Dubai: Contrary to the other months of the year, Ramadan brings about a special atmosphere to the homes of many families.
Emirati Fatima Demas agrees. “The spirit of Ramadan as a whole is very special to us as a family,” she said. During this month, she said her family doesn’t plan things before hand.
“Different family events and gatherings take place every year.” While her family rarely travels during Ramadan, extended family members are likely to visit, Fatima said. “Every Ramadan is different, which makes it exciting especially since it only comes once a year,” she added explaining that her family tries to make the most out of the month.
Family Ramadan rituals in the Demas household, however, are not likely to change during Ramadan. Just like many other families, Fatima thinks that Ramadan mostly revolves around family gatherings. Not only does this month give the family a chance to gather at the time of iftar, but it also brings them together for prayers, she added.
After praying together at sunset, Fatima’s family gathers around the dinner table to enjoy the first meal of the day. They usually start their dinner with a soup and an Arabic salad called Fatoush. For the main meal “we have baked dishes like rice, chicken, meat macaroni, and vegetables,” she added. A little after dinner, the desserts are served. “For sweets, we usually have ‘Kunfae,’ ‘Atief,’ date pudding, and ‘Lugaimat’ a traditional Emirati dessert,” She said.
On some days, Fatima’s family also meets up with their friends and extended family for iftar. They also gather together to perform the late evening prayers known as Taraweeh.
— Jumana Khamis is a trainee at Gulf News.
