Why do Muslims fast in the Month of Ramadan?

 

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan has arrived and the Muslims around the world are making preparations for it. Why do Muslims wake up in the early hours to do seher (meals before fajr) and why do they wait until sunset to break their fast. Nearly 2 billion Muslims in the world believe Ramadan is the holiest month in the year. It is a month in which the holy book of Islam, Qur’an, was revealed to the Holy Prophet (saw).

In Hijri calendar or Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle, Ramadan is the ninth month that commenced in 622 AD when Holy Prophet (saw) migrated from Mecca to Medina.

All this month, Muslims do not eat or drink from fajr to Maghrib (dawn to dusk). One of the five pillars of Islam is fasting. The other pillars of Islam are the shahadah (which is the declaration of faith), salat or namaz (the five daily prayers), zakat (charity or almsgiving), and Hajj the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Fasting gives Muslims an understanding of how poor and less privileged feel. They also constantly fight against to their lower self which is nothing but the selfish desires. The fasting is considered to increase patience, generosity towards others and closeness to Allah (SWT).

The Ramadan is also a time of gathering in communities. The Muslims invite their neighbors, relatives and friends to eat together at iftar (evening meal). They also recite special Tarawih prayers in jamaat (congregation). They give importance to reciting the Qur’an more often.

According to Islamic teachings, Healthy Muslim men and women are required to fast during the month. People who were unable to fast during Ramadan due to illness can make up the missed fasts later. But if a person is not in a condition to fast at all, specifically on health reasons, then he/she may compensate by feeding a needy person for each day they do not fast.

Scientists have discovered that short periods of fasting improves immune system and if controlled properly can have a number of health benefits, and potentially it also help overweight people.

The fasting helps in providing the human body right proportion of carbohydrates, fat and protein and it is advisable to restrain away from oily feasts just after breaking the fast. As a matter of fact it may lead to gaining weight.

During the fasting process, the body utilizes glucose and then slowly starts to burn fat, thus helping in losing weight. With prolonged fasting, for many days and months, the body will set out to use protein for energy. But fasting is not just staying away from food and drink, it is basically fighting with our ego and to understand the favors bestowed upon us by Allah Almighty.

At the end of the month, the festival of Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims worldwide is known as Eid al-Fitr. It falls on the first day of the new Islamic month of Shawwal and it is strictly forbidden to fast on this day. Because all those who fasted are rewarded by Allah (SWT) on this day, the angels call it the day of prize giving. The Muslims rejoice and greet each other with Eid Mubarak.

It is Islamic tradition to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with delicious sweet breakfast, and to give charity to needy people before going to Eid prayers. It is also important to attend the Eid prayers in congregation. Muslims celebrate the day of Eid by wearing new or clean clothes, giving gifts, and visiting relatives, friends and family.

 

Source: http://blog.daleeli.com/why-do-muslims-fast-in-the-month-of-ramadan/

A City Guide to Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Al Khobar is a metropolitan city, situated in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on the coast of the Persian Gulf. With a population of 941,478 as of 2012 census, it is one of the largest cities in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Al Khobar is a part of the Dammam metropolitan area along with Dammam and Dhahran, which together forms the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Saudi Arabia having an estimated combined population of over Four million as of 2012.

In earlier days, Khobar was a tiny port on the Persian Gulf coast, a fishing village inhabited chiefly by Al Dosary tribe members. The city got transformed into a major commercial and shopping center and an industrial port with the discovery of oil in the year 1930. Nowadays, most of the commercial shipping activities in the Eastern Province are under the authority of larger port of Dammam. The oil gets exported to all foreign countries by the dedicated Saudi Aramco port of Ras Tanura. Khobar has extended and transformed its water front along the Persian Gulf into a scenic Corniche with parks, family beaches and eateries, hence making it one of the most iconic features of the city.

