Ramadan 1439 - 2018

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, the month of Ramadan is held highly by the Muslims across the world. This month which is given great importance as the Noble and Glorious Quran was first revealed during this month to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The importance of this event was more reinforced by having this month as the 'Month of fasting'. Also to reinforce a Muslim's Taqwa (God Consciousness), during this month one has to be generous and charitable. Also on a lighter note, it is said that all the divine books revealed to all the messengers were first revealed during the month of Ramadan.(Go Figure).

The Hilal Moon Sighting committee will convene on Tuesday evening, 15/05/2018 to decide whether 1st day of Ramadan starts on 16th or the 17th.

UPDATE (15/05/2018)
Kuwait: Shariah Vision Authority (Hilal Moon Sighting Committee) has declared Thursday as the 1st Day of Ramadan 2018 (CLICK HERE)
Saudi Arabia: 1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
UAE: 1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
Bahrain
Qatar:  1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
Oman:1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)
North America
Australia: 1st Day of Ramadan will be 17/05/2018 Thursday (CLICK HERE)

The Month of Ramadan in Kuwait starts either on 16/05/2018 (Wednesday) or 17/05/2018 (Thursday). Since the previous Islamic month of Shaban completes 29 or 30 days is the deciding factor. This year the chances of Shaban being 30 days is high due to the previous month of Rajab being 29 and also based on the scientific astronomical calculations (ASTRONOMICAL not ASTROLOGICAL). In any case, always any decision for the start of any Islamic month can only be made based on the sighting of the Hilal moon (Nascent Crescent of the moon). Any other information made in advance is at best tentative. Wishing everyone a Ramadan Kareem, hoping for all of us to better ourselves as humans (as is the need of the hour).

Muslims fast from Dawn to Sunset.

• Dawn : the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
• Sunset : the time in the evening when the sun disappears.

In Kuwait the decision factor for announcing about the sighting of the nascent moon is done by the Hilal moon sighting committee comprising of Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and other key members.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2018 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2017 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2016 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2015 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2014 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2013 Working Hours.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1438 - 2017.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1436 - 2015.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1435 - 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Masjids in Ramadan 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1434 - 2013.

Ramadan 2018 - 1439 Working hours

The Hilal Moon Sighting committee will convene on Tuesday evening, 15/05/2018 to decide whether 1st day of Ramadan starts on 16th or the 17th.

Ramadan 1439 which coincides with May-June 2018 leads to some changes in Kuwait. The working hours of employees for government sector reduces from 35 hours a week to 25 hours a week. On the other hand, for private firms, it is reduced from 48 hours to 36 hours a week. Basically, 2 hours is removed from each day. This is the privilege that the government of Kuwait provides for the people during the month of Ramadan. The official timings for the government sectors are provided by the Assistant Undersecretary for Civil Services at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which are as follows (Based on Circular no 1-2018 dated 02/05/2018):

The following government bodies are functioning from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.

1. Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
2. Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
3. Ministry of Justice.
4. Ministry of Public Works.
5. Ministry of Higher Education.
6. Ministry of State for Service Affairs (Previously Ministry of Communication)
7. Ministry of Education.
8. Ministry of Information.
9. Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
10. Kuwaiti Public Institutions
11. Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.
12. Public Authority for Youth.
13. Public Authority for Sports.
14. Environment Public Authority.
15. Public Authority for Industry.
16. Public Authority of Minor Affairs.
17. Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
18. Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.
19. Kuwait Credit Bank.
20. Zakat House.
21. Kuwait Municipality.
22. Civil Service Commission.
23. National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
24. Ministry of State for Youth Affairs.

Rest of the government bodies will work from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Words of caution, the work pace in the month of Ramadan in Kuwait slows down. Also, for the above mentioned times, people will be taking break during the Noon prayers (Zuhr/Dhur) which is around 11:45 am. So one will not find people sitting at the tables between 11:50 am till around 12:15 pm. So one should keep this in mind as one's patience will be tested.

