ABU DHABI // Recreating her childhood Ramadan traditions and spending precious time bonding with her family helps to make the holy month an extra-special time of year for Zakeya Al Ameri.
Growing up in Al Ain, Mrs Al Ameri would break her fast and share iftar with her parents and 11 siblings. She has fond memories of the large, joyful gatherings, although over the years her brothers and sisters have moved to different emirates.
“Last year we decided to bridge the distances and we started gathering at a relative’s place for iftar on each day,” says the Emirati, who works at the Abu Dhabi office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
“Everyone has their turn to host iftar but we take a dish so that the person does not feel burdened.”
Mrs Al Ameri is mother to two sets of twins – Mohammed and Maryam aged 5, and Ali and Fatima, who are 5 months old.
Her siblings only began organising the get-togethers last year, and this Ramadan the invitation has been extended to more relatives, which means gatherings of up to 30 people are not unusual.
“In Al Ain we enjoyed a social and traditional lifestyle at my parents’ house. My five sisters and I would help my mother. After iftar, everyone would go to the mosque for taraweeh prayers,” she said.
The family would also send food to the mosque to be distributed to the poor and needy in the community. “We still sit on the floor and eat iftar and the luqaimat dessert is still the most looked forward to part of the meal,” Mrs Al Ameri says.
“But we try to select healthier items. Carbohydrates are a large part of our local cuisine. We make sure there are healthy soups and salads, and have eliminated unhealthy things like fruit cordials.”
When preparing the luqaimat, Mrs Al Ameri uses honey instead of sugar syrup. “We try not to waste food and pay attention to the quantities we are cooking.”
After iftar, she goes to the local mosque for prayers with her brothers and sisters.
”Going to the mosque and enjoying prayers together is spiritual and special.
“I can’t go to the mosque alone at night so it’s comforting to go with my brothers. When you go for tahajjud [night prayers] together at 2am, you feel committed to the prayers.”
arizvi2@thenational.ae