The Islamic world gets ready for a month of devotion and spirituality as the crescent moon announces the coming of Ramadan. There is a tangible sense of excitement in Pakistan as they get ready for the holy month. During the holy month, however, the tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai offers its inhabitants a unique experience.
Duration of the Holy Month of Ramadan in the World:
The duration of the daily fast varies globally due to variances in daylight hours. Muslims who live near the poles experience extremely long or very short days; yet, in countries such as Pakistan, the fasting times resemble regular days in certain ways. Suhoor and Iftar timings have historically been determined by the position of the sun. Nonetheless, this can result in various fasting periods within the same building in tall buildings like the Burj Khalifa!
The Fatwa Issued:
The situation is a little complicated by the building’s enormous height. Grand Mufti Dr. Ahmed Al Haddad of the Islamic Affairs Department in Dubai recently gave citizens living on the 80th level advice to postpone their fast timings by two minutes. In addition, he has suggested that residents who live on the 150th level and higher postpone their fast timings by duration of three minutes.
Residents of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, will feel something different as a result of this restriction, as their fasting times are spaced apart. The fatwa has raised awareness of the junction between contemporary life and religious devotion and generated curiosity and laughter. It serves as a reminder of how flexible Islamic customs can be in a variety of situations.
Imagine for a moment that you are a food rider climbing the Burj Khalifa during Iftar hours, only to discover that your fast technically increases with each floor, bringing a humorous element to the solemnity of Ramadan.
In Pakistan, we are reminded of the diversity and togetherness of the Islamic world when we mark Ramadan. The Ramadan fasting schedule of the Burj Khalifa is proof of the festival’s global expansion, physically reaching “new heights” and surpassing national boundaries!Â
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