KUCHING: Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims around the world. Focusing on spiritual growth and self-discipline, it’s also a time of increased devotion, acts of charity and strengthening of community bonds.
Most Malaysian Muslims will start fasting today.
Some are celebrating the first day of fasting with their families while some of them are away from home.
Here are some comments from those who are fasting for the first time, and those who are fasting far away from their families.
NUR ASTILA ISWANDI, 10
(Student)
I will be fasting for the first time this year and I feel happy and nervous at the same time. My father said that if I manage to fast for the whole month of Ramadan, I will get RM50. One thing I like the most about Ramadan is the “Bazaar Ramadan”. I also love the ‘terawih’ prayer with my family at the mosque.
ADAM HAMKA, 10
(Student)
I am happy and excited to be able to fast this Ramadan. I hope I can fast the whole month. I do not expect anything from my parents because I really want to fast with an honest heart.
UBBAY RASHAIN, 10
(Student)
I still feel excited and nervous about fasting although this is not my first time I am doing so. I have been fasting since I was six but usually, I didn’t manage to fast the whole month. I feel like I can fast the whole month this year because if I can do so, my mum will give me a reward. The thing that I like about Ramadan is to performing the ‘terawih’ prayer at mosque and sometimes at home.
PUTERI AYRA, 24
(Auditor)
I converted to Islam last year and this is the first time I’m fasting as a Muslim. I think it is great to fast during Ramadan. I used to try fasting before this, and I managed to do so for the whole month. What I like about fasting is I can break the fast with the whole family. I currently live in West Malaysia and sometimes, I do miss my hometown. However, I also feel independent and can handle any situation.
ADI WARIS ABDULLAH SANI, 26
(Student)
As a degree student from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), I will be breaking fasting in Ayer Keroh, Melaka with my classmates. I do miss breaking my fast with my beloved family in Kuching. When I long for my family members, I will phone or video call them.
MOHD BURHANUDDIN AL-HAKIM ROZI, 24
(Model design builder)
This is the second time I am fasting away from my family. I will be spending the whole Ramadan in Shah Alam. I do miss breaking fast with my family members. The village vibes during Ramadan are different from here. To cope with this, I always keep in touch with them through text messages and or video calls, asking them what they are having for the breaking of fast.
SYAHMIRUL ABDULLAH SHURDI, 24
(Survey assistant)
I have been fasting away from my family since secondary school because I stayed in a boarding school. In boarding school, everything was prepared by the school itself but in university, I have to prepare everything myself which helps me to be independent. I miss fasting with my family members and also going to the mosque for ‘terawih’ prayer. The only way to cope with this is to contact with my loved ones regularly. My mum usually calls me to wake me up for ‘suhur’. Although I live far away, my mother’s love is never ending.
