The meals of togetherness, iftars, are coming towards the conclusion as we approach Eid.
For many this also means an end of a month where they cooked meals for others.
Barakat (plural) or Barakah (singular) in Islam refers to divine blessing, abundance and spiritual growth bestowed by Allah.
The essence of Omani hospitality and the spiritual concept of Barakah (divine abundance) can be experienced through the stories of Basma and Salima.
This is what inspires Basma Suleiman each year as she observes fasting. She said the goodness of the gesture is lost when one publicises their deeds.
Basma started her journey of cooking meals for others in 2019.
The Power of "Silent" Barakah
Basma Suleiman emphasises that the spiritual value of a deed is heightened when it remains private.
What began in 2019 as a small gesture for a single shopkeeper has evolved into a daily responsibility to feed expatriates who are away from their home in her neighbourhood. No one feels left out.
These meals have blurred the lines between locals and expatriates. The result is a neighbourhood where shopkeepers treat Basma’s children like their own.
"I started cooking for others after my marriage because I was in my own kitchen. It began with taking food for the lady who was working in our shop and today I take it as my responsibility to share food with all our expatriates in our neighbourhood.
Another lady in the neighbourhood and myself take turn to cook something special for our neighbours even otherwise. But for the expatriates I have been cooking everyday", she explained.
The practice of neighbours taking turns to cook special meals creates a cycle of generosity that extends well beyond the Holy Month.
She had continued the initiative even during Covid. The initiative did not stop during the pandemic. Basma adapted by using disposable packaging and respecting individual boundaries, ensuring that the "warmth of the community" remained unbroken even during social distancing.
"Only one neighbour said she did not want food out of concern of Covid. I respected that. All others accepted. I made sure everything was disposable", she pointed out.
In her opinion, the initiative has brought the community together including the expatriates.
"The warmth of the community is so much that if my children step out of the house to play or enter any of the shops, the shopkeepers call me and ask what would they like to have?" she noted.
A small help for a lady shopkeeper has become a habit.
"Barakat multiplies", she said with a smile. Her philosophy, "Barakat multiplies", suggests that the more one gives without seeking credit, the more the community prospers.
For Salima bint Salim al Naomani, Ramadhan is a month of reflection, gratitude and spiritual growth. It is a time to practice self-discipline and develop a deeper sense of empathy for others.
Ask her what is special about Ramadhan that she looks forward to every year and she says, "I look forward to the strong sense of community and generosity. The atmosphere of togetherness during iftars and the focus on helping those in need is something truly special".
She started her charity initiative 15 years ago to give back to the community in a more structured and meaningful way during Ramadhan.
"We distribute by coordinating with local community partners to identify those in need. Our team of volunteers then personally delivers food parcels and essentials with respect and discretion", she explained.
So does she have a dream charity project?
"Yes, my dream is to establish a community centre that provides year-round meals, educational support and skills training to help families build a more stable and independent future".
For Salima bint Salim al Naomani, 15 years of structured charity has led to a bigger dream: moving beyond seasonal food parcels to a permanent community centre.
As Ramadhan concludes, these stories remind us that the "atmosphere of togetherness" is not just about the food on the table—it is about the lasting empathy and discretion with which that food is shared.
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