Ramadan Reflections at Mercato Experience the true spirit of Ramadan at Mercato. Observe Ramadan in traditional Arabic style and enjoy the special essence of the season with us. Since Ramadan is a time not only for practicing self-discipline but of giving to others as well, we have various charitable activities planned. Enjoy this unique time with family and friends at Mercato.
To add more to your shopping experience and since Ramadan is the time of giving, many of the Mercato outlets like Virgin Megastore, Mango, Nine West, Massimo Dutti, Sharaf Digital, Zoppini, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Promod, DbBabies, Paul, Oculus, Susan Walpole, VIP, Hip Hop, Fun City, Ivy, Geox, Lacoste, Champion Cleaners, River Woods, Diesel, Pretty Fit, Aldo, Aldo Accessories and Skechers will donate a percentage of their sales for the month in support of the Dubai Autism Center.
A few thoughts and rules for the month of Ramadan • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Understand that Ramadan is a special month in the Muslim calendar Do not eat or drink in public (except those that are exempt from fasting such as children) Wear conservative clothing when in public places Do not smoke in public Do not shout or use inappropriate language Greet colleagues and friends by saying: “Ramadan Kareem” (Blessed Ramadan) Try to make a note of the prayer times, so that you are aware of when your fasting friends may need to go and pray Do not play loud or live music during the hours of fasting Do not let meetings run late, before the Maghrib call for prayer If invited to an Iftar, try to make it because you will enjoy it ! Try to join in with the spirit of Ramadan by fasting yourself Join in the spirit of giving by donating to charity - there are many options besides monetary donations Do a good deed for someone less fortunate than you or do something special for those people that make your life easier – like your gardener or house help. At the end of Ramadan wish your Muslim colleagues and friends “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid)
Ramadan timings Retail outlets: 10am – 10pm Grand Cinemas: 10am – Midnight Restaurants: Iftar – midnight Spinneys (Supermarket): 8am – 11pm (Outlets may stay open after set timings. Please contact your store or restaurant of choice for actual timings) For further details please contact the Mercato Information Desk on 04 – 344 4161 or www.MercatoShoppingMall.com We would like to thank the following for their support in making Mercato’s Ramadan Reflections possible this year: The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding; Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and the Heritage & Diving Village; Flair Advertising; Americana Group; Costa Coffee; The Nail Spa; Pride of Kashmir Patchi; Tahran Persian Carpets; Crystalline Trading; Al Layali Al Arabia Entertainment Services.
3
Who are the People of the Emirates? The social structure of the Emirates has gone through enormous changes over the last thirty to forty years. Dubai, geographically the second largest Emirate, has made a staggering transformation from a small Arab tribal society to a dynamic, sophisticated city. Dubai is recognized as the commercial capital of the Emirates, flourishing in a diverse range of industries including media and e-commerce. Other Emirates include Abu Dhabi (the capital), Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman.
At present the population of the United Arab Emirates is an estimated four and a half million, and just under 20% are UAE Nationals. The cultural and religious diversity has made the Emirates probably the most open and tolerant country within the region. Dubai - and the UAE in general - are liberal in allowing foreigners to maintain their own religious practices and lifestyles. One can find churches and temples for worshippers to practice their various faiths.
The Emirati people descended from ancient tribes living simple lives, connected to their land, the desert and the sea. Before the discovery of oil, traditional occupations included the growing of date palms, fishing and pearl diving along the coast. Naturally, with oil, came dramatic changes to the lifestyle and social structure of the Emirates.
Although there have been some changes with the exposure to new ideas and influences, the Emirati people have successfully retained their social values and beliefs in order not to lose their own cultural identity. Some tribal values of the past have survived until present times; for example, the importance of strong family ties and the loyalty to members of their own tribe, hospitality and the love of poetry.
Development of the infrastructure of the country; construction of roads, hospitals, schools etc brought a stream of foreign workforce into the country. Now the Emirates, has become home to people of over 202 nationalities. 4
U.A.E. Culture • UAE National men’s clothing: Kandora, bisht, gutra, agaal & gahfeya. • Pearling Industry: handmade nets, pearls, nose peg & measuring system • Date Palm Weaving: baskets, brushes, food covers & food mats • House Hold Items: Lantern, Arabic coffee pot, iron & grinding stones • Calligraphy: Verses from the Holy Quran, pen & ink, • Jewellery: Bedouin silver pieces and gold wedding pieces
In the UAE, there are special greetings amongst the men and women. The men, when greeting another man, touch their noses together and make a kissing noise known as ‘kushmik.’ The women when greeting each other touch one side of their cheek together and make three to five kissing noises. The men and women do not shake hands, but you will hear the verbal greeting of ‘’Salam alaikum’’ which means ‘’Peace be upon you’’.
