The Holy Month of Ramadan, the ninth
month of the Islamic Calendar, is celebrated universally throughout
the Muslim world. This is a month of fasting, during which it is
believed the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the
first Islamic century. During this month, Muslims abstain from food
and drink during daylight hours, and are encouraged to devote more
time to the study of the Qur'an, to meditation, and to solidifying
and strengthening relationships with family and friends. The beginning
of Ramadan depends on the actual sighting of the new moon and continues
for approximately 29 days, again depending on the sighting of the
next new crescent moon.
Ramadan is a period of spiritual purification and meditation
and a key component of its observation includes abstinence from
food, drink (including water) and physical pleasure (including
smoking) during daylight hours.
Most Government of Kuwait offices usually work between 10:30am
to 2:00pm during Ramadan. Kuwaitis are very busy during Ramadan,
visiting family and friends and paying social calls to the Diwaniyas.
Nights in Kuwait gain new life as people often stay awake socializing
until dawn. One of the highlights of Ramadan is the annual address
to the nation by HH the Amir, usually during the last 10 days
of Ramadan.
