Apr 13, 2016, 2:03 am
Last edit by: remdk
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan is a holy month to Muslims and also a joyous and spiritual time. I am concentrating upon that which most affects Non-Muslim QR passengers during Ramadan.
When is Ramadan?
Because the Muslim´calendar is a lunar calendar the date in the Gregorian, or solar, calendar changes every year. Each year it is about 11 days earlier than the previous year.
Ramadan 2017 was 27 May to 25 June.
Ramadan 2018 was16 May to 14 June.
Ramadan 2019 was 6 May to 4 June.
Ramadan 2020 was 24 April to 23 May.
Ramadan 2021 was 12 April to 11 May.
Ramadan 2022 was 2 April to 2 May.
Ramadan 2023 wss 22 March to 23 April.
Ramadan 2024 is 10 March to 9 April.
Ramadan 2025 is 1 March to 30 March.
Ramadan 2026 is 18 February to 19 March.
Ramadan 2027 is 8 February to 9 March.
When does Ramadan actually start?
The Muslim day starts at sunset and continues to sunset. Sightings for the new moon are taken at sunset and when sighted the month of Ramadan has started. Fasting begins later in the Muslim day at sunrise. Thus if Ramadan starts on June 6th then it is the sighting of the new moon at sunset on June 5th that marks the official start. Tha actual start date may be different due to the fact that we live on a globe and it takes 24 hours to rotate on its axis! The dates quoted are for Qatar.
Are there exceptions to the rules?
There are exceptions to fasting rules such as the aged, sick, pregnant women, travellers, etc.
Some branches of Islam demand payment of a fine or a penance, such as feeding the poor, for breaking the fast whilst other branches do not. In some branches of Islam travellers may voluntarily choose to continue fasting whilst other branches forbid fasting whilst travelling.
When does Fasting take place?
Most agree that the times of fasting are from Sunrise to Sunset. Others use Dawn and Dusk. The latter could cause serious health problems for those who live at latitude 48.5 or greater. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight for an explanation.
How does Ramadan affect QR?
QR adheres to the rules of Ramadan as required by the State of Qatar.
Food is always available inside the airport and on all flights. This is because of the traveller rules.
Non alcoholic drinks are always available both in the airport and on all flights.
Alcohol is NOT available at Hamad International Airport either inside or outside the airport buildings, even at the Airport hotel. However in 2023 alcohol was being served in at least the Al Safwa and Al Mourjan airport lounges. At the moment it is not known if this also applied to other lounges. Pleas look at this years postings to see other lounges also served alcohol.
Alcohol is not available on most flights to/from muslim countries. Certain muslim countries, such as Malaysia, are regarded as multicultural countries and the in-flight alcohol ban does not apply. On all other flights to/from DOH alcohol is available after departure. The cabin crew decide when departure is. For some it is when you board the aircraft, for others closing the doors, others pushback and yet others after take-off. Where alcohol is permitted on the flight then it will be served by the glass, the bottle remaining in the galley. Pre departure alcoholic drinks as well as in flight drinks will normally be served on flights to/from DOH where alcohol is permitted. There may be exceptions. In 2023 AMM, AUH and SHJ served alcohol, on flights, at least some of the time. The AMM lounge also served alcohol. (See post 382)
In every respect, other than alcohol, service is unchanged throughout QR. BUT where alcohol is available it is not normally on display, but served by the glass from the bar or galley and sometimes needs to be requested..
Duty free alcohol is available at QDF. But there may be restrictions such as delivery to the aircraft door.
How does Ramadan affect The State of Qatar?
If you leave the airport during Ramadan please remember
1) the sale and public consumption of Alcohol is banned by law during Ramadan. In several, but not all, hotels alcohol may be obtained by residents from room service.
2) It is extremely offensive, and in some Muslim countries, including Qatar, a criminal offence, to be seen eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public during the period of fasting.
According to https://discoverqatar.qatarairways.c...madan/overview
"If you need to drink or eat, please do so in the privacy of your own room or in a place where you won’t be seen."
If you need to eat or drink please do it discretely and out of sight of others.
