ShareAs the final days of Ramadan slip away and daily life prepares to return to its usual rhythm, a bittersweet feeling settles over Kuwaitis and expats alike. The longing for this sacred month begins even before it fades, knowing it will be another year before these cherished days return.
Palestinian Laila Hazim expressed her disappointment at how quickly the month has passed, saying, “Life during Ramadan is completely different from life outside of it.” For many, it’s the family gatherings that will be missed the most. With work schedules aligning and iftar marking a shared moment each evening, Ramadan creates a rare opportunity for families to sit together, pray together and simply be present.
Indian Aisha Rahman reflected on the significance of these gatherings, not just with immediate family but also with extended relatives. “You get this feeling that nothing in the world matters compared to these moments spent with your family. It’s all you truly need in life,” she shared.
Beyond bringing people together, Ramadan also transforms the atmosphere itself. The streets come alive with vibrant energy, and even fashion takes on a special meaning. Rahman spoke of the joy in seeing women dressed in colorful, flowing dara’at, an unmistakable symbol of Ramadan’s festive spirit.
Sixty-year-old Um Mohamed agreed that Ramadan traditions in Kuwait are unique. “We Kuwaitis never tire of creating new trends each year, but as grandmothers, we still cherish the old ones,” she said. She fondly recalled traditional celebrations like ghabga and Girgian, which remain her favorites. “What I’ll miss most about these days are the special foods like luqaimat and qatayef, which we only eat during Ramadan,” she added with a laugh. “But the extra weight that comes with them — not so much!”
Um Mohamed also enjoys celebrating with friends from different nationalities, including Egyptians and Palestinians. “I’ve noticed that many expats have embraced our traditions too. They wear our traditional clothing, like dara’at, and buy Girgian treats from the markets,” she noted.
For others, it’s the long, peaceful nights that leave the deepest impression — nights spent in qiyamul layl (late-night prayers), where people from all walks of life come together in devotion. Hazim shared that what she’ll miss most is the atmosphere of jama‘a (congregational) prayers, especially since this sense of community isn’t as common throughout the year. “As women, we have more opportunities to visit mosques during Ramadan. I personally look forward to these nights, praying in the mosque and feeling that spiritual connection,” she explained.
Egyptian Reem Ghanem, while finding spiritual solace in solo prayers, admitted that Ramadan prayers bring a unique experience. “Every single day, after we finish tarawih, I immediately start looking forward to the next night’s prayers. The same goes for tahajjud,” she said, cherishing the serenity and the collective sense of spirituality. “The sheikhs with their beautiful voices — mashallah, I’m going to miss that so much.”
For Kuwaiti Khaled Fahad, the late nights after prayers are just as meaningful. He enjoys spending time with friends at traditional cafes and local markets, soaking in the Ramadan atmosphere. Palestinian Youssef Zayd feels the same way, saying, “With this pleasant weather, I love strolling through Al-Mubarakiya with my wife, sipping sugarcane juice or having tea, coffee, and sweets.” He praised the natural setting, adding, “It’s more enjoyable than any mall.”
With these long nights, many workplaces offer flexible hours, allowing employees to work later, a privilege Reem Ghanem knows she will miss. “I’ll miss waking up later for work instead of dragging myself out of bed at 6 am. I like to take my time waking up and leave the house when the sun is actually out.”
Despite her sadness about Ramadan’s end, Hazim is excited as the countdown to Eid begins, calling it “the most beautiful time of the year.” “For three days, everyone is just so happy, no matter what’s happening in their lives,” she said.
To her, Eid is a time of pure joy — filled with family gatherings, children’s excitement, and the tradition of wearing new and beautiful clothes. “It’s funny because we’re often with the same people we’ve seen throughout Ramadan, but now we’re all happier and dressed in our best outfits!” she added with a smile.
