Muslims across the United Arab Emirates have officially ushered in Ramadan 2024 as authorities announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of this sacred month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and community. On the evening of March 1, thousands of residents flocked to mosques across the country for the first Taraweeh prayers, which are held exclusively during Ramadan.
With clean clothes donned and ablutions performed, worshippers made their way to mosques, filling the spaces with anticipation and devotion. Many arrived early, even before the Isha adhan, to secure their spots for these special night prayers. Mosques were teeming with families, and the atmosphere was charged with spirituality as Imams recited verses from the Holy Quran.
For many worshippers, this moment symbolizes something far greater than merely the start of Ramadan; it marks the opportunity for renewal and the strengthening of their faith. Ahmed Khalil, who attended the prayers at the Bin Dalmouk mosque in Al Mamzar, expressed his excitement, saying, "The month of Ramadan is something I always wait for. The reason is the good deeds are multiplied by 70 times." His words resonate deeply with countless others who share this sentiment, joining together to create a vibe of unity and peace during this holy period.
Zohaib Khurshid, attending another mosque in Sharjah, reflected on the global significance as well. “I pray for peace to prevail across the world...that humanity finds unity and compassion,” he stated, underscoring the hopeful spirit often associated with Ramadan as people pray for health and harmony among mankind.
Engaging with the environment within the mosque, Fahad Zaboor, who attended with his young nephew, described the uplifting experience. “The atmosphere in the mosque tonight was truly uplifting...It’s a reminder to slow down, focus on faith, and strengthen our connection with God,” he shared, encapsulating the essence of Taraweeh prayers, which are performed after the obligatory Isha prayer and traditionally consist of eight, twelve or twenty rakats, concluded with the Witr prayer.
After the nighttime prayers, many worshippers transitioned to communal iftars, which are gatherings where individuals break their fast together. At Al Noor Mosque, thousands gathered for such an event, facilitated by the Department of Islamic Affairs. A massive tent was erected by the waterfront to accommodate the crowd, where residents shared simple yet hearty meals.
Each food packet contained flavorful biryani, laban (buttermilk), dates, fruits, and juices. People seated on long mats unwrapped their meals as evening approached, serenading the call of the Maghrib prayer, signaling the end of fasting for the day. Volunteers tirelessly worked to distribute meals and accommodate all participants, ensuring everyone was served.
One volunteer mentioned, "We estimate more than 5,000 meals have been distributed today," showcasing the incredible community effort behind this initiative. Among those eager to join the communal iftar was Mohammed Faris, experiencing his first Ramadan in Sharjah. He remarked, “This is my first time attending a community iftar here. It’s heartwarming to see so many people from different backgrounds sitting together, sharing a meal,” highlighting the unifying spirit of Ramadan.
While many opted for the sit-down experience within the tent, others preferred takeaway meals, dining outdoors along the scenic waterfront. Shebaz Alam, out for an evening walk, decided to join his friends for iftar and commented on the delicious biryani, declaring, “We are full now. The portion was larger than expected.”
Yusuf, a delivery rider who was enjoying his first community iftar, described the atmosphere as reminiscent of “a mini picnic,” where he and his fellow riders gathered to break their fast together, transforming what is usually solitary experience during Ramadan.
With prayers harmonizing before Isha and Taraweeh, the essence of Ramadan is palpable: prayer, reflection and community spirit flourish within this holy month. After breaking their fasts, many attendees lingered at the mosque grounds to cherish time together, engage with reflection, and encourage one another before moving on to successive prayers.
Through every prayer spoken and each meal shared, Ramadan forges connections among individuals from all facets of life, emphasizing unity, empathy, and the enriching power of community during these cherished observances.