Ramadan Revealed: A Closer Look into the Traditions and Customs

By Amer Bitar and Peter Gryko

Introduction - What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; it is considered the most sacred month in the Islamic faith, as the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed during this month, and Muslims are obligated to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset to develop self-discipline, and compassion for those who are less fortunate, while also becoming closer to God through increased devotion and prayer.

During this month, Muslims are urged to do acts of charity and giving toward others. Ramadan finishes with Eid al-Fitr, a three-day feast commemorating the completion of the fasting month. During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims gather with family and friends to rejoice and indulge in the joy of the holiday.

Ramadan Traditions and Customs

Ramadan is observed throughout the Gulf nations through a number of rituals and traditions focusing on family, community, and faith. Among these practices and traditions are:

• Iftar: Muslims break their fast with this evening meal around sunset. It is customary for families and friends to get together for Iftar, and many restaurants and hotels serve Iftar buffets.

• Suhoor: the pre-dawn meal that Muslims consume before their daily fast. It is customary for families to rise early and eat a little breakfast before commencing their fast for the day.

• Taraweeh Prayers: These are special prayers performed every night throughout Ramadan. People frequently attend mosques during Taraweeh prayers.

• Dates: are typical fruit consumed throughout Ramadan, and it is customary to break the fast with three dates and a drink of water, as Prophet Mohammed did.

• Ramadan decorations are often used in homes and public places to mark the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan lanterns, known as Fanoos in Arabic, are among the most popular decorations.

• Charity: Giving to charity is a vital aspect of Ramadan, with many people donating to mosques or other charitable organizations during this time.

How is Ramadan affected by National Culture?

Ramadan is closely tied with the cultural values of Arab countries, particularly in our Region. These values include collectivism, high power distance, and low indulgence, which are deeply ingrained in these societies' social and cultural fabric.

They are reflected in the observance of Ramadan as a time of communal gathering, deference to authority figures and elders, and self-restraint and discipline. Understanding and respecting these cultural values is crucial for conducting business in Arab countries and building lasting relationships with colleagues and partners in the region.

One of the key dimensions of Hofstede's 6D Model for understanding Ramadan is individualism versus collectivism, which measures the extent to which a culture prioritizes the goals and interests of the individual versus those of the collective group. Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, tend to score low on individualism, leaning towards the collectivist end of the scale. During Ramadan, there is a strong focus on family and communal gatherings for breaking the fast and engaging in religious activities. Families and friends come together to share a meal after sunset, and it is common for wealthy individuals to provide free Iftar meals for those in need as an act of charity and community support. These practices reflect society's collectivist values, where relationships and social bonds are highly valued.

Another aspect of Hofstede's model is power distance, which refers to the extent to which a culture accepts and expects an unequal distribution of power. In Arab countries, power distance is typically high, with respect for authority figures and elders being deeply ingrained. During Ramadan, this is visible through the deference shown to religious leaders and elders and those in positions of authority. For instance, in many countries, the "Taraweeh" prayer, mentioned above, which is performed in the mosque at night during Ramadan. A chosen, knowledgeable Imam leads the prayer, with people following his lead, demonstrating respect and reverence for his authority as a religious leader. Furthermore, it is usual for employers to adjust working hours during Ramadan to accommodate their employees' fasting and religious observances, illustrating a recognition of the significance of religious authority in the workplace. The act of fasting itself is also viewed as a way to demonstrate humility and submission to a Higher Power.

We also need to remember that the indulgence versus restraint dimension plays a significant role in the observation of Ramadan in Arab countries. According to Hofstede's model, indulgence is the degree to which a culture allows or restrains gratification of basic human desires and impulses related to enjoying life. In the GCC countries, the scores for indulgence are generally low, emphasizing self-restraint and discipline. During Ramadan, this is evident in the fasting from food, drink, and other physical pleasures during daylight hours, as well as the emphasis on spiritual reflection and self-improvement. In Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours is considered impolite, even for non-Muslims. However, after sunset, there is a focus on indulging in food and socializing with friends and family. Iftar and Suhoor offer traditional food such as dates, samosas, and Arabic coffee, reflecting a balance between restraint during the fasting hours and indulgence during the designated eating times, characteristic of the society's value system.

Work Customs and Business Influence of Ramadan in Arab Countries

During the holy month of Ramadan, the work and business practices of Arab countries significantly change. Many offices and businesses alter their working hours to accommodate the fasting employees. In most cases, work starts an hour or two later than usual and finishes early in the afternoon to enable employees to break their fast with their families. This change in working hours reflects the collectivist culture of Arab countries, where family and community ties are highly valued.

In addition to the change in working hours, companies also adopt a more relaxed pace of work during Ramadan. Meetings are often scheduled in the mornings, and workloads are reduced to avoid overworking the fasting employees. The reduced workload also allows employees to focus on their spiritual and religious practices during the month.

The practice of giving to charity is another important aspect of Ramadan that influences the business world. Many companies in Arab countries donate a portion of their profits to charitable organizations, reflecting the Islamic principles of generosity and compassion. Additionally, some companies offer free Iftar meals to their employees and the less fortunate as an act of charity and community support.

In Arab countries, it is also customary to exchange gifts during Ramadan, which is seen as a gesture of goodwill and respect. Businesses often exchange gifts with their clients, customers, and employees as a sign of appreciation and gratitude. The exchange of gifts strengthens the relationships between the parties involved and is an essential aspect of conducting business in the region.

Finally, the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr also significantly impact business practices. The three-day holiday marks the end of the fasting period and is celebrated with family and friends. Many businesses close during this time, and employees take a break to spend time with their loved ones. The holiday also marks the beginning of a new business cycle, with many companies using the occasion to set new goals and plans for the upcoming year.

The significance of Ramadan and the cultural values it embodies is immense for all countries in our region. As we approach the end of Ramadan this year, it's essential to reflect on the lessons learned and how they can be applied to improve ourselves and our relationships. By acknowledging and respecting the cultural customs of Ramadan, we can foster trust and establish lasting connections. Let's also remember the fundamental values of self-discipline, compassion, and humanitarianism, which promote personal growth and contribute to society's greater good. May these universal values extend beyond Ramadan and throughout the year, regardless of one's faith.

By Amer Bitar and Peter Gryko