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
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
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