Home Arrow News Arrow Kuwait Ramadan - A Journey of Spiritual Growth and Unity

Kuwait Ramadan - A Journey of Spiritual Growth and Unity

By Stella Tessa

Muslims around the world embrace Ramadan as a holy month, and Kuwait is no exception. Muslims in Kuwait view this month as a chance for spiritual development, introspection, and for fortifying one's relationship with God. Through mealtime gatherings and charitable endeavors, the month also offers an opportunity to strengthen neighborhood ties.

Here are the dates, a calendar, and a guide to Kuwait Ramadan in 2023 as we get ready to welcome the holiest of months.

When is Ramadan in 2023?

Since they are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, the Ramadan dates are subject to change every year. The 30-day fasting period called Ramadan is anticipated to last from the evening of Thursday, April 20, to the evening of Friday, May 19, in 2023.

Ramadan Tradition in Kuwait

Muslims in Kuwait observe Ramadan, a major month in the Islamic calendar, with tremendous devotion and excitement. Islam's sacred scripture, the Quran, is recited aloud by Muslims in Kuwait during this month of voluntary prayer. The importance of charity during the event is also widely recognized in Kuwait, where Muslims are renowned for their generosity. It is common for people to give money, food, and clothing to the less fortunate, and it is regarded as an act of goodness.

Ramadan lantern lit during Ramadan time

Ramadan lantern lit during Ramadan time

An entire month is dedicated to fasting, reflection, and spiritual development during the festival. It provides a chance for Muslims in Kuwait to strengthen their faith, engage with their community, and develop self-control. Families often join together throughout Ramadan for iftar, the twilight meal that breaks fasts. To share with their loved ones and neighbors, many families often make delectable traditional foods like lamb stew, dates, and pastries.

The festival is observed in Kuwait not just via religious rituals but also through cultural customs. A festive ambiance is created in Kuwait City during the spiritual event by the use of colorful lighting and decorations. Businesses frequently reduce the number of hours employees work throughout the month so that workers may spend more time with their family and engage in religious activities.

Suhoor, or the evening meal, constitutes one of Kuwait's most important Ramadan customs. Muslims get up early in the morning to eat a meal before dawn and then begin their daily fast. Suhoor is a crucial meal since it gives you the energy and sustenance you need for the day. Typically, people consume light meals like oatmeal, yogurt, and fresh fruit.

Another Ramadan tradition in Kuwait is the Taraweeh prayer, which is a specific prayer recited every night of the month. Muslims get together to enhance their connection to one another and to Allah during the Taraweeh prayer, which is typically offered in congregations at mosques.

As the month draws to an end, the festivities are capped off by Eid al-Fitr, a three-day festival that signifies the end of Ramadan. On this day, Muslims in Kuwait dress to the nines, go to the mosque for prayers, and celebrate with loved ones. Giving gifts and distributing meals to people in need are also common throughout this season.

Fasting in Kuwait During Ramadan

Due of the heat and dry weather, fasting during Ramadan might be difficult in Kuwait. Muslims must refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, which can last up to 15 hours in Kuwait in the summer. Muslims in Kuwait observe the fast with great dedication, despite the difficulties, and it is said to be a method for them to deepen their spirituality and faith.

Muslim woman praying while eating with his family during Ramadan

Muslim woman praying while eating with his family during Ramadan

Ramadan Foods Traditions in Kuwait

During the event, food plays a big part, and Kuwaiti Muslims have their own special traditional dishes that they enjoy during this month. One of the most common dishes served is matchboos, a rice dish with pork or chicken that is spiced with saffron. Thareed -  a bread and meat stew, and Gaimat -  a sweet fried dough ball, are both traditional dishes. Dates are also an essential part of the Ramadan diet in Kuwait and are usually eaten to break the fast.

Bahraini dining table in Ramadan with Ramadan decoration 

Bahraini dining table in Ramadan with Ramadan decoration 

Ramadan Blessings in Kuwait

Muslims in Kuwait believe that the benefits for good activities carried out during the period are made even greater because it is a whole month of blessings. It is an opportunity for introspection, growth, and fostering a closer bond with God. Many Muslims in Kuwait use this month to settle any disputes or misunderstandings, as it is also a time for forgiveness and reconciliation.  For Muslims, Ramadan is a chance to deepen their ties to their loved ones and social circles. Families frequently gather to break their fasts and enjoy meals in Kuwait.

Ramadan working hours in Kuwait

Regarding the working hours while Kuwait Ramadan 2023, there has been no official statement released. It is expected that the working hours during this time will be from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, based on observations from last year.

Employees from both the public and private sectors often have their workdays cut back by a few hours during the holy month of Ramadan. When employees skip their lunch break, many businesses in the area give them an extra hour off. Some companies provide additional options for their employees, such as working remotely from home or extending work hours past iftar, the meal that marks the end of daily fasting, in order to complete tasks.

A Guide to Observing Ramadan in Kuwait

During Kuwait Ramadan, there are specific rules and customs that both Muslims and non-Muslims must follow. 

  1. It should be remembered that individuals who are not fasting are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day. It is against the law to break this rule, and offenders risk legal repercussions like a $100 fine or a month in jail. Additionally, it's important to refrain from playing loud music and giving someone of the opposite sex public displays of affection like kissing or hugging. It is also advised not to dress poorly because it is viewed as disrespectful to the holy month and people who are fasting.
  2. To accommodate their workers who are fasting, businesses in Kuwait change their opening hours during the occasion. For employees to respect their religious rituals, most shops, offices, and other businesses open later than usual and close earlier than usual. Non-Muslims must be aware of these changes and adapt their schedules accordingly.
  3. Ramadan is about more than just following the rules; it is also about participating in customs and traditions. Muslims in Kuwait offer voluntary prayers, read verses from the Quran, and show kindness by giving food, clothing, and money to those in need. During the iftar meal, which is served at sunset and is when families get together to break their fast, traditional foods like lamb stew, dates, and desserts are prepared.

Palestinians at Eid Al Fitr prayers marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan

Palestinians at Eid Al Fitr prayers marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan

As the month of Ramadan approaches, many Muslims around the world look forward to the spiritual and cultural celebrations that come with it. For those who plan to observe Kuwait Ramadan, it is important to keep in mind the rules and customs associated with the holy month, as well as the practical considerations of travel.

One of the key requirements for traveling to Kuwait is obtaining a visa. To make the process smoother and save time and money, visitors can apply for their visa and travel health insurance on the website of Kuwait Immigration Services. This will allow them to focus on the festivities and spiritual practices of Ramadan without worrying about bureaucratic hassles.

Following the laws is only one aspect of its observance in Kuwait; one must also take part in the cultural and spiritual customs that make this period of time so unique. The celebrations provide an opportunity for everyone of all religions to come together and share in the spirit of togetherness and giving through volunteer prayers, charitable deeds, and breaking fasts with customary foods.

If you're considering visiting Kuwait, obtaining an e-visa is both convenient and cost-effective. With the assistance of Kuwait Immigration Services, our experts will assist you to complete the Kuwait e-visa requirements as well as the processing. Discover the wonders of Kuwait by applying for a Kuwait e-visa today and exploring this captivating country.

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