A chat about Ramadan with Uber partner-driver Feroj

We’ve been chatting with London driver, Feroj, about Ramadan, what it means to him and how it affects his days on the road.

Hey Feroj, could you tell us what Ramadan means to you?
Ramadan is a time to take care of yourself. It’s also teaching you, to help needy people.

What is Eid al-Fitr and how do you celebrate it?
You try to help yourself and also other people. Make sure you help other people. If you can cook any food, try to. Give people gifts, it’s very important.

What does it mean to you and your family?
We sit together and eat our food, and we make a blessing for all people all over the world. It is very important in our family.

Does driving with Uber change how you observe Ramadan?
What I like about Uber is they give the flexibility to the driver. I like that Uber are not pushing you, it gives you the flexibility so that when you’ve broken your fasting and feel better you can take a couple of jobs.

Do you continue driving with Uber during the day?
Yes. Ramadan has a lot of activities, for example, you read the Quran. I break my fast then I do a couple of hours.

Do you prefer to drive before or after Iftar (breaking of the fast)?
If I’ve finished my activities, prayed and read the Quran, and I’m feeling good before Iftar I can do a couple of jobs. Also, after Iftar I feel relaxed, so I can do a couple of jobs too. If I feel good, I can work before or after Iftar.

Does having a flexible schedule help with observing Ramadan?
I’ll try to finish my activities and then I will do a couple of hours with Uber. Then in the middle of the day to the end, I mix up when I use the app.

How do you fast safely in hot weather?
If it feels too hot for you, take a rest. Just look after yourself. Islam and Ramadan is a blessing, if you have a health problem or don’t feel good, no problem! You can fast after Ramadan. It is not telling you to harm yourself. If you need to break your fast you can try again after Ramadan.

Do you speak to many of your riders about Ramadan?
Sometimes, they ask about Ramadan, the way people fast, is it hard? I share how I’ve had to break my fast, how it doesn’t make any difference. If they don’t ask me, I’m not like ‘I have to tell you’!

Thanks Feroj!
Happy Ramadan and Ramadan Mubarak to everyone and the team at Uber! Enjoy the fasting, enjoy the Iftar and take care of yourself.