Time Out speaks to UAE-based Muslim Tahseen Khatib about her experiences of Ramadan.
What is Ramadan all about? How would you explain it to someone who’s not a Muslim?
Ramadan is a month of blessings, rewards, unity and above all it is a month of mercy and forgiveness. During Ramadan, we can seek forgiveness from Allah for all our past sins, and the position of the one who fasts in Ramadan is elevated. During the day, we refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and intimacy with our spouse. Freed from the preoccupation of satisfying our physical needs, we can focus on building our spiritual selves. It’s the perfect time for personal reflection, greater devotion to Allah and a means of learning self-control. The addition of extra prayers at night (Taraweeh), help strengthen our faith and willpower. The whole community comes together to understand Islam better and improve on our way of living. The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in this month and reading it and reflecting on its teachings, paying Zakat (giving charity to the poor), purifying one’s behaviour and doing good deeds, all encompass the purpose of Ramadan.
Why do you fast?
Fasting allows me to appreciate the gifts I have been given in life, and break the habits that I don’t like. Ramadan gives me the chance to re-boot my daily schedule and drop any activity that is not beneficial to me or those around me. When I’m fasting I get to experience what real hunger feels like for those unfortunate people around the world who live in poverty. It’s a humbling experience and a stark lesson in overindulgence. Fasting is also good for your health, like a month-long detox session for the body, provided you avoid all the over-the-top iftar buffets.
What does the month mean personally to you and your family?
It’s a time of togetherness and sharing. My whole family comes together for the suhoor, the breakfast meal, before Fajr (the morning call to prayer) and iftar, just after Maghrib (the evening call to prayer), where we break our fast. We eat together and pray together, take part in family discussions on faith and guide each other on the path to becoming better Muslims. We send ‘iftari’ (a selection of the food items prepared for Iftar) with dates to our neighbours and relatives, and invite them to our home to share iftar.
What do Muslims hope to learn from Ramadan?
Ramadan gives us a chance to correct ourselves and adhere to the righteous path. We should practice the teachings of the Qur’an and the hadith (the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, P.B.U.H) with understanding. We can learn to control our desires and truly understand the importance of giving regularly to charity.
Do all Muslims fast – even if they are pregnant?
During Ramadan fasting is obligatory for all Muslims, except young children and the mentally handicapped. Women who have their period, are pregnant or nursing and have been advised not to fast by their doctor, those chronically ill, and travellers (anyone travelling more than 50 miles from their home) are also exempted from the fast, but must make it up when they are able to do so.
How should non-Muslims treat friends and colleagues who are observing the fast?
We should all be compassionate towards each others’ religions. You should avoid eating, drinking or smoking in front of fasting colleagues. This is the rule laid down by the UAE government as well. It’s prohibited to eat and drink in public.
Can non-Muslims get involved if they want to gain a better understanding of the religion?
Non-Muslims can use Ramadan to learn more about Islam and why Muslims fast. Various Islamic talks are held throughout the month with the aim of educating in this regard. They can also get to know their Muslim colleagues and friends better by sharing an Iftar meal with them. In this way, they will gain useful insights into the customs of the Muslim community.
What are the consequences if I drink water or eat a snack in public?
As per UAE law, eating and drinking is not allowed in public places during Ramadan. Violation is likely to earn you a warning, fine or even jail time. It’s always best to follow the rules of the country we live in.
Are Muslims more tolerant of non-Muslims making mistakes during Ramadan these days?
Forgiveness and tolerance are major teachings of Islam best described in these verses of the Qur’an: “There is no compulsion in religion” and “To you be your Faith, and to me mine.” The Prophet (P.B.U.H) also warned against maltreatment of people of other faiths. He said: “Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” (Hadith: Abu Dawud)
With more non-Muslim expats in the UAE, is it harder for Muslims to observe the Holy Month?
No, I don’t feel that way. Muslims the world over who do not live in Muslim countries fast in normal conditions without these privileges. Ramadan is the most widely observed period of devotion in the world.
