RIYADH: Expatriates in Saudi Arabia like to stay in their second home during Ramadan, even if they are away from their families and home countries.
Expats who spend the holy month in the Islamic homeland are fortunate in terms of spiritual satisfaction and piety as well as personal experiences.
Newcomers to the kingdom have much to look forward to, a new experience.
“You can feel the spirit of Ramadan here wherever you go. During Ramadan the streets are packed at night and everything that is dull during the day comes to life at night,” said Ifat Abreu, a mother of three who is spending her 10th Ramadan in Riyadh.
“From more than a decade of experience here, I can say that there is no better place than Saudi Arabia to spend time in Ramadan and celebrate its purity. „We have the opportunity to go to the mosque and perform taraweeh prayers as a group,” said the householder.
He added: “Ramadan is a very important period for Muslims and is observed with great importance in Saudi Arabia. You have the opportunity to visit the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah and Ziarach.
„The markets are open until Suhoor, the streets are bustling with people who keep the night alive and there are shoppers preparing themselves for Eid al-Fitr,” he said.
He pointed out that Ramadan is not only a religious observance but also a cultural event reflected in acts of spirituality and social bonding, which is why many expats prefer to stay in their second home during the holy month and go on holiday for Eid al-Adha. Be with relatives and friends.
Sharing her experiences, Ambreen Faiz, a Pakistani housewife and a popular Urdu writer, told Arab News: “I have been living in Saudi Arabia for the past 26 years. When I first came to Riyadh in 1998, I was mesmerized by the celebrations of the holy month of Ramadan in the Kingdom. Every Muslim eagerly awaits the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. I am also very excited when Ramzan starts knocking at the door.
She added: “Many women I know from Pakistan and India get excited like me when the holy month comes around. We don't want to go on vacation during Ramadan, we actually want to stay in the Kingdom to welcome Ramadan and enjoy the festivities it brings.
“We girl friends are publishing our Iftar party programs. And we prepare Pakistani cuisine for Ramadan – Chole, Pakhor, Samos, Dahi Pare, Fruit Chart and what not. People of all ages love and enjoy such delicious food,” he said.
„Ramadan is very happy with the children, especially when we go to Harmain to perform Umrah,” he added: „I thank Allah for giving us the opportunity to live in Saudi Arabia and enjoy the Ramadan festivities. .”
Dr Kifaya Iftikhar, a Sri Lankan female social worker in Riyadh and a doctor by profession, told Arabic News: “We love staying here during Ramadan and enjoy Sri Lankan and Saudi delicacies.
“In Sri Lanka, a significant percentage of the population fasts during the holy month of Ramadan, and their Iftar meals are characterized by a special blend of flavors and traditions. A typical dish at their Iftar table is a porridge made with rice and coconut, often accompanied by the addition of beef or chicken with a spicy chili chutney called khata sambol. Dates, an essential part of Iftar meal, are a must to bring to our Iftar table here along with some Saudi delicacies. The Iftar spread is further enriched with other delicacies like cutlets and pattis,” he said.
„Thirst-quenching tropical juices with apple, pineapple and royal coconut are preferred choices, ensuring a healthy and refreshing end to the fasting day. Additionally, chia seeds are added to these iftar drinks for a happy and healthy touch,” he added.
„Ramzan in Saudi Arabia is better than in our subcontinent,” said Maisha Maimuna, a Bangladeshi expatriate.
„I always love spending Ramadan in Saudi Arabia and going home for Eid because everything is so smooth and here there is devotion to Allah Almighty during Ramadan. People really know the true value of the holy month and they act accordingly,” he added.