I’d just like to extend my warmest wishes to all those who are about to finish their first day of fasting for the year 1426 AH (2006 AD). Small history lesson for those in the dark, AH stands for After Hijra and is how the Islamic calender is dated (only reason I know the exact year is because I was born in 1400 AH).

During the month of Ramadan, those able (ie not old, traveling or sick) fast (no consumption of food or water or anything else) from sunrise to sunset. Obviously you can eat as much as you want after hours, but gourging your face with food defies the point of this month.

This is effectively the 4th time I fast in London, and each year it becomes slightly harder for me. It’s not because the day is longer now than last year (Ramadan moves forward 2 weeks a year due to be set according to the Lunar calender) and fast breaks at 6:30 in the evening, that’s not what makes it difficult for me.

One of the things that I hate about being a bachelor, and it’s a very small point, I hate eating alone. It’s one of those rituals that really cuts me. I remember when I was in University and I’d see anyone about to start their meal and they were sitting on their own, that I’d go up (whether I knew them or not) and start chatting. It’s just one of my ticks. So obviously, breaking fast is something unfortunately I do on my own here. When I was still in school my brother and I would fast the day and at least we’d both understand where the other was coming from.

Breaking fast every evening as a family remains one of my fondest memories, and the closest I can approximate it is to Christmas day, every single day for an entire month. It’s a quiet moment. The table is set. Usually we’d eat in the kitchen, however as it’s a special month, the dining room was used throughout the month. Throughout the month we’d get various guests to join in breaking fast. Even though we were far away from others fasting, it still felt special.

Still though I love this month for how it makes me think about certain things. I hate the first couple of days as the body isn’t used to it and you get headaches, but once that hump is passed, it’s smooth sailing until the end of the month when the body is growing weary of the fast.

So to my family, Nadiya and everyone else breaking their fast around the world, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes for a Ramadan Kareem.