Courtesy of Civil Service Commission

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2017 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2016 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2015 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2014 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2013 Working Hours.


CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1439 - 2018.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1438 - 2017.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1436 - 2015.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1435 - 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Masjids in Ramadan 2014.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1434 - 2013.

Ramadan 1439 Prayer Timings

Ramadan 1439 Prayer Timings - Ministry of Information

Ramadan 2017 - 1438 Working hours

Ramadan 1438 which coincides with May-June 2017 leads to some changes in Kuwait. The working hours of employees for government sector reduces from 35 hours a week to 25 hours a week. On the other hand, for private firms, it is reduced from 48 hours to 36 hours a week. Basically, 2 hours is removed from each day. This is the privilege that the government of Kuwait provides for the people during the month of Ramadan. The official timings for the government sectors are provided by the Assistant Undersecretary for Diwan Affairs and Manpower at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which are as follows (Based on Circular no 1-2017 dated 23/05/2017):

The following government bodies are functioning from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.

• Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
• Ministry of Justice.
• Ministry of Public Works.
• Ministry of Higher Education.
• Ministry of Communications.
• Ministry of Education.
• Ministry of Information.
• Public Authority for Housing Welfare.
• Kuwaiti Public Institutions
• Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.
• Public Authority for Youth.
• Public Authority for Sports.
• Environment Public Authority.
• Public Authority for Industry.
• Public Authority of Minor Affairs.
• Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
• Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.
• Kuwait Credit Bank.
• Zakat House.
• Kuwait Municipality.
• Civil Service Commission.
• National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters.
• Ministry of State for Youth Affairs.

Rest of the government bodies will work from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Words of caution, the work pace in the month of Ramadan in Kuwait slows down. Also, for the above mentioned times, people will be taking break during the Noon prayers (Zuhr/Dhur) which is around 11:40 am. So one will not find people sitting at the tables between 11:50 am till around 12:15 pm. So one should keep this in mind as one's patience will be tested.

Photo Courtesy to Civil Service Commission Circular No 1-2017

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2016 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2015 Working Hours.
CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2014 Working Hours.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 2013 Working Hours.

CLICK HERE for previous year's post of Ramadan 1438 - 2017.

Ramadan Prayer Times

Photo Courtesy to The Times - Ramadan Prayer Times

Kuwait Bank Timings announced by Kuwait Banking Association (CLICK HERE for source). The working hours for the employees are 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. While Customer / Client services will be 10 am to 1:30 pm. This was issued by the Kuwait Banking Association which was received from Central Bank of Kuwait.

Ramadan 1438 - 2017

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, the month of Ramadan is held highly by the Muslims across the world. This month which is given great importance as the Noble and Glorious Quran was first revealed during this month to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The importance of this event was more reinforced by having this month as the 'Month of fasting'. Also to reinforce a Muslim's Taqwa (God Consciousness), during this month one has to be generous and charitable. Also on a lighter note, it is said that all the divine books revealed to all the messengers were first revealed during the month of Ramadan.(Go Figure).

UPDATE on the exact date will be made after the ANNOUNCEMENT by Moon Sighting Committee.
Saudi Arabia - The High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia announces tomorrow,Friday to be 30th Shaban 1438 as the nascent moon was not sighted. The council observed the nascent moon on 26/05/2017. Therefore, 1st Day of Ramadan to start on Saturday, 27th May 2017.

The Month of Ramadan in Kuwait starts either on Friday 26/05/2017 (Friday) or 27/05/2017 (Saturday) .Since the previous Islamic month of Shaban completes 29 or 30 days is the deciding factor. This year the chances of Shaban being 30 days is high due to the previous month of Rajab being 29 and also based on the scientific astronomical calculations (ASTRONOMICAL not ASTROLOGICAL). In any case, always any decision for the start of any Islamic month can only be made based on the sighting of the Hilal moon (Nascent Crescent of the moon). Any other information made in advance is at best tentative. Wishing everyone a Ramadan Kareem, hoping for all of us to better ourselves as humans (as is the need of the hour).

