Eid signals the time to indulge loved ones

Eid signals the time to indulge loved ones
By Mona Rahman

The end of the holy month of Ramadan marks the start of the Eid-Al Fitr festival and celebrations which are often highlighted by the exchange of gifts amongst close family members and children. Buying children gifts instead of the traditional token money is the latest rage in the Kingdom and in other Muslim countries, and shopping malls are choked these days with last-minute shoppers.“I don’t give my sister token money anymore; prior to Eid, I take her out shopping and buy her whatever she likes, according to my budget: an elegant dress, some bangles or a traditional pair of shoes,” said Mohammed Kamran, a Pakistani expatriate in Jeddah. “As soon as the Shawwal moon is sighted, I drive my mother to our relatives’ home where she distributes gifts to the children including dolls for girls and batter-operated toy cars for the boys.”He added that the gifts are usually bought during the last week of Ramadan so that they can be gifted on time. In part, this change of tradition has come about by the miss-use of token money by children too young to spend the money properly. “It is much wiser to buy suitable gifts like stuffed toys, clothes, video games and books rather than gifting money,” remarked Saeed Fathy, a Saudi resident of Jeddah. “We can buy gifts and then give a small amount of token money on the actual day as well.”The possibilities for gift-buying are endless with men being able to buy exclusive jewelry and accessories for their wife, mother and sister; a pair of gold earrings or small necklace is always a good option, but with rising prices and the availability of highly attractive artificial jewelry, there are cheaper alternatives to making a loved one feel good as well.A number of jewelry stores are, therefore, offering a number of special offers. “We are offering an Eid special offer of artificial jewelry consisting of a wrist watch, ing, pair of earrings and necklace of a certain brand between the range of 100 and 120 Saudi riyals,” stated Abdul Haq, the salesman at a local jewelry store in Andalus Mall, Jeddah. A similar gift package for men is also offered, including a wrist watch, pen, key ring and a pair of cuff studs for approximately SR160.Another good idea is to purchase aromatic perfumes and exotic oils, available at nominal prices at most perfume stores everywhere. “A special Eid offer for ladies is a gift box comprising of four different bottle of perfume costing SR180, and one bottle of perfume can cost as low as SR99” said Mohammed Khalil, a salesman at a health and beauty store in Jeddah. Many such gift packs also include shower gels, soaps, body lotions and bath oils, available for both men and women.There are pricier perfume options as well with most branded perfumes costing SR150 to SR350.Clothes make another excellent present, since everyone wants to wear new clothes in Eid, particularly if the gift receiver is a close relative or friend whose preferences are known in advance and can be splurged on. If one is feeling particularly indulgent then electronic gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, gaming consoles and music players these days make apt gifts. If really stumped for an idea, gift shops are always a good place to find a diverse variety of products catering to all ages and types of people. Many of these shops offer items for as little as SR10 to SR1,000.Since Eid is an occasion of celebration, it is nearly impossible to assume that sweets will not be linked to festivities. in this respect, it is always a good idea to buy gift boxes comprising of traditional sweets, nuts and chocolates. Arab specialities like baklava and kunafa as well as those from the Subcontinent, are also make an excellent present for loved ones.“During the first three days of Eid, we are prepared to receive dozens of orders which we get from customers who opt to carry these delicious gifts to their loved ones,” said Saleem Jamshaid, a Pakistani shop owner of a sweet shop in Jeddah. – SG

Should pregnant women fast in Ramadan?

