Ramadan Kareem Ramadan Mubarak

Wishing all friends a Blessed Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan starts in UAE tomorrow. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar and regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is observed annually by Muslims worldwide as the month of fasting. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root Ramida or Ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. The month lasts 29-30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon. While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking any liquids. They have a small meal before sunrise and break their fast after sunset every day. The holy month also has the fasters devoutly following religious observances, offering prayers and regularly engaging in recitation of the holy Quran.

During the holy month, while we pray with our Muslim brethren, let us add a prayer for the Mother Earth, and seek divine blessings for our efforts. Let us all renew our pledge of preserving the environment and work with vigour towards our efforts of spreading environmental awareness and sustainable development.

The holy month sees many Iftar parties, when people get together to break their fast in the evening. While we follow the holy traditions, let us make sure that we do not indulge in any food wastage. We must also try to reduce the waste that is generated during these get-togethers and ensure that all waste is suitably disposed as also the recyclable material segregated and sent to proper recycling centres. I am going to do my share and know that all of you will also be busy with your efforts. Good luck to all.