Readers share how they spend time after iftar

Dubai Praying with the family or relaxing are some of the ways readers have spent their evenings during Ramadan.

Gulf News spoke to readers to find out how time after iftar was being spent.

Most explained that tradition is still alive and that first and foremost they honour the teachings that have been passed down to them.

Readers said that they take time out of their routine to honour the fasting month in different ways, and that iftar and the hours after bring them closer to those they love.

Account executive Hasnain Fakhr Al Deen who works in Dubai said that after the evening prayer and ending his fast, he takes time to unwind and catch up on the day's events.

He said: "I go for Maghrib prayer then I end my fast with a date, some biscuits and a glass of milk. After prayers I have a short meal at about 8pm and use the rest of the time to relax at home reading the newspaper or watching TV."

While some catch up on daily events, others use the evening to reconnect after working long hours.

Sharjah software specialist Malek Iftikhar Hussain said this month helps bring his family closer.

Go out for a while

He said: "[Ramadan] is about spending time in the home. After spending long hours at work, we use this time for prayer and to spend with family. We only use the time after iftar to go out for a little bit like to parks, shopping or to get something to eat."

Homemaker Sophy Aqeel based in Sharjah, also spends iftar and the evening hours with family, and in prayer. According to her this month is "more about spending time with family and praying".

She said: "Before iftar we prepare the meal. We end our fast, pray and then we have our iftar. A half hour later we have our dinner, then after an hour we go for Taraweeh prayers."

She added: "We spend most of Ramadan praying, because it's only once a year and we want to get in as much as we can."

However, there are also those for whom Ramadan is their busiest time and their routines flip in the opposite direction.

Ali Arjomandi, a purchasing manager in the fruit and vegetable import/export field, explained that Ramadan is his busiest time.

He said: "During Ramadan our hours switch and after iftar is our busiest time. I have a quick meal at home for iftar and then it's right back to work. We work until [about] midnight so there isn't much time to socialise or go to a cafeteria. It's a seven-day week, so no weekends unfortunately, though on Fridays we finish at 10pm."

However, all agree that no matter what their routine or plans, it is important to take the time to pray, reflect, and honour the traditions of Ramadan.

‘We spend most of Ramadan praying.' says reader