02 Oct 2006
Dubai: As the daily lives of Muslims are remoulded during Ramadan and its mandatory fast, non-Muslims also experience changes in their lifestyles.
Many expatriates regard it as an opportunity to learn about Islam and its teachings.
Maria, from Lebanon, says that her life does not change much during the month. "I can eat and drink at work, though I do it discreetly, and nobody minds," she said, adding that she is used to eating at malls but is not bothered by the fact that they are closed during the day.
Anvi Shah, a housewife from India, agrees, saying that although she is used to taking her children for lunch after shopping during the day, she respects the fact that food courts and eateries remain closed.
"Besides that, it doesn't have a major effect on my life. I usually eat at home and so does my husband," she said.
Maria said she really liked the Ramadan atmosphere, whether it was the late night shisha tents or the closeness with family.
Having Iftar with Muslim relatives, she said, was very "enjoyable", adding that she always felt involved in the fast-breaking feast. "It is a time when families get together more than usual, and that makes me happy," she said.
Shah said she had never had Iftar with Muslims and would like to, but doesn't have many Muslim friends in Dubai. "I'm in awe of those who fast though. It seems so hard. I couldn't do it," she added.
South African Steve Ramasammy, 27, said he has also never had Iftar with Muslims, but would like to some time. "I've had Iftar at a restaurant once, but that doesn't count because it was too commercialised, and not authentic," he said.
Ramasammy added that Ramadan in the UAE was a unique experience.
In his native South Africa, he claimed, Ramadan was confined to the homes of Muslims and he would only hear about it from friends and relatives.
"My Muslim friends would just bring a quick snack at iftar time and go for prayers. That's how we knew it was Ramadan," he said.
Filipino national Bernard Testa, 41, said that non-Muslims could also reflect on Ramadan "Ramadan is a sort of personal communication with God, that's how I see it. It's a continuous process. And at the end of the day, you think about God," he said.
Shorter work hours seemed to be a welcome change for many, though there was an acknowledgement of a drop in productivity during Ramadan.
Ramasammy said he likes the shorter hours because he gets more time to spend with family, but added that less work gets done during the month.
"In some cases though," he said, "work during the designated hours is more concentrated, which makes it harder."
British businessman David May, 60, agreed, saying that the reduced timings have an effect on business. "Productivity goes down because people work shorter hours, and they aren't as alert and mobile," he said.
Testa said the timings would surprise newcomers during Ramadan. "They'd probably be used to an eight-to-five job and be surprised to find such short hours," he said.
By Abbas Al Lawati
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
