NON-MUSLIMS WHO FAST HAIL CAMARADERIE OF HOLY MONTH
▶ Ramola Talwar Badam hears how taking part can help build connections
Non-Muslims who fast during Ramadan have spoken of the peace it brings and the strong connection they build with the community in the UAE.
The holy month is a time for introspection and charity for people from different faiths and nationalities who continue to fast years after starting as a way to support friends and colleagues.
Dr Siva Krishna Kota, 46, has been fasting since 2011 and says the quiet of the holy month helps him connect with prayer. The Indian anaesthesiologist discovered the month of fasting and prayer gave him a deep sense of calm and has since observed every Ramadan.
“The first year it was a call on God for requests – my friend was doing a test to get his medical licence and this was his final chance,” said Dr Kota.
“My brother was not able to get a child for five years and then he was blessed with a kid – so both my prayers came true.
“But then I thought I should not do this business with God and in the following years, I stopped asking for things.
“After that first year, there is a different intensity to praying. I feel it’s my duty to observe Ramadan rather than get into a transaction with God.”
The challenge for the doctor, who works in a maternity hospital in Abu Dhabi, is handling emergency cases that come in just when it is time to break his fast.
“We have emergencies around the clock but sometimes just 10 minutes before iftar, you find out that someone is delivering or someone needs surgery and you need to continue working,” he said.
“I look at my Muslim colleagues who are fasting for so many more years and think this is all fine. This teaches you discipline.”
The holy month also makes him identify similarities between religions, particularly the focus on penance and charity.
“I began to realise that it was important to find similarities instead of finding differences between different faiths – if we do this the world will be a wonderful place,” Dr Kota said.
He said the main lesson of Ramadan is that charity, supporting the less fortunate and cutting down on luxury should be followed all through the year.
Dubai resident Michelle Oribello, 36, has been fasting during Ramadan for the last eight years.
The Buddhist from the Philippines says the solitude and calm it teaches has a long-lasting effect.
“During this period, you become more in tune with your soul, you feel the solemnness of your prayers when you talk to your God,” she said.
“It becomes more intense during Ramadan.
“When you fast, you feel the solitude and calmness of Ramadan.
“At the same time, there is a camaraderie with others.”
The public relations executive and fitness enthusiast does not stop exercising during Ramadan.
She breaks her fast with dates and fruit, then sets out on a 10km run and eats a large meal at night after she completes her regular exercise schedule.
Staying hydrated with water and fruit such as watermelon and cucumber during suhoor ensures she stays fit.
She started fasting in 2016 when she joined friends.
“I really feel the health benefits during Ramadan, it gives me more energy and I honestly become stronger,” said Ms Oribello.
“I get excited before Ramadan, it’s a lot of commitment to give up food and also water but it gives me the push I need.
“When people ask me, ‘You are not a Muslim, how come you are doing this?’ I tell them how happy, connected and motivated it makes me feel.”
Having fasted for the past four years, Sri Lankan Jeyaraj Basakran said he feels rejuvenated and cleansed when he partakes during Ramadan.
“I see an opportunity to be part of the community by fasting,” he said.
“We are blessed to have easy access to all kinds of cuisine in Dubai.
“Sometimes many people take in excess food, it’s good to cut down our food intake and bring the body back under control.”
The bank worker was inspired to fast after distributing iftar meals to workers with a Sri Lankan community group in 2020.
When his work schedule permits, he cooks a meal, prepares sandwiches or purchases food from a restaurant to offer to cleaners and delivery riders near his home in Al Qusais.
“Beyond fasting, I feel happy to do this and it also gives me a connection to the society I live in,” he said. “I feel rejuvenated after a month of fasting.”
Apart from aiding weight loss, doctors say fasting has many health benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving gut health.
Mr Basakran eats only vegetarian meals and avoids food with excessive oil during the month.
“The fasting can help your health, weight and I feel honoured to help support a few people in need,” he said.
After fasting during the period, many expressed a sense of calm and community as well as a closer connection to God