Asia: Muslims to observe Ramadan in multiple parts of Asia April 13-May 13

Event

Muslims throughout Asia will observe the holy month of Ramadan, April 13 through May 13. Ramadan begins with the first sighting of the crescent moon; as such, start and end dates may vary by one to two days in different countries, depending on the findings of local Islamic authorities. The impact of Ramadan on government and business operations is likely to be more pronounced in predominantly Muslim countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, the Maldives, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Measures introduced by countries to halt the spread of the COVID-19, such as domestic and international travel restrictions, movement controls, business closures, and limitations on public gatherings, are all likely to impact festivities in most locations this year.

Eid al-Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast) will occur at the end of Ramadan, on or around May 12. Celebrations may last one to seven days. Businesses, government offices, foreign embassies, banks, and schools will likely close for Eid al-Fitr in many countries. Significant air, road, rail, and maritime travel disruptions are possible during the holiday period.

An upsurge in militancy is possible in areas with active insurgencies, including Afghanistan, western Pakistan, southern Thailand, the Kashmir Valley, and Muslim-populated areas of the southern Philippines. The Bangladeshi capital Dhaka saw its worst terrorist incident in recent years during the 2016 Ramadan period. Authorities will likely deploy additional security personnel near sensitive locations and in any areas that experience significant unrest.

Security incidents could transpire in Muslim-majority areas if groups hold protests to condemn COVID-19-related restrictions on religious congregations. Other areas with elevated security threats during Ramadan include Uighur Muslim-populated areas of western China and states in India with a significant Muslim population. Clashes between Hindus and Muslims in India during Ramadan are typically over incidents involving the actual or alleged slaughter of cows in states where such activities are illegal. Hardline Muslims may try to forcibly close restaurants and other businesses that are perceived to violate Ramadan ordinances and promote activity they deem to be "un-Islamic" in some areas. Such incidents have resulted in violence in the past, primarily in Indonesia, Pakistan, and southern Thailand. Although street crime may decrease in many areas during Ramadan, a spike in theft, burglary, and other crimes of opportunity is possible in commercial districts.

Potential Terrorism and/or Sectarian Problem Areas

• Afghanistan

• Pakistan

• Bangladesh

• India: Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh

• Thailand: Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkhla

• Indonesia: Jakarta, Maluku, Central Sulawesi, Papua

• Philippines: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Zamboanga City

• China: Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Xi'an, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region

Context

Most observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan; large meals are consumed after sunset and before sunrise. Typically, many restaurants close during daylight hours in predominantly Muslim countries. Eateries in major hotels that cater to non-Muslims are usually open for business.

Advice

Remain respectful of Islamic traditions; do not eat or drink in the presence of Muslims during the daytime. Consider limiting exposure to possible militant target sites such as marketplaces, government buildings, and places of worship. Do not discuss sensitive political or religious matters in public.