A typically busy street in the west side of Amman is empty and quiet in the mornings during Ramadan. Work hours in many businesses often differ during the month to help accommodate for fasting during the day and gathering with family and friends at night.

Many restaurants and other businesses are closed during the day because of fasting. Some even make renovations and updates to their buildings during the month of Ramadan.

Sunset, known as “Meghrib” in the Arab world, is a much anticipated time as families and friends gather to break fast at the end of the day. This meal is called “Iftar,” and the celebration can last late into the night.

A date, known as “tamir,” is traditionally the first food eaten to break fast after sunset.  It is said that the prophet Muhammad broke his fast in the same way.

Much like Christmas lights in the U.S. to celebrate the season, many houses and businesses will decorate their buildings during Ramadan. The twinkling lights illuminate the streets at night while people are still out--often until very early in the morning.

The mosques all around town will call for prayer five times per day. Known as “The Adhan,” the first call to prayer at daybreak signals the beginning of fasting hours, and the fourth call at sunset signals the end.  The mosques are typically the most full for the fifth and final prayer time after the people have broken fast in their homes or out at restaurants.