Experiencing Ramadaan in the Gulf is awesome
RAMADAAN has started around the world, and experiencing the Islamic holy month of fasting in a Muslim country is, in a word, awesome. Qatari society is geared towards making things easier for those who are fasting, although the fringe benefits can be enjoyed by all. For example, the working day is shorter during Ramadaan. Qatari law states that employees cannot work longer than six hours a day, and it applies whether you’re fasting or not. It’s definitely a far cry from the days back in South Africa when I would often have to break my fast while still at work. It wasn’t ideal, but it also wasn’t something you railed against. It was simply part of life in a secular state.
While your initial reaction as an expat Muslim to fasting in the Gulf might be to dismiss the unique conditions and claim to not need special treatment, soon you learn to appreciate the wonderful opportunity being presented. Entering my eighth Ramadaan in Doha, I know I certainly do.
Most government bodies, public institutions and ministries opt for five-hour days. Productivity tends to slow due to the effects of fasting in 40°C+ temperatures, which make even a walk to your closest mosque a dehydrating and debilitating experience, and because many Muslims opt to stay awake after Taraweeh (the nightly Ramadaan prayers) until suhoor (the morning meal before the day’s fasting begins). Indeed, the fatigue is often more challenging than the lack of food and drink during the day.
The fasting day starts just after 3am and ends shortly after 6pm, so the shortened work hours provide time for rest and reflection during a month when Muslims are meant to veer away from the material trappings of society, concentrating instead on being more spiritual and finding time to help those less fortunate.
It’s a bit more challenging to stay away from the material trappings after the night-time prayers, though, when the malls come alive with families and friends seeking out the Ramadaan specials on offer at stores and restaurants. From buffets to big-screen TVs, there’s something for everyone.
Hotels are also a popular destination for iftaars and suhoors, but can prove pricey. If you’re making a reservation at a four- or five-star establishment, be prepared to part with your money, as the cost will be anywhere from 200-300 riyals (about R700-R1 000) per person. Ramadaan might be a month of giving, but there are probably worthier recipients than luxury eateries.
It’s easy to overindulge when breaking the fast, given the plethora of eating choices available. Perhaps we need to remember that, while a full belly can provide relief from the hunger pangs, food for the soul is really what Ramadaan is about. And, fortunately, there’s plenty of that to go around in Doha as well.