To learn more about UAE culture, visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the Bastakiya area of downtown Dubai. This non-profit organization was established to increase the awareness and understanding between various cultures that live in Dubai. The centre offers a wide range of fun activities including spoken Arabic classes, Bastikiya walking tours, Cultural awareness programs, Jumeirah Mosque visits, home visits, as well as cultural breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
TRADITIONAL ARTEFACTS Visit our historical and cultural artefact display located on the ground floor near the front entrance of the mall. We have various items of interest including: • Prayer Items: Holy Quran, prayer beads, prayer sheyla & prayer mat • UAE National women’s clothing: burq’a, sheyla, sirwal & jallabeyah. • Perfumes and cosmetics: bukhoor, madkhan, oud, perfumed oils, kohl for eye makeup, henna, henna leaves
Pass by the Heritage and Diving Village in the Shindagha area near the Creek. The village provides a glimpse of Dubai’s traditional culture and lifestyle by recreating life in Dubai as it was in days long ago. The Heritage section has a good collection of ancient architecture and artefacts such as utensils, armoury, and dresses. The Diving section is a museum of fishing traditions and maritime activities that focuses on the Emirate’s maritime past of pearl diving. 5
TRADITIONAL ARTEFACTS Learn more about the Emirati culture from the artefact display near the front entrance of Mercato. Some of the items include (clockwise from top left) the Arabic coffee pot or “dillah”, prayer beads, peals, burq’a, calligraphy, incense burner or “madkhan” and examples of date palm weaving.
6
A Traditional Souq A souk (or souq) is a term used to describe a market in the centre of an Arab city. It is where textiles, jewellery, spices, art, household items, and other valuable goods are sold. A traditional souk is formed in places with little space between buildings that are tightly packed together prohibiting roadways and through traffic.
include more entertainment than just trade. A permanent souk is far more common but much less famous. This type of souk focuses on the commercial activity and does not have much interest in entertainment. Traditionally, this type of souk was open to all merchants who would set up movable stands for the day and remove them each night. The space was offered on a first-come first-serve basis until governments began leasing the land to the merchants who then began to build shops to store their merchandise. This is when the Arab traditional experience of a souk evolved.
Goods are traded on the basis of bargaining. The final selling price of an item is reached through negotiation between the buyer and seller who eventually come to an agreement. To ensure a competitive market, traders of a given commodity are found in the same souk, and as a result prices are typically lower.
DID YOU KNOW: Dubai has a number of souks - found in the older part of the city. The Diera Old Souk & Spice Souk along the Creek is Dubai’s largest and oldest souk, filled with anything imaginable. The Gold Souk in Deira, where the name for Dubai of ‘City of Gold’ quiet possibly originated! The Textile Souk near the Dubai Museum (also known as the Bur Dubai Souk) is best known for an outstanding array of fabrics from the India and the Far East. The Fruit & Vegetable Market, near Shindagha Tunnel, offers the largest array of fresh produce and the Fish Market, which is next to the Fruit & Vegetable Market, is Dubai’s largest and busiest fish market. MERCATO NIGHT SOUQ For the holy month of Ramadan, a traditional Night Souq has been created in the Porto Vecchio Village at the first floor and should not be missed. Every evening after Iftar, witness this area come alive. Lanterns light the way through a labyrinth of Arabic souvenirs and items such as carpets, antiques and cushions to name a few. In association with:
There are two types of souks: seasonal and permanent. A seasonal souk is held at a set time every year, month, or week. They tend to 7
National Dress of the Emirates clinging or silhouette to the body. Also, they can be seen wearing the traditional face mask referred to as the “burq’a.” There are different burqa’s for different regions. Married women in the UAE wear the burq’a to protect their beauty from being seen by men outside the family. It is a mask-like piece that is placed over the middle of the face hiding the nose and lips.
