MORE FROM Through the eyes of non-Muslim

The most important of these last ten nights, is, of course, Laylat-al-Qadr, or the “Night of Power”, which the text of the Quran says is “better than a thousand months.”

If more young people think of themselves as part of a community that extends beyond their families and the borders of the UAE, then future Ramadans will surely do more to give hope.

Since the beginning of this holy month, I’ve been touched by the sense of community and togetherness that has been displayed by people in the UAE, be it locals or expats.

Selling toy guns during Ramadan seems insensitive at a time when so many Muslims are suffering from wars and societal breakdowns.

One aspect of Ramadan I hadn’t known, until a reader informed me, is that Ramadan is broken down into three separate parts.

Ramadan remains a long way away from losing its core principles and religious significance, which I’ve been happy to see so vividly displayed during the holy month so far.

Ramadan is an excellent opportunity for the rest of us to listen, observe and understand, but most importantly, respect, the religion of the country.

The importance of Arabic as what I’d describe as a “sacred” language has been highlighted to me this Ramadan by the wide-variety of activities that have taken place to celebrate it.

Some Ramadan smokers quietly brood, get irritated and impatient, until nightfall, and then light up like chimneys.