidance of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). Seventh: The Hadeeth of Hamzah Al-Aslami, may Allah be pleased with him, includes evidence for asking about the ruling on every act that is performed by a Muslim, in order to know whether this act is permissible and virtuous or not. This approach was followed by the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. Eighth: The Muslim ruler may command people to adopt a religious concession, which would then be a fundamental ruling. They must not oppose him, because obeying him is obligatory and they are not disobeying Allah by obeying him in this case. Ninth: The Muslim ruler must be lenient with his subjects and consider the conditions of the weak people. In this regard, the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), commanded all the Companions to break the fast in order to be strong while facing their enemies, although some of them would not be negatively affected by the fast because they were accustomed to fasting. However, there were people who would be weakened by fasting. Hence, the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), commanded them all to break their fast in consideration of those who would be weakened by fasting. Tenth: The rulings that include options for those who are capable of fulfilling their religious obligations are broad in scope, and thus any option should not be disapproved of. Also, the controversial issues where there is no clear evidence should be treated with tolerance. Eleventh: The Muslims’ differences in adopting the Sharee‘ah-approved concessions or in understanding texts should not be a cause of disunity or mutual enmity. Twelfth: These Hadeeths indicate the brotherhood and love that existed between the Companions and how they understood religion. Those who adopted the concession and broke their fast did not denounce the attitude of those who fasted and vice versa. Thirteenth: It is permissible to travel in Ramadan because the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), traveled in Ramadan in the year of the Conquest of Makkah. Fourteenth: It is impermissible for anyone who wants to travel the next day to intend to break the fast on that day. This is because he cannot be considered to be traveling merely by having the intention for traveling, but by actually starting the journey. Fifteenth: Anyone who expects to travel is not permitted to break the fast until he sets out on the journey or boards any means of transport.