Ramadan - A Time For Kindness And Unity Poem by Bernedita Rosinha Pinto

It is Ramadan and Muslims all over the world are fasting
with true dedication and religious fervor;
so much faith and faithfulness in their commitment
so much exuberance and sincerity in their tradition
as they keep fasting from dawn to dusk
with enormous respect for their age-old custom
as every Muslim keeps observing a fast
whether young or old, whether in joy or grief.

Suhur is that pre-dawn meal
when they start their fast in the early morning,
Iftar is the meal that permits them
to break their fast in the late evening
after the Maghrib prayer
as they eat some dates
and drink some water or juice;
families and friends assemble together
and prepare themselves for big party of food.

Ramadan is the best time in any Arabic country
as whether it is in Saudi Arabia or in the UAE
or any other Middle Eastern country,
the snacks and buffet, the delicacies and dinner
are so lavish and exotic that it is irresistible
to stop oneself from the variety of meals
which include lamb kebab and haleem,
roasted chicken and hommous,
besides mouthwatering traditional desserts
like Umm-Ali and Muhalabia.

And as bond of brotherhood runs deep
in the veins of every Muslim,
the kindness and the hospitality is so full of unity
that they truly come together and enjoy
their Iftar celebrations;
I remember when I was in Abu Dhabi
how His Highness late Shaikh Zayed
would bring so many working people by buses
and host them at the Grand Mosque
with Iftar meals and make them happy
that they looked forward to those visits and food.

And I am certain the same festivity continues
in all the Arab countries and Muslim mosques;
and it displays the charitable nature of Muslims
who uphold their religious adherences and duties
that even Zakat money is offered and handed
to the poor and needy as such charity
is obligatory as per Islamic teachings.

And as Ramadan is observed by all over the world
Muslims share kindness and charity,
brotherhood and humanity so willingly
to enhance their religious sanctity and solidarity
which has been preserved and conserved
for centuries by every generation
that during Ramadan all Muslims adhere
to fasting with grace in their hearts
and with prayers of gratitude to Allah.