STORY TELLERS

We invite readers to share thoughts, anecdotes, views or stories on a particular subject. Last week we asked: What do you do after iftar? Here are your replies.

A page for readers to share their views, thoughts and stories.

We ensconce in our cosy corner, sharing our fasting day, sipping our long-awaited tea, which acts like a tranquilliser to our frayed nerves and takes away all the weariness – rejuvenating us to get ready for the night prayers. Zoya Asma Khan One of the most relaxing activities we as a family enjoy doing after iftar and after offering our prayers is to drive to a park and have a picnic of sorts with friends and their families. It’s almost like a custom in our family. This year though, thanks to the summer having set in, we might visit some of the Ramadan night markets that have come up across the city. Apart from a variety of food available, there are also plenty of activities that will keep the children engaged, not to mention some shopping, what with a lot of deals being advertised. Shaiza Ashraf After iftar, like every Ramadan, my family and I gather in the living room to have a sip of coffee and some sweets while watching the Arabic animated shows. That usually lasts for about an hour or two, before we start getting ready to leave for the mosque. Zahra Allowatia I usually go out with my friends for tea and dessert. We sit near the seaside and chat, discussing the day, before we return home. At other times we go for a walk in a neighbourhood park. Fatima Suhail My friends call me a typical Egyptian since I fit most of the stereotypes about them. This Ramadan I’ve decided to prove them right and do what Egyptians do after iftar. After a heavy meal (stuffed pigeons preferably) I engage in a very popular activity called Antakha, where I literately sit on the couch, stuff my face in the Nutella jar and pass out half-awake after watching gazillions of Ramadan series. Mirna Abdelkrim Just after iftar, I head to Maghrib prayers with my brother. Then we sit around as a family and watch a Ramadan programme on TV, all while enjoying a cup of mint tea and biscuits. Then at about eight o’clock, we head to the mosque for Isha prayers, which is accompanied by Taraweeh, common prayers done during Ramadan. Noha El Chaarani After iftar and prayers, it’s family time. One of the best moments is when my grandmother, mother and other family members sit around the dining table and share anecdotes while munching on specially prepared snacks. My grandmother enjoys telling us anecdotes about the Ramadan of her younger days in Kerala. She and my mum also use this family time to tell us stories from the Quran. Feby Imthias