During Ramadan, observant Muslims not only abstain from food, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk. Throughout Ramadan, there is an emphasis on communal values: people will invite guests to 'breakfast' (
iftar
) with them (at the time of the sunset
'
maghreb
'
call to prayer and give alms to charity.
As Kuwait is an Islamic country, and Ramadan is important both to Muslims' religion and culture, it is imperative to behave appropriately. The following issues should be borne in mind:
-
Do
not
eat, drink or smoke
in public view during daytime (including in your car)
. This is illegal and can get you arrested. Pregnant and nursing women, and young children are exempt from eating and drinking, but discretion should be exercised.
-
Avoid meeting Muslims in areas where people will be eating and do not offer them refreshments.
-
Be aware that increased numbers of people will gather at mosques on Friday and after sundown.
-
Eating and drinking establishments will be closed during daylight hours.
Please plan accordingly.
-
Appropriate Dressing
. Do not wear revealing, tight or short clothes.
Non- fasting people should strictly observe Kuwaiti Law No. 24(1968) which prohibits eating, drinking or smoking in public during Ramadan fasting hours.
The Law stipulates the following:
Section One: A penalty of not more than one month detention and KD 100 fine (or either of these penalties) will be imposed on:
1.
Anyone who publicly eats drinks or smokes during Ramadan fasting hours.
2. Anyone who forces, helps or induces such public display, with the possibility of closure of any public store facility used for such purpose for not more than 2 months
Section Two: The Minister of Interior has the authority to close down any public store/facility, as he deems necessary, to enforce the above law. Any store manager/owner who breaks this law shall be punished as stated above.