Purity draws me every year
I really liked reading these Ramadan blog entries on Gulf News, keep it going and please don’t cheat on weekends either (‘Live blog: Tasting Ramadan’, Gulf News, June 18)! I am a non-Muslim, and I have been in the UAE since my childhood, but it wasn’t until eight years ago when I was working with a team of Muslim personnel and my office boy was reluctant to give me a cup of coffee, which he generally gives that I was persuaded to talk to him. I found out why he was feeling offended. With a team of more than 30 where only five were non-Muslims, all of us uniformly decided to keep the fast for the rest of the month. All said and done, the first week was a nightmare - temptation for a smoke and water was beyond control. But then it was all respect from co-team members, which motivated us not only to fast that year, but all the years after that. Having found to be diabetic last year, all doctors have recommended that I not fast, but I have decided to fast anyway. In these first days, there have been no issues. I’m looking forward to all the days ahead.
From Mr Rajiv Nair
UAE
Website comment
Ramadan journeys differ
I am on the spiritual path of Ramadan, and I appreciate and welcome the fact that people are different. Beliefs are different and it is such a joy to experience and celebrate the difference. I want to note that Muslims who are fasting are on a completely different path. It’s really not about food or fasting anymore, nor are they considering it a big sacrifice, nor are they cribbing about the lack of eating. They are on a higher plane, enjoying the beautiful meditativeness and bliss that brings them closer to God. They are in harmony with the creator. Lets not convert their experiences into a mere food oriented pursuit. May happiness and peace be with all my Muslim brethren. Ramadan Kareem!
From Mr Vijay
UAE
Website comment
Might try fasting!
The Gulf News live blog about fasting for the first time made me smile a few times. And, as of now I am thinking about it, and I think I want to start fasting too.
From Ms Cris
UAE
Website comment
Slip-ups are okay
I enjoy following the Gulf News writer Mick O’Reilly on the blog, regarding his morning coffee slip-up. He should realise that it does not matter, and his fast is still valid. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] said that whoever forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for the one who fed him and got him to drink was God.
From Mr Yousuf
UAE
Website comment
Respecting Ramadan
Being a non-Muslim, I have deep respect for Ramadan and people who are fasting. I am new in Dubai, and I don’t have any Muslims friends. So, despite having a thirst to celebrate Ramadan and do fasting, I cannot do it this time because I don’t really know how to start, end or pray. But still, I think of God a lot during this time. This is the holy month so we must show some kind of respect as non-Muslims. I hope that as I am in Dubai longer, I can make more Muslim friends and know more about Ramadan and celebrate next year’s Ramadan happily. Ramadan Mubarak. May God bless all of us. May peace prevail on Earth.
From Ms Alisha Adhikari
UAE
Facebook comment
Getting children involved
My boys are very keen on fasting this Ramadan. They are still young, ages six and five, but they are ever so keen to try! We’ve been doing activities and crafts to help them learn about fasting. Like, we made a fasting money box, which they will receive money after they complete each fast. We’ve also made fasting clocks, which will show them the time they need to start their fast and the time they will finish and they have made a ‘good deeds’ tree so that every time they do a good deed they can pin it on the tree. I feel it’s a good way of teaching the younger children the essence of Ramadan. As they are very young, they will obviously not fast the whole day, but maybe five hours or so. It’s a good way for them to participate in Ramadan and learn the values of fasting.
From Ms Umm Mohammad
UAE
Appreciating fresh water
Ramadan is here and this month teaches us many important lessons in life. During this month people observing the fast have to go without water from dawn to dusk. What a great way of realising the indispensable place of water in our lives. When we feel the pangs of thirst, we must realise how truly blessed we are as there are thousands who do not have sources of clean drinking water. They have to travel many kilometres every day just to get the basic requirement. Many do not even get that much. It is the right time to reflect upon our water usage or, rather, wastage. Water is a boon of Nature. We feel that water is in abundance here and do not think twice before leaving the faucet running while brushing our teeth or washing the car, but we must not forget that the UAE is a desert country. The main sources of water in the UAE are ground water and desalinated water. There are limitations on the usage of both sources. Desalinating water is an expensive process and ground water depends on rainfall, which is scanty in the UAE. We must realise that each drop is important. Whenever we get the privilege of enjoying clean water to satisfy our needs, we should think about the thousands who are not as lucky as we are and we will never feel like wasting water again.
From Ms Shaniya Siddiqui
Sharjah
Evolving perspective on Ramadan
That time of the year has come again, when the faithful fast for a month and host sumptuous Iftars and Suhours, when many flock together and gather as one family during Ramadan. For me, a non-Muslim, Ramadan in the UAE holds a different yet significant meaning. Ramadan always has fond memories for me.
I clearly remember the years in primary and middle school when Ramadan used to fall in the month of September, when school used be for three hours from around 8 to 11, all of us happily enjoying the very short working hours and running home to enjoy those extra hours outside school. I remember those Ramadan quizzes, which always ended in a lucky draw that never was lucky for me!
Then as the years rolled by, Ramadan was in August, then in July. I remember the times when I spent the holiday month of Ramadan in Dubai. Having a sneak peak and delve into Ramadan and Eid festivities or having a late night dinner much after Iftar hours. I fondly remember the afternoons and evenings I spent in making myself acquainted with the Ramadan culture.
With the passing of time, I also grew in tolerance and knowledge of this season and my due respects and wishes to all those who observe it sincerely and with devotion. I simply love the way the UAE celebrates this - making it as holy and revered for the faithful and making it a special occasion for everyone to be a part of. I cannot forget the generosity of the mosques and organisations who organise the big camps, where anyone can come to break their fast. The Ramadan care packages, of which I was a part, made me learn the importance of this month as a season of giving.
Ramadan is indeed a time I bond and enjoy with my family and friends and also remind myself of the values of religious tolerance and coexistence.
From Ms Maria Vincent
UAE
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