The United Arab Emirates has officially announced that Saturday, March 1 marks the beginning of Ramadan this year. The Islamic Affairs Ministry confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, aligning the nation with Saudi Arabia and several other countries that have also declared the start of the holy month on the same date. This sacred time is universally honored across the entire Islamic world as a time for renewing faith, being self-disciplined, and engaging in good and charity.
For millions within and beyond the UAE, Ramadan is religious tradition but individual pilgrimage towards rebirth and rebirth inwardly. From dawn to sunset, believers abstain from eating and drinking and other bodily functions. It is in moments like these self-sacrifices that awareness for one being connected to God is nurtured, for which one is asked to be grateful and be compassionate towards lesser privileged. It is at sunrise when family members are early in rising to break suhoor, or early-morning banquet, in preparation for facing another day. As sunset approaches, there is enthusiasm as neighborhoods emerge to break iftar, or break-fast, in camaraderie and solidarity, and in reverence for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) tradition, beginning typically in dates, water, and milk.
The spirit is much wider than personal faith and permeates across society as a whole and creates solidarity and compassion among members in society. Workplaces in the UAE accommodate schedules for employees who are fasting, reducing daily time at work in place for exertions for the day. Restaurants and cafes accommodate, being subdued in day time in solidarity for members in society who are fasting. The visitors and expatriates who are not Muslims are encouraged to be considerate and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in open spaces in time for Ramadan. It is gestures like this who exhibit tolerant culture in the UAE, wherein everyday life is based upon tolerance based upon culture and tolerance for each other.
Communities get animated with warmth and compassion as night falls. Generally, iftar gatherings pull together family, friends, and sometimes even strangers, who share their food filled with traditional delicacies. Culinary traditions serve not only as nourishment but also as symbols of hospitality; from luscious biryanis to scrumptious lentil soups and mouth-watering sweet dishes like kunafa and luqaimat, these acts of goodwill toward one another. Mosques also play an important role during Ramadan, where nightly prayers called Taraweeh are held, wherein the congregation recites portions of the Quran together, seeking blessings and guidance.
This year, Ramadan has gained more meaning, communities emerging stronger after global threats reminding all of the importance of resilience and solidarity. Charity work becomes paramount, whereby individuals and organizations are urged to extend their goodwill toward vulnerable populations through food distribution, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer work. A lot of people contend that Ramadan is a time that intensely reminds mankind that existence stands only when we stand by one another.
In essence, Ramadan is an experience that goes beyond merely being a calendar event: it is a profound experience that calls for touching hearts and effecting positive transformation. With this month being blessed in the UAE, citizens and residents uphold the values of repentance, humility, and generosity. The spirit of Ramadan will ring true in the hearts of many-whether embraced through reflection or celebration.
