Dubai: So Eid is now upon us and, for the first time living in the UAE for more than seven years, I can now say that I appreciate the holiday.
I can also look back with a smug smile of satisfaction knowing that I fasted for 21 of the 28 days in Ramadan, not eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. Yes, I did mistakenly break the thirst on the first weekend, brewing a pot of coffee to drink over a leisurely breakfast and reading newspapers. I did so without thinking, and only when I was halfway through the first blissful cup, did I realise it was indeed Ramadan and I had committed to fasting.
And yes, there was a week’s break while I was abroad — something that was planned and was impossible to fast for. But I have also resolved that I will do another week of fasting shortly to make up for those missed days of Ramadan.
Am I a better person for this entire experience?
Not really. Fasting hasn’t changed my fundamentally grumpy and cynical outlook — I did promise not to eat and drink: being grumpy just comes naturally.
But I did learn to appreciate how precious a simple glass of water can be — and not to take it for granted.
The Ramadan experience has also given me a better understanding of just how difficult it is to fast and abstain from drinking while there are many who live in the UAE who do not adhere to that Muslim faith. Certainly, I became envious of those non-fasters who would openly make plans for lunch, or walk through public places with a bottle of water in hand. Resentful? Yes. And I can only suggest that if you’re a non-Muslim who lives here during Ramadan, please make every effort to respect the practices necessary to allow Muslims to complete their obligations of not eating and drinking.
And I’ll even do it again next year, Inshallah.