Should pregnant women fast in Ramadan?
By Mona Rahman
The holy month of Ramadan may bring new challenges for pregnant women as they encounter a period of acute difficulty. According to the Islamic perspective, there is no obligation on pregnant women to fast in Ramadan. They can opt not to and make up the days missed later. However, if a woman is able and willing to fast - providing there is no harm to her unborn child - then she can do so. From a purely medical perspective, doctors and health specialists believe that fasting offers physical benefits as it keeps body in a perfect state while helping to burn out unnecessary fats and additional calories. Therefore, if a woman is healthy and there are no such complications, she can adhere to her daily routine of fasting.In an interview with Saudi Gazette, Dr. Sumaiya Banu, a consultant gynecologist at Badr-As-Samah Clinic in Jeddah mirrored this opinion. “Fasting does not cause any problems to a child who is in the development stage of its growth and is not affected by the fast,” she said. “It all depends on how much the pregnant woman can endure; some can even fast the whole month.” She added that those women who do plan on fasting, however, should consult their doctor before embarking as the doctor will review her general and obstetric health before approving.“It is imperative that you consult your doctor as the doctor will monitor the growth of the baby, your weight, and only then give the green signal for fasting, considering there aren’t any complications,” she explained.Another issue she highlighted was women in their first trimester (first three month of pregnancy) might find fasting much harder, as they will be dealing with morning sickness: nausea and excessive vomiting. “Such women can fast on alternate days - if they are not suffering from any complications - or whenever they feel up to it. In this way, they will feel healthier and more refreshed,” she remarked.The issue of fasting also needs to consider the pregnant woman’s built. Dr. Banu advised those women who have a slender built to not fast, as well as those who have high blood pressures, low levels of hemoglobin and suffer from epilepsy. The list also includes those who require regular medication, like insulin and vitamin injections. Pregnant women must also be aware of the risks of dehydration, which can lead to urinary tract infections, so they need to drink enough water. Dr. Banu advises the consumption of at least 2.5 liters of water to detoxify the digestive system and organs. Oily and spicy food must be avoided, like in normal days, as well as gram flour delicacies that are a regular feature at Iftars in Asian homes.In those cases where there is a risk or possibility of premature labor, twin babies and severe morning sickness, fasting should be avoided altogether. However, any fasting woman who experiences symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, burning in the urinary tract or sever vomiting, should break her fast immediately and consult her doctor, advised Dr. Banu. - SG

Traditional Ramadan, international cuisine

Traditional Ramadan, international cuisine
By Mona Rahman

It’s the second half of Ramadan and by now, most women have fed their families home-cooked and traditional food to last the whole year. As a result, many families are now opting to eat out more for Iftars, particularly in restaurants that are serving a diverse range of international cuisines, accompanied by the traditional accompaniment of Arabic coffee, dates and laban. “It’s time to pay tribute to Saudi society without losing our own identity,” remarked Joerg Wickihalder, the manager of an Italian restaurant in Jeddah in an interview with Saudi Gazette. “We respect the month of Ramadan so we serve our Muslim brothers traditional food items and then the different courses of a traditional Italian meal.Italian cuisine is a great hit amongst Saudis and expatriates alike with pasta and lasagne providing a formidable alternative to the mighty sambusa. Another timeless favorite is Chinese food and a sign of its popularity is the established trend in most homes to regularly prepare and eat vegetable and chicken spring rolls for Iftar. China’s rich heritage of food means, however, that there is much more for foodies to explore during Ramadan. Most restaurants offer Iftar buffets that provide a comprehensive range of dishes. Meraj is the manager of one such restaurant in Jeddah and he told Saudi Gazette that since buffets are time-consuming affairs in general, his restaurant offers visitors the chance to order dishes prior to visiting the restaurant, so that there are no delays and lengthy waiting periods.Offering Spanish and Japanese dishes alongside Chinese ones, Meraj added that “the most common dishes are tempura, teriyaki, compu chee and dried chili garlic chicken.” A number of restaurants in the Kingdom go even further and provide a host of international cuisine during Ramadan. One Pakistani restaurant in Jeddah, for instance, includes Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Arabic as well as Continental food in its Iftar buffet.“We also serve in Suhoor with typical scrambled eggs, omelets and parathas to people from the subcontinent, while Saudi customers prefer rice and meat specialities,” remarked the manager of the restaurant.For those looking for traditional Arab cuisine, there are too many choices to make a quick decision. The manager of a Lebanese restaurant in Riyadh, Yousef Nemer, told Saudi Gazette that his restaurant prepares, prints and distributes its menu in advance to potential customers and that the popular restaurant normally offers a different menu each day.“We offer tuut juice, which is basically raspberry juice and the Iftar seems incomplete without this juice, qahwa and soup,” he said. This eating out trend is as big a hit with tired mothers as it is with the rest of the family, providing a much-needed change to the taste buds. Five star hotels take the whole thing to the next level and celebrate Ramadan with decorations and not just cuisine. An essentially ‘Ramadan’ theme prevails and lobbies, ballrooms and dining areas are all tastefully decorated in a beautiful manner and keeping Islamic traditions in mind. One hotel in Jeddah, for instance, has chosen the heritage of Jandariyah as its theme for this year’s Ramadan, and everything - from the tablecloth to the food - reflects this theme. Another hotel has derived inspiration from old Damascus and “Bab Al-Hara.” - SG

