Rahmadhan Fasting Month

Medan City

The Month of Ramadhan in Medan

There are several things that travelers need to be aware during the fasting month when traveling to Muslim countries including Medan Indonesia.

Ramadan, the fasting month, is an event of great importance to the Indonesian and the world’s Muslim community. Being one of the five pillars of Islam, observance of the fasting month is the priority in the devout Muslim’s life during this month. Fasting involves a change in the daily routine of the Muslim faithful and represents an expression of their deep belief to God.

Many Indonesians feel that the month of Rahmadan gives them a chance to test and develop their inner, spiritual selves. The fasting regimen is rigorous. No drinking, eating or smoking is allowed after the first prayer in the morning until the opening of the fast in the evening.

Prayer times change based on sunset and sunrise, so the exact timing is quite different every day. The morning prayer usually comes around 4.30 AM. Before this time, every Muslim family must rise and consume the last food or drink that they will have for the next fourteen hours.

The opening of the fast, or Buka Puasa, occurs around 6.00 PM in the evening. At this time, all fasting Muslims will break the fast by drinking, eating and attending prayers. Expect restaurants to be more busy than usual especially those that are serving Indonesian cousine as many families may not cook for this breaking fast period.

During this time, you may noticed that some restaurants may be closed or are opening discretely with curtains covering up windows of restaurants during the fasting time. This is a sign of respect for those who are fasting.

You can see an example of a picture taken at www.MedanKu.com where restaurants have prepared curtains to cover up the windows including fast food chains for Rahmadhan.

Other ways visitors should be aware a sign of respect are

* Be discreet when consuming food. Do not to eat or drink in public places except for food outlets.
* Be observant and do not offer food or drink during the fasting hours to those who are fasting.
* Be respectful and do not showcase your own food or drinks in public.
* Be empathetic and tolerant as you may find energy levels of those who are fasting to be low that may affect service levels and lower performance.

Medan may not be known by many international travelers. It is the third largest city in Indonesia and is famous for having the largest crater volcanic lake in the world known as Medan Lake Toba

For more information about Medan Indonesia please visit www.MedanKu.com - The Pride of Medan Indonesia - Travel & Living website for travelers.

Other resources for your budget vacations can be found at www.VacationSpotsIdeas.com