Want to know more?
If you want more information then http://marhaba.qa/ramadan-dos-and-donts-in-qatar/ is specific to Qatar. If you are also interested in health issues then A_guide_to_healthy_fasting is worth looking at, not only for health issues.
This Wiki and thread is about how Ramadan affects QR passengers.
Thanks are due to IAN-UK, Lobengula, RUN4FUN, sharp5flat9, SullyofDoha, VH-RMD and others for help in making this as accurate as possible.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan is a holy month to Muslims and also a joyous and spiritual time. I am concentrating upon that which most affects Non-Muslim QR passengers during Ramadan.
When is Ramadan?
Because the Muslim´calendar is a lunar calendar the date in the Gregorian, or solar, calendar changes every year. Each year it is about 11 days earlier than the previous year.
Ramadan 2017 was 27 May to 25 June.
Ramadan 2018 was16 May to 14 June.
Ramadan 2019 was 6 May to 4 June.
Ramadan 2020 was 24 April to 23 May.
Ramadan 2021 was 12 April to 11 May.
Ramadan 2022 was 2 April to 2 May.
Ramadan 2023 wss 22 March to 23 April.
Ramadan 2024 is 10 March to 9 April.
Ramadan 2025 is 1 March to 30 March.
Ramadan 2026 is 18 February to 19 March.
Ramadan 2027 is 8 February to 9 March.
When does Ramadan actually start?
The Muslim day starts at sunset and continues to sunset. Sightings for the new moon are taken at sunset and when sighted the month of Ramadan has started. Fasting begins later in the Muslim day at sunrise. Thus if Ramadan starts on June 6th then it is the sighting of the new moon at sunset on June 5th that marks the official start. Tha actual start date may be different due to the fact that we live on a globe and it takes 24 hours to rotate on its axis! The dates quoted are for Qatar.
Are there exceptions to the rules?
There are exceptions to fasting rules such as the aged, sick, pregnant women, travellers, etc.
Some branches of Islam demand payment of a fine or a penance, such as feeding the poor, for breaking the fast whilst other branches do not. In some branches of Islam travellers may voluntarily choose to continue fasting whilst other branches forbid fasting whilst travelling.
When does Fasting take place?
Most agree that the times of fasting are from Sunrise to Sunset. Others use Dawn and Dusk. The latter could cause serious health problems for those who live at latitude 48.5 or greater. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight for an explanation.
How does Ramadan affect QR?
QR adheres to the rules of Ramadan as required by the State of Qatar.
Food is always available inside the airport and on all flights. This is because of the traveller rules.
Non alcoholic drinks are always available both in the airport and on all flights.
Alcohol is NOT available at Hamad International Airport either inside or outside the airport buildings, even at the Airport hotel. However in 2023 alcohol was being served in at least the Al Safwa and Al Mourjan airport lounges. At the moment it is not known if this also applied to other lounges. Pleas look at this years postings to see other lounges also served alcohol.
Alcohol is not available on most flights to/from muslim countries. Certain muslim countries, such as Malaysia, are regarded as multicultural countries and the in-flight alcohol ban does not apply. On all other flights to/from DOH alcohol is available after departure. The cabin crew decide when departure is. For some it is when you board the aircraft, for others closing the doors, others pushback and yet others after take-off. Where alcohol is permitted on the flight then it will be served by the glass, the bottle remaining in the galley. Pre departure alcoholic drinks as well as in flight drinks will normally be served on flights to/from DOH where alcohol is permitted. There may be exceptions. In 2023 AMM, AUH and SHJ served alcohol, on flights, at least some of the time. The AMM lounge also served alcohol. (See post 382)
In every respect, other than alcohol, service is unchanged throughout QR. BUT where alcohol is available it is not normally on display, but served by the glass from the bar or galley and sometimes needs to be requested..
Duty free alcohol is available at QDF. But there may be restrictions such as delivery to the aircraft door.
How does Ramadan affect The State of Qatar?
If you leave the airport during Ramadan please remember
1) the sale and public consumption of Alcohol is banned by law during Ramadan. In several, but not all, hotels alcohol may be obtained by residents from room service.
