In the rush hour of afternoon where honks of vehicles are loudest on the streets of Male’, as the pre-iftar hum begins to rise, an apartment remains a sanctuary of deliberate calm. For this freelance couple, Ramadan is not defined by the frantic plans of different iftar gatherings or the pressure of elaborate spreads. Instead, it is a season of "quiet commitment”; a subtle, unspoken rhythm built on the foundation of mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose.
Ahmed Shaheed (Shaheed Legacy) and Mariyam Shana Ahmed (Shana) are both freelancers, with the freedom of managing their own working hours to their preference. They are dedicated to their respective professional obligations and are well-known names in the entertainment industry. It was a privilege to have sat with them for a chat about how their life looks like during this holy month of Ramadan.
When asked about their life, they stated: “We are a couple who value calm, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose. Our relationship is built on supporting one another, especially through the rhythm of everyday life and work. Our home is grounded in peace, understanding, and the belief that love is shown through small, thoughtful acts of care for one another.”
How have your physical surroundings, from the kitchen to your prayer corner, shifted this year to accommodate your specific spiritual or social needs during the month?
This year, our physical surroundings haven’t changed drastically, because our home has always been built on mutual respect, quietness, and a shared sense of spirituality. Each space naturally supports reflection and togetherness, from the calmness of our prayer corner to the warmth of our kitchen.
During Ramadan, the atmosphere in our home becomes even more intentional. Our prayer space feels more sacred, filled with quiet moments of reflection and gratitude. The kitchen, on the other hand, becomes a place of simple preparation rather than excess. Ramadan for us has always been more about giving and being content with less.
One of the most meaningful parts of the month is gathering for iftar as a family. There is a special joy in simply sitting together, sharing the meal, and appreciating each other’s presence. We do not prepare large amounts of food, but we make just enough for us. In that simplicity, there is a deeper sense of contentment, gratitude, and togetherness.
Overall, our home during Ramadan continues to reflect our values; spirituality, quiet reflection, generosity, and the happiness that comes from having one another.
Considering the balance between collective energy and personal quiet, how do you manage the transition between life alone as a couple and the hustle and bustle of life during Iftar?
The transition between our usual life as a couple and the liveliness of Iftar is something we approach with intention. Since we both work freelance, our schedules can be quite flexible, and that allows us to support one another more consciously, especially during Ramadan.
During this month, we try to be more mindful of each other’s energy and needs. Some moments are quiet and reflective, while others are filled with the warmth and activity of preparing for Iftar. Rather than seeing these tasks as obligations, we view them as contributions we make together. In that balance, we find both peace and togetherness.
In the spirit of Ramadan, in what ways does your family’s daily routine currently rely on the Shared labor and support of each other or extended family?
Everyone contributes in their own way. It never feels like an obligation, but rather a simple act of care and cooperation. This shared effort makes the month feel more meaningful and allows us to spend more time together in a kinder manner, be it cooking or providing something nice for the home for comfort during Ramadan.
In this Ramadan, how has it urged you to redefine what a "traditional" Ramadan looks like for your family?
This Ramadan has encouraged us to rethink what a “traditional” Ramadan means for our family. With the ongoing war and the hardships many people are facing, we have become more mindful about our spending and consumption.
For us, Ramadan has become less about abundance and more about faith, family, and being more conscious of how we give and live.
Beyond the food and the extra time in the kitchen, what is the specific, unspoken "marker" or small habit that makes this Ramadan feel more special to your current stage of life?
Beyond the food and time spent in the kitchen, the quiet commitment to our spiritual goals has been the small but meaningful marker of this Ramadan. We have been more intentional with our prayers and making time for reflection, which has brought a deeper sense of peace to our days. In this stage of our life, growing closer to our faith together has made this Ramadan feel especially meaningful.
Their home has always been shrouded in calm, but during the holy month, the ambiance shifts into something more intentional. The prayer nook, a permanent fixture of their home, feels tangibly more sacred, while the kitchen transforms from a place of routine into a space of simple, mindful preparation.
"Ramadan for us has always been more about giving and being content with less," they share. In a culture obsessed with abundance, their table symbolizes a different philosophy: preparing just enough to achieve a deeper sense of contentment in the absence of excess.
