My Ramadan: How these UAE millennials spend the holy month

We chatted with six popular entrepreneurs and bloggers about how they spend the holy month of Ramadan as well as their tips on how to get the most out of this blessed time.

OMAR AL DURI

Director of Football at Ahdaaf Football Academy and FIFA-accredited coach for the Ghana U-20’s national football team

My favourite thing about Ramadan is: the serenity. At the beginning of the month, I tend to set a to-do list for myself and try to complete that within schedule. Things like volunteering, giving away clothes, and tying up with at least two initiatives.

My tips on how to get the most out of Ramadan: I don’t believe it’s a month when drastic changes are required but merely a time for us to reflect on ourselves and better ourselves for the year. It isn’t just about food or not having it during the day; it is more about being humble and not neglecting factors that we sometimes do let get in the way, like work and stress.

INJEEL MOTI

Founder and editor, The Beauty Blog ME

My favourite thing about Ramadan is: how its spirit is widespread across the city among both Muslims and non-Muslims. I find people a lot more patient and considerate about one another.

It’s a blessing to have reduced work hours in this region, and I do my best to dedicate this free time to praying and charitable work. Other than that, it’s business as usual; it does not slow down, but I do make a conscious effort to disconnect and dedicate time towards prayers.

My tips on how to get the most out of Ramadan: It is very important to organise yourself; impromptu plans do not really work. Try and get lots of rest and remain hydrated through the day [by drinking lots in the evening].

ASHRAF GHORI

CEO at Xpanse CGI

My favourite thing about Ramadan is: that everyone and everything changes for the better. It's a time when everyone is at their most generous, and I feel much more spiritually connected with my maker. I have clarity to focus on things that matter the most, like prayer, family and giving to those in need.

My tips on how to get the most out of Ramadan: This is the month of giving, so we need to be more selfless and think about others, starting with family and the less fortunate. It is also a time for self-reflection and soul searching.

I also urge everyone to learn the Quran, read its translation or watch videos that explain it. We owe it to ourselves to see what it says.

ZEYNA SANJANIA

Family and lifestyle blogger, mummyonmymind.com

My favourite thing about Ramadan is: the sense of calm. There is something so special about sitting down with the Holy Book or prostrating and having a conversation with Allah about everything you want and are thankful for.

My tips on how to get the most out of Ramadan: I think the most important tip is to pace yourself during Ramadan, especially when it comes to prayer of any kind. It is easy to start off with all your energy, but you don’t want your efforts to fade as the month goes on. Pace yourself with your energy and good deeds to ensure that you are consistent in your actions and not burnt out before the end. ??

EMKWAN

YouTuber @Emkwan Vlogs

My favourite thing about Ramadan is: the relative calm that comes with a focus on the spiritual. I feel a lot less stressed with day-to-day things that would otherwise distract my attention.

During the holy month, I try to focus on my self-development through the Quran, prayers and spending more time with my family. It’s time away from the mundane and a re-engaged focus on things that matter.

My tips on how to get the most out of Ramadan: I think one of the personal tips I can recommend is making smart Ramadan goals for yourself. They don’t have to be many, just a few you can plan and practically implement during the month.

FARRUKH NAEEM

Business Blogger & Social Media Consultant, @farrukhnaeem

My favourite thing about Ramadan is: how it reverses our day-to-day behaviour into a more wholesome and fulfilling pattern. It is about consuming less and giving more, speaking less and reflecting more, resting less and striving more to build a more meaningful relationship with one’s Creator.

My tips on how to get the most out of Ramadan: Find a mosque where the recitation of the Holy Quran touches and moves your heart the most and attend night prayers there. The less you eat, the less hungry you will feel through the day. Set aside a budget to spend on charity throughout the month. Instead of spending money on a lavish iftar for one person, use that money to buy and distribute iftar/food to 10 people.

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