‘WE CAN DEDICATE MORE TIME TO WORSHIP’
E-IFTAR WITH A FAMILY Even at a time of social distancing, families are eager to keep the spirit of iftar alive. KT joins them — virtually — as they whip up special dishes and end their fast in an intimate gathering.
The partial closure of facilities this Ramadan has been a blessing in disguise for Abu Dhabi-based Malaysian expat Adilatul Abdullah and her family. “Things used to be rushed during Ramadan as kids had classes to attend after Iftar. I used to quickly pray and then drop them off for their activities and the schedule was hectic. This year, we will have a relaxed Ramadan where we can focus on the spiritual part and devote more time to worship,” said the housewife.
Abdullah is grateful for having her family — her husband Noor Nazri and two children, 13-year-old Alyssa and 17-year-old Aiman — safe and sound with her. And, in order to show gratitude, the family plans to devote as much time as possible for prayers and other acts of worship.
The family makes it a point to come together and pray all the five prayers in congregation at home. “Our days are planned around the five daily prayers. Since the kids are studying from home and do not have to go out for activities, we pray together. This is the least we can do to thank God and seek his forgiveness so that he helps us get rid of this pandemic and brings normalcy back to life,” she said.
The family has planned to finish reading the Holy Quran this Ramadan. “We have planned to complete reading the Quran as a family this year. Last year, we completed reciting individually, but this year, we have divided our recitation into parts so that we will complete reading by the end of the month,” Abdullah said.
Abdullah has also started doing online Quran recitation lessons. “After Suhoor, when my family goes to sleep, I log online and start Quran recitation with a few of my friends. We used to meet and recite, however, this year we do one-hour recitations on Zoom meetings. We aim to complete the full Quran together through our online recitations this year. Hopefully, I will be able to complete two cycles of the Quran, one with my family and another with my friends online.”
Iftar is not a lavish affair for the family and a traditional Malaysian dinner meal is their usual
menu. “In Malaysia, we would get a special porridge called Bubur Lambuk Johor at local mosques. I miss that but since it takes a long time to cook and is a tedious affair, we don’t make it often.
“Our Iftar usually comprises of rice or noodles done in traditional method along with some desserts. My husband loves to bake bread these days since he is home. We rest a bit after Iftar and then congregate for Taraweeh prayers, where my husband leads the prayer.”
Our days are planned around the five daily prayers. Since the kids are studying from home and do not have to go out for activities, we pray together.” Adilatul Abdullah
Malaysian expat