Changes in behavioural patterns...

Observer

17-03-2025

Human behaviour changes according to circumstances, and we can see that during the holy month of Ramadhan. This is one of the important lessons we can learn from the holy month that sees millions of people fast from dawn to dusk.
Food and water, factors that are essential, are often taken for granted on normal days. Then comes Ramadhan when people refrain from water and food until it is time to break the fast. This is an opportunity to understand the value of water to quench thirst. We begin to value food as a source; we appreciate the farmers and the people who cook it. Most importantly, we are able to practice empathy.
We understand the significance of food in providing us with the required energy to function. Our brain, our mind, and our body need it. So imagine the plight of people who are deprived of it. That is deprived of proper food not just for a month, but as a regular reality.
The time of Iftar is when the fast is broken, and it becomes a special moment, especially when everyone gathers together. Breaking the fast together, praying together, and have food together creates a unique bond in a world of individualism. The beauty of mass Iftars held in Oman is the fact that most of the people may not even know each other. Expatriates from different countries and different cultural backgrounds sit together and have the same food. Another feature is sitting on the ground. Many mosques in Oman become important venues for people to gather for Iftars. Some people find the occasion a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the welfare of society by providing cooked food and fresh fruits.
Rusayil roundabout has a story to convey during this year of fasting. The round has been seeing traffic jams for longer periods during this Ramadhan.
Lt Col Saif bin Ahmed al Ramadhani, Director of the Executive Office of the National Committee for Road Safety, explained that this year more and more people are choosing to go to their hometowns on a daily basis during the holy month.
The reason?
He explained that people are eager to spend the Iftar moments with their family members. Before, the trend was to spend the weekdays in Muscat and then go home for weekends.
Eating together, whether with family, friends, or colleagues, has numerous benefits that extend beyond simply sharing a meal. Some of the key advantages are enhanced social bonds, a sense of belonging, improved communication skills, listening skills, better mental health, stress reduction, mindful eating, passing down traditions, exploring culinary practices, and most importantly, mindfulness and gratitude.
Attending community Iftars brings in strengthened relationships because shared meals foster connection. Eating together allows individuals to engage in conversation, share stories, and build stronger emotional ties. Regular communal meals create a feeling of community and belonging, which is essential for emotional well-being.
The gatherings are perfect places to practice conversations leading to improved interpersonal interactions. Discussions during meals encourage active listening and attention to others, which are vital social skills. These are great opportunities for the youth.
The gatherings are great to reduce loneliness because communal eating can combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, enhancing overall mental health. Another wonderful initiative to indulge in is to be a volunteer.
There is more to sharing a meal because it can provide a sense of comfort and relaxation, reducing stress levels and allowing for a break from daily pressures.
Another advantage to eating together is that it encourages more mindful eating practices, promoting awareness of food choices and portion sizes.
Communal gatherings could encourage balanced food intake, as families and groups often prepare balanced meals, leading to healthier diets compared to solo eating, which may lean towards foods of convenience.
Shared meals offer an opportunity to pass down cultural and family traditions related to food, fostering a sense of identity and continuity at the same time as a platform to try different dishes together and enjoy diverse dishes and promote cultural understanding.
Eating together is more than just a routine; it is a powerful activity that can enhance relationships, improve mental and physical health, and promote cultural traditions, and it has benefits for both individuals and communities.