Residents in UAE prepared for #StayHome Ramadan this year
dubai — All religious institutions — mosques, churches, temples, etc — have been shut in the UAE until further notice, as part of the country’s efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. With Ramadan a few weeks away, residents are expecting the physical distancing to continue through the period and preparing to make the most out of the situation.
Most residents say this #StayHome Ramadan will be an opportunity to boost the family bonding with a newfound togetherness, help dedicate more time to pray together with loved ones, and could turn out to be the most memorable one. They say the restrictions won’t deter or dampen their spirit as they brace for the holy month.
Praying in unison
Ahmad Sallam, a 47-year-old Egyptian, said he has been praying indoors for over three weeks now and it’s unprecedented since he has never done so before for such a long time at a stretch in his entire life. “I feel something huge is missing. But, I have devised a special plan for Ramadan. We have already started a trial to see how it works.
“I have advised my three sons and daughter to start reciting one Juza or part of the Holy Quran every day,” he said. “We also say every prayer together.”
He is following up on his kids’ online classes as he works remotely.
Raising spiritually strong kids
It is going to be a much quieter Ramadan for Farooq Mahmood, a Pakistani, and his family, as he said the night prayers ‘Taraweeh’ will be missed immensely.
An airline employee, Mahmood is working from home and bonding more with his family. He will be “using this time to get closer to God” and also teaching his kids about the importance of being spiritually strong. “We have three kids in the age group five to 11. Usually, it is their mother taking care of everything. Now, I have now started helping her in taking care of the kids. This Ramadan, I will be focusing on my children.”
Mahmood will eat, fast and pray with them. “I think this is going to be beneficial as I have never really got time to be with them this way.”
“We believe what Allah does is for our best and hence, I and my wife will make the best use of this stay-at-home period and make it a memorable Ramadan.”
Cleanliness counts
Indian expat Sazeedah Salim said initially, it was tough for her four boys to stay home in quarantine. “The kids were not able to play or attend prayers.”
Salim’s husband attends office virtually from 8am to 4pm and the kids attend online classes till 1pm. “Between these hours, we pray and have lunch.
“We started praying in congregation, teaching the kids Quran and encouraging them to read enlightening stories.”
For Ramadan, the family is getting ready to clean the house, reminding hat ‘cleanliness is half of the faith’, Salim said. “We are also planning to learn some chapters of the Quran and their translations to recite during prayer or apply them in our daily lives.”
The family is also gearing up to learn lots of Duaa (prayer), Hadeeth (sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH))and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) with its meanings during Ramadan, she said.
The family wishes to be responsible citizens. “We all need a plan while staying home and doing our part in containing this disease.
“I have a hygiene plan in place and will teach the kids about healthy eating habits, and the importance of sustainable use of resources.”
This Ramadan will inculcate a sense of responsibility towards the planet in us, added Salim.
More about introspection
Mohammed Shafee Sorathia, an Indian national and Dubai resident, said this year, Ramadan will not be about socialising or cooking but more about introspection. “I feel this is the time Allah has shown the world that there is absolutely nothing that can overpower His will. I am going to focus on these important life lessons I have learnt and will also be explaining the same to my three children Ayesha (5), Abdurrazzaq (6), Abdullah (12),” he said.
His wife Almas Shafee Sorathia added: “Ramadan is a month of mercy and I will make the best use of it by coming together as a family in front of the Almighty and seeking his forgiveness.”
‘Give online charity’
Abdulhafeez Jamal, a Palestinian resident, said people can also give charity online. “They can do so by sending SMS to specified numbers announced by licensed associations nationwide.”
Mohammed Ibrahim, an Emirati national, said: “People can also offer meals to be delivered to the eligible people as announced by charity associations.”
Calmer prayer time this year
Munther Melki, a Syrian resident, pointed out: “One may even spend more time in saying the Taraweeh prayers this year as there is no rush. This will hopefully help in a better spiritual experience.”