My Ramadan: Mohammed Al Mahdi finds self-discipline and compassion key to fasting

Emirati Mohammed Al Mahdi looks forward to Ramadan as a time to connect with his religion, friends and family.

Mohammed Al Mahdi with his 7 year old daughter Noor Lari at City Walk Mosque in Dubai. Duncan Chard for the National

SHARJAH // Despite the challenge of fasting through the long, hot UAE summer, for Mohammed Al Mahdi Ramadan this year offers a great opportunity to exercise self-discipline, empathy and compassion.

The 51-year-old Emirati sales manager at a car showroom in Sharjah normally puts in nine hours at work. This year his working hours will be reduced to three in the morning and three in the evening.

“Ramadan for me is a time for patience and discipline,” Mr Al Mahdi said. “By taking a break from eating, I actually feel more energised and focused at work.”

He did not start fasting until age 12, although his parents gradually introduced him to the concept and practice of fasting when he was about eight.

“My parents created excitement about Ramadan and we learned to appreciate the spirit of the month,” he said.

For many, sleep patterns change during Ramadan, with late bedtimes and early wake-up schedules.

“I’m not used to sleeping at mid-day but at this time of the year I really need to catch some sleep to recharge myself,” said Mr Al Mahdi.

Muslims also dedicate more time to improving their spiritual lives by praying and reading the Quran. Rich and poor stand together for prayers and share the same feelings of hunger.

“I spend more time praying in the mosque and reading the holy book,” said Mr Al Mahdi. “It’s a chance to be closer to God, perform good deeds and practice self-restraint.”

As well as a time for prayer, fasting and reflection, Ramadan is a month to reconnect with family.

At sunset, Mr Al Mahdi’s family gather to break their fast together at the iftar meal.

“When I was a child, my mum would prepare thareed, which is served in every Emirati home during Ramadan,” Mr Al Mahdi said.

“Another Emirati staple is harees, which is popular during Ramadan and Eid.”

These days Mr Al Mahdi’s wife, Mary Jane, lovingly prepares these special traditional dishes for the family.

“Ramadan is family time,” he said. “I certainly look forward to breaking fast with my family and spending more time playing with my daughter, Noor.”

Ramadan also means strengthening relationships with family and plenty of socialising.

“I come from a big family,” he said. “I have two brothers and eight sisters so most evenings will be spent receiving them in my home and visiting them.”

People will find a way to give back to society by extending kindness to all people, regardless of race or religion, and by being helpful to others.

“We’ll offer more charity to the less fortunate people at mosques and the labourers,” he said.

“Just like every year, we will send cash donations to be distributed to people in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines.”

BIO

Name: Mohammed Al Mahdi

Age: 51

Hobbies: reading books, watching TV, travelling

Favourite holiday destination: Indonesia, where my father built a mosque

Favourite sport: football