‘A sense of bonding’: Expats share their Ramadan stories
Noha
Kutbi, Arab News, June 08, 2018
Kutbi, Arab News, June 08, 2018
Most
Muslim expats in Saudi Arabia prefer fasting here than in their own countries. During
Ramadan, working and school hours are reduced to five or six hours a day so
that people can rest before sunset, the time when the fast is broken.
Muslim expats in Saudi Arabia prefer fasting here than in their own countries. During
Ramadan, working and school hours are reduced to five or six hours a day so
that people can rest before sunset, the time when the fast is broken.
 |
| During Ramadan, people get into the spirit of giving while enjoying time with their friends and relatives. (File/Reuters) |
JEDDAH:
For many, Ramadan offers a spiritual journey unrivalled by any other time of
the year. People look forward to the peaceful atmosphere and get into the
spirit of giving while enjoying time with their friends and family.
For many, Ramadan offers a spiritual journey unrivalled by any other time of
the year. People look forward to the peaceful atmosphere and get into the
spirit of giving while enjoying time with their friends and family.
However,
this is not the case all over the world as Muslims in many countries face
Ramadan just like they would any other month of the year.
this is not the case all over the world as Muslims in many countries face
Ramadan just like they would any other month of the year.
Most
Muslim expats in Saudi Arabia prefer fasting here than in their own countries.
By law Saudi Arabia does not allow eating, drinking or smoking during daylight
hours in Ramadan, which makes the fast a lot easier.
Muslim expats in Saudi Arabia prefer fasting here than in their own countries.
By law Saudi Arabia does not allow eating, drinking or smoking during daylight
hours in Ramadan, which makes the fast a lot easier.
Linda
Fletcher, originally from the US, said: “When you see everyone around you
fasting and sharing this experience with you, not only does it make it easier,
it also creates a sense of bonding with others, no matter where they are from.
Fletcher, originally from the US, said: “When you see everyone around you
fasting and sharing this experience with you, not only does it make it easier,
it also creates a sense of bonding with others, no matter where they are from.
“Ramadan
here creates a feeling of humility and thankfulness, which makes this month
special.”
here creates a feeling of humility and thankfulness, which makes this month
special.”
During
Ramadan, working and school hours are reduced to five or six hours a day so
that people can rest before sunset, the time when the fast is broken.
Ramadan, working and school hours are reduced to five or six hours a day so
that people can rest before sunset, the time when the fast is broken.
Shereen
Vawda said “Ramadan in South Africa is more somber and the day is just like any
other — we start and finish work at normal time, usually from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m.” Vawda described her first Ramadan in Saudi Arabia “as a bit of a
culture shock.”
Vawda said “Ramadan in South Africa is more somber and the day is just like any
other — we start and finish work at normal time, usually from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m.” Vawda described her first Ramadan in Saudi Arabia “as a bit of a
culture shock.”
“While we
were pleasantly surprised to see the shorter working day, initially we did not
take advantage of this by staying up later than usual. We went to bed after
Taraweeh prayer and it was only later that we thought of venturing out into the
streets and discovered that Jeddah was a vibrant and stunning city at night.
Back home, the roads fall silent by 10 p.m.”
were pleasantly surprised to see the shorter working day, initially we did not
take advantage of this by staying up later than usual. We went to bed after
Taraweeh prayer and it was only later that we thought of venturing out into the
streets and discovered that Jeddah was a vibrant and stunning city at night.
Back home, the roads fall silent by 10 p.m.”
Another
common feature of Ramadan is the act of giving. People tend to perform good
deeds and offer charity.
common feature of Ramadan is the act of giving. People tend to perform good
deeds and offer charity.
Faiza
Khan said that it is the acts of kindness she looks forward to most: “Seeing
the number of people who get together and volunteer to help others is
heartwarming.”
Khan said that it is the acts of kindness she looks forward to most: “Seeing
the number of people who get together and volunteer to help others is
heartwarming.”
Ramadan
motivated her to do charity work herself.
motivated her to do charity work herself.
“I
started to take advantage of the various offers at supermarkets to buy basic
food items in bulk and distribute them to those in need,” she said.
“Seeing the look on their faces when these necessities are given to them is
totally worth it.”
started to take advantage of the various offers at supermarkets to buy basic
food items in bulk and distribute them to those in need,” she said.
“Seeing the look on their faces when these necessities are given to them is
totally worth it.”
Although
Ramadan does have its benefits, some people take time to adapt to the customs
and differences of the holy month.
Ramadan does have its benefits, some people take time to adapt to the customs
and differences of the holy month.
One
ritual for Saudis during Ramadan is the shift in time. During the day, the
hustle and bustle of the city slows down while the nights come alive. Going
about the streets, one can see Saudis enjoying predawn meals (sahoor) with
friends and family, going shopping in malls or attending bazaars and events.
Children are also seen enjoying the late-night activities.
ritual for Saudis during Ramadan is the shift in time. During the day, the
hustle and bustle of the city slows down while the nights come alive. Going
about the streets, one can see Saudis enjoying predawn meals (sahoor) with
friends and family, going shopping in malls or attending bazaars and events.
Children are also seen enjoying the late-night activities.
Shakira
Essop, a mother of four, said: “Even though I have been living in the Kingdom
for 10 years, I still haven’t grown accustomed to the late nights, especially
when it comes to my kids. I feel it is important that they get 10 hours of
sleep as it is vital to support their rapid mental and physical development.”
Essop, a mother of four, said: “Even though I have been living in the Kingdom
for 10 years, I still haven’t grown accustomed to the late nights, especially
when it comes to my kids. I feel it is important that they get 10 hours of
sleep as it is vital to support their rapid mental and physical development.”
However,
she confessed that every now and then she enjoyed a late night with friends
sipping Arabic coffee and smoking sheesha.
she confessed that every now and then she enjoyed a late night with friends
sipping Arabic coffee and smoking sheesha.
One thing
is certain: Ramadan in Saudi Arabia provides those who experience it with a
sense of humility, appreciation and a special connection. This unique
experience is something they often miss when they return to their
homelands.
is certain: Ramadan in Saudi Arabia provides those who experience it with a
sense of humility, appreciation and a special connection. This unique
experience is something they often miss when they return to their
homelands.
