Naeem's Blog

I’ve been pondering whether to write one long post on celebrating Ramadan in Riyadh or a few scattered posts. I think I’ll go with the latter as there are so many things to write about.

Anyways, here’s the first installment of RinR – The Arrival.

Having been raised in America all my life, I had never before been exposed to Ramadan in a Muslim society. Ramadan had always been a quiet affair. My parents weren’t one to openly celebrate it so we never really ‘felt’ that it was a special time of year. And of course, nothing in American society ever reflected that the month of fasting had arrived.

But we sure knew when Christmas was coming. If the Xmas lights adorning half the neighborhood didn’t give it away, the annual Xmas cartoon specials surely did.

So you can imagine how refreshing it’s been to be in a Muslim environment come Ramadan. The first thing one notices is the build-up to Ramadan’s arrival.

Your heart skips a beat when you see the crews putting up the bright lights and various ornaments on the major streets of Riyadh (especially for me, coming from a Muslim community where they considered putting up lights to celebrate Eid an imitation of the Kuffar).

You feel giddy walking into the grocery store and seeing “Ramadan Sale” printed all over their flyers. The same grocery stores have also erected nicely decorated stands to sell Ramadan-specific foods.

Newspapers have begun running articles about Ramadan.

Restaurants have signs advertising that they’ll be open for Iftaar.

Another reminder that Ramadan is almost here - a week or so before Ramadan, you’ll start to see tents going up next to many of the Masjids. The tents are arranged by the local communities to house nightly dinners for anyone who wishes to break their fast. A gesture I find very reflective of the spirit of Ramadan taught to us by our Prophet (saw).

The buzz of Ramadan is in the air and it feels good.

Since moving to Riyadh, it’s the small things, such as the Ramadan ambiance that I’m really starting to appreciate. And it means so much more to see my children able to participate in this celebration and get excited about the arrival of Ramadan.

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Ramadan in Riyadh (RinR) - The Arrival
RinR - The Saudi Schedule Shift
RinR - Iftar Time
RinR - Tarawih prayers