A time of spirituality and family closeness
The holy month is also an opportunity to practise charity, patience and the renewal of family ties for Emirati Mohammed Al Mahdi, who manages a car dealership. Ramona Ruiz reports
SHARJAH // For Emirati Mohammed Al Mahdi, Ramadan is an opportunity to exercise self-discipline, empathy and compassion despite having to fast in summer.
The 51-year-old sales manager of a car dealership in Sharjah usually works nine hours a day. During Ramadan, he works only six – three hours in the morning and three hours at night.
“Ramadan for me is a time for patience and discipline,” he says.
“By taking a break from eating, I actually feel more energised and focused at work.”
Mr Al Mahdi’s parents gradual- ly introduced him to the concept and practice of fasting when he was about 8, and he did not complete his first fast until he was 12.
“My parents created excitement about Ramadan and we learnt to appreciate the spirit of the month,” Mr Al Mahdi says. For many, sleep patterns change during Ramadan, with late bedtimes and early wake-up schedules.
“I’m not used to sleeping at midday but at this time of the year I really need to catch some sleep to recharge myself,” he says. During the holy month, Muslims spend more time on im- proving their spiritual lives by praying and reading the Quran.
The rich and poor stand side by side for prayers and share the same feelings of hunger.
“I spend more time praying in the mosque and reading the holy book,” Mr Al Mahdi says.
“It’s a chance to be closer to God, perform good deeds and practise self-restraint.” Besides being a time for prayers, fasting and reflection, Ramadan is a month to reconnect with family.
At sunset, Mr Al Mahdi’s family gather to break their fast for iftar. “When I was a child, my mum would prepare thareed, which is served in every Emirati home during Ramadan,” he says.
“Another Emirati staple is harees, which is popular during Ramadan and Eid.”
These days, Mr Al Mahdi’s wife prepares these traditional dishes for the family.
“Ramadan is family time,” he says. “I certainly look forward to breaking fast with my family and spending more time playing with my daughter Noor.”
Ramadan also means strengthening relationships with family and plenty of socialising.
“I come from a big family,” Mr Al Mahdi says.
“I have two brothers and eight sisters, so most evenings will be spent receiving them in my home or visiting them.”
Muslims will find a way to give back to society by being kind to everyone regardless of race or religion, and by being helpful to them.
“We’ll offer more charity to the less fortunate people at mosques and the labourers,” Mr Al Mahdi says.
“Just like every year, we will send cash donations to be distributed to people in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines.”