‘Fasting while doing a job is form of worship’

Filipino expat and Dubai resident Aldemar Daguio Nandu, 36, has been doing probably one of the most challenging jobs during Ramadan.

He’s been working as a lifeguard at Mamzar Beach for nine years and he has never missed a day of fasting during the holy month even while he’s on duty. “A lifeguard’s job does not pause during Ramadan,” Aldemar told Khaleej Times.

“From monitoring beachgoers to identifying safety issues; to directing swimmers out of the water during risky conditions, monitoring weather reports to ensuring safety of guests and maintaining a clean environment around the beach, we are always on our toes and should be in the sharpest minds,” he said.

Fasting while doing his job diligently is also a form of worship to God, according to Aldemar.

“It is our obligation, as a Muslim, to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is not an excuse to feel weak —it is actually a gift from Allah, and being active at work is also a kind of praise to God,” he added.

Aldemar said fasting is the best way for the acquisition of taqwaa (piety) to gain closeness to God. “We suppress our human desires and practise self restraint to thank and show our love for Allah.”

He added: “Of course, it is always hard to work while fasting especially when you’re under the sun and the temperature hits around 50°C at mid-day. But it is our conviction and faith that motivate us to endure hunger and thirst and get through the day until we have our Iftar (ending of fast).”

Thankfully, a typical Ramadan day means only five hours of work for Aldemar and his colleagues at Mamzar Beach. The number of beachgoers is also less during the month but going to work is the same as in regular days and Aldemar has to wake up a bit early before reporting for duty.

Aldemar said: “I wake up at 3.30am for suhoor (pre-dawn meal) then I go for Fajr. After the dawn prayer, I read the Quran, then prepare myself to go out for work. My duty starts at 7.30am.

“On most days, during Ramadan, the crowd is less but as always the most challenging part is when the temperature reaches around 45-47°C at midday and you would really feel the thirst,” he adds.

But Aldemar says he has to remain strong and show his forbearance. He also prays for the safety of the guests at the beach.

“With God’s grace, thankfully, I haven’t experienced when any rescue during Ramadan. There has been no incident when I had to dive into the water to save someone from drowning.

“But the usual cases are heat stroke and dehydration. I administer first aid, bring the patient to a shaded area and call the ambulance,” he said.

“During Ramadan, my work ends at 12.30pm and before going

Of course, it is always hard to work while fasting, especially, when you’re under the sun and the temperature hits around 50°C. But it is our conviction and faith that motivate us to get through the day until we have our Iftar.” Aldemar Daguio Nandu, lifeguard

back home, I go for Zuhr (noon prayers). Once I reached home, I usually take a quick nap before preparing myself for the Asr (afternoon) prayers,” he added.

“Then I usually go to the supermarket to buy grocery for Iftar but sometimes I take Iftar at the mosque because there is no time to cook.

“After Iftar, I go for the Maghrib prayers then go back home and eat fruits and some home-cooked meals prepared by my wife, Delma. I also spend time to chat online with my two kids (Alyaseen and Hafsa) who are in the Philippines.

“Then I go for the Taraweeh prayers, which usually last around one hour and my day ends after I say my Isha (night) prayers.”