Ramadan, a month recognized by Muslims (followers of Islam) is the 9th month of the Islamic Calender (which follows the Lunar cycle). Ramadan is a month of compulsory fasting which is observed by Muslims all over the world. The importance of Ramadan is that The Divine Book from Allah (SWT) - The Noble Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The completion of the Quran took place also in this month and during the last 10 days. During this holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from Dawn to Dusk by abstaining from eatables (food and drinks including water), smoking and physical pleasure.
In Kuwait, during this holy month , non fasting people are to avoid eating and smoking in public places during the day hours. It is an offense by Kuwaiti law, if one is found doing so. Also, the restaurants are closed during day hours. So people who eat out during day hours should consider ready made foods or easy to cook foods at home. The best part is that the restaurants and supermarkets are open till dawn. Super Markets are open during the day hours for shopping purposes.
Based on the sighting of the new moon (crescent), the month of Ramadan (Islamic Year 1434 AH) may start on 9th or 10th July. The prayer times for the holy month of Ramadan can be download HERE (Courtesy to Kuwait Meteorological Department, Kuwait).
UPDATE (08/07/2013) @ 9pm KWT local time: The Kuwait Crescent Moon sighting Committee announced that Wednesday, 10th July 2013 will correspond to the First day of Ramadan ( 01/09/1434). CLICK HERE for the source from KUNA (Kuwait News Agency).
UPDATE (08/07/2013): The Middle East and Egypt have announced that Wednesday, 10th July 2013 will correspond to the First day of Ramadan. CLICK HERE for the source from Al-Arabiya.
The working hours for the government offices in Kuwait are reduced during Ramadan. So for this year, the Civil Service Commission has announced. CLICK HERE for the link to KUNA article. I will mention the gist of it below:
8 am to 1 pm
In Kuwait, during this holy month , non fasting people are to avoid eating and smoking in public places during the day hours. It is an offense by Kuwaiti law, if one is found doing so. Also, the restaurants are closed during day hours. So people who eat out during day hours should consider ready made foods or easy to cook foods at home. The best part is that the restaurants and supermarkets are open till dawn. Super Markets are open during the day hours for shopping purposes.
Based on the sighting of the new moon (crescent), the month of Ramadan (Islamic Year 1434 AH) may start on 9th or 10th July. The prayer times for the holy month of Ramadan can be download HERE (Courtesy to Kuwait Meteorological Department, Kuwait).
UPDATE (08/07/2013) @ 9pm KWT local time: The Kuwait Crescent Moon sighting Committee announced that Wednesday, 10th July 2013 will correspond to the First day of Ramadan ( 01/09/1434). CLICK HERE for the source from KUNA (Kuwait News Agency).
UPDATE (08/07/2013): The Middle East and Egypt have announced that Wednesday, 10th July 2013 will correspond to the First day of Ramadan. CLICK HERE for the source from Al-Arabiya.
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| Ramadan 1434 - Year 2013 (Courtesy of National Bank of Kuwait NBK and Kuwait Upto Date) |
The working hours for the government offices in Kuwait are reduced during Ramadan. So for this year, the Civil Service Commission has announced. CLICK HERE for the link to KUNA article. I will mention the gist of it below:
8 am to 1 pm
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Public Authority for Youth and Sports.
- Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
- Environment Public Authority.
- Ministry of Justice
- Public Authority for Industry.
- Ministry of Public Works.
- Public Authority of Minor Affairs.
- Ministry of Higher Education.
- Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
- Ministry of Communications.
- Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.
- Ministry of Education.
- Credit and Savings Bank.
- Ministry of Information.
- Zakat House.
- Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
- Kuwait Municipality.
- Kuwait Ports Authority.
- Civil Service Commission.
- Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.
- National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
Rest of the government bodies working hours are 9 am till 1:30 pm.
There are many posts about Ramadan by different bloggers, one can check them out.- CLICK HERE for the post by 'Expat and the City'.
- CLICK HERE for the post by 'Fajer Ahmed' on Blog 248am. (Talks about Kuwaiti Laws with regard to fasting in Ramadan).
