Unwind articles
Celebrating Ramadan away from home
Ramadan is a time for reflection as well as getting together with family and friends. But what if you have to travel to a place where you do not know anybody? Some frequent travellers share their experience of observing the holy month far away from home and their loved ones.
- By Jyoti Kalsi, Special to Unwind
- Published: 00:00 August 21, 2010
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Faiza Al Awadhi: Quality control manager
"I avoid travelling during Ramadan because I like to be with my family during this time. One of the difficulties in fasting when you are abroad is keeping track of the prayer timings, so I have installed a digital calendar in my mobile phone that keeps track of the timings according to the country. When I am away from my country during Ramadan, I miss the traditional Emirati iftar dishes we prepare at home. I also miss the calls from the mosques around my house and the spiritual atmosphere that you can feel all around. But I create that atmosphere for myself by listening to and reading the Quran or visiting Islamic institutions or gatherings in the area."
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Zareen Khan: Artist and partner in Woman2Woman
"I am of Pakistani origin but I have grown up in the UAE. And I can never forget my first Ramadan in the US. I was a student then and had classes from 6-9pm four times a week. I did not want to miss the class and since we were not allowed to eat in class, I had no choice but to end my fast with a glass of water and have iftar only after 9pm. It was difficult but I value the experience because it made me spiritually stronger. It made me appreciate the practices that prevail in the UAE during Ramadan. But at the same time, I feel my understanding of my religion became better, as I had to answer a lot of questions from my teachers and fellow students about why I was fasting. The experience motivated me to get a job with a local newspaper and write articles and organise events, including a traditional iftar, to create awareness about other cultures among the people there."
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Hatem Alakeel: Fashion designer
"I love to experience Ramadan in my country, Saudi Arabia, surrounded by family and friends. But there are occasions when I have to travel during this time because of work. It is not easy to travel during Ramadan, especially if your flight is just before the ending of the fast or if you are in a country where everyone around you is eating. But I believe that such situations make one stronger. When I am travelling during Ramadan, I miss my friends and family and home food but I have also had some wonderful experiences in other Arab countries, where, in the true spirit of Ramadan, I was invited for iftar and sohour by strangers. Ramadan is not just about the fasting. It is also about empathy with those who are less fortunate than us and about appreciating everything we take for granted — which includes our health and the economic freedom to do as we please. Whether I am at home or abroad, Ramadan, for me, is a time when I evolve as a man, a Muslim, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend and a designer and businessman. It is a time when I feel most creative."
