Ramadan diaries

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Every week Al-Ahram Weekly interviews people on a different Ramadan-related subject. This issue we ask: "What resolutions have you made this Ramadan?"

"This year I decided to have iftar with my children every day. No breaking my fast at work, with friends outside the house, or anywhere other than my own dining room with my family. I used to always go out for a post- iftar shisha but, in keeping with this year's resolution, I bought a shisha to keep at home. So this year, instead of rushing to the café for it, I sit in my garden with my kids, my cup of tea and my shisha. I had also resolved to spend every Ramadan weekend with my mother, and to invite one of my siblings over for iftar then so that we can all spend quality time together."

Mahmoud, 43 years old

"I had resolved to see more of my family this Ramadan, and to make a point of getting in touch with as many of them as possible. I had resolved to call each and every one at the beginning of Ramadan and to take whatever necessary trips in and out of Cairo to share iftar with them. I did in fact get in touch with more family members than in previous years, having made a point of it this Ramadan. I failed to catch up with all those I had intended to, but now that the eid (feast) is around the corner, I plan to make up for that with eid greetings. Another resolution was that this Ramadan I would perform all five prayers every day, and I am very happy that I have not only managed that, but also become familiar with certain extra prayers that I will be carrying out the rest of the year."

Hanan, 32 years old

"This year I resolved -- a week before the holy month began -- to experience Ramadan on my own. I decided to decline all the invitations I would get from colleagues and friends. And indeed, every day this Ramadan, at iftar, I sit and contemplate sunset, get in touch with myself and address my need for spirituality without the distraction of large banquets and extended gatherings. I feel comfortable. Everyday -- 20 minutes before the call to maghreb prayer -- I choose a spot in the open air and watch the sky changing colours, reflect on my childhood memories of Ramadan, and indulge in that moment alone."

Mohamed, 47 years old

"This Ramadan my resolution was to be clearer with myself and truer to my principles; and to live life as I had set it out for myself regardless of whether this may seem difficult, or even dangerous, at the outset. In the end the rewards are greater. Basically, I decided to lose my fear -- to accept the consequences of my actions, and to embrace the future. Any time is good to make a resolution, but there are certain times of the year, considered to have spiritual or communal significance, which remind you of the importance of re-evaluating your life path."

Nour, 24 years old

"Just like every year, I resolved to use the opportunity provided by Ramadan -- during which I abstain from all modes of fun I know are not approved of by religion -- and give up on those bad habits for the rest of the year. Unfortunately however, just like every year, I can't wait for the eid to arrive in order to indulge myself again. I have, however, managed to keep up my daily prayers this Ramadan and have every intention to continue after it is over."

Zarifa, 24 years old

"In the past, I never thought of Ramadan as a time for resolutions as such, but this year -- becoming aware of the way in which the day is divided during that month -- I have decided to establish a timetable that is more harmonious with nature, rather than the mercy of jobs or tasks. The day doesn't really start at the hours that work starts, nor does it end when work ends. What Ramadan helped me realise and resolve to accomplish is how to open up hours in the day that are dedicated to matters of the spirit."

Samia, 29 years old

"This Ramadan I have tried to focus on the subtler dimensions of fasting. Rather than simply not eating or drinking, it became important to put effort into the fasting of the mind and the heart. We all know how in Ramadan Muslims are encouraged to locate this part of themselves which is kinder, more tolerant, less judgmental and short-tempered -- an extremely difficult task, particularly in places where the details of the day are often aggravating. It will be more difficult to sustain this personal exercise throughout the year, but all the more important and satisfying."

Hossam, 57 years old

Interviews by Injy El-Kashef