Why I Love Ramadan : 7 Day Positivity Challenge

As someone who grew up in the Philippines, a predominantly Christian country, I never really knew about Ramadan until I set foot here in the United Arab Emirates 13 years ago. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During this month, which they consider Holy, Muslims fast or not consume any food or drink from day break up to sun down. With this they also offer prayers and petitions and basically also consider it the month of giving.

_{Ramadan Decòr in one of the malls in Abu Dhabi}

Ramadan month varies each year, as it is based on lunar sighting. This year, it started last week, the 17th of May. It is during these summer months when the fasting time is long- these days around 13 hours! As I am writing this at 4:00am, I heard the call from a nearby mosque that signals the start of their fast. Iftar (time to break the fast) would be around 7:00pm.

You don't need to be a Muslim to love Ramadan

Hey! Working hours are shortened from 8 to 6 hours. That means more time with family at home.

On the flip side, that also means that you have lesser time to complete your daily tasks (assuming you really need 8. Lol)... but still. Fact is, you get home early.

I have not cooked a meal since Ramadan started.

Coincidentally our LPG ran out. Lol. I have not bought a refill yet. We're using the electric stove for now for very light cooking.

For a week now, we always get food from our neighbor. Each time there's a knock on our door, my kids know it is the little boy from the other flat giving food. The twice we got a big pot of fish biryani, then chicken lasagna. Last night I heard him come again. My son accepted the food and I have not checked what it is.

Not to mention of course that you may also be invited to Iftar parties from time to time like our dear friend Hive account@lifediaries2nd who got invited for Iftar at Anantara Hotel Resort and Spas.

I got a pleasant surprise last Ramadan

As I said, Ramadan lets us spend more time with our family at home.

I remember last year, my Little Monster wanted to take a walk outside and so we did.

Lots of Locals live in our neighborhood. Heck, you'll find Bentley's, BMW's, Jaguar's and Rolls Royce's just parked at the roadside. You even have to compete with boats for parking spaces.

So there, we were casually strolling outside, my son and I in our jammies. Suddenly a shiny Mercedes Benz halted beside me. I got anxious since it was heavily tinted and I thought it maybe some malicious man trying to kidnap us. (I know, over-thinking! Haha) The driver rolled out the window and I saw a beautiful Arab lady reaching out to hand me over something.

I did not realize what it was for a few seconds. Then she said, "for the baby."

It was a one hundred dirham bill! That was around $30 and very appreciated. My husband lost job around that time and we were trying hard to make ends meet. That lady was surely heaven's sent!

Offers and Promotions

Well, not job promotion (you can also perhaps try!) but sales! You'll find a lot of red tags and bundle offers during Ramadan. Food, clothes, gadgets. Heck, even cars!

I remember 5 years ago we went car-hunting during the Ramadan. Some dealers offer no downpaument or deferred installments, free registration and insurance, service and maintenance promo, free tinting. Just make sure you understand the terms and conditions of course. In the end, we were not able to get a car at that time but only around 8 months later. We could have, perhaps if we went to the Toyota showroom that time.

Be mindful.

There are 3 weeks left for Ramadan and it helps if we can be reminded to be a little sensitive to our Muslim brothers and sisters. Hive account@nantzjbalayo has itemized here some helpful reminders we can note.

Hive account@appleskie also shared her Ramadan story here.

Ramadan Kareem!

#7daypositivitychallenge

Before I end, let this post also be my first entry for the #7daypositivitychallenge started by Hive account@conradt to spread positivity around steemit. I was nominated by Hive account@snowpea (thanks luv).

I nominate Hive account@pingcess, Hive account@iluyyy and Hive account@appleskie today.

Here are the rules:

• Write a post about something you have to be postive about today - this could be anything from being thankful for your current situation, someone being nice to you, being thankful for your friends and family, or even being thankful for the oppurtunity you have been given here on Steemit - just keep it positive :)

• Do this for 7 days in a row if you get nominated

• Mention three people who should do this on each day.

• Tag it with #7daypositivitychallenge and include these rules at the bottom of your post.(Tip: You need to put the # in front of 7daypositivitychallenge or it will not let you use the tag.)

• Include a picture of something positive (related to your story if possible).