‘I noticed that it made everyone calmer and pleasant’

Abu Dhabi: When Marina Zamfir arrived in the UAE 16 years ago, she was unfamiliar with the rituals of the month.

“There are Muslim communities in Russia, but my hometown in the central portion of the country does not house too many. So I was taken aback by the seriousness with which Muslims observed Ramadan. They did not need to be told, but engaged in worship and prayer of their own accord. This impressed me greatly,” Zamfir, 46, the owner of a music school, told Gulf News.

Since then, Zamfir has adopted Ramadan as one of her yearly rituals, and a time that she looks forward to.

“I made many Emirati friends after coming here, and this created an interest in me to learn and know more about fasting and its benefits. I noticed that it made everyone calmer and pleasant, and was drawn to the whole experience,” she said.

The Russian expat now fasts nearly every day, although she still sometimes takes a sip of water on a particularly hot day.

“My son is now back in Russia but he grew up here. I always felt that he was much more reflective e and calm in Ramadan,” Zamfir said.

Having experienced many Emirati iftars in the UAE, she answers promptly when asked about her favourite Ramadan meal or beverage: jallab.

“I love its cool, sweet taste. Other than that, I enjoy harees (an Arabian wheat and meat-based dish), as well as how much of the food in Ramadan is healthy,” she said.

Zamfir also appreciates the sense of caring that people extend to one another during the month.

“The acts of worship that are an integral part of Ramadan promote a sense of morality, and in my opinion, people’s conduct provides a very good example for children to follow,” she said.

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Marina Zamfir

Age: 46

From: Russia

Owner of a music school