Charity begins at home, says Lankan in Abu Dhabi
The call for prayer, the congregation and the celebrations after are
what Halim Al Deen Mohammad, a Sri Lankan expatriate residing in Abu
Dhabi, appreciates most about Ramadan.
He said: "I consider myself lucky to be living the life that has been
granted to me. Ramadan is a blessing that greets us once in a year and
brings with it the festivities and spirituality."
Mohammad had shifted to Abu Dhabi eight years ago, with his wife and
two daughters. "My wife and eldest daughter are very devoted and during
Ramadan, they are extra cautious. They never miss a prayer. My youngest
daughter is only two years old," he said.
His memories of Ramadan in Sri Lanka are very different from those in
the UAE. The busy schedules take up most of his time now.
He said: "We barely have the time to socialise. Back home, we were
acquainted with everyone in our area. We exchanged greetings daily,
shared food and dined together."
What he misses most about his home country is the social norms that
were adopted during Ramadan. "Our families would always prepare extra
food during the day, which was later distributed amongst the poor at
dusk," he added.
'Sadaqa', or voluntary charity, is a very important part of
Mohammad's life. During the month of Ramadan, he makes it a habit to
send money to Sri Lanka for the purpose of charity.
He said: "I belong to the middle-income group, but there are others
who do not earn as much. I send money to my relatives back home who are
in dire need of funds. For me, charity begins at home." Some of the
money he transfers to his relatives is distributed to charity
organisations as well.
"Even a small sum of money is a big deal for the poor. With the
amount of money we spend on a daily basis, an entire family back home
can have a meal for a week," he added.
With a big heart and generous attitude, Mohammad has set out to make
the most of the month.
"It is our acts that matter in the end. Who knows if I will be around
for next year's Ramadan," he said.
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