'Fasting in UAE is unique because of its ambience'

Abu Dhabi - Aboobackar Kuttikol says the media in the UAE plays a crucial role in inculcating Islamic values in children

By 3.30 pm, there is a riot of action at Keralite businessman Aboobackar Kuttikol's house in Reem Island in Abu Dhabi.
The strong smell of some popular Malabar snacks is wafting in the air.
His wife Rasheeda is busy manning the kitchen making sure the sweet stuffing made of cashew and coconut for Panineerpetti ( a triangle-shaped sweet snack filled with sugar syrup) has all the right ingredients. The dough for Pathiri (the thin flat bread made of rice) is done to softness and is ready to be prepared just before Iftar.
"Pathiri is a quintessential Malabar delicacy. We seldom have any Iftar parties without Pathiri and chicken or fish curry to go with it," said Rasheeda, mother of four.
"Everyone has their favourite dishes. I try to make things that my husband and kids love. Chicken Samosa, Unnakkaya (banana with sweet stuffing's), Kaykumthu (banana cake), Chicken appam (chicken flat bread) are some of the must-haves in our family."
"Usually we have guests, and then preparations for Iftar and dinner start from ten in the morning."
Aboobackar, who is the managing director of Safe Line Electrical and Mechanical, is at home well before the time of Iftar every day.
"Opening fast with the family is very important. I never miss it," said Aboobackar who has been living in Abu Dhabi for the last 21 years.
The couple's eldest daughter Fathimath, 13, is observing fast with her parents. Ameer, 9 and Aazim, 5 are slowly being introduced into this important pillar of Islam.
"Both of them are quite enthusiastic about keeping their fast. Ameer mostly fasts every alternative day while Aazim has so far observed just one fast," said Rasheeda.
"We want them to learn that fasting is an important part of being a Muslim, and we are slowly training them to do the full fast."
The family shared a short video where the two boys can be seen in conversation about the importance of fasting. "Fasting is only one percent of not eating and drinking, 99 percent of fasting is bringing your heart and soul closer to Allah," Amir tells Aazim in the short video clip.
Aboobackar says the media in the UAE plays a crucial role in inculcating Islamic values in children. Newspapers are full of Ramadan charity stories and children are made aware of the importance of the holy month. Some acts of charity that the local media reports truly are an inspiration to others to make giving a habit."
"Ramadan is definitely a special occasion in the UAE. Though there are lots of dinners and get-togethers with friends and clients, Ramadan gatherings during Iftar is different. Everyone - even non-Muslims - is bonded by the same spirit or charity, tolerance and piety."
"And what I like the best is everyone sticks to time. Perhaps Iftars are the only get-togethers where everyone is on time," said Aboobackar.
Rasheeda says she has a special affinity for Ramadan in the UAE because of the nightlife.
"In India, it is just like any other month. But in the UAE, shops are open till late; there are Ramadan night markets, families spend evenings together. I feel even the spiritual experience is unique because of the ambience," said Rasheeda.
"Personally, I prefer Ramadan in the UAE. But for Eid, we all go to India. That is where our home is and our parents are waiting for us every year," she added.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com

• Ramadan 2021