As someone who has been raised in the UAE all my life, Ramadan has become an integral part of my life – even though I’m not Muslim. And, as with most things, it has had varying meanings to me at different times of my life…
Age 3 to 7 – That was the age when comprehension of worldly things began for me; and for my parents it was the start of my endless questions. Ramadan was the time of the year when we went home early. We slept in the afternoons and heard our Muslim friends talk about the grownups in the house ‘fasting.’ I didn’t really understanding anything.
Age 8 to 13 – At school, this was the time of the year when we were told to not eat or drink in public and when we would hide from our classmates who were fasting during lunch break so that we wouldn’t disturb them. But things were beginning to make sense. We heard about how an angel was sent to the Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) during this month and how the Quran was revealed. We learned that people refrained from food, drink or any bad habits, to pay respect to the holiness of the month.
Age 14 to 17 – This was age was when we were ‘growing up’ and a sense of morals and ethics came into the picture. Ramadan meant a lot more than just fasting. It was a time when the country united in a rhythm of charity and harmony, brought together by the holy spirit of the month. It was no longer about just being invited to friends’ houses for Iftar – it became about learning to give, share and to help those in need.
Age 18 to now – As full grown adults this Holy Month will mean so much more than it used to. I’ve come to realize that Ramadan sets an example for all, regardless of religion. Being a non-Muslim, I see Ramadan as a time when the mind and body are focused on good deeds and introspection. The concept of Zakat (charity) is something that inspires me. It has made me realize that even a small part of what you have can be shared with the ones who don’t have as much, and now I believe fasting has more to do with disconnecting from the luxuries of the world and getting in touch with our beliefs.
Hopefully, in some few years to come, as I grow older, I shall add yet another paragraph, and Ramadan will mean something even more to me.
Written By: Mugdha Sunil Polimera
