Emiratis embrace the spirit of giving in Ramadan

For the Emirati community, Ramadan is a lot more than just a month of fasting and praying. It is a season of reflection and reconnection that transcends religious beliefs.

"We are very spoilt in this day and age, and tend to forget that we should be thankful for the basic things in life. While my family and I try our best to be good to others throughout the year, we see Ramadan as a special time to reignite that passion," says 16-year-old Emirati student Mohammad Sabt. "My mother reads the Quran and my father contributes towards charity. My family and I sit together to catch up every day and help with the food preparations. After Suhoor or Iftar, we tend to go our separate ways, but keep in mind the essence of Ramadan," he adds.

Charity is one of the pillars of Islam and is deeply rooted in its teachings. Be it financial assistance or a simple gesture, each action is aimed to build humility and spread kindness, and help alleviate the suffering of the underprivileged.

The spirit of giving shines brighter during the month, as residents take time to contribute to the well-being of others, such as the case of Khalifa Al Zarooni, a young pilot in training, and his family. "My grandfather is big on charity. He is the one who shaped us into humble people and taught us to give. Whether it's Ramadan or not, we hand out parcels of food to labourers who queue outside our home after Friday (Jum'ah) prayers. During Ramadan, my cousins and I join the household help to give out food and drinks an hour before Iftar," he says.

A 26-year-old analyst Abdulla Ismail and his family also share a part in compassion. "My father and I buy boxes of drinking water and distribute them to workers in the neighbourhood. We are especially mindful of non-Muslims and give them water, knowing that they work longer in the heat outside," he says. The Ismails also dedicate Ramadan weekends to gathering unwanted garments from relatives and friends which are washed and packed before donating it to charity associations in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi resident Sara AlMualla adds that Ramadan is 'a voyage towards simplicity aboard a ship of appreciation for time and people'. "Everyone has an opportunity to help and it can make a difference, no matter how small that favour may be. My mother has a chronic illness and cannot fast, but she gives out meals to the poor everyday instead," she says.

Shorter school and work timings during Ramadan means ample time to re-discover family traditions and dedicate oneself to positive habits.

AlMheiris, for instance, have an annual tradition of gathering at their home in Al Safa every Thursday during Ramadan. "It's something we have been doing for generations now and my parents are dedicated to keeping it alive. Our home is besides the Dubai Canal, and is most conveniently located for all. We have relatives coming all the way from Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah to our home, every Thursday," says Salem AlMheiri, an Emirati engineer. He says each household brings dishes of their own to share with others, including additional packs of food to share with neighbours and those in need.

The month-long observance also gives many an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life to reconnect with loved ones. The Sabts put aside technology to interact with family, and AlMuallas prefer to skip outdoor activities and stay home to bond with each other.

Ismail adds, "My family is very conscious of the value of time. We take whatever time remains of the day and read the Holy Quran before Iftar. Once done with Iftar, we sit together as a family and have some desserts and tea prepared by my mother, and watch TV. When it is time for Isha (late evening prayers), we leave for the mosque to pray, followed by Al Taraweeh prayer."

Prior to the evening (Maghrib) prayer marking the end of a day's fast, Emirati families set the table with light and hearty treats; delicacies that bring members together after a busy day.

At the Sabts, a traditional soup called Hreera is a highlight during Iftar and Suhoor, alongside prawn spring rolls, cheese samboosas, and Vimto, a drink supposedly synonymous with Ramadan. Al Zaroonis enjoy a mix of Arabic and Pakistani delights, and Khalifa, who is quite fond of cooking, tries to bring healthy and unique options to the table such as tacos and pasta. AlMuallas have to have Thareed and Umm Ali every day, while the Ismails' table is armed with Harees, Muhammar rice and chicken, and Khabeesa, along with Emirati sweet treats like Khanfaroosh and Luqaymat.

farhana@khaleejtimes.com (Farhana is an otaku with a passion for travel)

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021
• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai