Abu Dhabi: Shinji Suzuki arrived in the UAE last year, and he experienced his first Ramadan.
“I came here in April 2015, and two months later, I experienced my first Ramadan. The landscape was dotted with tents, and people were offering food to others. It was all unusual for me, and I must say that I am still getting used to it this time around,” the 33-year-old Japanese diplomat told Gulf News.
While there is a Muslim minority in Japan, Shinji has never lived close to a Muslim household. So in essence, last year was his first-ever experience of the month.
“I noticed that Ramadan brings about some very positive lifestyle changes, and the focus on charity and giving is unmistakable. In fact, the aspect of giving and sharing was what first struck me,” Suzuki said.
He is also intrigued at how one can manage to abstain from food and water for so long every day.
“I feel that it would be a good experience for me to try fasting this year. But the most difficult part is to wake up early and eat and drink before dawn,” he said.
The expatriate, who lives alone in Abu Dhabi, has recently attended an iftar in the city.
“The fare was largely Middle Eastern but to be honest, I could not distinguish any Ramadan delicacies among them. Perhaps it was because I did not know what to look for,” he said.
“I would be very interested in trying out a traditional iftar,” Suzuki added.
He also wants to give some charity, but said he hasn’t had much of an opportunity this year.
Shinji Suzuki
Age: 33
From: Japan
Diplomat
