Iftar on the job in UAE: After fasting under the sun, he cooks Iftar for pals

Ali Akbar, an expat from Bangladesh, works as a plumber in the industrial area of Mussafah. Akbar is out in the Abu Dhabi sun from 6am.
And instead of spending the shortened working hours resting up, he devotes his afternoon to praying and preparing Iftar for his "brothers".
"The reduced working hours is of great help. I mostly finish by noon. So, I have more time to pray and prepare an Iftar dish. I love making a mix of muri (puffed rice). I cook and share food with my brothers from India and Pakistan.
"We all live together in a room, but it's during Ramadan that we get to know each other closely. We are away from our country and family and, here, we are all one, regardless of which country we come from.
Even though the holy month of Ramadan is a tough time for him, Akbar feels fasting and prayers bring him closer to Almighty Allah.
"I've been working here for 10 years now. Fasting while working outside is difficult but it's all about your intent. My spiritual determination keeps me going. I am a devout Muslim and I pray regularly. But during Ramadan, it all becomes more of dedication and devotion to Allah. Fasting and namaz bring me closer to Allah," Akbar said.
For Akbar, the shortened working hours this holy month is an opportunity to devote more time for prayer, Iftar preparations and bonding with friends.
Amid the conversation on Ramadan and his nature of work, Akbar remembers his family back in Bangladesh. "I do miss them all. My mother, wife, two daughters and a son are always on my mind. I catch up with them over phone after work," he said.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com