By Alison Bing, Lonely Planet
Ramadan Mubarak! With the Muslim holy month of Ramadan starting, now's a good time to learn to say 'Happy Ramadan!' − especially if you're considering travelaround August and September to countries with majority Muslim populations, like Indonesia, Egypt, Turkeyand Morocco. With a few pointers, you can join a happy Ramadan already in progress. 1. Know the basics Ramadan is a lunar month dedicated tosawm, or fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam. From sunup to sundown, the faithful abstain from food, drink, tobacco and sex to concentrate on spiritual renewal. After sunset, there's a euphoric iftar, or meal, to break the fast, followed by a late-night feast and sahur, a meal before the sun comes up and fasting begins again. 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.
2. Plan aheadLike any holiday, Ramadan affects business as usual. Many venues operate with limited hours and staff, so try to book accommodation, transport and tours via Internet or phone before you arrive. Even if offices have posted hours, call ahead to ensure someone's available to meet your needs. Most restaurants close by day, so pack lunches or reserve ahead at restaurants that open for lunch in tourist areas.
3. Shift your scheduleNightly festivities trump early bedtimes during Ramadan. Sunset streets come alive with light displays, music and offers of sweets at every intersection. After an iftar of dates, soup or savory snacks, people of all ages binge on sweets until the late-night feast − followed by more visits and sweets, until wired kids finally wear themselves out. There's no rush to get up the next day, unless shopping is on the agenda. Stores often close in the afternoon, and bargaining is more pleasant before midday heat kicks in and lack of water is felt. As sundown approaches, the mood turns upbeat, with Ramadan finery on display and tantalizing aromas filling the streets.
4. Get into the Ramadan spiritDon’t worry: You won't be expected to fast during Ramadan. According to tradition, even Muslim travelers are exempt from fasting − it's hard to do at home under controlled conditions, let alone in unfamiliar places. To show your support, avoid eating or drinking on the street in front of people who are probably fasting, and grant people privacy at prayer times.
5. Accept hospitality When a new friend offers you special Ramadan sweets or invites you to a family feast, polite refusal would be crushing. You're not obliged to return the favor or eat the sweets: You honor givers just by accepting their generosity in the spirit of Ramadan. Kindness can be repaid by practicing zakat, and giving to a local charity.
