UAE | Heritage and Culture
The challenge of fasting abroad
The tranquil call of prayer from minarets rising along the cityscape is often a welcome respite for sore ears and eyes.
- By Sanya Nayeem, Community Journalist
- Published: 00:18 September 19, 2008
- Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News
- Abdul Qader Hussain with his family in Dubai. Hussain attended university in the US in the 1980s and says it was much more difficult to fast in such an environment but enjoys Ramadan in Dubai.
Dubai: The tranquil call of prayer from minarets rising along the cityscape is often a welcome respite for sore ears and eyes.
With each step to his neighbourhood mosque, Abdul Qader Hussain, an American citizen, counts the many blessings of moving to an Islamic country.
As a resident of Dubai for almost three years, he said the differences were particularly remarkable during Ramadan.
"The best part about living in an Islamic country, especially during Ram-adan, is that working days are structured around our fast," said Hussain.
But it was not always the case for the father of four, who spent his university life in the US.
He remembers those years as some of the toughest in his life in terms of fasting and preparing for Ramadan.
"I faced difficulties when I was younger, as we did not have prepared meals for iftar and suhour, and had to make do with whatever we had," he said.
Being a Muslim in Pennsylvania in the mid-1980s was also difficult because of longer days and the fact that Ramadan used to fall in the summer months. The situation was made worse when students on campus were eating throughout the day.
Different life
"It did not help that food was in abundance everywhere," he said. "We had to discipline ourselves so as not to be tempted."
Apart from the trials of abstaining from eating and drinking, Hussain said the simple act of praying could often be a difficult task.
"We had a good Muslim Association, which provided us with prayer facilities, but if that had not been available, it would have been very tough," he said.
Today, Hussain's short walks to the mosque are completely different from his experiences as a young Muslim.
"In Dubai, fasting is wonderful because of the prevalence of mosques and the fact that people living here are so considerate during Ramadan," he said.
With his own children now balancing their fasts with the rigorous routine of school, Hussain said the lessons he learned as a university student in the US are worth passing on.
"Growing up in a society that is not conducive to your beliefs, and still having the inner strength to hold on to them, is something that builds character," he said. "I would definitely encourage my children to go abroad and learn life's lessons on their own steam, as I did."
More from UAE Heritage & Culture
More from UAE
Latest news
- Tracks to be laid on recycled material
- Golden Hour crucial to a patient's survival
- Opening show worthy of UAE
- Sun is shining on prospects for solar power
- Artists focus on craftsmanship
- World leaders committed to supporting civilians
- Schools open a new page in teaching English
- Special parking to help disabled tourists
- Helping hand surgeons have long sought
- Blind woman lights up corridors of power
- In Mind
- At times, I think of committing suicide
- Designer of a creative haven
- Fund to help Dubai taxi drivers' families
- New life-saving fleet of vehicles
Community Reports
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
-
Supporting the needy with food supplies
Group of families engaged in serving isolated labour community hopes to motivate more people to help underprivileged and hungry
-
Leukaemia boy granted wish to meet footballer
Emirati meets hero Al Qahtani, Al Ain team
