What Ramadan means to me

New research has revealed that the majority of Muslims living in the Gulf states remain attached to their traditions, values and practices when it comes to Ramadan.

They feel a special bond and prefer to spend this Holy Month with family at home.

GulfWeekly's reporter Asma Salman describes what Ramadan means to her and the challenges she faces as a modern Muslim mother.

I started fasting with a silent prayer, hoping that despite the scorching heat and exhausting humidity of Bahraini summer, I would have the patience and strength to fast religiously for the entire holy month.

I would not be spending my morning sleeping nor would I be confined to the cool environs of my air-conditioned house.

My workload as a journalist does not abate in Ramadan which means that I have to be out and about without a sip of cool water passing through my lips.

But, then I believe that I should have the physical and mental forbearance to fast as I am doing this exercise solely for my own benefit.

Most Muslims welcome the Holy Month as a time for reflection and prayer, doling out their annual Zakat - a percentage of annual savings given away as charity - and reading the Holy Quran.

Ramadan for me heralds a time when apart from religious rituals, I see it as an opportunity to exercise greater self-discipline in the face of challenging situations.

What would normally make me epileptic with anger tends to lose its enormity when I step back, take a deep breath and remind myself to exercise self-control lest it gets the better of me.

Although I may not follow my religious duties by the book, I like to believe that I become more tolerant and disciplined, thanks to Ramadan.

Cooking for my children or seeing someone eat or drink near me does not give me hunger pangs.

For me, it is a case of 'mind over matter' although this will-power suddenly disappears when I see a mouth-watering dessert during my 'lose extra weight' days.

Everyone has their take on Ramadan and in my household, it's a time to be respectful and caring of the people fasting around you.

If my seven-year-old is up to his silly antics, my older son would remind him not to wind me up as 'mum is fasting'.

They insist that I rest in the afternoon after work and are careful not to disturb me for the duration.

But, respect for the Holy Month is not only restricted to family members but also the live-in helper who is fasting.

Children are taught to manage their own drinks and snacks in between meals.

Although I consider myself an unorthodox Muslim, I also hold traditional values close to my heart.

When we sit at the table for Iftaar, all the family members gather around to share the meal, irrespective of whether they fast or not.

When my older son first observed Ramadan two years ago, it was a cause for celebration in our home. His grandparents rung him from Pakistan to congratulate him and he felt a great sense of achievement.

It is about all this and more that I welcome Ramadan every year with a smile on my parched lips.