Letters: September 2, 2010

A balanced life

Ramadan is an annual training programme designed to help us become better human beings ("Make the most of Ramadan", Gulf News, August 27). It is a time of solitude and reflection, about resetting priorities and regaining the correct focus in our remaining life. The Almighty's forgiveness and help to improve ourselves can be sought when we try to know our own personal shortcomings through deep sustained inner reflection. I believe that praying for haphazard, foggy forgiveness is as meaningless as asking for forgiveness without a pledge. Physical fasting is only a small yet most evident part of the whole exercise. This is a state that maximises human capacity of alertness and self reflection. The cleansing process is "inside out" as all long lasting cultivated human capabilities are. Late night festivities are a waste of the limited precious time that ought to be spent privately towards introspection. Iftar parties maul the spirit of Ramadan, too, as they serve no purpose. New clothes and jewellery display, petty talks and overeating continue. Finally, the issue of shorter working hours - it can be argued both ways. Some would say that it is done to allow more time for prayers. The fact of the matter is that Ramadan is a ‘simulator' of everyday life. The working hours should not be reduced. We need to learn to balance our lives according to our priorities, including time management.

From Ms Saira Jilani, UAE

Useful to others

The word “charity” is very close to my heart. To me it means the desire to be useful to others. It is a feeling which comes from within. It is also a value of giving and sharing which is inculcated in a child from an early age. I do try to bring a smile on the faces of the less privileged by contributing my pocket money and also volunteering whenever I can. Doing charitable work doesn’t have anything to do with how much or how little you have. Also, it is not bound within any time frame. It is a continuous process. I have grown up seeing both my grandmothers and parents always helping others and I try to do my bit.

From Ms Kehkashan Basu, Dubai

Healthy eating

Overeating is a major concern today, especially because eating out on a regular basis and consumption of fried items at home has become more of a comfort factor. Ramadan is the best time to do a makeover to our daily calorie intake. Awareness has to be created about this and that must start from our children. It is the duty of the parents to practice and instil healthy eating habits in their children.

From Ms Rishma Ali, UAE

The real test

It has been more than 20 days since we welcomed Ramadan, which brings with it a lot of virtues through which we can change ourselves. The real test of a fasting person is when one performs every act, which is required in this holy month, without shorter work hours. The feasible timings are only in the Gulf countries. Have we read the Quran, performed extra prayers and followed all the ethics? Or have we spent time sleeping and overeating? If we have done what is required, we would be at peace. Let us make the most of this month and be benefited by it as we don’t know whether we would be able to see it next year. Each act brings a drastic change in the character and attitude of a person. Such a person would feel as if he or she has been granted a new life. It seems to be a trend where many people get together to end their fast. It is not just sitting and eating with each other, but also solving each other’s problems or helping a needy person of whom one was not aware of before this.

From Ms Fauzia Raza, Duba