The most popular activity in the southern town of Khobar is riding ATVs near the coastline of Arabian Gulf. The tourist as well as the locals enjoy running up and down the sand dunes or along the coastal line in an ATV at 40 km per hour. You can take ATVs on rent from the locals. Prices may differ depending on the operator and the quality and size of the ATVs.  Usually, 80 to 120 Riyal per hour is considered a fair deal.

The Half-Moon Bay situated in the southern coastal area of Khobar also has numerous beaches. Throughout this area, the water is incredibly shallow and lukewarm. To escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, most of the beaches have clean sand and are large enough for a perfect family outing.

The Rashid Mall and The Mall of Dhahran are Khobar's two largest malls and are comparable to those present in western countries. Both the Malls offer plenty of stores and ample food halls with well-known outlets as well as Middle Eastern specialists and versions. For those with families, both of these malls have amusement parks. When visiting these malls it is necessary to watch out for family and females only areas.

The traditional meal here is Chicken Shawaya which is fundamentally chicken and rice, again a combination that is very popular worldwide. Other Fun place in Khobar is Golf World, a pleasant place to enjoy playing Golf along with your companions. It has four screen golf rooms as well as a three Cushion Billiard table. 

The downtown area near the waterfront is highly-developed and modernized with plenty of brand stores, Western eateries, coffee shops and retailers. It is a busy area with magnificent local food and nice buys on merchandise though quality may differ. Most of the restaurants downtown will cater specially to Westerners. Prices may vary, but tend to be reasonable - it is often feasible to have an amazing dinner downtown at a cafe providing different varieties of cuisine ranging from lamb, beef liver, chicken, rice, bread, falafel, veggies and more at a price of only $10 USD for four people.

Source: http://blog.daleeli.com/a-city-guide-to-al-khobar-saudi-arabia/

Hotels in Saudi Arabia- Enjoy your Stay with World Class Service

Saudi Arabia is known for its Hospitality. No other country has refined its national hospitality industry than the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a home to the world’s largest hotel brands and continues to attract newer opportunities due to its continuous growth in the Hospitality sector.

Saudi Arabia has a rich culture, heritage and natural beauty which a lot of people are unaware of. It’s a country with many beautiful Oasis and dramatic Mountain Tops. Taif, a city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is famous for its scenic beauty and variety of fruits that attracts a lot of people from different parts of the Gulf region making one of the favorite holiday destinations amongst the locals.

There are then the top 3 cosmopolitan cities in the region. Riyadh, the Capital of the Kingdom; Jeddah, the Red Sea Port and Dammam, the largest city in the eastern region of the Kingdom. All these major cities are home to top of the line cafes, restaurants, shopping malls and glittering souks. Hotels in these regions are coming up at a rapid pace and are offering top of the notch quality services.

Saudi Arabia is a place of wonders.  There are different activities that you can enjoy in different regions of the country.  To experience an extra ordinary adventure trip, Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer. There are deserts in Saudi Arabia where one can have a life time experience. One can explore the red sea coast to experience the underwater activities like scuba diving, boat rides and Jet Ski tours.  A lot of Hotel & resorts on the coastal side offer you these breathtaking experiences.

There is a lot to discover in the cities as a lot of them boast of typical Arab Architecture and picturesque buildings.  One can literally feel the amazing heritage and the rich culture running through the cities. This charm has attracted more and more tourists to this part of the world. Add to this, the hospitality of Saudi Arabia and it becomes one of the must visit destinations as you are for sure going to have life time memories of the visit to Saudi Arabia.

Most of the Hotels are pleased to welcome you and make your stay an unforgettable experience. Most of the hotels take pride in offering you the best services and attend to your entire requirement during your stay with them. They make you enjoy a typical Arabian experience by offering their various activities which are a part of the stay package. The Camel Rides to scuba diving expeditions- to old town strolls to souk tours delight the customers to the fullest. 

Visit Saudi Arabia and you get charmed by its people and the warm Arab Hospitality. Be it a fun vacation or a religious pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia is surely one of the best locations to have the best of memories.

Source: http://blog.daleeli.com/hotels-in-saudi-arabia-enjoy-your-stay-with-world-class-service/