Muslims fast from Dawn to Sunset.

• Dawn : the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
• Sunset : the time in the evening when the sun disappears.

In Kuwait the decision factor for announcing about the sighting of the nascent moon is done by the Hilal moon sighting committee comprising of Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and other key members. This year the committee will be gathering on 25/05/2017 around 7 pm after Maghreb (Sunset) prayers at Kuwait Institute for Judicial & Legal Studies.

Photo Courtesy to the Official Gazette for the State of Kuwait 'Kuwait Al Youm'

In Saudi Arabia, the decision factor is done by the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia.

Twitter Handle of Fatwa Council in Madeenah, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia update:

Moon not sighted on 25/05/2017 - Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Update (26/05/2017)

1st Day of Ramadan on Saturday - 27/05/2017 - Saudi Arabia

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 1437 - 2016 & Eid'

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2016 - 1437 Working Hours'.

CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 1436 - 2015'.
CLICK HERE for my post on 'Ramadan 2015 working hours in Kuwait'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 1435 - 2014'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Ramadan 2014 working hours'.

CLICK HERE for my last year's post 'Masjids in Ramadan 2014'.

CLICK HERE for my post 'Ramadan 1434 - 2013'.

Eid Al Adha 1437 - 2016

The day for Eid Al Adha has been declared. First Day will be on 12th September 2016.

Photo Courtesy to E-Fatwa online

On the evening of Thursday, 1st September 2016, The High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia convened to observe the Hilal Moon sighting. As the moon was not sighted, the next day was declared as the 30th day of that Islamic month. Therefore, the start of the Islamic month, Dhul Hijjah is to be from 3rd September 2016. Based on this information the following is the important dates:

• 3rd September 2016 - 1st Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437
• 11th September 2016 - 9th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - Arafat Day
• 12th September 2016 - 10th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 1st Day of Eid Al Adha
• 13th September 2016 - 11th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 2nd Day of Eid Al Adha
• 14th September 2016 - 12th Day of Dhul Hijjah 1437 - 3rd Day of Eid Al Adha

The countries that declared similarly to Saudi Arabia are Kuwait, UAE and Turkey. The Fiqh Council of North America and European Council of Fatwa and Research also declared 12th September 2016 as the 1st Day of Eid Al Adha (10th of Zul Hijja) (Source: Saudi Arabian Press Agency, Fiqh Council)

Photo Courtesy of The Fiqh Council of North America

The greatest next topic usually after the declaration of Eid Al Adha is how many days of holidays are people going to get. So let the list begin.

• Kuwait - 9 days - 9 September 2016, Friday - 17 September 2016, Saturday
• UAE - 9 days  (government) - 9 September 2016, Friday - 17 September 2016, Saturday
• UAE - 3 days (private) - 11 September 2016, Sunday - 13 September 2016, Tuesday
• Turkey - 9 days - 10 September 2016, Saturday - 18 September 2016, Sunday

Source: Gulf Business (UAE Private), Gulf Business (UAE Goverment)

Photo Courtesy to Twitter - HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Makhtoum UAE

Kuwait's Civil Service Commission has declared in their Circular 14-2016 that official holidays observed will be on Sunday 11th, Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th. Thursday 15th will be given as rest day. Official working day resumes from Sunday, 18th September 2016.

