Dubai: Ramadan is a time when a lot of people focus on introspection, charity and being the best version of themselves. So, we thought it would be interesting to find out what people are reading during the month.
Zeiba Rizvi, an Indian working as a finance manager, says she doesn’t get a lot of time to read during Ramadan. But, when she does, she looks for recipes.
The Sharjah resident said: “Our schedule becomes hectic. We end up sleeping late and then rush to work. There always seems to be a lack of time. So, reading takes a back seat. If I get time, I like to read recipes, which are short and easy to make. This helps me in making new items for iftar. Of course, reading a bit of the Quran every day is also preferred.”
For Eunice Sanchez, a Filipina who works as an assistant at a travel agency, Ramadan is the perfect time to catch up on fiction.
She said: “I’ve been thinking of reading The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom, and Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. I’m also planning to up my calligraphy game with Modern Calligraphy by Molly Suber Thorpe.”
Shorter working hours help the Dubai resident’s reading habit. “I would have more time to read in the afternoon. I can read anywhere, be it at my desk when we have downtime at work, in the Dubai Metro or a public bus on the way home.”
When asked to recommend one book people should read during Ramadan, Sanchez said: “I love children’s books, because it shows that you don’t have to be explicit to be a best-seller. My favourite is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery. When you’re a child, this book is something that makes you go ‘wow’, but as an adult it can touch your heart. It will make you shed a tear and ponder on the things that we as adults face, yet we long to hide in the comfort of our childhood. Ramadan is a great time to do it as we assess and reflect on our lives.”
Christine Cherry, an Indian student, loves to read, too. But, due to her midterm exams, she’ll have to put it off for a few days.
She said: “On free days, I spend around five to six hours reading. This month, I plan on reading books by Maggie Stievater, an unexplored author. If I have time, I’ll also grab a few plays by William Shakespeare, Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species and a few other scientific novels.”
One book that Cherry believes everyone should read is Steve Jobs, the biography of the former Apple chief executive officer (CEO).
“It is the most inspirational book I’ve read. It showcases how you can achieve success only through hard work. The fact that Jobs went through so many hardships and tribulations during his youth, but turned out to be one of the most influential people in the world, is really inspiring.”
Ummehani Habiby, a Pakistani homemaker, says she doesn’t have a lot of time to read during Ramadan, but recommends reading Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak.
She said: “It is an amalgamation of love for God and man. The sayings and teachings of Rumi and Shams Al Tabrez in the book are truly inspirational. The whole book was so touching and taught the lesson of how we should spread love and peace without judging others for their shortcomings and flaws.
“It also taught me the important lesson that it is easy to love a perfect God, but it is not easy to love His creations with all their imperfections. When we love our fellow humans without judgement, that is what true love is.”
Sailakshmi Sivaram, an Indian homemaker, says she’ll be using the time in Ramadan to read with her children.
“My children will be coming back from school early. I will also try and catch up on my ‘to-read’ list. In a month I get about 40 hours to read, and I usually read just before going to bed; I love it when reading is the last thing I do in a day. One book people should read this month is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. I really think that things will happen to you, if you really want them to. Saying or thinking it will make it come your way.”
Sara Shoshaa, a Jordanian-Palestinian based in Abu Dhabi, listens to audio books.
She said: “I’ve decided to commit to reading the Quran intensively and spending as much time as possible on that great source of knowledge and wisdom. But, in order to continue reading other books that I love, I will focus on audio books. It’s a great way to multitask and manage time. I got used to listening to audio books during my 45-minute drive to and from work every day, and will continue doing so while preparing iftar for my family.
“One recommendation to other readers is Minaret by Sudanese author Leila Aboulela. An amazing story and a highly spiritual novel that takes you into a life-changing journey through the love for the Almighty and spiritual dedication. The spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan will put you in the best mood to understand and accept the messages of this book.”
