Abu Dhabi: Iraina Nesterec is married to an Egyptian Muslim and acknowledges that getting closer to her husband’s family helped her understand a great deal lot more about Ramadan.
“My mother-in-law makes the best Egyptian food ever and I wait eagerly for the first day of Ramadan to enjoy the night where all the family members gather at our grandma’s house, sharing food and different kinds of sweets,” the 32-year-old from Uzbekistan told Gulf News.
“I usually enjoy an Egyptian delicacy, khushaf, which is a dried fruit and nut drink. It is wonderful concoction made of raisins, dried prunes, dried apricots, slivered almonds, pine nuts and raw pistachios all dressed in apricot juice and perfumed with orange blossom water. I just love its unique and fantastic combination of flavours,” she added.
Nesterec says she is happy to have learned more about Ramadan from her husband’s family after her marriage in 2007. Until that time, she was not aware of Ramadan traditions and customs although she came to the UAE in 2005.
“My husband’s family tend to be more close to God during this month. Instead of just fasting, they pray, recite the holy Quran, and emphasise the concept of charity more,” she said
“The concept of forgiving and giving are two most important things I learnt from this month. A lot of tents that provide food for the poor workers are all around the capital, which please and encourage me to help, give, and provide opportunities for the less fortunate,” Nesterec added.
Ramadan has also come to hold a special place in Nesterec’s heart. “This holy month has also taught me many things. For instance, I have learned how to be respectful and value those around me. Since the UAE is a Muslim nation, I do not eat in public nor in front of my husband during Ramadan,” she said.
(Iraina Nesterec, 32, Uzbekistan, homemaker)
— Omnia Fahim is a trainee at Gulf News
