Ramadan Kareem

It's that time of the year again, a time when there are just a few days left for the holy month of Ramadan to begin

Four weeks of dawn to dusk fasting that every Muslim is supposed to undertake. (with the clear exception of expecting mothers, or those who are
physically unwell.)

In fact, ever since I came to live here in the Gulf, this is something that has always fascinated and intrigued me. Might I add, coupled with a certain degree of admiration.To to me a fast without having even a drop of water through the day, even for one day, is nothing short of miraculous, dependent as I find myself on numerous cups of tea and coffee to keep me going through the day.

This is exactly where the discipline and structure of what Islam has to offer to the devout comes in. That particular feeling that the Rozas are being undertaken for a specific purpose, that of upliftment and cleansing of the body as well as of the soul. Added to which are the donations that the general populace chooses to make to the needy as well as the week....

While the day is quieter and more solemn, it is the evenings during Ramadan that are really worth their weight in gold. With the shops, restaurants and malls thronging with people who have successfully managed one day of their fast and have the privilege of being able to eat the well deserved evening meal as well as to undertake their preparations for the next day's fast.

Truly a time for fasting and reflection as well as to make the most of what commercial businesses have to offer in terms of schemes, benefits and deals, I'm really looking forward to yet another Ramadan in Muscat.