Thursday 16 / May / 2024
MUSCAT: As the country enters the sixth day of the Holy Month of Ramadan on Sunday, Oman’s mild climate has emerged as a silent ally to the fasting faithful.
With daytime temperatures remaining below 30 degrees Celsius and a gentle breeze sweeping across significant areas of the Sultanate throughout the past week, the atmosphere has fostered an ideal setting for Muslims observing the dawn-to-dusk fast during Ramadan.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset, a practice that instils discipline, self-control, and empathy for the less fortunate.
Oman’s recent weather, characterised by pleasantly warm days and cool nights, has alleviated the physical strain of fasting.
Unlike some regions where scorching heat or extreme cold can intensify the challenges of abstaining from food and water, the present weather has been a welcome reprieve for the fasting Muslims.
In his remarks to Times of Oman on Saturday after breaking his fast, Nafis Mohammed, an expatriate electrician in Ruwi, said: “The weather during this Ramadan has been very comforting so far. The mild temperatures make it easier to fast, and I can devote more time to prayer and reading the Holy Quran without feeling drained by the heat.”
Similarly, Salma Al Balushi, an Omani homemaker, noted the improvement from last year. She said, “The recent rains and drop in temperatures certainly aid us in fasting. Regardless of the weather, fasting during this Holy Month is a blessing, enabling us to focus on spiritual reflection and worship.”
Ahmed Al Habsi, a resident of Sohar, said: “Whether it’s breaking our fast together at sunset or participating in night prayers at the mosque, the pleasant climate enhances the spiritual experience.”
He added: “In these initial days of fasting, Oman’s serene climate emerges as a boon, offering optimal conditions that ease the physical rigours of abstaining from food and drink from dawn till dusk.”
Asgar Mohammed, a Pakistani expatriate, said: “The early days of fasting have been remarkably manageable, thanks to the pleasant weather. The cool mornings and evenings make it easier to abstain from food and water, allowing us to focus more on prayer and reflection.”
The current favourable weather also assists volunteers to do charity, making it more feasible for individuals and organisations to distribute Iftar meals and provisions to those in need.
The weather conditions may not last long but it has been a solace in the early days of the Holy Month as fasting Muslims embrace the gentle Oman weather, which serves as a silent companion in their devotion and self-discipline.
