‘It’s the beginning of a new way of life’

Name: Malik Al Ash-Shaikh

Age: 30

Occupation: Editorial director

Nationality: German

Emirate of residence: Abu Dhabi

In the UAE: For 4 years

“Among Muslims, it is believed that it was during the month of Ramadan when the noble Quran was sent down from heaven as a guidance to people, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation.

“For the vast majority of Muslims around the world, including myself, Ramadan isn’t just about not eating. The true spirit of Ramadan is about unity, the sense of community and belonging. It is about sharing prayers, contributing to humanity, showing our compassion for the lesser fortunate, and most importantly, it’s about looking within ourselves and realising that there are elements of our lives that we need to change and eventually reform.

“It’s a month in which we break away from 11 months of routines, habits and patterns — to be close to God, family, friends and those who nourish our hearts and intellects.

“The whole month is truly extraordinary, but my favourite part is that after sunset when friends, family, neighbours and strangers, from various diverse backgrounds unite at the district mosque to end the fast.

“I remember being at the local mosque near my house in London a few years ago when a close friend of mine told me about Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 49:13.

“O mankind, indeed We have created you male and female and made you into tribes and nations so that you may know one another. Indeed, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you...”

“During Ramadan, I always hold the belief that this verse is certainly applicable to the UAE, a welcoming multicultural country with people from various backgrounds and so many different nationalities, living in harmonious coexistence.

“For many of us, the end of Ramadan doesn’t mark the end of all good virtues, rather the beginning of a new way of life and, perhaps, a new way of thinking.

“Mercy, compassion, tolerance, acceptance, forgiveness, kindness, positivity, respect and care are all great attributes to have — they should be reflected in our daily lives and carried through the whole year, until next Ramadan.”