A time for unity, spiritual renewal
With the onset of the month of Ramadan, people are enthusiastic about cultivating positive customs that foster love and unity in the society. Ramadan holds a significance beyond fasting, as it becomes a special time for friends and family to come together during iftar.
Speaking to Muscat Daily Aisha al Hassani, a housewife from Al Ansab, emphasised that during Ramadan, people become more mindful of their words and actions, striving to be more obedient to God’s orders. She highlighted the golden opportunity that Ramadan presents to create an atmosphere of love and harmony among relatives and neighbours.
According to Aisha, a cherished tradition in Oman involves sharing meals with neighbours, such as Omani Harees, sweet balls (Luqaimat) or a bowl of soup, fostering love and cohesion. “Additionally, children from different families gather for Tarawih prayers and night prayers, strengthening communal bonds.”
Hamood al Hahdrami, a resident of Seeb, said that while Muslims are encouraged to avoid hurting others throughout the year, Ramadan serves as a special time when people are especially cautious about their behaviour. He shared that breaking the fast with family at his father's house is a favourite tradition, creating an atmosphere of love and affection. “Ramadan is viewed as an opportunity to get closer to God, increase faith through good deeds, and break free from habits like excessive buying and eating,” he added.
Ahmed al Kharusi from Sur emphasised the significance of good deeds during Ramadan, seeing them as a means to receive blessings and give back to the community. He described Ramadan as a month of goodness, giving, and moral values.
Encouraging various forms of volunteer work, he highlighted the importance of visiting relatives, promoting social solidarity, and providing relief to the poor and needy as expressions of these values during the holy month.
“In the spirit of unity and compassion, we extend invitations to our neighbours of diverse nationalities to join us for iftar. Our aim is to alleviate any sense of alienation they may feel while fasting during Ramadan, especially when away from their relatives. This shared experience fosters a sense of community and understanding among us, transcending cultural and religious boundaries,” said Kharusi.
He added that for those who can afford to travel, the tradition of performing umrah in the last ten days of Ramadan and embarking on a spiritual journey to the holy places in Medina, including the revered tomb of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), is also cherished.
Sultan al Rawahi, a social specialist, advised Omani youth to prepare an action plan to make the most of the blessed month, emphasising daily evaluation.
He suggested focusing on good deeds, making supplications, going to bed early to avoid missing dawn prayers, and engaging in activities that inspire and motivate, such as reading Islamic books and listening to lectures.
Rawahi also advocated a ‘technology diet’, reducing TV time, use of Internet, and unnecessary phone calls to save time for essential activities such as reading the Quran, offering prayers, community service, and helping others.
Ramadan is viewed as an opportunity to increase faith through good deeds, and break free from habits like excessive buying and eating HAMOOD AL HAHDRAMI