Ramadan Kareem to all our Muslim readers!
The Holy month of Ramadan started just over a week ago (can’t believe it’s been a week already!) and this Ramadan is like no other as we are finding ourselves in the midst of these unprecedented times with most of the world being in lockdown and socialising is down to a minimum.
Traditionally, Ramadan is the time when Muslims go to their local mosques for Tarawih prayers, visit their extended families and friends to share Iftar meals together, and shop at bustling Ramadan markets. Ramadan is the month of mercy and kindness so it is also the time for donating meals to those less fortunate. Unfortunately, none of this is possible to do safely this year due to the current situation.
However, the spirit of Ramadan has not changed and the world is adapting to the new reality. Despite not being able to be with each other in person, people are able to spend quality time with their families and friends sharing Iftar meals via video calls. This Ramadan, there is more time to reflect and connect with Allah, and we are truly blessed that we can also connect with our loved ones thanks to technology, despite social distancing.
The 10 Million Meals campaign, launched under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives in collaboration with Social Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19, is a great solution for those who usually donated Iftar meals in their local community but can no longer do so safely in the current situation. This inspiring nationwide campaign enables to make financial donations towards purchasing meals or food parcels to support vulnerable individuals and families. Donations can be made online through the campaign’s website or using other methods outlined there, and the food parcels will be safely distributed to those in need.
Another way to lend a helping hand this Ramadan is to choose local businesses for our shopping. In these difficult times, many businesses are struggling to stay afloat and unfortunately not everyone will be able to keep their business from closing down. However, together we can help. Our purchases, however small, will make all the difference and help pay salaries to the employees who work hard for our favourite businesses. It’s worth asking if they offer gift cards that can be purchased now to help with the much needed cashflow. Such gift cards would also make amazing Eid gifts!
In addition to making your purchases online, we can visit our favourite places for a coffee/dinner/shopping now that the restrictions are being partially lifted here in Dubai. It’s so reassuring and comforting to hear that many places are re-opening their doors (in compliance with the precautionary measures of course!) to welcome their loyal customers.
Silvia and I always try to buy local produce as much as we can as we love discovering local brands, be it a coffee boutique or a clothing store. Now especially, we feel that we can make a conscious effort to do more to support our local businesses and the month of giving is the perfect time to do this. For example, rather than buying a generic brand of coffee or tea from a supermarket, why not support a small local business by ordering their delicious range of specialty coffees or aromatic blends of tea? These are the items that you use every day, and if you are a coffee & tea fan like Silvia and me, then there’s always room for more coffee and/or tea in your cupboard to keep it well stocked!
If you miss shopping at Ramadan markets, check out Manasah.com, a new virtual marketplace for Ramadan markets launched by DP World. This initiative aims to support local small businesses that register on the online platform to sell their products from various categories, such as clothing, beauty, home décor and food & beverage. The selection is not particularly wide at the time of writing, but we hope more businesses will register to offer their products during Ramadan.
Let’s not forget local charities either – they are struggling in these difficult times and need our help now more than ever. There are a lot of great causes for everyone to support whatever they are passionate about.
We hope that the spirit of Ramadan will bring the community closer together, even with social distancing measures still in place, as there are many ways how we can help and make a real difference together. In these challenging times, hope and solidarity are as important as ever and by lending a helping hand we will emerge from this stronger and better.
Please share with us in the comments below what local businesses or causes you support, we would love to hear from you!
Bisous
Yasmina