- CLICK HERE for the post by 'Kuwait Upto Date'.
- CLICK HERE for the post by 'Blog 37'. (All about Ramadan TV Commercials shown in Kuwait)
Ramadan Timings for different places in Kuwait.
- 360 Mall - Shop Timings: 11 am - 3 pm and 8:30 pm - 1 am
- 360 Mall - Restaurants and Cafes Timings: 5 pm - 2 am
- 360 Mall - Geant Hypermarket Timings: 10 am - 1 am
- The Avenues Mall : 8 am - 2 am
- The Avenues Mall - Store Timings: 10 am - 4 pm and 8 pm - 1 am
- The Avenues Mall - Carrefour Timings: 10 am - 2 am.
- Kuwait Finance House, KFH - Banking Timings: 10 am - 1:30 pm ( Sunday - Thursday )
- Kuwait Finance House, KFH - Commercial Sectors Timings: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm and 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm ( Saturday - Thursday ) for Al Rai, Shuwaikh, Ahmadi and Dajeej branches.
- Kuwait Finance House, KFH - Commercial Sectors Timings: 10 am - 1:30 pm ( Sunday - Thursday ) for Hawally, Salmiya, Sabahiya, Jahra and Qasr branches.
- Wataniya Telecom - Kuwait International Airport : 24 hours / All days (Closed during Suhoor and Imsak time)
- Wataniya Telecom - Head Office : 10 am - 2 pm and 8:30 pm - 12:30 am (Fridays closed).
- The Scientific Center: 9 pm - 12 midnight (All days) and Saturdays (10 am - 1 pm) Ramadan Ticket prices: KD 1.750 (Adults) or KD 1 (Children).
- Viva Telecom - Kuwait International Airport : 24 hours / All days (Closed during Suhoor and Imsak time)
- Viva Telecom - Malls : 11 am - 3 pm and 8:30 pm - 12:30 am (Fridays only evenings)
- Daman Inspection Center - Shuwaikh Timings: For Vehicle Inspection 9 am - 1:30 pm and 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm (Saturday to Thursday)
- Daman Inspection Center - Shuwaikh Timings: For Insurance and Registration - 9 am - 6 pm and 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm (Saturday to Thursday), Friday (only evening) - 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm
- Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) - Counter Staff Service: 9 am - 1:30 pm, 2 pm - 5 pm and 9 pm - 12 midnight.
- Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) - ID Card Delivery Service: 7 am - 5 pm and 9 pm - 12 midnight.
Ramadan Timings for different establishment in Kuwait
UPDATE: Ramadan 2013 Masjid Al Kabeer Qiyam ul Layl Schedule for last 10 days of Ramadan. Also photos of the Renovated work done to the Grand Mosque.
UPDATE (28/07/2013): Qiyam ul Layl (The Night Prayers) for Last 10 days of Ramadan begin tonight in different Masjids around Kuwait. The prayers should begin by 12 midnight but it would be better for the people to check with the masjids/mosques about the start time. Some tips for attending the Qiyam ul Layl :
UPDATE (28/07/2013): Qiyam ul Layl (The Night Prayers) for Last 10 days of Ramadan begin tonight in different Masjids around Kuwait. The prayers should begin by 12 midnight but it would be better for the people to check with the masjids/mosques about the start time. Some tips for attending the Qiyam ul Layl :
- First and foremost Switch off the Mobile phones or at least turn it to silent and vibrate function.
- Carry some drinking water with you so that you can have it between the prayer sessions.
- Keep some dates / light snack for when you feel hungry OR probably when Suhoor / Imsak time approaches.
- Have sufficient rest OR some power / cat nap before attending the night prayers. This will help you in paying attention during the prayers and mainly if you are driving to and from the masjid / mosque. Safety is important.
- Also prepare yourself mentally and physically for standing for long duration ( roughly 2 hours).
- If you are planning to sit on the chairs or four legged furniture, then be considerate to others standing behind you in the prayers.
UPDATE (06/08/2013) : CLICK HERE for article about Eid Al-Fitr 2013.
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