'I grew up here so there were no perceptions'

Dubai - With Muslim friends from several countries, Smith has been invited to and attended many different Iftars and Suhoors over the years.

Growing up in the UAE, British expatriate Marcus Smith is well versed in the practice of Ramadan. Living in Dubai since 1983, he has been fortunate to learn the meaning of the holy month, first hand, from a number of different nationalities.
"I actually learned about Ramadan growing up here so there were no perceptions, it was simply a time in the Islamic calendar where a month of fasting was observed, so no different from a number of other religions who observe periods of fasting for a number of great reasons."
Although Smith does not observe a full month of fasting himself, he does dedicate one day of the month to abstaining from food and drink from dawn till dusk.
And watching friends, neighbours and colleagues practice the tradition has taught him a lot about respecting others.
"I do a variety of fasting in line with my beliefs and to cleanse both my body and mind. During Ramadan, I always fast for a day to show respect to my Muslim friends and also to understand what they are going through."
For Smith, a personal trainer, the concept of fasting teaches lessons including self-respect and gratitude. "I have the ultimate respect for it and for all forms of both religious and non-religious fasting. People do things that they believe help them in some way and Ramadan is a great example of that."
As someone who has witnessed the month of Ramadan many times, Smith said it does get frustrating when someone asks him what the pros and cons of Ramadan are, as a non-Muslim living in a Muslim country.
"I think that is the wrong way to look at it. We are all visitors to this country which is a Muslim country so it is only natural that we respect the beliefs, laws and traditions. The fact that it used to be hard to go out for lunch or get a coffee during fasting hours, which has changed a lot over the years, is not really much of an issue in my eyes. People need to realise where they are and have some respect."
With Muslim friends from several countries, Smith has been invited to and attended many different Iftars and Suhoors over the years. And the experience has allowed him to witness first hand a variety of different traditions for opening fast.
But unfortunately, he said, some people and companies have started to cash in on the holy month. And it's something that has grown over the last few years.
"Sadly I think the Iftar concept in the last five years has been something that restaurants and hotels are just trying to cash in on. It has become an 'over eat like no other' approach. I find it totally counter-intuitive to fast for a day and then gorge yourself once the fast breaks."
But that said, Smith agrees that it is nice to share iftar with friends that are fasting, and sometimes, eating out is the only option for big groups.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021
• Dubai