The Aazem family and their friends end their fast in their apartment in Bur Dubai. The family looks beyond good food during the holy month and concentrate on doing good deeds.
The family notes that Ramadan is more about doing good deeds, rather than just good food.
Published: Tue 28 Jun 2016, 11:18 PM
It was around 7pm when I entered Gulrez Aazem's apartment in Bur Dubai, to a very warm welcome. The wonderful start to the unforgettable evening took off with introductions to his wife Shabana Sheikh and cousin, Brendon Baker. Soon, we were joined by Gulrez's friend, Alkesh.
Shabana returned to the kitchen, to give the final touch to her dishes and Iftar preparations, while Gulrez and and Brendon helped her lay the table and set the dishes out. Their open kitchen helped us strike up an easy conversation.
By 7.10pm, almost Iftar time, everything was set and ready. "It's all home cooked food and we prefer having light meals during Ramadan," Shabana said, while serving us fruit chaat. "We avoid heavy food during Sehri (Suhoor) too; generally a glass of milk, a banana or rusks is more than enough for us. We also avoid salty food, so that we don't feel thirsty during the day.
The family notes that Ramadan is more about doing good deeds, rather than just good food. "We keep it as humble as possible, and try to help people in need. Our parents - mine and Gulrez's - also take care of the zakat and do charity on our behalf, back in India," Shabana noted.
I help myself to the corn and bean salad, masala chole (spicy chickpeas), and dahi vada (fritters dipped in yoghurt) while listening to the conversation. It's a wholesome, healthy meal. There are samosas, pin wheels, paneer balls and watermelon juice too.
Gulrez recounts their ceebrations back home in India, and why it's livelier there. "We miss our parents and family during Ramadan - it's a grand affair there," he recalls. "Every evening, we gather together to have meals, and indulge in long conversations and discussions. Thankfully, I have my cousin and friends here who join us. Brendon's jokes, in particular, keeps us hale and hearty during Ramadan!" Brendon has a Catholic father and Muslim mother; interestingly, he turns vegetarian during the holy month. "I like having light meals during this time, and smaller portions, that's the reason I stick to vegetarian. As a part-Catholic, I observe the Lent fast too," he says.
Alkesh, their non-Muslim friend, said, "Gulrez and I have been friends since our bachelor days, and Iftar is something I always look forward to, as we get to spend good time together, cherishing our old days."
The evening comes to an end with cups of hot tea, and amazingly, Brendon leaves for a gym workout. "He loves going swimming or to the gym, after ending the fast. It's all about fasting and fitness in Ramadan for him," said Gulrez.
'UAE supports observers of fast'
Gulrez and his family strongly believe that the UAE supports and helps those who are fasting. The lifestyle is better and more comfortable here, and every place is air-conditioned. They also don't feel tempted during the fast here, as people show more respect to each other during Ramadan. The reduced working hours are also great, letting them spend more time reading the Holy Quran. Thus, the Aazem's prefer to stay in Dubai during Ramadan, rather than going to India.
ankita@khaleejtimes.com
iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
