Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, and every day during this month, Muslims all over the world fast for the entire daylight hours. Ramadan is a holy month in which Muslims practice self-discipline and sacrifice. Muslims are advised to utilize Ramadan as an opportunity to devote more time in prayers. Fasting offers us with more time, energy, and clarity to focus more scrupulously on our spirituality when we are patient and have our self-desires under control.
To show respect for locals of Muslim nations, it is recommended that travelers dress conservatively (covering your shoulders and knees) and refrain from playing music, eating, or drinking in public during the Holy Month.
While businesses will be accessible as usual, most firms will be working with skeleton personnel. Planning ahead of time is important with business errands to avoid any surprises, such as shorter office hours. Arranging daytime meals in advance would be beneficial if travelling through countries that observe the Holy Month of Ramadan, such as Malaysia and Indonesia or Maldives. Whereas most foreign hotels provide food, you may not have the luxury of picking up lunch between business meetings, so planning ahead is recommended.
Furthermore, while most Ramadan practicing countries welcome to bring water and snacks with you around the region, it’s good not to consume them in public to honor individuals who are fasting and to follow local customs. It is also recommended to carefully schedule the excursions to and from the airport based on the time of day. Many taxi drivers, for example, will be fasting throughout the Holy Month, making it harder to get taxis during Iftar times. If requiring further assistance in organizing transfers during Ramadan, it is good to contact the travel coordinator.
Most airlines in Ramadan-observant countries will provide food packs and drinks to help break the fast. The pilot of the aircraft will tell passengers of the Iftar time once the sun has set. For travelers requiring any particular assistance, the cabin crews on these countries' airlines, such as Malaysia Airlines and Garuda Indonesia, are conversant with Ramadan traditions.
In Muslim countries, Ramadan is a special period, and the Iftar meal is celebrated at many international hotels that host Iftar tents. Travelers with a quest for gastronomic experiences can get a taste of the exotic drinks and desserts made especially for the Holy Month. It's a wonderful time to spend with friends and family, and there's nothing quite like sharing Iftar with kind hosts who want to share their wealth and happiness with you.
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