The traditional black and white colour that the U.A.E Nationals wear is not a look of the religion, but is about modesty and cultural influences. This is the look of the people that you see in the Gulf countries. To learn more about the history behind these colours, ask the SMCCU representatives situated at the hospitality area at the Majlis tent located on the ground floor at Mercato.
DID YOU KNOW: The UAE style burq’a is made of a gold linen material that is hardened? Indigo is placed between the fabrics as it is very good for the skin helping to soften it in the harsh desert conditions
Women
The traditional dress for women is garments referred to as “sirwals” and “jallabeya.” The sirwal is an undergarment that is baggie at the top and more tailored at the bottom with intricate and colourful designs at the ankles. The jallabeya is the top portion and is simply a full length dress with decorative embroidery on the chest and wrists.
Men
The traditional dress for men is a garment referred to as a “kandora,” which is a full length dress shirt and is paired with a white headscarf called a “gutra” and a black rope that sits on top of the head called an “agaal.” There are many different types of kandoras as almost every region has their unique design; Saudi kandoras have collars and cuffs, Emirate kandoras have rounded necks and hanging tassels.
When an Emirati woman leaves her home, she covers herself with a long black cloak called an “abaya” which is paired with a headscarf called a “sheyla.” These garments were originally very plain but as times have changed so have the styles; the look has become more tailored and they are now decorated with crystals, lace, and embroidery designs. A woman should only be seen uncovered by men ineligible to marry her, and therefore does not need to cover in front of her father, father in law, grandfathers, brothers, nephews, sons, grandsons, and uncles. However, she must cover when meeting first cousins since many Muslims do marry their cousins.
DID YOU KNOW: The agaal was used in the past as a rope to tie the camels’ legs so they could not stray too far Underneath a kandora, men wear baggie pants or a skirt called a “wizar.” This piece of material is wrapped around the middle part of the body twice and folded a unique way to keep it from loosening. DID YOU KNOW: There is a tailoring service in Mercato called Al Thawb Al Watani that provides all the items required for a traditional outfit for men. They will tailor-make a kandora to fit perfectly. Visit Le Mystique Studio located in the Porto Vecchio Village on the first floor to have your photo taken in the national dress of the Emirates.
Older women tend to wear the very traditional loose fitting abayas where the neck piece is placed on top of the head avoiding any 9
What is Arabian Hospitality? One of the most important aspects of life in the UAE is lavish hospitality. In an environment consisting mainly of desert and a few oases, the law of hospitality was essential for survival. Religious and cultural traditions govern that the host is obliged to offer every guest food and shelter for three days and nights, unconditionally, and without even asking the guest’s name or where they came from. Even today, in these modern times, hospitality is still highly valued in Emirati society. To accept guests in your home, even the unexpected visitor, is an honour and they are always welcomed and treated with the greatest respect.
handles), held in the right hand. The cups are only halffilled, but guests may have several refills. It is c o n s i d e re d polite to accept an odd number of cups – one, three or five. When the guest has finished he should shake the empty cup from side to side, indicating to the host that he has had enough. It is customary for the youngest sibling of the family to perform the duty of serving the coffee as it demonstrates great respect for the guest.
What is the Majlis?
The “majlis” has grown from hospitable practices of the desert. There was always one section of the Bedouin camp where people congregated to talk and to share a special meal. Part of the tradition of the majlis is that everyone is welcome. These days, the “majlis” is the sitting room or area where people meet, eat, share ideas, play cards and of course drink “gahwa” (Arabian coffee). The typical Emirati home will have two majlis’, one for the men and one for the ladies. The Emirati family unit is still very strong and it is typical that the family would gather for lunchtime and dinnertime meal everyday, or a minimum of once a week every Friday after the Friday prayer. Most families will also open their majlis for their extended family and friends for the lunch meal. In the evenings the men’s majlis is open again and visitors sip “gahwa”, discuss different issues and sometimes relax by playing cards.
DID YOU KNOW: Gahwa is never sweetened with sugar, instead, fresh dates are offered to accompany the aromatic brew. The dates refresh and sweeten the palate between each sip of gahwa. The international style coffee shop has become a modern day majlis or meeting place. Even in Mercato, Starbucks, Costa Coffee and PAUL are abuzz with groups of friends sharing conversation and a coffee, while watching the world go by.
