UAE | Heritage and Culture
Our actions matter
The call for prayer, the congregation and the celebrations after are what Halim Al Deen Mohammad, a Sri Lankan expatriate residing in Abu Dhabi, appreciates most about Ramadan.
- Rabab Khan and Manuel Almario, Community Journalists
- Published: 23:35 September 25, 2008
- Halim Al Deen Mohammad with his wife Sharmila and daughters Aysha and Shamma in Abu Dhabi.
- Image Credit: Ravindranath/Gulf News
The call for prayer, the congregation and the celebrations after are what Halim Al Deen Mohammad, a Sri Lankan expatriate residing in Abu Dhabi, appreciates most about Ramadan.
He said: "I consider myself lucky to be living the life that has been granted to me. Ramadan is a blessing that greets us once in a year and brings with it the festivities and spirituality."
Mohammad had shifted to Abu Dhabi eight years ago, with his wife and two daughters. "My wife and eldest daughter are very devoted and during Ramadan, they are extra cautious. They never miss a prayer. My youngest daughter is only two years old," he said.
His memories of Ramadan in Sri Lanka are very different from those in the UAE. The busy schedules take up most of his time now.
He said: "We barely have the time to socialise. Back home, we were acquainted with everyone in our area. We exchanged greetings daily, shared food and dined together."
What he misses most about his home country is the social norms that were adopted during Ramadan. "Our families would always prepare extra food during the day, which was later distributed amongst the poor at dusk," he added.
'Sadaqa', or voluntary charity, is a very important part of Mohammad's life. During the month of Ramadan, he makes it a habit to send money to Sri Lanka for the purpose of charity.
'Charity begins at home'
He said: "I belong to the middle-income group, but there are others who do not earn as much. I send money to my relatives back home who are in dire need of funds. For me, charity begins at home." Some of the money he transfers to his relatives is distributed to charity organisations as well.
"Even a small sum of money is a big deal for the poor. With the amount of money we spend on a daily basis, an entire family back home can have a meal for a week," he added.
With a big heart and generous attitude, Mohammad has set out to make the most of the month. "It is our acts that matter in the end. Who knows if I will be around for next year's Ramadan," he said.
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