Muscat – Ramadan has arrived and the atmosphere around has already taken a hue of calm and compassion, with the faithful making elaborate preparations for the holy month.

After three years, this will be the first time the sultanate will witness a restriction-free Ramadan. The spirit of Ramadan is palpable all around with supermarkets and commercial centres decked out in fanoos and colourful lights.

For Saifuddin Islam, an expatriate from Bangladesh, this will be the first Ramadan away from home. “I work at a dental clinic and this will be the first time ever I will observe Ramadan away from my family. The customs are the same and I look forward to breaking fast with Muslim brothers from different nationalities – Omanis, Pakistanis, Indians, Egyptians… Sharing and caring is the essence of Islam and I am happy that my first iftar away from Bangladesh will be with people from different backgrounds.”

Ramadan in Oman is also a time for charitable deeds, with many individuals and organisations donating food, clothes and other essentials to those in need.

Public offices and private companies have announced reduced working hours for Ramadan, while some businesses will remain closed during the day in the month.
With reduced working hours, the devout will gather for prayers and break their fast together at public or social iftars.

Most mosques in Muscat hosted public iftars, a practice discontinued following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mohammad Rafi, an expatriate worker from India, said, “All public iftars were banned in the last three years due to the pandemic. I hope this year mosques host iftars. I work as a daily wager and will also be fasting. It will be very tough for me to come home by 6pm and cook.”

An iftar hosted by the Deccani Wing of Indian Social Club at Ruwi Clock Tower – a popular public event – will be held on April 7. Thousands attend the gathering and this time around, preparations are on to make it special as it is returning after three years.

Speaking about the event, Suhail Khan, head of the iftar organising committee of Deccani Wing, said, “The Hyderabadi Community has been holding its annual iftar at Ruwi Clock Tower for over two decades. Since the formation of ISC Deccani Wing, it has ensured continuous organisation of the event with the exception of last three years due to the pandemic.”

He added that community iftars are instrumental in fostering social integration among various communities who fast in Ramadan.

“This year we are expecting over 3,500 rozedars (fasting people) to attend our iftar. It gives great happiness to be able to serve as well as create a sense of togetherness and unity among community members in the sultanate. Over 100 volunteers will be working and serving attendees, ensuring that the event goes well and our guests feel at home and comfortable.”

Khan informed that the wing gets all possible support from Muscat Municipality for the conduct of the event. “There will also be separate arrangements for ladies and families.”