March 31, 2025 

Ramadan is a month of self-discipline, devotion, and spiritual reflection. It is a time when Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk, seeking a deeper connection with the Divine. But this year, my dear friend Suseendar Chidambaram—whom we lovingly call Susee—has shown me that the spirit of Ramadan transcends religious boundaries. 

I have known Susee for only a few months, but he feels just like a brother from another mother. A Tamilian from Coimbatore now working in Doha, he has always been a light-hearted, easygoing guy—the kind who has dined at nearly every restaurant in town, from Istanbul Marmara to Afghan Brothers, Anjappar to Tamil Nadu eateries. So, when he first announced that he was going to fast for the entire month of Ramadan, we all thought he was joking. But today, as he successfully completes 29 days of fasting, he has proven that his commitment was far more than just words.

What started as a personal challenge for him soon became a deeply transformative journey. He wakes up for Suhoor every morning, messages me upon breaking his fast with a heartfelt, “Alhamdulillah, I’ve completed another day,” and follows all the norms of fasting with dedication. No food, no water from sunrise to sunset—just pure willpower and a deep respect for the traditions of Ramadan. 

A Test of Commitment: Fasting While Traveling

As Ramadan entered its final stretch, Susee had to travel to Indonesia to be with his wife and family for the last days of fasting. Before flying, he was filled with questions about how to maintain his fast mid-air.

“How will I make Suhoor on the flight?”

“What’s the rule for breaking the fast if I land in a different country?”

His curiosity and dedication amazed me. Most people would find ways to make exceptions while traveling, but Susee wanted to follow the rules without compromise. His itinerary was not easy—an eight-hour flight from Doha to Malaysia, a three-hour waiting period due to flight delays, another hour-long flight to Indonesia, and then a final hour to reach his home. Despite this exhausting journey, he remained committed to fasting, making careful adjustments based on time zones and local prayer times.

However, due to the long travel and airport delays, he was unable to fast that day. But his first words to me afterward were not about exhaustion or hunger; instead, he reassured me with determination: “Insha Allah, I will make it up.” That’s how much this experience means to him.

A Family’s Support and a Heart for Giving

His journey is not just about personal discipline but also about the unwavering support from his family. His wife, a Hindu from a South Indian family that migrated to Indonesia, has been his biggest cheerleader. She tracks Maghrib Adhan time from Indonesia and ensures he never misses Iftar, calling him every evening at sunset. Even while being thousands of miles apart, she plays a crucial role in his Ramadan experience.

Back home in India, his parents—his father and mother—have also been supportive of his decision to fast. Their encouragement and understanding of his spiritual journey have been a strong source of strength for him. Despite the distance, their unwavering support reflects the deep love and respect they have for his spiritual growth, showing how family bonds can transcend religious boundaries and foster mutual understanding and respect.

Now in Indonesia, he has taken his newfound Ramadan spirit even further. He recently sent me a message that left me in awe:

“I donated food for 120 children here at the orphanage as part of my charity efforts during Ramadan.”

This generous act embodies the values of kindness and compassion that Ramadan teaches. Not only has Susee embraced the fasting traditions, but he has also shown deep dedication to helping those in need. His charitable actions are a true reflection of the spirit of giving during this blessed month.

A Lesson in Unity and Respect

Living in the Gulf has a unique way of inspiring people to embrace and respect each other’s cultures and traditions. Susee’s journey is a testament to that. It reminds us that faith is not just about religious labels—it’s about the sincerity of intention, the discipline of the soul, and the respect we show for one another’s beliefs.

This Ramadan, Susee has reminded us of something truly beautiful: faith is a bridge, not a barrier.