‘Ramadan teaches value of God’s blessings’

Abu Dhabi: Having experienced Ramadan in Saudi Arabia all her life, Sarah Al Munyif did not think the month would feel too different in the UAE.

“When I first experienced it [in the UAE] however, I was surprised at how much more obvious the spirit of Ramadan is in the UAE. There are Ramadan tents everywhere that welcome people from all walks of life,” the 23-year-old student told Gulf News.

Of course there are numerous similarities too in her Ramadan experiences here and back home.

“Families get together and [this] highlights the unity of Muslims, and the importance of becoming a better person and Muslim every day,” Al Munyif said.

“Ramadan comes once a year, and it is in its essence, a month of teaching. I learn from it the importance of God’s blessings, whether that blessing be a cup of water or a piece of bread,” she added.

The rhythm of life, she said, is different during this period. “Waking up in the early hours of the morning to partake in suhour, the pre-dawn meal, is beautiful, and so are the night prayers. These are some of the elements that make Ramadan special for me,” she added.

Al Munyif came to UAE in 2011, but always flew back home to spend Ramadan with her family. In 2014 however, she was unable to travel back due to work commitments.

“Spending Ramadan alone away from the family was a new experience that taught me to be more independent. I was very busy, so didn’t have the time to feel homesick. But I did learn to be more patient because it was my first time working and fasting at the same time,” she explained.

Al Munyif also learnt to cook the dishes her mother makes so that her experience here would feel closer to home.

— Omnia Fahim is a trainee at Gulf News