Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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OMAN
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

FIVE Questions

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1. What is the significance of Ramadhan for you? Why is it important?


Having been raised as a Muslim, Ramadhan is, of course, of a lot of importance since childhood. We all know that the holy book of Islam, the Quran, was revealed in this holy month. This month is celebrated all over the world by Muslims. It brings the feeling of unity. We as a community work together for the betterment of society, People are expected to give charity. I like the fact that people try to go out of their way to provide and arrange for iftars.


2. How do you (and your family) celebrate Ramadhan? Do you have a family tradition?


These 30 days are the best of the year and each year I look forward to the advent of the month. The month really teaches us how to conduct ourselves. We are more forgiving, more patient and more sympathetic to those who are not as fortunate. As a family, we tend to wake up and eat suhoor together. Suhoor is usually prepared at home as a tradition. For iftar we do tend to go out every now on then. We also tend to host gatherings and entertain guests. Normally the day ends with the men going to the mosque for Isha prayers which are followed by the Taraweh.


3. What is your fondest memory about Ramadhan growing up?


Growing up we really used to enjoy this festive time. We used to enjoy watching the special transmissions that are aired on television. Also I remember my Roza Kushai. What a great feeling it is to break your first fast with family and relatives and being the centre of everyone’s love and affection. I used to envy my mother who would spend so much of her time in the kitchen preparing her specialities so that we would have a great iftar and that we would enjoy eating the food she had so lovingly prepared.


4. Do you help the poor during Ramadhan and how?


The key element of Ramadhan is the idea of giving and helping those who are less fortunate. If no effort is made to help them then it’s all in vain. Not only by giving charity to the needy is one’s self-content but also being humble towards them. A number of charity organisations set up camps around in malls to collect donations, be it shoes, clothes or money. I usually tend to go for that.


5. What’s the most difficult challenge you have to personally overcome during Ramadhan?


Being in the Gulf region the extreme heat tends to be problematic if you have errands to run. Other than that, I suppose, for working women it could be difficult to wake up for suhoor, 3 am.


One challenge I face is when I have guests and have to serve them untasted food cooked at home during my fast. No promises its going to be spot-on despite the fact you have made it numerous times before.


Salma Viqar


Housewife


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