'We hope Allah will forgive and rid us from Covid-19 threat'

Partial lockdown during Ramadan has been a blessing in disguise for Abu Dhabi-based Malaysian expat Adilatul Abdullah and her family.
"Things used to be rushed as kids had extra-curricular classes to attend after Iftar. I used to quickly pray and then drop them off for their activities and the schedule was hectic. This year will be a relaxed Ramadan where we can focus on the spiritual part and devote more time to worship," said the housewife.
Abdullah is grateful to Allah for having her family - her husband Noor Nazri and two children, 13-year-old Alyssa and 17-year-old Aiman -safe and sound with her. And, in order to show gratitude, the family plans to devote as much time as they can to prayers and other acts of worship.
The family makes it a point to come together and pray all the five prayers in congregation at home. "Our days are planned around the five daily prayers. Since my kids are studying at home and do not have to go out for activities, we pray together at home. This is the least we can do to thank God and seek his forgiveness so that he helps us get rid of this pandemic and brings normalcy back to life," she said.
The family has planned to finish reading the Holy Quran this Ramadan. "We have planned to complete reading the Quran as a family this year. Last year, we completed reciting individually but this year, we have divided our recitation into parts to complete the reading by the end of the month," Abdullah said.
Abdullah has also started doing online Quran recitation lessons. "After Suhoor, when my family goes to sleep, I log online and start Quran recitation with a few of my friends. We used to meet and recite, however, this year we do one-hour recitations on Zoom meetings. We aim to complete the full Quran together through our online recitations this year. Hopefully, I will be able to complete two cycles of the Quran, one with my family and another with my friends online."
Iftar is not a lavish affair for the family and a traditional Malaysian dinner meal is their usual menu. "In Malaysia, we would get a special porridge called Bubur Lambuk Johor at local mosques. I miss that but since it takes a long time to cook and is a tedious affair, we don't make it often. Our Iftar usually comprises of rice or noodles done in our traditional method along with some desserts. My husband loves to bake bread since he is home these days. We rest a bit after Iftar and then congregate for Taraweeh prayers, where my husband leads the prayer."
saman@khaleejtimes.com