Dubai: Gathering not only with family but also with friends and relatives for iftar is another common tradition during Ramadan.
Anam Tarek from Pakistan said she looks forward to the few days where friends join her and her family for iftar and prayers at her house. “It a very special day as we open our fast together and then pray and also eat dinner together,” she said. Anam’s mum also makes traditional desserts like Kheer (sweet rice pudding), which they enjoy after dinner.
Another tradition is spending quality time with the family not only at the table but also during Ramadan’s special prayers, said Anam. Visiting the mosque during the day and in the late evening for prayers and worship is a common Ramadan ritual. “Every weekend, my family and I go to the mosque for the Friday prayers,” she added. The university student also explained that during this month, they try to minimise the number of outings and instead spend their time worshipping.
Since giving charity is another common practice in Ramadan, Anam’s family helps the poor and needy around their area. As a family they send food and drinks to the mosque near their house for iftar every week. “My mum also cooks food for those who visit the mosque,” so they can enjoy home-cooked meals. They also send charity back home to Pakistan.
This Ramadan, Anam and her family are focusing on their diet and health. “We will make sure the whole family cuts down on fried food and instead we will prepare fresh and healthy delicacies,” she said. Not sure whether her plan will work, Anam is determined to make sure the whole family stays on their diet.
Performing these unique traditions with the family is what makes Anam’s Ramadan special, she added.
— Jumana Khamis is a trainee at Gulf News.
