Dubai: Ramadan calls for some positive adjustments to people’s lives — whether it is in terms of lifestyle changes or getting out of the routine. Or, for some people, it may even be an occasion to make a few fresh resolutions in life. Gulf News asked some UAE residents about what their Ramadan resolutions were. This is what they had to share.
‘To focus on work and prayers’
Indian expatriate Parvez Nawab, 62, a mechanical engineer by profession said this Ramadan, he would like to do more charity than before. “Every year, I do charity during Ramadan. This time, I want to do more. I want to go through Ramadan like the way some poor people do — they fast all day and pray at night. That is my Ramadan resolution.”
‘To be more punctual with Salah [prayer]’
Pakistani expatriate Sahar Akbar, 37, an art and design educator, said this year, she is working on being more punctual with her Salah (namaz). “It has been a constant struggle for me to pray at work. This Ramadan, I need to achieve this resolution more than anything else.”
She said this year, she also has a resolution to be ready for the holy month well in advance — be it physically, mentally or emotionally. “I also resolved to make changes around my house to make it welcoming for my iftar guests. Shaban is the month that precedes Ramadan and I utilised that time to prepare for Ramadan. First, I did a deep-cleaning of my house to make sure my surroundings were clean and emanated a soothing feel. Soft lighting really sets the mood for a spiritual journey, so I have placed lamps at strategic locations of my home so that there is soft-lighting all around. The use of bakhoor [incense] is a must to welcome Ramadan and I have placed them too,” she said.
‘To keep away from social media’
Filipina expatriate Luchie Suguitan, 39, who works as a Maitre Chocolatier for a restaurant said this Ramadan she had two resolutions. “I will start cutting back on my time on social media. I want to stop peeking into the lives of others through social media platforms, unless work demands it. Secondly, I plan pray on time. I will be more alert to hear the Adhan. This Ramadan, my focus will be on my prayers and my spiritual journey. The idea is to make time and prioritise this over other distractions — and eventually carry this on even after Ramadan,” said Suguitan.
‘To eat healthy and exercise’
Tunisian expat Nouha Bouallegue, 42, who works as a manager for a telecom company in Dubai, said her resolution this year is to eat healthy, continue exercising and work on the spirituality part. “Ramadan is a spiritual month where we work harder to get closer to God, with prayers and good deeds. We also use this month as an opportunity to improve on our eating habits, cut down on extra calories, reduce coffee intake. With some light exercise, we can be in better shape.”
‘To detox and focus on prayers’
Egyptian expatriate Fatma Mosleh said Ramadan is the best time of the year to make or break a habit. “This Ramadan, my resolution is to make a habit of eating healthy and detoxing my body. I will workout harder to build a stronger body. In addition, I will ensure a healthy food intake. I will take this opportunity to start a new lifestyle in terms of healthy eating and detox my body from all the unhealthy habits.”
