For many Muslims completing fast is not such a difficult endeavor. However, for those expatriates residing in Muslim nations, Ramadan can be a month that is quite challenging. Here we present the experiences of two journalists of Gulf News.
Natalie Long has been a resident of Dubai for nine years. In her first year, she had attempted to fast. However, she said that it was a failure as she was living alone at that time and “having Iftar in front of the TV with a take-away seemed to defeat the purpose of this time of family and togetherness.”
However, this year she is attempting to observe the whole month of fasting with some friends. She stated that she would be planning her breakfast with “glee” and will be carrying out her exercises throughout the whole month as well.
Natalie added that Ramadan’s fasting would impact on her mission to completely quit smoking, having stopped two weeks prior to the start of Ramadan.
Mark O’Reilly is another long term resident of Dubai, having spent seven years in the nation. He stated that he strategically planned his holidays in a bid to avoid staying in Dubai during Ramadan. He admitted that he had never fasted, never deprived himself of meals and had a habit of consuming a lot of tea during the day.
Mark stated that he will be observing fast first for six days and then go on his planned holiday of six days. He said that once he returns back, he will resume his fast.
Mark said that he had already warned his officemates not to give him any food if they see him wandering near the office canteen while he was observing his fast. He stated that it was inconceivable for him to think that one single meal will have to be consumed at 3.15 in the morning which will have to last for the whole day.
Fasting for non-Muslimsin Muslim nations
