Ramadan diaries: This has been the most peaceful holy month in my life, says UAE expat

Dubai - Lubna, who lives with her husband, two daughters and mother in law in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

For a devout Muslim like Lubna Khan, the #StayHome Ramadan has been nothing short of a blessing as she says it has not only brought her family together -it also brought them closer to God.
It has also become extra special because for the first time in 15 years, she is observing the holy month with her younger brother Ruman Khan, who came to visit her family in December but couldn't fly out because of Covid-related travel restrictions.
"I have been in the UAE for the last 12 years with my family and never really got a chance to spend Ramadan with my brother, who was working in Saudi Arabia all this while. He was scheduled to leave in March but was not able to travel, so we are making the most of this time by catching up and getting connected to God by reading the holy Quran together," said the Indian expatriate from Mangaluru.
Lubna, who lives with her husband, two daughters and mother in law in Dubai Silicon Oasis, said this has been one of the most peaceful Ramadan she has ever had.
"Things used to be quite rushed up every Ramadan as I would go to take Islamic classes, my husband would be out for his work, and children would get tired after school. Hence, we hardly got time to learn and understand the meaning of our holy book Quran," she said. "But this time, I am glad we are all home."
Lubna has been teaching her daughters - Raha, 9, and Zoha, 7 - the importance of the holy month.
"This has yielded great results as both of them began fasting regularly this time. While Raha has kept all her fasts this time, the younger one Zoha has also managed to keep 21 fasts. This is a big achievement for us to be able to raise our daughters well and give them the attention they need."
Lubna's husband Shakir Munir also added that he felt "peace and blessings" of the holy month as he is spending more time indoors with his family.
"Earlier, I used to get too tired by the time I got back home from work and couldn't recite or understand the holy Quran. But now with the help of my wife and seeing my kids learn, I have started reading our holy book with meaning and my perspective on life has changed.
"I truly feel happy, positive and at peace now. I think learning more about Islam and the reason why we fast is impotrant to renew and refresh our faith," said Munir.
Since Lubna and Shakir have always been very social and held a number of iftars with relatives and friends. This time, the couple got gifts delivered to their loved ones instead.
saman@khaleejtimes.com 
 

• Ramadan 2021