Readers set their Ramadan resolutions

Dubai: As Muslims around the world welcome the holy month of Ramadan, many of them will embrace the opportunity to re-evaluate their lives. Not only is Ramadan a time for Muslims to feed their spiritual cravings and distance themselves from worldly temptations, it’s a time when many hope to better themselves, religiously and otherwise. Whether it involves completing umrah (pilgrimage) for the first time or staying away from tempting buffets, just about everyone has a Ramadan resolution. We heard from some Gulf News readers about their goals for the month.

Seventeen-year-old Ahmad Al Shirawi wants to focus on volunteering this Ramadan. The Dubai-based Emirati is already a member of Young Eager Steps, a group that focuses on issues concerning Emirati youth, and Al Shirawi hopes to do a lot of work with them this month.

He said: “I really wanted to be part of this organisation because I always wanted to give back to the community in any way possible. They have had many events like playing with orphans and giving them a family environment. They also help people who are hearing impaired and blind. I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful experience during Ramadan.”

Wafa Khalfan, an Emirati media and marketing specialist, wants to put her focus on reading the Quran and maintaining her family relationships this month. With dedication and some scheduling, Wafa is sure she can accomplish her resolutions.

The Sharjah-based resident said: “It just takes some time management. The feeling of accomplishment you get after Ramadan will make achieving this goal a much better experience.”

Spending more time reading the Quran is also a resolution for Javed Noor this year. The 22-year-old Afghani also hopes to complete umrah this Ramadan.

He said: “I usually complete the Quran every Ramadan, but last year I was unable to do so. This year I’ll do my best to finish it, hopefully during umrah.” Noor also wants to focus on his health this year and ensure he stays healthy.

A healthy Ramadan

Noor is not the only one trying to stay healthy this Ramadan. With the buffets and social gatherings at iftar time, it’s easy to lose track of a healthy diet.

For that reason Ahmad Bilal is hoping to stick to a nutritious diet during Ramadan with his family.

He said: “It’s a family consensus that we shall restrict our suhour and iftar to a low-calorie, high-vitamin diet with lots of liquid intake. It’ll be kind of like a detoxification. A good thing is that the whole family would be actively practising this schedule together and thus sharing the benefits.”

Alisha Abdullah in Ajman is also going to try to cut out some of the enemies from her Ramadan diet.

The student said: “Being a science student, I understand how soft drinks and oily food can affect our health, especially on an empty stomach. I will try to break each day of fasting with a glass of water, fresh juice and plenty of dates!”

Faisal Hanif in Dubai is also trying to better his health regime this Ramadan by dropping his smoking habit, completely. The 25-year-old has been smoking for nearly six years, but he’s beginning to notice the effect it has on his energy levels when playing sports and working out.

He said: “My stamina hasn’t been very good and I’ve always wanted to quit. My friend recommended a book that helps people quit. I’ve started reading the book and with Ramadan, cutting back on cigarettes will be easier.”

With fewer cigarettes to smoke during Ramadan and regular gym schedule after iftar, Hanif hopes to be nicotine-free by the end of the month.