'Fasting taught me many lessons in life'

Dubai - Reminiscing back on his first Iftar, Masood said what he loved most was the whole family coming together to share the experience with him.

Adam Masood may only be 12-years-old, but memories of his first fast are still fresh in his mind, as last year marked his first attempt at fasting during Ramadan. He was just 11-years-old then.
"I fasted for a few days and it was my choice. I had seen all my cousins fasting and I felt left out. I wanted to feel that sense of gratitude from fasting," the Abu Dhabi-based student told Khaleej Times.
On that first day, Masood said he felt a mixture of feelings, both mentally and physically. 
"I admit I did feel hungry but I kept telling myself I could do it. After watching my cousins and peers, it filled me with strength."
But knowing that there are many unfortunate people in the world struggling to eat daily is what propelled him in his fast even more.
"As a child, I am limited to how much I can do to help these people, so for me, fasting was my way of feeling their suffering and appreciating how important it is to help others."
At that time, Masood said many children in his school were fasting, but for those that were not, it was a chance to share his experience with them.
"I told them I found peace In myself. It made me learn many lessons in life, but most of all the feeling of appreciation. I know that my dinner will be on the table every night but not every child has that sense of security," he said.
Reminiscing back on his first Iftar, Masood said what he loved most was the whole family coming together to share the experience with him.
"We had cousins, aunts, uncles and even family friends join us for Iftar. It was an experience I continue to cherish."
And he said fasting together and ending fast together brought about a "real sense of togetherness".
On that first day though, he vividly remembers sitting on the couch as his mother and aunt prepared the food for Iftar. And for that last hour, it was like time had stood still.
"We were staring at the clock. But when the prayer call rang out we broke our fast with dates and water. I felt a sense of achievement. And now I can say that I've fasted and have become part of this religious observance, which is so special to Muslims the world over."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
 
 

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• Ramadan 2021
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