Social distancing makes the heart grow fonder for this Emirati family
E-IFTAR WITH A FAMILY
Families are eager to keep the spirit of
iftar alive. KT joins them virtually as they end their fast in an intimate gathering.
Family gatherings — arranged by Emirati boat captain Salem Obeid bin Suwaidan for his sons and their families, relatives and friends — were a routine during weekends and on every special occasion, especially Ramadan.
However, when the pandemic came, they had to put an end to this routine that used to take place at the Bin Suwaidan majlis in Dubai’s Umm Suqeim 2.
His son, Emirati lawyer Abdul Moneim bin Suwaidan of Bin Suwaidan firm for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy, shares with Khaleej Times his feelings about Ramadan this year.
“We miss praying at the mosque — the Taraweeh prayers and the Maghrib prayers are not allowed currently as part of public safety measures. So, now, we have to pray at home,” he said.
“Previously, the whole community would come together to hold mass buffets where we would serve the less fortunate.” The family definitely misses the majlis get-togethers, too, he added.
Now, while they may not be able to come together because of social distancing rules, Abdul Moneim makes sure they stay in touch with their parents and friends via Zoom video conferences — usually after 8pm.
When it comes to iftar, the family opts for private meals at home. “Previously, three or four families in the same neighbourhood would have iftar together. But due to the pandemic, breaking the fast has now become limited to one family.”
Abdul Moneim believes that crises and ordeals strengthen family ties. “I did not see my parents for almost a month due to the social distancing rule. They were in Abu Dhabi and my mother had a knee surgery. We managed, nonetheless, to stay in contact with her via Zoom so that she would not feel lonely,” the Emirati shared. “After the recent easing of movement restrictions, my parents came from the Capital and other family members joined us.”
It was a much-awaited moment for them. “My siblings and I agreed not to kiss or hug them, and it happened for the first time ever,” Abdul Moneim said. “Though we missed them dearly, we took it with an open heart for the good of all.”