What is the ceremony of coffee serving?
The ceremony surrounding the preparation, serving and drinking of “gahwa” (Arabian coffee) derived from the traditions of Islamic and Bedouin hospitality. Unlike the comparatively stronger flavoured western style coffees, the traditional “gahwa” of the Emirates has a very mild coffee flavour, a distinct cardamom taste with a touch of saffron.
MERCATO MAJLIS For Ramadan, a special hospitality area is set up at the ground floor near the fountain area to welcome all for coffee and dates at sunset, for Iftar. Visitors will be able to enjoy gentle oud & qanoon live music. Emirati nationals from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding will be available to answer any questions related to the religion and culture of the U.A.E. as well as the holy month of Ramadan.
It is the host’s privilege to serve his guests. The coffee is poured from the “dillah” (traditional brass coffee pot with long spout), held in the left hand, into small “finjaan” (small ceramic cups without 10
Traditional Food of the Emirates DID YOU KNOW: Fish is the most popular food in the UAE today and is bought fresh daily. In the past fish was restricted to the coastal Arabs, the Bedouin eating the meat provided by their camels and goats. Previously vegetables were rarely featured in the traditional diet due to their scarcity in the desert environment.
Influenced by the large expatriate population, the range of food available and eaten in Dubai is now very diverse. Food is of very high quality and one can eat traditional foods from just about anywhere around the globe! Because of the large number of northern Arab immigrants, Lebanese cuisine has become very popular; most famously the mezze dishes like “hommus”, a puree made from chick peas, garlic, sesame paste (tahinah) and lemon juice; “tabbouleh”, cracked wheat and parsley mixed with tomatoes, spring onions, mint, olive oil and lemon juice; and stuffed vine leaves. Most traditional dishes from the Emirates contain rice, fish or meat as the main ingredient.
A favourite of the UAE is a dish called “harees”. It consists of small pieces of meat, cracked wheat and water. Simple to prepare, this meal is made by placing the meat, wheat and water into a large pot and cooking slowly until the meat is tender. The ingredients are blended together until it has a thick pasty consistency similar to porridge. This dish is eaten at any time but particularly during Ramadan, Eid and weddings when it is distributed to neighbours as a form of blessing and gratitude for the blessed occasion. “Fareed”, which is “salounna” (a meat and vegetable stew) poured over a bed of “regag” (pieces of very thin bread) and served immediately. The stew base can be made from chicken or lamb with vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and marrow. This dish is eaten daily during Ramadan. In the event of a special occasion, such as a wedding or engagement, a traditional dish called “quzzi” is usually served. This dish is a whole lamb that is roasted and stuffed with rice, nuts, raisins, and other spices. Extra rice is cooked separately and when the cooking is done, the roasted lamb is placed on top of the bed of flavoured rice. Be aware, that the lamb is cooked with its head attached, as this is considered a traditional delicacy of the Arabs of the Gulf. Back in the earlier days, when there were only Bedouins, this feast would be called a “mansaf”, a traditional Bedouin feast, where a wide selection of foods would be placed in the centre of a ring of seated guest. A traditional dish for breakfast, besides the usual eggs, would be “foul medamms” (broad beans) and “bajela” (butter beans). These are first soaked overnight in mildly salted water to soften the shell of the beans. The beans are then boiled to a soft tasty texture and 11
served with eggs, cheese, local laban (yogurt drink) and Arabic bread.
long lasting aroma. Extracts from plants and flowers such as jasmine, narcissus and lilies are commonly used in perfume making. There are many different blends of perfume in today’s modern society, but “oud” (which literally means wood in Arabic) is the traditional perfume that comes from a special tree called “agarwood.” It does not come from the bark of the tree but from the heart of the tree. Emitting many different aromas as a result of the different qualities, oud burns in the form of a stick or liquid oil. It can be used as a base fragrance for men & women.
Other breakfast dishes include “balaleet”, a kind of fine pasta made from eggs, onions, cinnamon, sugar and oil; “mohalla”, a flat bread eaten with honey and date syrup; and “khameer” - a thicker style bread made from flour, yeast, sugar, eggs and saffron - also eaten with honey and date syrup. As far as sweet dishes are concerned, favourites include “khabeesah” - made from roasted flour, water, sugar and saffron; “asseada” - made from semolina, cardamom powder, honey and saffron; and “batheetha” which is freshly ripened dates in a sauce. Then, “lugaymat”, which are dough balls cooked and served with a sweet date syrup (or “dibbs”), are usually eaten after a meal and eaten daily during Ramadan.
