BREAKING the fast in the open sea or after 16 hours of fasting without any loved ones around is not something that many people would fancy in the holy month of Ramadan.
What makes it more challenging is missing out on homecooked meals by one’s beloved mother and gathering with family members for iftar after a day of fasting.
The month of Ramadan is synonymous to a time for loved ones as families would bond over food during sahur and iftar.
With Ramadan happening only once a year followed by the celebration month of Syawal, it comes as no surprise that families all over the world are putting in extra efforts to be together during this time of the year.
However, Abang Zayed Hudaify and Amiera Batrisyia who are fasting abroad for the first time will not get to taste homecooked meals or gather with their loved ones during iftar this year.
Abang Zayed who is working as a navigation officer on board a vessel said he continued to have mixed feelings about fasting and celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri overseas.
“Depending on the vessel’s operations, I am either navigating in the waters of Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, or Taiwan Strait. Although my work only takes me somewhere in Asia, the distance from home and my loved ones is still miles away.
“I can honestly say I have been feeling both excited and nostalgic about fasting away from home. It is a great and new experience, but it does intensify the feeling of being homesick more frequently,” he revealed.
Although it is only the first week of Ramadan, the 25-year-old admitted that the thing he misses most is breaking fast with his loved ones at home.
He also misses going to different Ramadan buffets and trying various dishes on offer with his friends.
“Of course, I miss going to Ramadan bazaars as well. Most importantly, I miss being able to make requests for my mum to prepare certain dishes that I am craving for breaking fast.
“Seeing as the vessel chefs have their own and fixed menu servings, I do have to muster the courage and willpower to restrain myself from having cravings for local delicacies like kuih bongkol, ABC and kebab madu. This can be quite challenging at times,” he said.
Knowing that he will not be home for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Abang Zayed stated that he requested his mum to make kek lapis Horlick and kek lapis Cadbury before he left for the sea.
“There are only three Muslims including myself in the vessel’s crew. My two Muslim colleagues are from Peninsular Malaysia, so I am the only Sarawakian on board.
“I am looking forward to share some of my kek lapis with my colleagues during Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he added.
Similarly, Amiera Batrisyia is also fasting for the first time away from home as she is currently residing in Scotland for her university studies.
“I have been really excited about fasting in Glasgow as it is a huge change for me. This my first time celebrating the month of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri away from my family,” she said.
The 23-year-old shared that she is determined to cook different Malaysian dishes every day for sahur and iftar.
She said there are only a couple of Halal eateries available where she is residing, but it is quite a long walking distance.
“This is one of the resolutions I have set for this month since I am away from home. Moreover, I will try my best to make the dishes and desserts that I am craving for.
“I will definitely go for easy and simple ones like Sago Gula Melaka and perhaps get some help from my friends,” she said.
Amiera pointed out that it can be tricky to find ingredients to cook Malaysian dishes, noting that it is also quite pricey.
“While some ingredients can be found at the Asian market or be ordered online, the downside is that it can be quite pricey and not all would be in stock.
“As a result, I will have to find a substitute or opt for ready cooked meals such as Brahim brand then add my own spices to enhance the taste,” she said.
She disclosed that there is a Malaysian community in Glasgow, but it is small compared to major cities like London and Manchester.
“I miss the endless options at Ramadan bazaars and shorter fasting hours. We fast for approximately 16 hours in Scotland with iftar being around 8:30pm,” she said.
As she is not returning to Kuching for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Amiera disclosed that this was not a surprise to her family, but her absence will be felt.
“Even though my family knows that I’m going to be abroad and away from home this year, the celebration is going to be different. However, they are not too worried about me as they know how independent and sociable I am.
“I must admit that I cannot wait to come home and taste my mum’s cooking especially ayam rendang and lemang,” she said.
