The best month of the year has come. It is the season of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, praying and repenting for past sins. It has been a privilege to be a part of this wonderful nation. I have experienced 12 holy Ramadan seasons, some in school and some on summer holidays. The best memory for me in school of Ramadan is having a half day only for the month! But the beauty of Ramadan is to have control of oneself and this was what my classmates showed me. I loved seeing their determination! I sincerely pray for all my Muslim brothers and sisters to have another holy and blessed Ramadan.
From Ms Sai Madhurya
Dubai
A time for giving
Ramadan is that time of the year where the most benevolent of hearts come out and make their presence felt. Ramadan is a month for charity and sharing. I will be doing what I do every year, pooling in money for charity. I collect money from all my family members and friends who wish to donate, then we buy food in bulk, we distribute it into smaller bundles and then we go give it to poor families. Apart from that, we also give labourers food to end their fasts with at the mosques.
From Ms Aisha Yaqub
Dubai
Ramadan Kareem!
During Ramadan, you might notice that Muslims greet each other with the Arabic phrase “Ramadan Kareem”. This is used to wish fellow Muslims a happy Ramadan. You can also use it when you want to wish your friends a generous Ramadan.
Start the divine season of Ramadan with a heart filled with love and peace,
Praying to God to forgive us for our wrongdoings.
Let these 30 days of Ramadan be the start of our repentance and enlightenment.
Have a blessed Ramadan!
From Mr Touseef Ashfaq
UAE
Sharing is caring
I would like to wish all my fasting brothers and sisters a happy and blessed Ramadan. Let’s respect them and this month by not drinking and eating in public. Last year, our group called Students for the Earth, organised three to four charity iftars at different places and also collected gifts from those who wanted to donate and gift to the underprivileged or those less fortunate through our event “Eidy for the needy”.
This year, too, we will do this and follow the saying, sharing is caring. Ramadan teaches us values of tolerance and patience. I am looking forward to this blessed month. I love the sound of the evening call to prayer from the mosques, and I love watching people praying and ending their fasts. I would also like to urge readers not to cook more than necessary and not to over buy in order to avoid food wastage. Take what you eat and eat what you take.
From Ms Arushi Madan
Sharjah
A few tips from me to you
As always, I am excited for Ramadan because it is a month of prayers and festivities for Muslims across the world. I would like to share my tips that I use for Ramadan during Suhoor (the last meal before beginning the day’s fast) and at sundown for iftar when we end fast at Maghrib prayers. For Suhoor, I normally enjoy a paratha with an omelette and a glass of a banana or mango shake. Moreover, having a cardamom tea will not make you thirsty. I try to drink three to four glasses of water. While having iftar, I try to start with less oily cuisines and more fruits, juices, dates, rice or baked items. During Ramadan, everything is organised to perfection as we offer prayers five times a day and schedule our work accordingly.
From Mr M. Omar Iftikhar
Karachi, Pakistan
Eat right and eat light
Ramadan is a special month of divine blessings acquired through prayers, good deeds, compassion and charity. Every year my family and I look forward to celebrating the month in Dubai and this year is no exception.
We prefer to spend it quietly at home, engaged in work and prayers. However, occasionally, we like to go out over the weekends to enjoy the festivities in the various malls and savour the cuisine of different countries.
I would like to suggest that since the body takes a few days to adjust to the changes, it is always better to avoid binge eating, especially fried or oily foods. It is advisable to follow a strict regime of a balanced, moderate meal. Eat right and light and finish early for better digestion.
I wish everyone a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.
From Ms Umbereen Rahman
Dubai
Plan menus for Ramadan
Ramadan for me is a perfect moment when I rejuvenate and recharge myself, gaining back the stamina to think and look within myself. I try to find ways to help fine tune my normal patterns of behaviour, thereby changing me for the better.
I feel this is the best time to pick those aspects of my personality where the change is needed most and then I devise a plan to make some defined improvements in those areas. I have been careless with my diet, skin and overall health. It’s been scientifically proven that Ramadan is the best time to detox yourself.
To be healthy this Ramadan, I will be planning meals and making a healthy menu. Sleeping well, waking up early and scheduling health check-ups.
Proper planning and adapting our body to the transition it is going to go through ensures easy fasting for the whole month. It will help you reap the benefits of fasting during Ramadan.
From Ms Anjum Hassan
Ajman
Being a better me
I am not a Muslim, but I believe in God, His mighty power and the goodness that Islam preaches. I have been in this country for the past 21 years, and by now I am well versed in the traditions of Ramadan and its importance.
Firstly, I respect those who practise Ramadan fasting. I always try and be part of this fasting.
As preached in Islam, I want to help the needy by whatever means possible to me.
There are these charity shelves at many supermarkets and departmental stores where we can contribute food and drinks for the needy. I think all of us should do this.
I also plan to buy clothes and give to charity organisations who religiously and regularly send goods to the needy.
As Islam guides us, I shall try and keep calm, stay cool and not raise my voice or hurt anyone. In simple words, I will be a better me this Ramadan.
From Ms Anjali B.
Dubai
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