2) It is extremely offensive, and in some Muslim countries, including Qatar, a criminal offence, to be seen eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public during the period of fasting.
According to https://discoverqatar.qatarairways.c...madan/overview
"If you need to drink or eat, please do so in the privacy of your own room or in a place where you won’t be seen."
If you need to eat or drink please do it discretely and out of sight of others.
Want to know more?
If you want more information then http://marhaba.qa/ramadan-dos-and-donts-in-qatar/ is specific to Qatar. If you are also interested in health issues then A_guide_to_healthy_fasting is worth looking at, not only for health issues.
This Wiki and thread is about how Ramadan affects QR passengers.
Thanks are due to IAN-UK, Lobengula, RUN4FUN, sharp5flat9, SullyofDoha, VH-RMD and others for help in making this as accurate as possible.
Ramadan Master Thread - 10 March 2024 to 9 April 2024
Apr 3, 2016, 4:55 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,944
Ramadan Master Thread - 10 March 2024 to 9 April 2024
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calender where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan is a holy month to Muslims and also a joyous and spiritual time. I am concentrating upon that which most effects Non-Muslims during Ramadan.
When is Ramadan?
Because the Muslim´calender is a lunar calender the date in the Julian, or solar, calender changes every year. Each year it is about 11 days earlier than the previous year.
Ramadan 2016 is 6 June to 5 July.
Ramadan 2017 is 27 May to 25 June.
Ramadan 2018 is 16 May to 14 June.
When does Ramadan actually start?
The Muslim day starts at sunset and continues to sunset. Sightings for the new moon are taken at sunset and when sighted the month of Ramadan has started. Fasting begins later in the Muslim day at sunrise. Thus if Ramadan starts on June 6th then it is the sighting of the new moon at sunset on June 5th that marks the official start.
Are there exceptions to the rules?
There are exceptions to fasting rules such as the aged, sick, pregnant women, travellers, etc.
Some branches of Islam demand payment of a fine or a penance, such as feeding the poor, for breaking the fast whilst other branches do not. In some branches of Islam travellers may voluntarily choose to continue fasting whilst other branches forbid fasting whilst travelling.
When does Fasting take place?
Most agree that the times of fasting are from Sunrise to Sunset. Others use Dawn and Dusk. The latter could cause serious health problems for those who live at latitude 48.5 or greater. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight for an explanation.
How does Ramadan affect QR?
QR adheres to the rules of Ramadan as required by the State of Qatar.
Food is always available inside the airport and on all flights. This is because of the traveller rules.
Non alcoholic drinks are always available both in the airport and on all flights.
Alcohol is NOT available at Hamad International Airport either inside or outside the airport buildings, even at the Airport hotel. Nor is it available on most regional flights. On all other flights from DOH alcohol is available after departure. The cabin crew decide when departure is. For some it is closing the doors, others pushback and yet others after take-off. Where alcohol is permitted on the flight then pre departure alcoholic drinks will normally be served on flights to DOH. There may be exceptions.
In every respect, other than alcohol, service is unchanged throughout QR.
Duty free alcohol is available at QDF. But there may be restrictions such as delivery to the aircraft door.
How does Ramadan affect Qatar?
If you leave the airport during Ramadan please remember
1) the sale and public consumption of Alcohol is banned by law during Ramadan. In several, but not all, hotels alcohol may be obtained by residents from room service.
2) It is extremely offensive, and in some Muslim countries, including Qatar, a criminal offence, to be seen eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public during the period of fasting.
Want to know more?
If you want more information thenhttp://marhaba.qa/ramadan-dos-and-donts-in-qatar/ is specific to Qatar. If you are also interested in health issues then https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/...hy_fasting.pdf is worth looking at, not only for health issues.
Thanks are due to IAN-UK, Lobengula, RUN4FUN, sharp5flat9, VH-RMD and others for help in making this as accurate as possible.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calender where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan is a holy month to Muslims and also a joyous and spiritual time. I am concentrating upon that which most effects Non-Muslims during Ramadan.
