We sat down and had a chat with Cala Adhiambo Ojero, 38 on what are some of the challenges she faced during Ramadan, what's it like being the only Muslim in her family, and more. Read more stories like Cala's and get insights on how Muslim consumers around the world prepare for Ramadan and Eid during the COVID-19 pandemic and the new normal in the MASTERCARD-CRESCENTRATING RAMADAN & EID LIFESTYLE REPORT 2022.
In 2016.
What's so special to me is I've seen how members of the Muslim community really come together during that time. But what I've also noticed is it's a lot easier. It's a lot easier for people who have been in that Muslim community and a lot more difficult if you're a revert. For example, I'm the only Muslim in my family, so during Ramadan you can't really share that whole Iftar experience with them because they don't really partake in it. I don't have many Muslim friends either, so it can be a bit lonely, not just during Ramadan, but during the whole Islamic journey. Alhamdulillah, my husband is Muslim and we're bringing up Muslim children, so the journey is better.
Initially, I was not used to fasting so it was really hard. I find you get headaches that probably get worse towards the end of the day. But once you break the fast, it just disappears. It's a spiritual and a mental challenge that you have to just work through and it gets easier. It definitely gets easier the more you do it.
I do think people really do over-consume, especially when breaking the fast. And I personally find it hard to eat so much after you've been fasting. In my family, we start with something small and then you have a meal and then if you feel like something later on in the evening, if not, that's fine. But even when eating for suhoor, we don't overdo it. Ramadan is a time of not over-consuming but an opportunity to establish discipline, prayer, and gratitude for what you have.
It was really hard not being able to go to the masjid, especially during the last ten days. Like I said, my family is not Muslim and we were all together during that period. It was quite challenging since there are a lot of distractions in the house.
Not (much) really. Honestly, it's quite simple.
We tend to give to the mosque what we are to give and then more to people around the mosque. We don't really give to online campaigns.
I wish I just knew more Muslims and had the opportunity to spend time with more of them, when breaking fast or even when you have any questions in general. And not just during Ramadan, but people you could meet up with every so often and just exchange experiences.
