Fasting, wearing abaya: How UAE non-Muslims are embracing the spirit of Ramadan
More Non-Muslim Expats in UAE Doing This to Celebrate Ramadan You watch of them fast with their Muslim friends, and then you hear them break the fast with them, and you see them trying not to eat in public, and you see how they do whatever they can to create an atmosphere of “we are one in this together”.
Dubai-based teacher Sophie Mead said: "The act of fasting and the meaning behind it is such a powerful way to relate to the children that I teach throughout Ramadan. As a British expat, I said: "Fasting was my way of being able to relate to what they feel like at school all day".
She said, "I also always do iftar with my Muslim friends too." Dates and water are what I usually opt for, and I recently started to enjoy dates with tahini, and a cup of Karak to close the meal.
Sophie has been residing in the UAE for five years but fasting with her students was not the only way in which she showed solidarity during Ramadan. During this time, she also loves wearing her abaya collection. She said: 'I usually wear pretty modest clothing, but I try harder to cover up during Ramadan.'
“After spending 3.5 years in Saudi Arabia, I have quite a few abayas under my belt. It only feels natural and beautiful and respectful for the culture and religion of the country to wear them during Ramadan.
Another marketing executive, David Thompson in Abu Dhabi, has his own version of Ramadan. Having lived in the UAE for more than two years, this Ramadan was uniquely special for me — that is according to him.
He often goes for iftar with his Muslim friends and colleagues and sees the beauty in the breaking of the fast together and thereafter the prayers. He added: “I have always been aware of Ramadan and similarly try not to eat or drink - even smoke - in public during the day. For example: “I am invited to lunches in working time, but I tell sometimes I am sorry and prefer my lunch on my desk, I am lucky enough to be out of sight, and have a private desk.
Restaurants in Dubai are allowed to stay open during fasting hours, a sign of how the emirate welcomes its many different people who call the UAE home.
David went further this year and joined forces with his coworkers in organizing meal distributions. Instead, we collaborated, cooking food to give away to those who needed it, he says. To see that all walks of life rallied behind and pitched into enjoy the spirit of Ramadan, it warmed my heart.
David said the community nature of Ramadan has deepen his relationship with his Muslim co-workers. He mused, "It is about solidarity and understanding. “The amount of love and generosity I have learned during this time…”
Another British expat who embraces the traditions of Ramadan is Amelia Liu, 28, a marketing specialist living in Dubai. But after living in the UAE for just under four years, I have grown to appreciate the significance of this month in our culture,' she said.
During iftar, Amelia attends meals with her friends to enjoy traditional meals together. For example recommendations like biryani have been a pleasant experience for her. “I would never have tasted these if not for my friends inviting me.
Amelia has even fasted for two days for her colleagues during Ramadan, but attends iftars. I wanted to know what all my friends go through through during Ramadan,' she said. It realised that there was a meaning behind fasting and a wisdom to it and it found itself to be a practice that brought her closer to the month. Amelia thought about fasting- it was not just about stopping eating, rather a time for reflection and understanding for the poor.
Italian expat in Dubai, Adriano V. chose to fast this Ramadan primarily to support his friends. He said fasting has made him more patient and considerate towards people around him even though he is not a Muslim himself. For a Muslim, the obligation to fast is more than just a way to become closer to Allah; it is also a way to bring self-control and to understand the conditions of the poor people. It forced me to experience what the people less privileged experienced;' he added.
Adriano is initially intrigued by the hours that various restaurants and facilities remained open. He spent a few years in the UAE, during which he started exploring the faith more and experienced Ramadan — during which time he fasted for the first time this year in the hopes of becoming familiar with the community around him, he said.
Ramadan taught me values to consider other faiths and learn about other religions outside of mine," he said.
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