DID YOU KNOW: Agarwood is usually grown in India, Bangladesh and Cambodia. A perfume called “bukhoor” is also widely used amongst the Emirati people. This is a small solid round ball or disc that is a blend of perfumed oils and sometimes small pieces of oud. The disc is placed on top of hot coals where it burns and releases a sweet smelling musk. Bukhoor was usually a home-made recipe passed down from the women of the family, but is now available ready-made in the market. However, many Emirati women have kept this tradition alive by selling their homemade versions in the market today.
Scents of Arabia The local names for scents are “attar” or “areej” which both mean sweet and beautiful smelling perfumes. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) encouraged both men and women to use perfumes before the Friday prayers and in the home. It has therefore become tradition that on Fridays before the noon prayer, a Muslim bathes and perfumes themselves with a fragrance.
Incense is most commonly burned in Arabic homes when there are guests visiting. The lady of the house will prepare a pot of incense called the “madkhan”’ and will pass it round the guests before they depart. Sometimes, oud and bukhoor are given in small containers as a gift to family and friends. DID YOU KNOW: In Mercato, you will find oud, bukhoor and Arabian perfume and Syed Junaid Alam and Anfasic Dokhoon.
Arabian perfumes are alcohol free and ingredients include sandalwood, oud, saffron, amber and musk. Different blends are made from these ingredients to create strong oils that give a 12
Religion in the Gulf They are called the People of the Book as the original Torah and Gospel were also revealed from Allah.
Islam, meaning submission to the Creator, is the religion of the Arabian Gulf and is a religion of peace and tranquillity. There are approximately 1.2 billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities, and cultures across the globe whose official religion is Islam.
DID YOU KNOW: Muslims believe that God created angels and that angels always obey God completely. Muslims believe that each person is accompanied by two angels – they cannot be seen but they record everything you say and do to report back to God.
DID YOU KNOW: Arab Muslims only make up twenty percent of the Islamic population
Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon Him)
Muslims are the followers of Islam. The Arabic word literally means ‘one who submits to the will of Allah (God).” To better explain, a Muslim is a person who freely accepts to base his or her beliefs, values, and faith on the will of Almighty Allah (God).
The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was born in 570 AD in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. At the age of 40, he was chosen by Allah (God) to become a prophet and convey his message to mankind; the message being to worship only One God, Allah. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) spent the last 23 years of his life communicating Allah’s message to the people where after died at the age of 63; he was God’s final messenger.
What do Muslims believe?
Muslims believe in one unique incomparable GodCreator of the Universe; in the angels that he created; in the prophets through whom his revelations were brought to mankind; and in the Day of Judgment.
Holy Quran
The Holy Quran is the holy book of Islam containing the Word of Allah. Written in Arabic, its contents were given to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) by Allah through an angel called Jibril (Gabriel) during the month of Ramadan in the 7th century. There are 114 chapters called “surahs” which are divided into verses called “ayats” which all Muslims are required to know in order to perform their prayers. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) memorized the entire Quran, personally arranged its order, and taught it to his companions who recorded them.
Muslims believe that Allah (God) sent a series of prophets and messengers to earth to teach his nature and guidance for human beings. There were more than 120 000 prophets sent to the earth in the history of mankind, from Adam to Mohammed (PBUH), they all shared the same mission and message guiding mankind to the worshipping of One God.
Visit the Quran and special Quran stand, known as a “merfaa”, at the display at the entrance of the mall. Or see the fascinating DAMAS AYA Crystal Quran with magnifier at the Night Souq on the first floor after Iftar… this is the world’s smallest complete rendition of the Holy Quran laser inscribed in crystal. Apart from the Quran, Muslims also refer to the life of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) as a secondary source of guidance. Belief in the “hadith” and “sunnah”, the practise and example of the Prophet is part of the Islamic faith.
The three revealed monotheistic religions include Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Each go back to the Prophet Abraham, and therefore Christians and Jews hold a special place in Islam. 14
The Five Pillars of Islam DID YOU KNOW: Prayer times vary over the course of the year because of the rotation of the earth around the sun and the various latitudes of the earth’s location.
