Dubai: Muslims in the UAE eased into the month of fasting on Saturday, with most people enjoying their weekend day off in the comfort of their homes.
However, it was not all calm on Friday evening as people thronged the supermarkets and malls to finish their last-minute shopping ahead of the fasting month of Islam.
The evening also saw worshippers heading to the mosques in droves for the first evening of Taraweeh, the special prayers offered only during Ramadan after the last obligatory prayers of the day.
This year, the daily fasting duration hovers around 15 hours, lasting from dawn to dusk.
Gathered around their families and children, many people saw to it that their first iftar of the month was special.
“I had a good time relaxing at home, spending quality moments with children away from the usual disturbance. This is among the blessings of Ramadan, especially on weekends, you get a lot of free time,” said Mohammad Mattar, an Egyptian resident.
Taking advantage of the day off, many families and friends got together for iftar, the meal that is taken to break the fast.
“It is always good to have your friends and family for iftar and to begin Ramadan on that note is such a blessing. I had my brother and his family come over and I couldn’t have asked for a better beginning for the holy month,” said Ahmad Shams, Indian resident.
Another resident, Abu Mohammad, said it is always good to have Ramadan starting in weekend.
“The good thing about Ramadan starting on a day off is that you get all the time to relax and reflect and dedicate yourself to worship. It kind of sets the tone for the rest of the month,” said Abu Mohammad.
Though the day was calm enough, the city turned quieter towards the sunset as people huddled around their dining tables, waiting to break the fast, which happens when the muezzin says the Azaan for dusk prayers.
However, the streets got busier following the iftar as people headed out to socialise and shop, while a lot of people gathered in the mosques spending an extra hour for Taraweeh.
On Sunday, most people will go back to work, but with working hours reduced by two hours in most cases, usually starting the day late and ending it early.
