Every year, there is a month in which all Muslims fast from dawn to dusk by not drinking any liquids or eating any solids. Not just that but preventing themselves from other sexual activities, sinful acts and speeches as well. This month is called Ramadan and it is the 9th month in Islamic (Hijri) Calendar.
The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities.
Now for past 4 years, I have been in the Sultanate of Oman and working 40 kilometres away from my residence. During normal days the traffic is normal but Ramadan is special. Since the Muslims are fasting, the government reduces the working hours and advises the private sector companies the same. This change of timing had always pros and cons on my drive everyday.
My office timing, before Ramadan is 7:30 to 4:30 with 30 minutes of drive each way. During Ramadan, the starting stayed same but end was rescheduled to 1:00 pm. Most of the government sectors, however moved their morning timing. Instead of starting from 7:30, which is before Ramadan, the moved to 9:00 am and shift end was same as before which was 2:00 pm.
Due to this, every morning, the entire road was clear while I was driving towards office. However, while returning home, I had to leave few minutes earlier to avoid all of the traffic. The traffic, sometimes, have caused delay for up to 1:45 minutes. The issue was not being stuck among all other cars. The worst was being sleepy while driving.
Every night, after Isha (night) prayers, the time when landing to bed was around 11:00 pm. Then within 4 hours have to wake up, for having Suhoor (the meal before fasting) and then staying awake for prayers and getting ready for office by 6:30 am. This all will cause sleeplessness.
This year, because of the #Covid19, most of us are working from home. But working from home full night till 5:00 am and then sleeping until noon. I feel like I am more relaxed and having better sleep then any of the previous Ramadan.
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