There are five main principles of faith and belief in the Islamic religion. Known as the Five Pillars of Islam, they each define a Muslim and describe what should be followed.
1. Testimony of Faith
The call for prayer is called “Adhan which can be heard from all the Mosques when it is prayer time. The person that calls for prayer is known as the “Muezzin.” A second and final call termed “Iqamah” is recited just before beginning the obligatory prayers.
The declaration of faith is known as “Shahadah” “I bear witness that there is only one Allah and that Mohammed is his messenger” “Ash-hadu an la ilaha il-allahu wa Muhammadar rasulullah”
“Allah Akbar” - repeated four times (Allah is the Greatest) “Ash hadu an-la ilaha illal lah” – repeated twice (I bear witness that there is no God but Allah “Ash hadu an-na Mohammadar Rasulul lah” – repeated twice (I bear witness that Mohammed is Allah’s Messenger) “Hayya ‘alas salah” - repeated twice (Come to prayer) “Hayya ‘alal falah” – repeated twice (Come to your faith) “Allah Akbar” - repeated four times (Allah is the Greatest) “La ilaha illal lah” (There is no God but Allah)
2. Prayer “Salat” means pray. Regular prayer is very important as it helps one constantly remember God and be thankful for his blessings, as well as restrains all wrongful actions. Muslims are required to pray five times throughout the day.
DID YOU KNOW: When they pray, all Muslims face the “kabba” in Mecca. The “kabba” (which means cube in Arabic) is the stone structure built by Prophet Abraham (PBUH).
Al Fajr – first prayer at dawn Zuhr – second prayer at midday Asr – third prayer in the afternoon Maghrib – fourth prayer at sunset Isha – fifth prayer at night
Muslims usually perform their worship in a place called a Mosque or a “Masjid,” however, they may pray in their homes as well. There are approximately 560 mosques in Dubai, the largest and most beautiful being the Jumeirah Mosque. Built by order of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late ruler of Dubai, the mosque that is able to house 1200 worshippers and took 3 years to complete (1975 – 1978).
In ancient times one simply looked at the sun to determine the time of day for prayer, but today daily prayer schedules are created verifying the exact times each prayer starts. 15
This year, many Mercato outlets will contribute a percentage of their sales to the Dubai Autism Center.
Non-Muslims are able to visit the Jumeirah Mosque through the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding ‘’Open Doors. Open Minds’’ program which is held on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday at 10am for an 1 hour tour. For further information contact 04 – 353 6666, e-mail: smccu@emirates.net.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
There is also a Charity Henna Tent, sponsored by The Nail Spa, on the first floor at the food court. Experience the ancient art of henna. Intricate henna designs have adorned women of the Middle East for centuries. Have a design done for Dhs15 each and all proceeds will go to the Dubai Autism Center.
Rules for the Jumeirah Mosque Tour
• No children under 5 years of age • Entry is not permitted once the tour is in progress • Visitors are not allowed to leave the Mosque once the tour has commenced • Appropriate dress must be worn: ladies’ arms & legs must be covered & a headscarf should cover the hair. Men must wear long trousers. Shoes to be removed before entering the Mosque • Headscarves are available at the Mosque, but need to be returned afterwards .
4. Fasting & Ramadan
Ramadan is the month where Allah revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) so that he could convey the message to mankind. It falls on the nine month in the Islamic calendar and it is the Holy month when Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Ramadan begins by the sighting of the new moon which is announced by the Ramadan Crescent sighting committee. DID YOU KNOW: The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic verb “ramad” which means to bake a sheep in its skin. It is helpful to know that the month of Ramadan originally fell in the hot summer. Ramadan is a special month for all Muslims who spend the time remembering those who are less fortunate. During the month (the 9th month of the Islamic calendar) every Muslim should practice “saum” – or abstinence – which means they refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, cursing, arguing, lying, fighting, and any sexual activity from sunrise to sunset.
3. Charity “Zakat” (or charity donation) is obligatory to all Muslims. A minimum of 2.5% of one’s yearly savings is given to the poor and needy; it is a duty to share good fortune if you have it. Muslims are free to donate other items besides money such as clothing and food; this type of charitable giving is known as “sadaqah” and this can be done throughout the year.
