Abu Dhabi: A Scottish engineer from a Christian family says this Ramadan has brought him nice memories of his baby steps in completing fasting during the holy months in the past five years.
“All my previous attempts [since 2013] ended [midway]. Finally, I managed full Ramadan fasting in 2017,” Ewan John Findlay, 48, an Abu Dhabi resident for nine years, told Gulf News on Monday. It was difficult because he never fasted in his life before coming to the UAE.
Findlay is excited that he will celebrate completing Ramadan fasting for the second time in a row this year.
Despite the difficulties in the first four years, he was determined to continue his attempts as part of a personal commitment.
“My main reason for fasting is to pay back to this country that has paid my salary for the past nine years with total respect and appreciation of what I do,” said Findlay who works as a crane contract engineer for Sparrows Offshore that has been part of the Adnoc offshore crane contract for the past eight years.
“You should always respect the faiths and cultures of the country you are living in. I have always had an interest in Islam and the Emirati culture,” he said. A larger cause also inspired him to overcome the difficulties in the initial four years.
“Religion is about togetherness. Ramadan is the best example for togetherness in the world. Better understanding of all cultures and beliefs could stop wars.”
Findlay said he wanted to be part of that togetherness.
While completing his fifth day of fasting on Monday and confident of completing the full month of fasting, he smilingly recalls the initial difficulties five years ago.
“The first day was tough. The initial difficulties were more in the first three days because of disrupted sleep pattern. It was difficult to remember all rules related to fasting.”
He overcame those problems with the support of his Emirati friends.
“Self-control and respect and appreciation for Ramadan from the depth of my heart also helped.”
Ramadan also reminded him the comforts offered by the UAE’s infrastructure.
Although temperature is high, most of the people are working in air-conditioned environment. Many others living in hot climate do not have this privilege.
Findlay’s wife was also a great support. His family members in Scotland also appreciated his fasting.
He strictly follows the Ramadan routine, starting with suhour.
“I wake up at 3.30am with my wife and we eat and drink until a few minutes before Fajr. I then go back to bed until 7.30am, then wake up for work [which is from 8.30am to 2.30pm].”
After coming back home, he helps his wife in house chores and take about one hour’s rest before Maghrib.
“We then end our fast after the prayer call. We normally go for walks during the evening,” said Findlay who enjoys the benefits of fasting.
“I started feeling the benefits from the beginning. It allows you to appreciate your friends and family much more. Ramadan brings a togetherness of all people … you feel it from the heart. On health grounds also, you feel more energised once you cross the first week.
“The most important part during Ramadan and fasting is togetherness — helping each other and giving to those who are in need,” he said.