When is Ramadan?
Because the Muslim´calender is a lunar calender the date in the Julian, or solar, calender changes every year. Each year it is about 11 days earlier than the previous year.
Ramadan 2016 is 6 June to 5 July.
Ramadan 2017 is 27 May to 25 June.
Ramadan 2018 is 16 May to 14 June.
When does Ramadan actually start?
The Muslim day starts at sunset and continues to sunset. Sightings for the new moon are taken at sunset and when sighted the month of Ramadan has started. Fasting begins later in the Muslim day at sunrise. Thus if Ramadan starts on June 6th then it is the sighting of the new moon at sunset on June 5th that marks the official start.
Are there exceptions to the rules?
There are exceptions to fasting rules such as the aged, sick, pregnant women, travellers, etc.
Some branches of Islam demand payment of a fine or a penance, such as feeding the poor, for breaking the fast whilst other branches do not. In some branches of Islam travellers may voluntarily choose to continue fasting whilst other branches forbid fasting whilst travelling.
When does Fasting take place?
Most agree that the times of fasting are from Sunrise to Sunset. Others use Dawn and Dusk. The latter could cause serious health problems for those who live at latitude 48.5 or greater. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight for an explanation.
How does Ramadan affect QR?
QR adheres to the rules of Ramadan as required by the State of Qatar.
Food is always available inside the airport and on all flights. This is because of the traveller rules.
Non alcoholic drinks are always available both in the airport and on all flights.
Alcohol is NOT available at Hamad International Airport either inside or outside the airport buildings, even at the Airport hotel. Nor is it available on most regional flights. On all other flights from DOH alcohol is available after departure. The cabin crew decide when departure is. For some it is closing the doors, others pushback and yet others after take-off. Where alcohol is permitted on the flight then pre departure alcoholic drinks will normally be served on flights to DOH. There may be exceptions.
In every respect, other than alcohol, service is unchanged throughout QR.
Duty free alcohol is available at QDF. But there may be restrictions such as delivery to the aircraft door.
How does Ramadan affect Qatar?
If you leave the airport during Ramadan please remember
1) the sale and public consumption of Alcohol is banned by law during Ramadan. In several, but not all, hotels alcohol may be obtained by residents from room service.
2) It is extremely offensive, and in some Muslim countries, including Qatar, a criminal offence, to be seen eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public during the period of fasting.
Want to know more?
If you want more information thenhttp://marhaba.qa/ramadan-dos-and-donts-in-qatar/ is specific to Qatar. If you are also interested in health issues then https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/...hy_fasting.pdf is worth looking at, not only for health issues.
Thanks are due to IAN-UK, Lobengula, RUN4FUN, sharp5flat9, VH-RMD and others for help in making this as accurate as possible.
Last edited by remdk; Apr 25, 2016 at 8:22 am Reason: Alcohol on flights to DOH added
Apr 3, 2016, 8:50 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Abu Dhabi
Programs: BA Gold/OWE
Posts: 531
Smoking is also disallowed in public during daylight hours, but I don't believe this affects the airport. I'm sure I would have remembered from last year if that were the case !
Other than the above restrictions, Ramadan is quite a joyous and spiritual time. Like western Xmas and Easter, it is terribly commercialised ... the decorations (and sales promotions) seem to go up earlier every year
If you're visiting the region, try to visit an 'iftar' buffet dinner. This is fast-breaking meal after sunset and tends to be lavish.
Other than the above restrictions, Ramadan is quite a joyous and spiritual time. Like western Xmas and Easter, it is terribly commercialised ... the decorations (and sales promotions) seem to go up earlier every year
If you're visiting the region, try to visit an 'iftar' buffet dinner. This is fast-breaking meal after sunset and tends to be lavish.
Apr 3, 2016, 10:08 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 842
Thanks remdk, very informative and useful post and more complete than just looking at alcohol in ramadan as you address practices and food. Hope the thread stays up to avoid a lot of individual ramadan threads.
