If you're wondering how you're going to stay cool through a sizzling peak summer Middle East Ramadan, set to start this week, avert your eyes from the sun, and cast them over this guide to chilling out in Ramadan 2012 and keeping it a nice-ice Ramadan! The media and weather experts have billed this Ramadan the hottest in 33 years, which has got people sweating with apprehension at the thought of fasting lengthy summer days in the Arab world. But that won't put off the region's steadfast Muslims from embraching their holy month.
Some Gulf states have issued a health warning to the masses who will be fasting through these hot times as temperatures could scrape 50 degrees Celsius. The holy month is predicted - for only the third time since the 1970s - to fall during the peak hottest months of the year. Reports forecast Ramadan will witness the highest temperatures in countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. Health ministries are launching awareness campaigns of the risk of suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, particularly geared at laborers who spend a bulk of time outdoors under the sun.
Given our Middle East playing field known for its hot Summers, the need to search for new or indeed age-old methods to ease the hardship of fasting for Muslims is imperative.
Al Bawaba's tips to making it a more 'chill'
Ramadan include turning preconceptions on their head and offering up strategies to lessen the discomfort that comes from the longer fast on those summer days. If you think water is the answer (after break of fast) think again. But there are ways to exploit water that might not have occured to you, short of consuming the coveted stuff of desert mirages.
Find out or confirm your knowledge of Ramadan's very own cooler drinks that come complete with health and thirst-quenching benefits.
It turns out that some of the most traditional customs associated with Ramadan fares and treats include tried and tested methods of keeping cool, healthy and hydrated. Muslims from the region historically have passed down recipes and habits that offer relief from thirst and intense native sun.
So keep it holy while cool, for all you fasting Muslims, and Happy Ramadan!
Share your thoughts on fasting Ramadan 2012 - any other tips for staying cool and focused this hot hot Ramadan?