Ramadan is Expected to Start on May 17th in Saudi Arabia

The holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching and speculations are already making the rounds about when Ramadan is likely to start. Originally it was thought that Ramadan will start on May 14th, but after looking at the moon again, a Kuwaiti astronomer announced that it will most likely start on May 17th.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is an especially special month for Muslims. For a period of 30-days all Muslims sustain from food, water, smoking and sensual pleasures from sunrise to sunset. During this period they spend extra time praying, reading the Quran and doing good deeds as their good deeds are counted double during the holy month.

The meal before sunrise is called suhoor and normally consists of rice, bread, cereals, cheese, eggs, labneh and numerous vegetables. Iftar on the other hand is the meal with which the fast is broken at sunset. Iftar is usually started off with water and dates, followed by soup and lastly traditional dishes and sweets.

See also: The Do's & Don'ts of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

During the month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia you can expect to enjoy reduced working hours, a number of delicious feasts and a number of get-togethers with friends and family. It is, however, important to keep in mind that you are not allowed to smoke, eat or drink anything out in public between sunrise to sunset if you are not fasting. It takes great self-control to sustain from consuming anything for such a long period of time and doing one of these things in front of someone fasting might lead them into temptation.