Muscat: As Ramadhan approaches, people have begun their preparations for this holy month. Homes are decked up with decorations, and markets are crowded with shoppers looking for the best deals and discounts on their Ramadhan supplies.
One of the positive aspects of Ramadhan is the increased opportunities for discovering hidden talents and skills. People start exploring their creative sides by engaging in various activities, whether it be cooking, learning, or even returning to hobbies they may have left behind for a while.
Between the sounds of the Fajr prayer and the fragrance of food, Ramadhan encourages people to explore new facets of themselves. Some return to the art of cooking, as families gather around the table to share traditional dishes and recipes. During this holy month, the kitchen becomes a laboratory for discovering various cooking skills that one may not have been aware of before.
Mohsin Ambusaidi, a student studying in the United States, shares his plans and preparations for Ramadhan. He expresses his decision not to order food from restaurants during this month. He and his colleagues plan to gather to prepare the Iftar meal, where they will share cooking experiences and try new recipes. He says that he always learns new recipes during this month and that in recent years there have been many cooking programmes on television and social media. Watching them encourages him to try the recipes and invite his friends to try them.
With the return of Ramadhan sports competitions, some people find themselves rediscovering their passion for playing and competing. Whether it be football, volleyball, or even padel, this month provides the perfect opportunity to revive the sporting spirit and explore new sporting talents.
Saif al Risi, a volleyball player, says, "The Ramadhan sports atmosphere is always different, as there are many competitions during this month. This encourages us to return to playing sports and overcome challenges."
Yousef al Salmi, a bodybuilding enthusiast, says, "I always set many goals during Ramadhan. This year, I designed a daily exercise programme for myself and others to encourage each other to persevere and achieve our goals during the month." He adds that gyms are always full as many people are looking to lose weight and improve their fitness, and Ramadhan is the best time for that.
Al Salmi points out that Ramadhan can be used to acclimatise the body to harsh conditions, gain strength, and the ability to overcome challenges while maintaining muscle mass, losing fat, and even improving overall health and hormone levels.
During Ramadhan, volunteer work increases among young people in all its forms. Omar Al Ameri, a social expert, says, "In Ramadhan, we see a great turnout of young people volunteering and doing good, which is a positive behavior with great benefits for the volunteer and the community."
Regarding the benefits of volunteer work for young people, Al Ameri points out that it has many benefits, as it contributes to building the young person's personality and providing them with various life skills. It also allows them to learn about the reality of society and its needs. This makes their outlook on life more realistic, brings them closer to others, and increases their sense of belonging to their country and community.
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