Ramadan away from home: We pray for return of peace to our country

Afghans, anywhere in the world, have only one wish in their prayers - return of peace and feeling of secrity in their country. Mussafah-based Mohammed Naseem is no different. During Ramadan, the expat driver from Kabul religiously offers prayers with hopes for end to militancy in his country and a life without fear for children. The holy month of Ramadan, he said, is a time when level of optimism for a change is high. It is a month when Afghans find spaces for happiness with their traditional celebrations.
"In Afghanistan, people are very close to each other. We only have each other in moments of crisis and to share our joy. I have 18 members in my joint family and all of us live together. I am married and got two daughters and a son. During Ramadan, we have a custom where every family in our locality prepares food for Iftar and brings it to mosque to break fast together. Afterwards we have tea followed by prayers."
There are further unique observances during Ramadan. "Each family in the locality is allotted a number and according to their turn will have food and tea with the imam for sehri (Suhoor). Also, residents collect and pay a salary to the imam for services during this month."
Ramadan is also time to prepare dishes to celebrate their deep-rooted traditions. "Our special dish is Afghani pulao. It is prepared with basmati rice. We mix mutton or beef. This is prepared in big pot and actually our national dish."
Even though he misses the authentic dish, Naseem is able to enjoy the special biryani during Ramadan with his group of friends.
"I have a close friend who is in Abu Dhabi and prepares very good biryani. I catch up with him on Fridays. I have a small group of friends here. Since my duty hour is from 6.30am to 12.30pm, I am able to find time for prayer, Iftar and sit together like we have back in Kabul."
And when all friends gather, the first thing they do is to pray. "We pray for Afghanistan. We pray for return of peace. May everyone's illness be cured, misfortune end and there be light in our dark lives. The situation isn't well as of now and we hope it improves," added Naseem, who is set to return home to celebrate Eid with family.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com