Towards an Islamic lifestyle

Towards an Islamic lifestyle
By Mona Rahman

Ye Ruan and Han Xu two Chinese expats in Jeddah will soon embrace Islam. “I love Islam, its traditions and the ensuing culture,” said Xu, who now likes to be called Imear and studied Arabic before coming to the Kingdom.“Learning Arabic in Beijing helped me to better understand Islamic culture, history and the faith itself,” he said.As for Ruan, he has just begun reading the Holy Qur’an in translation, and said that he makes an effort to regularly be able to do so.“My Muslim friends here have provided me with ample support and they are teaching me to read the Holy Qur’an. Saudis have a strong desire to help people,” he added.Ruan and Xu have been working as managers for almost a year and a half now in a consumer electronics manufacturing company in Jeddah. “We are enjoying our stay here. When our company decided to transfer us here, we thought it was a good opportunity as the people here are warm-hearted, kind and cooperative,” said Ruan, adding that the city is a good place to live especially when living with one’s family.He said life is easier in the Kingdom as compared to his home country, “but we have limited activities here after work. For example, we used to frequently dine out in China or go to a movie. That is not the case here”.Last Ramadan, Xu and Ruan fasted for seven days. “It was an attempt to acquaint ourselves with one of the five pillars of Islam. The fasting filled us with positive energy thereby reducing negativities and desires. Insh’Allah I intend to fast for two weeks this time,” said Xu.Ruan and Han Xu have a profound liking for Arabic cuisine.“The traditional mandi, kabsa, and laham kebabs, along with the South Asian dishes, particularly the chicken curry, are our favorite foods here. Plus, like every Saudi and expat, we too relish broast,” said Ruan.Xu said that the new expats in the Kingdom, particularly the Chinese, “will take time to adjust here but will gradually learn to love Arabian culture”.“We Chinese are a hardworking and optimistic people, and the Saudi government should create more opportunities for the Chinese to work in the Kingdom,” said Ruan. – SG

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009090649013

Get to your feet for a healthy Ramadan

Get to your feet for a healthy Ramadan
By Mona Rahman

Thanks to awareness about the health risks associated with not doing any exercise, many people have now either joined a gym, bought a treadmill or booked aerobic, yoga and other classes to stay fit. Some people have made a pronounced lifestyle change by ensuring at least a half hour of exercise every day. What happens to these same people during Ramadan?Much has been written about the adoption of unhealthy eating habits during Ramadan, but another important issue is why people simply stop exercising during Ramadan, particularly when heavy Iftars and over-eating on social occasions is a given. “Ramadan is one of the best times to lose weight but Saudis and expatriates both adopt unhealthy habits, due in part to a lack of awareness about sport and physical activities,” remarked Mohammed Barnawi, a physical education instructor and Dietician, in an interview with Saudi Gazette. “Continuing an exercise regime in Ramadan is a strong means to maintain health and balance, but people are less willing to do any physical activity during Ramadan, so they pack on the kilos.”Exercise, is therefore a must during Ramadan, but it is also important to keep the workout on a low profile while fasting. Undertaking a strenuous exercise regime can cause health problems like headaches, vomiting, dehydration and dizziness.It doesn’t make sense to start pounding on the treadmill, for instance. “One can lift weights while fasting, and another option is skipping rope, which is an effective form of cardiovascular exercise,” said Dr. Barnawi. “It is also great at burning fat, increasing stamina and coordination, as well as the firming muscles in the shoulders and limbs.” The most convenient form of exercise, however, is to go for a 30-minute walk. When is the ideal time for working out during the day in Ramadan? Just after Suhoor or two hours before Iftar are both good times for working out during the fast, according to Dr. Barnawi. “Exercising two hours before Iftar is the best technique as it restores energy in the body,” he explained. “If someone opts to work out in the morning, then eating a late and substantial Suhoor is advised.”Working out after Iftar is also possible, for those unwilling or unable to exercise during their fast. “Anyone who intends to exercise after Iftar should eat some dates, drink plenty of water and perhaps have some soup and then head off for the work out,” explained Mohammed Siddique Al-Ansari, the Imam of a mosque in Riyadh. “This way the body can build up more stamina.” For those used to having a large meal with their family for Iftar, it is also possible to work out after the Taraweeh prayers, as that helps to digest the large Iftar meal, he added.Dr. Barnawi is also of the opinion that working out after Iftar can provide the body with much-needed fuel and ensure a more strenuous work out. It will also play a role in deflecting gastrointestinal discomfort. He recommends a couple of exercises for this group of people:“Jogging on the treadmill for 20 minutes, abdominal exercises, and swimming are highly recommended,” he said. “Those who don’t visit health clubs can take a 40-minute brisk walk anywhere as well as try forms of exercise, particularly some new positions from Sweden that burn a lot of calories in 15 minutes,”Even playing stamina-boosting sports like football and volleyball can help one maintain a good level of weight as it burns a lot of calories and ensures a good time as well.” – SG

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009090548897