Fasting is a test of a Muslim’s sincerity to his or her belief and is intended to develop piety or consciousness of Allah. Not all 16
Muslim’s are required to fast. Children below the age of puberty, the sick, the elderly who are too weak, and the mentally challenged are exempt from fasting during Ramadan.
celebrations of Eid Al Fitr, which is known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast. DID YOU KNOW: It is customary for all Muslims to give a Sadaqah Al Fitr, a Charity of breaking the fast, so that those less fortunate can also share and take part and enjoy the celebrations of Eid.
DID YOU KNOW: Women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating are not required to fast, but are required to make up an equal number of days later in the year
EID ENTERTIANMENT. When the Holy holiday of Eid is announced at the beginning of October, festive celebrations will take place at the mall for all shoppers. For more information contact the Mercato customer service desk on 04 344 4161 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca A pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia (known as Hajj) is mandatory for all physically and financially fit Muslims to partake in once in their life. Pilgrimage occurs once a year during the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, and over two million Muslims from all over the world will visit Mecca during this time. Hajj is a ritual that was designed to promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by showing that all are equal before the creator, Allah.
At the time of breaking ones fast, it is recommended that one do so by eating three dates and drinking water just as Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) prescribed. Once the sun has set, Iftar or the breaking of the fast, begins! After the sunset (maghrib) prayer, the entire family gathers together to enjoy good company and traditional food consisting of harees, fareed, biryarni, soup, dates, fruits, and sweets.
Women pilgrims wear very basic dresses with plain colours and men pilgrims wear a white cloth this is wrapped around their bottom half and a separate piece wrapped across one shoulder. The reason for this modest dress is to be equal when standing before Allah. Hajj leaves one with a strong sense of achievement and a renewed commitment affirming their faith.
DID YOU KNOW: During Ramadan Muslims perform extra prayers called “Tarawih” after the Isha (evening prayer) and in the last ten days of Ramadan some perform a retreat called “Itikaf” where they remain in the Mosque spending their time reading the Holy Quran and praying.
Eid Al Adha, which means the Festival of Sacrifice, marks the end of Hajj. DID YOU KNOW: Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world
Ramadan comes to an end when the crescent moon has been sighted. Once Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims begin the 17
Useful Phrases DID YOU KNOW: Inshallah means “if Allah wishes”. This phrase is used in reference to a future, since all things are at Allah’s will. So if you say, see you tomorrow, you might be replied with Inshallah. Indeed, it is used in numerous contexts. You’ll meet me at Mercato? Inshallah.
As salaam Alaikum – Peace be upon you to whom the reply is: Wa Alaikum assalaam – And peace be upon you This phrase is used in many different contexts when meeting people.
Aysh ismuk? – What is your name? Ismi Jason – My name is Jason
Marhabbah – Hello to which the reply is: Ahlaen
Titakellem ingleezi – Do you speak English? Ana la atakellem al arabi – I don’t speak Arabic Taerraf arabi? Do you know Arabic Atakullum inglieezi – I speak English
Maasalaamah – Goodbye to which the reply is: Fi aman allah or Maasalaamah
Inta min weyn? Where are you from? Ana min ingliterra – I’m from England
Sabah al khair – Good morning to which the reply is: Sabah al noor Masah al khair – Good afternoon/evening to which the reply is: Masa al noor
Naam – Yes Aiwa – Yeah/ok La – No Min fudluk – please When you sneeze you say Al hamdu lillah To which someone will say Yerhumoka Allah And you will say again Yer hamna wa yer humkum
Shukran (jazeelan) – Thank you (very much) to which the reply is: Aafwaan – You’re welcome Ahlan wa sahlan – Welcome to which the reply is: Ahlan beek – Welcome to you (to a male) Ahlan beech (to a female) Ahlan beekum (to a group) This is usually used in introductions
Tamaam – Perfect Ilyoum – Today Bukra – Tomorrow Sida – Straight Yasar – Left Yameen – Right Shuay shuay – Slow down Kam – How much Siffr – Zero Wahid – One Itnain – Two Thalatha - Three
Keef halak? – How are you? Sometimes shortened to Keefak? To which the reply is: Al hamdu lillah (bi khair) – Praise be to Allah (well) This should be the usual reply, but you could use: Ana bikhayr, shukran – I am fine, thank you 18