QR should serve Vimto as a preflight drink during Ramadan 
Apr 3, 2016, 12:26 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: MAN,TLV
Programs: Silver:BA,VX,AB, QF. Gold:A3,RJ,AZ,GF, EY,SPG,Marriott,Choice, Carlson. Dia/Plat:HH,IHG,BW,Accor
Posts: 1,965
Apr 3, 2016, 1:55 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold (and other non-status plastic)
Posts: 1,889
Hi, is the first day of Ramadan fixed at 6 June, or does it depend on whether the moon has been sighted etc? At least some calendars say it'll be 7 June. And does it start at midnight or sunrise?
(Vested interest, because I have a long layover in DOH in the early hours of 6 June...)
(Vested interest, because I have a long layover in DOH in the early hours of 6 June...)
Apr 3, 2016, 3:05 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,944
kt74 because this planet we live on wobbles slightly in its orbit the start of Ramadan can vary slightly. According to several websites Ramadan starts at sunset prior to the new moon being sighted. I am no expert on this so I hope others can give you, and I, more precise details.
Apr 3, 2016, 3:19 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Abu Dhabi
Programs: BA Gold/OWE
Posts: 531
The Islamic (hijri) calendar is lunar so it does depend on the sighting of the new moon. I believe the sighting is done at sunset and that the holy month begins the following day. Some countries do their own sightings (e.g. UAE), other rely upon regional observations or from Makkah. The sighting must be visual rather than calculated.
I have no clue how that determines when they lock the booze away. Midnight would be logical, but this is QR and HIA we are talking about
I have no clue how that determines when they lock the booze away. Midnight would be logical, but this is QR and HIA we are talking about
Apr 4, 2016, 1:40 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Norway
Programs: EBS, EY Gold Eite, EK Gold, QR Platinum, Accor Gold
Posts: 476
kt74 because this planet we live on wobbles slightly in its orbit the start of Ramadan can vary slightly. According to several websites Ramadan starts at sunset prior to the new moon being sighted. I am no expert on this so I hope others can give you, and I, more precise details.
And each year the committee publicly encourages anyone who sees the crescent to head to Awqaf’s headquarters in Dafna to testify the sighting. And if/when the new moon is spotted, the following day will be the first day of fasting.
So your last drop of Krug will probably have to pass your palate before dawn. And my qatari friend here tells me that dawn is when the sun have climbed to 18 degrees below the horizon.
One more thing. Chewing gum in public is also forbidden during fast.
Last edited by RUN4FUN; Apr 4, 2016 at 1:46 pm
Apr 4, 2016, 3:07 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,944
Is the period of fasting during Ramadan from dawn to dusk or from sunrise to sunset? There can be quite a difference.
This year the Summer Solstice falls in Ramadan. This raises a number of interesting questions.
Far to the inhabited North there are several days when the sun never sets- Are there rules to deal with this since fasting 24/7 could be dangerous?
If it is Dawn to dusk how does the fact that for an even larger area of the Northern hemisphere the sun never falls below 18 degrees under the horizon. In Copenhagen it is 5 May to 8 August in Oslo even longer and even Paris is supposed to have a single 'Light night', as these nights are usually known.
It is reversed in the Southern hemisphere of course.
I ask these questions about Ramadan because I am curious as to possible health issues.
This year the Summer Solstice falls in Ramadan. This raises a number of interesting questions.
Far to the inhabited North there are several days when the sun never sets- Are there rules to deal with this since fasting 24/7 could be dangerous?
If it is Dawn to dusk how does the fact that for an even larger area of the Northern hemisphere the sun never falls below 18 degrees under the horizon. In Copenhagen it is 5 May to 8 August in Oslo even longer and even Paris is supposed to have a single 'Light night', as these nights are usually known.
It is reversed in the Southern hemisphere of course.
I ask these questions about Ramadan because I am curious as to possible health issues.
Apr 5, 2016, 12:14 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
Alcohol is NOT available inside or outside the airport buildings.
1. There will be no alcohol available via room service in the airport hotel?
2. There will be no alcohol for sale in duty free?
TIA
Apr 5, 2016, 12:43 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
You might find this initiative of interest: https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/...hy_fasting.pdf