Load shedding despair during month of Ramadaan

Marchelle Abrahams

This Ramadaan will be somewhat different for thousands of South African Muslims

THE holy month of Ramadaan is among the most important on the Islamic calendar.

It is a month to reflect and take stock of the things we are really grateful for, and it is a time when we fast from sunrise to sunset.

This Ramadaan will be somewhat different for South Africans.

First, with the country plunged into darkness owing to load shedding, we will have to personally thank Eskom for giving us the patience to endure waking up before the sun comes up in order to perform our morning prayers and eat our last meal of the day.

And, secondly, did I mention the load shedding? Yes, we have been through years of load shedding, but not on such a large scale.

I suppose we should focus on the silver lining and think of it as a form of spiritual discipline and self-control.

No electricity presents a number of disadvantages. No one wants to eat soggy, cold cereal by candlelight.

There is also the issue of what happens at night. How do we break our fast with Iftar?

A quick estimation of the hours in which we have power during a 24hour day with stage 6 load shedding amounts to fewer than eight.

A home-cooked meal requires electricity. And most Muslim homes do not have generators, gas stoves or solar power.

I suppose a quick workaround would be to cook meals before the time. But it’s not always an option –not all of us work from home.

And then there’s Google, which churns out “easy recipes to make without power”. Have you seen the results of those searches?

From canned tuna to avo and toast, there are really no substantial meals to fill a rumbling tummy.

So in the run-up to the holy month, I’ll be stocking up on fresh veggies, brown rice and lots of canned goods, with some vague idea of what I’ll be cooking.

If all else fails, there’s always soggy, cold cereal – a reminder that it’s a month of spiritual reflection and a chance to humble myself.

IT’S A MONTH to reflect and take stock of the things we are really grateful for, and it’s a time when we fast from sunrise to sunset. | EPA

TREATS like milk tart and pumpkin fritters can be found on the Iftar table during Ramadaan. | Tracey Adams ANA