62-year-old Mohan Das, a member of the Hindu community is regularly fasting for the last 19 years. As usual he waits for Maghrib azan to start his iftar. For the last 19 years, he fasted the entire fasting month like this.
Mohan Das said, "It gives me immense health and spiritual benefits. I cannot imagine Ramadan without fasting,"
According to Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for Muslims of a certain age. Now a days many people of different religions are observing fast along with Muslims. Similarly, Mohan Das, a resident of the state of Kerala in South India, an expatriate from Dubai has been fasting in the month of Ramadan for almost two decades.
Mohan Das has been working at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort since arriving in the UAE in 1993. Since then, he started fasting for a few days of Ramadan out of respect for the traditions and practices of his fellow Muslims. He has been fasting for 30 days of the holy month of Ramadan since 2004. He said that fasting is not just about showing solidarity. It is a practice for his self-purification and self-discipline.
Mohan Das's dedication to fasting has not only earned him the respect of his family and friends, but it has also motivated his 25-year-old daughter to follow in his footsteps."She has started fasting as well, although not for the entire month yet. She makes traditional iftar dishes like fritters for me as my wife is currently away in India," he shares.
He breaks his fast with dates, fruits and a light snack, followed by his favourite beverage, tea. "I am a tea lover. A hot cup of tea never tastes better than after iftar,” he said.
“When I am at work, I break my fast at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort, where we have a lavish iftar buffet that is packed with guests," added Mohan. "It's a beautiful atmosphere, especially with the call for Maghrib prayer from the nearby Jumeirah Mosque adding to the spiritual ambience.”
Mohan sets an alarm to wake up for sehri and credited fasting helps him to maintain his blood pressure and overall health.
Khaleej Times...
