51% want to spend Ramadan in quiet prayer

As airlines slash fares, hotels and other businesses stage numerous iftars and retailers target shoppers with special deals, an Arabian Business poll has suggested that Muslims in the Gulf region are more interested in the quiet life during Ramadan.

A majority of our readers are seemingly not interested in travelling abroad or splashing out on good at their local shopping mall.

Instead they are more interested in the traditional sense of the holy month - using the month of September in quiet prayer and reflection.

Our online poll revealed that 51 percent of respondents were planning to spend Ramadan in this way.

A further 16 percent saw the holy month as an opportunity to spend less time at work and more time with their family members.

While shopping is a long-held passion among many Gulf residents, just eight percent of respondents said they would take the opportunity to spend more time at the malls and socialising at events such as evening iftars.

This could be bad news for retailers in the region who traditionally extend opening hours at night in a bid to attract more Muslim customers.

However, there is better news for local TV broadcasters as 25 percent of those who took part in our poll said they would spend a lot more time in front of their televisions during Ramadan.

It is a competitive time for TV companies who look to cash in on the fact that Muslims spend more time at home during the holy month.

Special programming schedules are put together in a bid to boost ratings although, as Arabian Business reported last month, MTV Arabia has taken the decision to remove all music videos from its programmes in respect of Ramadan.

For more news about the holy month, visit our Ramadan Special Report.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Abdalla Khadar
Posted by Sinan on Sunday 7 September 2008 at 18:00 UAE time

I agree with what you said, who listens!!! Even if they think of their brothers and sisters, it may be only during Ramadan. After that, it will be back to their lavish lifestyles of Fast cars, European Women, Johnny Walker, Gold Watches, Penthouses, etc. Look at how many international designers are going there to exploit this market. Even Versace is building Properties there, for this Gullible market. Do you ever hear of Charities moving to Dubai!!

This year the Ruler is helping with eye care in many developing countries, which is very commendable. It takes one man in position to start and the rest will follow!

Ramadan Kareem
Posted by Abdallah Khadar, Washington, DC, USA on Sunday 7 September 2008 at 08:57 UAE time


I have not visited Dubai but I hear it is a beautiful place: but brothers and sisters in the Arab world do not forget your brothers and sisters in Africa and other less fortunate populace of the world. Support projects that directly benefit the real people and not through their crooked governments.
I have said before and will say it again, a "soup" kitchen to feed the hungry, can be held every Friday after Juma'a prayers in Sierra Leone for peanuts. Support this project and Allah will reward you mightly. Jazaka kheir.

Mashallah!!
Posted by Sinan, Sinan on Friday 5 September 2008 at 23:49 UAE time


After a long time I have started fasting again!! Yes, Shame on me!!

The peace that I am experiencing in prayer and silence is hard to describe. It is also a time for reflection of our behavior and to get our priorities right. For a long time everything has been about me, now is the time for them, whether it be homeless and destitute in North America, Middle East, Asia or Africa. Look around you there is war going on everywhere, people are suffering. Let us stop being couch potatoes and do something.

As I get older I do not want more STUFF, I realize now that my ego is not the most important thing.

Watching television, sure, but the right programe and Thank God you are safe, have food, shelter and family.

As I get older, I am asking the question, what am I going to answer my Maker, when He asks me, What did you give back!

It is wonderful, that more of my brothers and sisters are spending time in quiet prayer.

I wish you all Ramadan Kareem.

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