'Ramadan is the most important month for me'

Abu Dhabi - Zeinab's daily routine includes checking the nursing rotation, the nursing staff, the hospital rounds, and most importantly, checking on the patients and what they require.

There is just less than one week left until Ramadan ends this year, which is a bitter-sweet moment for many fasting Muslims, including in-charge nurse, Zeinab Nasser.
The 28-year-old in-charge nurse at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Bareen International Hospital, told Khaleej Times why working and fasting in the UAE is tremendously different to back home, Lebanon.
"We are lucky to be in the UAE to have less working hours in Ramadan, unlike back home where we had to work continuously without shorter hours, sometimes from 7am-7pm, which is difficult."
The in-charge nurse said while she enjoys the shorter hours, she does miss special moments of Ramadan back home. Since moving to the UAE in 2016, Zeinab has been on her own, without her family, during the holy month.
"I try to keep myself busy and surrounded by friends, especially in Ramadan. I miss sharing moments with my family, where we would always gather together. I try to accommodate because I am alone here, so I often share Iftar with my friends, neighbours and colleagues." 
She said that despite being away from her family, the working side is much easier to deal with. "I work six hours and they are flexible, according to the hospital's operation, which is very helpful for the staff." 
Zeinab's daily routine includes checking the nursing rotation, the nursing staff, the hospital rounds, and most importantly, checking on the patients and what they require.
She said it is important to maintain a calm atmosphere in emergency and stressful situations. "As a nurse, you should have control over your anger, stress and workload. You must not show this to your colleagues and patients, because you are meant to be a role model." 
During her breaks, she tries to spend time alone, self-reflect, pray or read the Quran. She also tries to have a one-hour workout before Iftar, whether by going to the gym or running outside. When Iftar time arrives, Zeinab breaks her fast with dates and water, before going for prayers.
Having traditional Lebanese food allows her to feel closer to home in Ramadan. "After prayers, I will have soup and traditional Lebanese salads, such as taboula or fattoush, before having the main course." 
She said Ramadan is the most important month for her in the year. "This is my favourite month. It allows me to feel closer to Allah, to pray and to focus on doing good things."
Zeinab said she feels inspired to do more good deeds and help others as she is watching the tremendous initiatives the UAE is doing to help those in need. "Ramadan reminds us to appreciate what we have and to think about the poor people, who are living hungry every day and are hardly able to survive."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021
• Abu Dhabi