Abu Dhabi Week takes a closer look at the significance of the Holy Month
For Muslims around the world, the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan is something that is eagerly anticipated. It’s a time of excitement and a time of joy. A time of forgiveness and a time of reflection. A time for tests and a time for rewards.
As a child, I remember staying up late at night with my siblings and waiting for word that the new moon had been sighted. And when the good news would inevitably come, there would be a round of phone calls late into the night, as my parents, family and friends would congratulate each other with a “Ramadan Mubarak”.
The blessed month of Ramadan is here!
Nowadays, instead of phone calls there are online status updates and text messages, but the excitement remains the same.
As part of that anticipation, worshippers usually begin to prepare themselves for this Holy Month well in advance. Whether it be limiting your daily food intake, or practice controlling your tongue, perfecting your prayers, or preparing some traditional treats, the days leading up to Ramadan are filled with expectations.
“Coming from London, this will be my first Ramadan in a Muslim country,” says Sumbal Khokhar, an expat who recently moved to Abu Dhabi. “I am excited to experience the inevitable differences in such a surrounding and am super excited about Taraweeh prayers in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where they have world renowned reciters leading the prayers.”
The ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is of great significance to all Muslims. It was during this month that the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and it is in this month that Muslims are prescribed to fast from sunrise to sunset.
Fasting during the daylight hours is meant to bring humility and gratitude. Muslims deprive themselves of worldly pleasures in hopes of gaining a deeper relationship with God. The ultimate test in self-control, in addition to abstaining from food and drink, fasters must also refrain from marital relations, smoking and engaging in bad behaviours – such as backbiting or frivolous gossip.
The Holy Month is also a time of spiritual renewal. “The importance of Ramadan, for me, is that it is an awaited month where we can renew and recharge our imaan or faith, become closer to our Creator and switch off from the world, to focus on the Hereafter and our ultimate purpose – to please our Lord,” explains Khokhar.
Increased prayers and supplications are said during the month and many Muslims use this time to refresh their beliefs and engage in good habits. Mosques throughout the city are filled with people, on a nightly basis, gathering together to pray Taraweeh, the special night prayers. Charity also takes centre stage – as many Muslims take time out to reflect on all the blessings they have been given.
As much as Ramadan is a time for inward reflection and prayer, it is also a time forfestivity. The city itself comes alive in celebration. The streets of Abu Dhabi are lit up in strings of colourful decorations that light up as dusk falls. Hotels across the emirate erect massive tents where both Muslims and non-Muslims gather together to break the fast.
All of this helps foster the special feeling of community that comes during Ramadan. Neighbours drop off parcels of food to one another, fasters open up their homes and invite friends to break the fast with them and non-Muslims are extra courteous and patient with their fellow fasters. This special month sees a renewed attentiveness on looking inward, appreciating others and giving back. I encourage all of our readers, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, to take up the spirit of Ramadan.
Wishing you all a safe and rewarding Ramadan.
Ramadan Kareem!
Sawaiba Khan