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Civil Service Commission (CSC)

About Eid Al Adha/Bakrid/Bakr-Eid/Eid Al Thani/Qurban Bayram:

The Islamic festival of Eid Al-Adha is celebrated in the Islamic month of Zul Hijjah. The yearly pilgrimage, Hajj to Makkah Mukkaramah / The Honored City of Mecca takes place during this month. From the 8th Zul Hijjah till the 13th Zul Hijjah, variously rituals takes place which are enactment of the events that took place by Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (A.S), his wife Bibi Hajra / Hagar, their son Prophet Ismail / Ishmael (A.S). The muslims that do not participate in the pilgrimage, Hajj celebrate Eid Al Adha on the 10th, 11th and 12th. They perform the congregational prayer on the first day morning after sunrise. After that until the end of the third day, muslims that are financially sound sacrifice an animal and share it with their family, friends and others.

The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah are given a lot of importance and emphasis by indulging in the remembrance of Allah (SWT).

Photo Courtesy to Islamic Online University

Eid Prayer times for Kuwait on 12th September 2016 at 5:45 am. (All Eid prayers are to be held in Masajed, No outdoor arrangements this year)

Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Police Department

• Fajr - 4:10 am
• Sunrise - 5:31 am
• Eid Prayers - 5:45 am
• Zohar - 11:45 am
• Asr - 3:16 pm
• Magreb - 5:58 pm
• Isha - 7:17 pm

Photo Courtesy of Kuwait Police Department
Translation: Cancellation of Outdoor Eid Prayers due to Security Concerns.

42 Emergency Medical Center will be functioning during the Eid Holidays (24 hours) across all of Kuwait - All six Governorates.

Photo Courtesy to Ministry of Health and Kuwait Police Department

Also, the estimated time for the Eid Prayer to take place is 15 minutes after Sunrise (Sunrise at 5:31 am) Therefore time is 5:45 am). The prayer consists of 2 Rakats and is accompanied by a sermon after. It is highly recommended to listen to the Sermon. Some Masjids in Kuwait start the Eid Prayer a little later around 7 am - Urdu, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali (Check with the Masjids earlier to know the exact time). The only main condition for Eid Prayers is that it takes place after Sunrise. This year, the Ministry of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs has requested most of these masajed to perform the Eid prayers earlier. Most people prefer to pray earlier in the day as they will be busy with the sacrifice ritual immediately after the prayers.

The list of temporary slaughter houses have been put up by the Kuwait Municipality. These are to support the 5 main slaughter houses in reducing the burden. The 5 main slaughter houses will be working in full capacity throughout the Eid Holidays. The 12 temporary slaughter houses are in accordance to Environment Public Authority (EPA) rules and regulations. It is highly recommended not to take photography or videos (snapchat, instagram, vine, facebook, twitter, periscope and others) at the slaughter houses. (Another source : ARAB TIMES)

Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House (Asimah) City Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Shuwaikh	Next to the Car Park of Asimah Immigration Opposite Al Khaldiya Area
2	Kaifan	Block 3, Next Afrah Boodi Hall
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Hawally Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Salwa	Area 5, Next to the Co-op Society
2	Zahra	Opposite Public Authority for Housing Welfare
3	Rumaithiya	Opposite to the Main Co-op Society
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Farwaniya Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Farwaniya	Street 106, Near to Masjid Monawar Al Monawar
2	Abdulla Al Mubarak	2nd Street, Opposite to Masjid Taiba Al Rooeh
3	Ardhiya	Block 5, Street 55, Next to KFH, Opposite Saraj Al Muneer Center
4	Ishbilya	Street 216, Block 2, Opposite Amar Bin Rabeah Primary Boys School
5	Sabah Al Nasir	Street 106, Block 4, Masjid Al Marjah
Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter House Ahmadi Governorate
S.No.	Area	Site Location
1	Ali Al Salem (Umm Haiman)	Entry into the area from Kind Abdulaziz Expressway Next to Main Co-op Society
2	Jaber Al Ali	Entry into the area from King Fahd Expressway Next to School near Co-op Society

Photo Courtesy to Kuwait Municipality - Baladia

Kuwait Municipality prepares 12 Temporary Abattoirs / Slaughter Houses for Eid

CLICK HERE if the above video does not work