Ramadan 101 for Expats newly arrived to Kuwait

Excellent Legacy......this is great info.!!! I had no idea as a non-muslim I won't be allowed/fined if I  eat/drink during day time in public!

This is really good to know, thanks for 101

Please keep sending more useful info. like this.

Cheers
C

will do

JiC anyone thinks im BS-ing about the penalty:

http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDeta … fault.aspx

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 7, (KUNA): The Interior Ministry Saturday warned citizens and expatriates against eating or drinking in public during the fasting month of Ramadhan, due to commence in few days, because “it will be illegal and contradict Islamic teachings.”
Ministry spokesman Brigadier Mohammad Al-Sabr said any person seen eating or drinking publicly would be fined KD 100 ($347) and jailed for a maximum of one month or one of these penalties. Al-Sabr also called on shops and restaurants to abide by the law or face closure.

thats y i love middle esat

isn't it true for young children and for traveling you are allowed to break your fast?

Thanks for the great run down on Ramadan.

I would also like to know if shopping hours change during Ramadan. For example, will the malls be open during the same hours?

Thanks for any light you might be able to shed on this.

In peace....

@Kona808 yes, children are omitted from this law, those travelling are also given an exception whilst fasting, provided they make up for those days at a later date.

@Susan F. for some reason i forget a year after about Ramadan timings, maybe anyone reading this and working for al-shaya can shed some light on the situation

altho, given that everyone else will be working less hours, i believe the same applies to the service sector. i think that the shops (asides from restaurants) will be quiet from about 6~7:30 or 8 (timing of breaking of fast).

is it true that there's a lot of sales during this month too or is that a rumor? thank you in reply guys and gals..

its not specifically during this month, there are sales almost all the time in Kuwait. best time to buy would be February, but Ramadan, not sure.

a little addition for those wishing to know more of the meals during Ramadan:

There are 3 different types of meals during Ramadan, the breaking of fast, the "ghabka" and the Suhour. Suhour is the last meal meant to sustain through the next day of fasting, Ghabka is a meal inbetween Iftar and Suhour. An invitation to any will see a 3 course meal, plenty of sweets and sugary drinks.

it is a great time for sharqi sweets, those delicacies sold in all sweet shops, be prepared to see Konafa prices soar dramatically, and remain so after Ramadan!

Qatayef are also exquisite, and mostly only available during Ramadan, crescent shaped "thingies" stuffed with nuts or cheese or cream.

Maybe any culinary experts can shed more light on the situation?

exemptions from fast was made since travelling in the old ages was not easy .they had to cross mountains ,deserts ,caves and many more situations that a normal human cannot do properly while staying fast.they didn't have air conditioned planes ,cars , or trains.today most of them do fast while travelling because most of the travelling is just sitting in a vehicle.the first day is found tougher,but it goes well after that.it is mad o make us experience the hunger of the poor.

immature children are exempted but if they reach their maturity,then it becomes obligatory.the premature children can fast if they are so much willing to fast seeing the adults.(you must have noticed some kids don't like to eat,and they prefer to fast.)

As for shopping hours i would say most of he shops will be open after9:30 or 10 am, and remain open.this does not include restaurants or any food stuff selling shop.but they will be open after the after noon prayer,they remain open but the shop keepers may go for braking their fast for an hour (this will include Iftar and ghabk ) having or so and after that they will be open till 2 am, restaurants remain open till the Suhour time.

there are sales because the shops and the retails and other selling businesses tend to provide many offers in this month.since this month is a month of doing good deeds as they are rewarded more in this month.this is month for forgiveness and seeking forgiveness and mercy. that y you might notice Muslim people giving more charity ,helping more and worshiping more as all these have greater vale than in other days of the year. its a great feeling.

its sad that some people find reasons not to fast, and their reasons are also lame.

Great post, thanks Legacy! Ramadan Kareem (Happy Ramadan)!