Muslims all around the world look forward to the holy month every single year. The month demands a certain level of spiritual devotion, giving back, and practicing self-restraint.
However, there is also some kind of cultural attachment that's been integrated into Ramadan, with things like series, that some may say have destroyed the real essence of the holy month.
But, there are certain things that you will really miss because, let's face it, these things don't happen outside of the holy month.
1. The continuous generous donations that happen
So many initiatives revolving around the "giving back" theme occur during the holy month, making you feel a bit better about humanity. With the United Arab Emirates taking on many initiatives itself, including the viral Ramadan fridges initiative, there is honestly so much the world can give every day.
The UNHCR led the # TouchofHope campaign, with an aim to aid 20,000 refugee families during Ramadan, as well as an Arabic version of the UN's World Food program app, # ShareTheMeal which aims to feed refugee children not only throughout the holy month, but all year round.
2. Catching all the mistakes in Ramadan series
This also comes with guessing which Hollywood movie the series has copied.
3. The "staying up all night, sleeping during the day" routine
This kind of defeats the whole purpose of Ramadan, but for those who still have the chance to switch their sleeping schedules out like that, you're pretty lucky.
4. The daily feasts
You know feasting is only a Ramadan thing. Yes, we love holding azeemas and all, but true feasting really happens during the holy month. Lentil soup, laban, dates, fattouch, fatteh... and those are all before the main dish. So much food!
5. And lots of family time...
Getting together is really at the core of Ramadan. For some reason, we all just love each other a little more during the holy month.
6. The daily dedication to reading
Ramadan really has a way of proving how much time a person really has on their hands, if planned out properly. From reading the Quran to reading books, there is so much learning that happens during the month.
7. Drinking Vimto and Jallab
Because there is no drink that could ever top these two.
8. Shorter working hours
Yup, we'll soon be back to the 9-5 or 9-6 or 9-9 schedule. Whatever works for you.