Greek expat loves the sense of peace and calm

Abu Dhabi: Dr Panayota Zarmakoupis has been in the UAE for just three years, and its Ramadan traditions have never failed to impress her.

The day-long fast, drive towards charity and a focus on patience and acceptance is something the Greek doctor and mother-of-two simply could not ignore.

“It was such a pleasure to see the focus on doing good that gripped the nation. Everyone is just calmer, and I feel that there is so much peace,” Dr Zarmakoupis told Gulf News.

The Ramadan experience so captivated the doctor and her family that her younger daughter decided to fast this time around.

“She is 13 years old and one day, she just came up to me and said she would be fasting this Ramadan. So even though it is hot, she is observing the fast. Being in school with her peers who are also fasting does make the task easier as well,” Dr Zarmakoupis said.

It is the focus on following the religious doctrines that most amazes the Greek expat.

“I come from a background in which we do not necessarily follow our scriptures strictly, even though we know our religion well. It was therefore a surprise to see how Muslims strive so hard to do good deeds in Ramadan, observe the daily fast and follow what has been prescribed by Islam,” she explained.

And to carry on the spirit of the holy month, Dr Zarmakoupis has herself adopted the practice of donating to charity.

“It just feels right, and it is my own way of doing some good and participating in Ramadan,” she said.

She has also attended a few iftars with her colleagues, and others with her family so that they can immerse themselves in the culture.