Iftar on the job: I have 3 dates, one meal a day in Ramadan

Indian hairdresser Rasheed Ali follows Ramadan traditions religiously and has his own unique routine of having just one meal a day.
"I am from Malappuram district of Kerala and I have been working here for 20 years now. We have changed working hours this month and I open this shop from 10am instead of 8am. I run this shop with my brother Ashraf, who has gone on break to Kerala. So, I break my fast alone.
"It isn't an elaborate one, but just three dates and a glass of water. At times, I do have a glass of juice or a cup of tea. Then, I go to the mosque for prayer and continue with my work till we close at 1am. I go for a special night prayer and it's only then that I have my first meal of the day. It is mostly at a nearby restaurant. I end my day with Fajr prayer. This is my routine for this holy month. I follow all traditions but I don't have the money for zakat."
Ali doesn't feel tired while juggling work with just one meal.
"I never had any problems with my one-meal routine. Also, this time around, the temperature isn't too high and I have less number of customers."
He said most people are usually busy with their work and devote the rest of their day to prayer, so not too many of them visit their shop.
"However, I am expecting an increase in customer numbers from the 25th night of Ramadan to Eid Al Fitr," Ali said.
During his free time, he keeps himself busy by painting and drawing. "I devote my free time to prayer and the other thing I love to do - painting. From midnight till I close shop, the paintbrush replaces scissors in my hand," added Ali from Jouda Salon behind Hamdan Street.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ramadan 2021