My Ramadan Experience… Dr Salah Elhaddad
This Ramadan we spoke with our Muslim colleagues about their Ramadan Experience. Salah Elhaddad talks about his experiences, goals and what the holy month means to him.
“Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran (holy book) were revealed to the prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). And within the verses in the Quran relating to Ramadan, Allah (God) confirms that fasting is decreed upon us just as it was decreed on other nations before us. Ramadan to me is a reminder that I am one of millions all over the world, who have been worshipping in this blessed way for centuries. Abstaining from eating, drinking, and being mindful that God is watching, reflects positively on my sense of peace, piety, tranquillity, and control. As the world around us becomes full of conflicts, hunger and thirst are reminders of those unfortunate to even find food in parts of the world.
This Ramadan I am hoping to be more generous and to be sincere in my acts of worship, reading as much of the Quran as I can.
I have found that my colleagues at work sometimes feel awkward about eating in front of me, which is very kind but uncalled for. So to make them more comfortable, I have been bringing them in some of the Middle Eastern and Egyptian food I cook.
Nothing is like experiencing Ramadan at home, and being away from my family, especially during this time intensifies home sickness. However my consultant, colleagues, and friends here in SWYFT have been like family and have made Ramadan so much more easier for me.
Following the end of the holy month, we have a celebration called Eid Al- Fitr (breakfast festival), in which we pray the morning Eid prayer around 6am. All Muslims go out to pray in the outdoors together, everyone is very cheerful and dressed in brand new clothes.
As part of the joyous celebrations, kids and younger members of the family are gifted Eidiya (money gift) and new toys. It is also customary to visit the homes of family, relatives, and friends on Eid, sharing sweets and pastries and joining in feasts and meals. It goes on for three days!
This year, I am planning to go to Morocco with two Muslim friends to celebrate Eid. Marrakesh is famous for its beautiful scenes, vibrant souqs (markets), delicious cuisine and most importantly, historic beautiful mosques. We are looking forward to seeing how different they celebrate Eid there, and to pray outdoors with others. Moroccans are well known for their kindness and hospitality, also having a distinctly different Arabic dialect from my Egyptian one, which I have been practicing – so I can’t wait to show off my Darija!“
