Ramadan blog, great perspective
I applaud Gulf News’ staff member David Westley for both his experience and mind-set through the journey of fasting for Ramadan (‘Live blog: Tasting Ramadan’, Gulf News, June 17). I connected more closely with his account of the process, because he highlighted most of what fasting is about — purification, rejuvenation and an overall shift in perspective. It’s more than just the food we get to eat at iftar. I am not a Muslim, but I am also fasting. I will try for the whole month, but already, I feel more clear-headed, stable and just more positive — which is saying something, because usually, drops in my blood sugar levels tend to really affect me. I’m always glad to see fellow Westerners understand. Westley hit the nail on the head with his reviews. You just have to trust the process. It’s a great idea for a blog, Gulf News.
From Ms Anna
UAE
Website comment
Strengthening our faith
As we come closer to an end to Ramadan, we need to recognise what a difficult year it has been for many Muslims worldwide. In China, Somalia, Libya, Myanmar, Egypt, Iraq and Syria — they are either dealing with being torn apart by civil war or surges of sectarian violence. Afghanistan, one of the world’s poorest Muslim countries, is teetering on the edge. Many people are demanding political and socioeconomic change throughout the region.
In the wake of these challenges, Muslims seek and find strength in Ramadan. Over the course of 30 days, from sunrise to sunset, we refrain from food and drink and refocus on strengthening our faith. It is a time of renewal, but also of reflection on the self and our broader surroundings. Ramadan is also a time to share our religious and cultural heritage with those of different religions.
It is a month of intense spiritual training, patience and charity, but is also a time of solidarity, shared with those who are suffering from oppression, injustice, exploitation and poverty around the globe! During this month, people around the world can remember and stand in solidarity with the oppressed. Let us all spare a thought for those who are facing political, social, economic, racial, and ethnic injustice around the globe.
From Mr Samaoen Osman
Cape Town, South Africa
Month for self-development
Ramadan is the right time to start planning for one’s self-development. As individuals looking to be successful in the future, perhaps it is now the best time for us to start questioning ourselves — what is important and what do we want in life?
I think it’s important to have that dialogue with one’s heart. There are many times when the heart actually protests against our wrongdoings, but we ignore it. Now is the time for us to be true to ourselves and to remember to consult our conscience when in doubt. I think this can also be done by spending some time alone every day, for deep contemplation. This is a very good way of self reflection.
It’s a good time to consider what we think has gone wrong in our lives, or why we have not been happy, despite all that we have. We can then come up with some resolutions to improve ourselves and leave behind the old bad habits and attitudes.
Also, mending broken relationships is key. The concept of solidarity, brotherhood and kinship are important aspects. If we have not been in good terms with a friend or a family member, we must honour Ramadan and its spirit of reconciliation, and patch up broken hearts through soothing words of apology or loving gestures. Remember, every success starts with a single step, and every step starts with our intention.
From Mr Ali Al Aradi
UAE
Wasting a valuable resource
I have often noticed the wastage of food in restaurants in Dubai, but during this month of Ramadan, food wastage seems to have reached its pinnacle. The other day, I visited a restaurant that was hosting an iftar. At the venue, I was appalled to witness the sheer waste of such a valuable resource.
In my belief, the most probable reason for this, is that people tend to have an appetite greater than the amount of food they can actually consume. The very purpose of Ramadan is the cleansing of the soul. It is a time to correct mistakes. If the practice of food wastage remains prevalent, then the mistake we make will not only harm us, but humanity and the planet as a whole.
Food wastage deserves to be treated as a crime, as it is like snatching away food from the plates of the poor and needy. It is an injustice to those who realise the value of this precious resource.
From Mr Manav Jha
Dubai
Improve driving behaviour
I very much enjoy my regular visits to the beautiful city of Abu Dhabi. However, I have one major concern that I would like to bring to light, with a heavy heart. Quite frankly, the road etiquette needs improvement and there is a critical need to address it. During the month of Ramadan itself, I have yet to witness an ounce of courtesy on the roads: drivers recklessly cutting across four lanes to exit at the final possible second; pedestrian crossings and indicators may well be fictitious; people flash their lights and honk their horns in order to bully others from a lane; and queue jumping appears to be second nature near Al Wahda Mall. I find this behaviour utterly unacceptable, particularly as it emanates from otherwise law-abiding residents. ‘Sabr’ or patience, is a virtue, yet it dissipates as soon as drivers find themselves behind the wheel. What does one gain from arriving at the destination one second faster, at the cost of someone else’s life?
Intense education and a radical overhaul is essential. Whatever resolution the authorities decide on, it needs to be bold, urgent and effective for the sake of the community in Abu Dhabi.
From Ms Sana Yasmin Chaudhry
UAE
Generosity touching the heart
The month of Ramadan holds a unique position in the hearts and minds of UAE residents. It is a special time of the year.
Ramadan in the UAE is a delight to behold, with all the festivities. There is an aura of love and compassion surrounding every individual, as selfish attitudes are refocused to those around them. The generosity shown by people touches the heart. The numerous tents set up for the purpose of serving iftar to less fortunate ones creates a feeling of goodwill, among all.
From Mr Harmanjot Kaur
Sharjah
Let smoke not blur our future
The most common excuse given by smokers is that they feel stressed at times and smoking is a way to relieve stress. Yoga, exercises, singing, martial arts and dancing your heart out are proven ways to get rid of stress. So, I want to say to smokers — please, stop with the excuses and take control of your life! It is very important for teenagers to enrol in some sort of sport or do some physical activities or something creative, to give expression to their thoughts and to refrain from this social evil. They are the future, so let the clouds of smoke not blur their future. Stand up and say ‘no’ to tobacco.
From Mr Ojas Sharma
Dubai
Foul language at play
The Ashes series have always been a tonic for cricket aficionados and the present one is not going to be any different (‘Haddin ignites Ashes fire’, Gulf News, July 2). It is a known fact that the Australian team are tough nuts to crack and the present team is on a high. Added to this is their verbal attack, without which, I believe they cannot win a Test match or series. More than the Aussies’ attack with their bats and ball, the Englishmen should be wary of their verbal volleys. If they could tackle that, this series would be an interesting tussle between the arch rivals. I hope to see a spirited series like the New Zealand v England series in the matches.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
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