Wife elopes, children out of reach, debt woes…

Ramadan is a family occasion for most.

For Ali Mon, it is a reminder of a family he once had, but it is the source of much strength and grace to help him times that would have reduced many others in his state to far worse.

The Indian, who owns a grocery store here in the UAE, had had to deal with his wife eloping with his children’s tuition teacher a few months ago in India.

He is also in deep debt.

But nothing pains him more than not being able to see his children.

It is in dealing with that emotional stress, that the Holy Month of Ramadan has kept him alive.

Ali Mon is desperate to speak to his children, but staying true to his Muslim faith, he is trying to cope by resorting to fasting and prayer during Ramadan.

“During the Holy Month of Ramadan, I am fasting and praying. A lot of tension is now gone, but when I remember the happier occasions with my children, I fall into a state of depression.

“I have not spoken to my children for more than eight months now and my wife does not allow them to speak to me,”