This is real fasting, says non-Muslim
dubai — The schedule and harmony with which all Muslims mark the month of Ramadan is the first and best impression that Sabina Arulraj has of the holy month.
A south Indian who settled in Dubai 25 years ago after her marriage says that as a Christian, she already has an experience of fasting. “We fast during Easter for 40 days, but that is totally different from the Muslim fast which is much tougher as you cannot eat or drink the entire day,” she says.
“I feel this is real fasting and it is wonderful to experience this,” Sabrina adds. Since she moved to the UAE years ago, she has been fascinated with the fast. “Even if we are non-Muslims, all things fall in or- der even for us. Timings and daily routines change for everyone around.”
The change and routine is also an indicator for other communities, she notes. “Other communities residing in the country know that they have to be gentle and considerate to Muslims. We take care not to hurt their sentiments; even children are taught not to eat in front of Muslims.”
Like hundreds of communities living in harmony in the UAE, Sabina, her husband and three children observe the month and celebrate Eid with their Muslim friends. “We are just like one community and celebrate all festivals in solidarity… that’s the spirit of this month and all other festivals that are celebrated in the UAE,” she adds.
Sabina, whose family runs the popular restaurant Aapa Kaddai, is providing logistic support to companies who distribute food to workers’ accommodations. “It’s 15 days since Ramadan began and we have already distributed up to 1,000 food packets to blue collar workers,” says Sabina, who oversees its cooking, packing and distribution personally.
“Yesterday, we distributed 450 packets,” she adds. Sometimes, packets are also given out at construction sites.
For Sabina, the look of gratitude and the happiness on the faces of the workers is the biggest reward. “The blessings that I receive in return are priceless,” she says, adding that sometimes her eyes tear up.
“My kids often accompany me for food distribution on the weekends… this way, they too feel the spirit of Ramadan,” she adds.