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As the holy month of Ramadan starts today sales of food items have risen sharply across the country. In fact, hypermarkets reported brisk sales in the days leading to Ramadan. |
Groceries said that, as usual, they expect more sales of food items, especially milk, dairy products, juices, pastry and soft drinks.
“Usually people buy such things on a daily basis and those in the neighbourhood call us for home delivery of such items, especially an hour before Iftar or late at night, as we deliver goods to our near customers,” said Shandar, an Indian grocer.
Various charities have introduced Ramadan-related projects including Iftar tents and distribution of Iftar kits to the needy families during the holy month.
“Working hours during the month are less and food is not a problem, one could go to any of the tents and have an Iftar meal,” a Sri Lankan mechanic said while expressing appreciation for the quality and quantity of the free meal.
Aside from food preparations, Iftar tents and reduced working hours, many see Ramadan fasting as a period for spiritual cleansing and quitting bad habits.
“It is a good chance to quit smoking,” said Abdulsalam, an Egyptian engineer.
“It is normal during Ramadan to invite friends and family members to share a meal and have a good time. However, we have to be merciful also and considerate and not to exhaust our workers against the real spirit and purpose of the month. If needed, we should buy food from restaurants and hire temporary workers for the preparations and cleaning in a way to ease the load on the housemaids,” said Fahd, a young Qatari man.
Others saw it as chance for prayer and extensive religious readings and learning instead of wasting time on mundane entertainment, especially TV serials on satellite channels.
“Though it is becoming hard to avoid such modern technology and entertainment, especially when it comes to the Internet, it should be prayer that takes priority for the holy month of Ramadan,” said Khalaf, an Arab expatriate.