Throughout Ramadan, many people make time for faith, fasting and family. But what else? Abu Dhabi Week takes to the streets of the capital to ask what the Holy month means
to you.

Jasem Salem

“Ramadan is a spiritual month for me; it’s about getting closer to your religion, and making up for any wrong doings you may have performed earlier in the year. We concentrate more on prayer, and learn through fasting what it’s like for the poor when they are hungry. It’s also very much about visiting family and re-connecting with friends and loved ones. Throughout the year, you may have neglected them due to work and other engagements, but now that we will be working less hours, there is more time to get back together and practise our faith together.”

John David

“Ramadan is a very spiritual time of year here in Abu Dhabi. It means working less to spend more time with one’s family and God.”

Iyad Qasem

“Ramadan means a lot to me: it’s a reminder of our culture and heritage. I’m Muslim and I fast and I really enjoy it. It’s a good cleanser for the body and soul. During this time of year, we miss home too, so we would try to visit (Jordan) during the last few days and eat with family.”

Trang Truong

“I’ve only been here for about five months now so this is my first real experience of Ramadan. From a religious perspective, I am not Muslim, so personally for me it’s no different, really. Of course it restricts you from where you can actually eat and other things, but apart from that, it’s fine and doesn’t bother me.”

Suzanne Dumbuya

“I’m not a Muslim but my father is so I respect the Holy month and I understand it as a time to bring people closer together and on the same level through fasting and prayer.”

Abdul Hamid

“Ramadan is a time of change, when you turn around your entire lifestyle. I use this time to get back into the mosque more and get closer to God, and I stop eating from 4.30am until 7pm.”

Getachew Yimer

“This is a Holy month for Muslim people, a chance for them to be close to Allah. A lot of my family are Muslim so I certainly try to respect their practices. Sometimes I try to fast but it’s difficult, but I try my very best especially when I am at home in Ethiopia with my family.”

Maryam Igram

“Ramadan gives me the chance to challenge myself. It also brings me closer to God – I become more spiritual and feel more tolerant towards others. I also have the opportunity to experience what it is like for those who are less fortunate, where going hungry is a part of their everyday lives. It reminds me how grateful I should always be for the blessings I have in my life. I also love the social aspect of it; spending time with family and great friends. I look forward to these moments every year.”

Mixella Chuck

“Ramadan means a lot to me because of my own religious background. Because of this I understand the reason for fasting and the meaning behind it. I have a lot of respect and admiration for the culture and what Muslims practice not only throughout the Holy month, but all year round. It really brings me joy to know that people can dedicate this time to Allah.”

Aliya Kherani

“I personally don’t fast during Ramadan, but I imagine that it’s a time of year where you fast in all senses of the word – not just fasting from food, but also practicing to keep your mind clear of bad thoughts and get rid of all negative energies. It doesn’t affect me too much because I work in a restaurant, and we’re open during Ramadan all the same (although in a discreet manner) but as a non-Muslim living here, I certainly respect the period and the country’s beliefs. Ramadan is a good cultural experience for everyone, and maybe next year I’ll try to fast.”