Asia: Muslims to observe Ramadan March 23-April 21

Event

Muslims throughout Asia will observe the holy month of Ramadan, March 23-April 21. 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. Government offices and private businesses typically operate on amended schedules in predominantly Muslim countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, the Maldives, Malaysia, and Pakistan.

Eid al-Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast) will occur at the end of Ramadan, on or around April 21. 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 holidays.

An upsurge in violence is possible in areas with active militant groups, including Afghanistan, western Pakistan, southern Thailand, the Kashmir Valley, and Muslim-populated areas of the southern Philippines. Authorities will likely deploy additional security personnel near sensitive locations and in any areas that experience significant unrest.

Other areas with elevated security threats during Ramadan include Uighur Muslim-populated areas of western China and states in India with significant Muslim populations. 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, and 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. Many restaurants typically 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.