You didn’t think we would have a Ramadhan memory article without sharing some of our experiences outside of Malaysia did you? Here are our overseas Ramadhan memories.
I remembered my first Ramadhan. At the time, I was 5 years old and had just settled down in our new house in Ranelagh. The night before, my father had already prepped me with all essential details to go through fasting. I had to remember not to eat or drink, I had to be good, pray 5 times a day and all the usual basic knowledge a child should know. But one thing he didn’t tell me was how tired I would get. In the morning of the first day of Ramadhan, I managed to wake up for sahur. I was a 5 year old girl in a second grade class. My teacher asked all the Muslim students whether we were fasting or not. There were 4 of us in class and we all nodded. Then he explained to the others what Ramadhan is and how everyone should respect each other. When recess came, not a single person brought out their lunch boxes or even drank in front of us. That was something I loved about the Irish people – they really do respect other people. By 2pm, I got home and immediately got my new bike and played till 4pm. By that time I felt so hungry and so tired! I went home to my father and pleaded saying that I wanted to break my fast, that I could not take it anymore.. He just laughed and tried to convince me. It was only an hour away before the Sun sets. He encouraged me to be brave and strong. I cried and cried but I knew Ihad to be all he said I should, so I sat down in our backyard, which was overlooking the neighbourhood pond and watched the ducks till sunset.
Maizatul Azamiah
Ramadhan in Egypt is celebrated both spiritually and physically. What makes it different from the rest of the Muslim world is the less commercialization of the month with more emphasis on complimentary religious activities. The sight of people reciting the Quran in public during Ramadhan is not uncommon be it on the train, bus, or car despite the busy traffic. It is only during Ramadhan that you would see less fighting, cheating and all the negative behaviours during normal days therein reflecting their utmost understanding of Islam. Sometimes, on very rare occasions, it is just mind-boggling to know some taxi drivers who offer free rides just because it is Ramadhan! If you are out on the road and do not have the time to catch up Iftar, free meals are aplenty unless you are picky with your selection of meals. Well, beggars must not be choosers! ‘Fanoos’ which is equivalent to our ‘pelita’ lighten up the mundane streets during the night thus creating such a festive atmosphere. And lots of other traditions that you should come and see for yourself. I have experienced Ramadhan in Egypt for five years now and still cannot not find a single word to describe it’s amazingness.
Ameerul Aiman
When talking about Ramadhan in Melbourne, one couldn’t run away from being asked “Why do you fast?”. A simple question yet quite difficult to answer to the non-Muslims. However, it is the chance to teach about Islam to them as they always wonder why do we do certain things. In the end, most of them are impressed with us as we are able to restrain ourself from food and drinks (among other things) when these are serve in front of us. One of the best thing about Ramadhan in overseas of course during the iftar. We do not have ‘bazar ramadhan’ everyday over there but Alhamdulillah we almost always have good food in the mosque. Almost everyday we have nasi beriyani or nasi arab with lambs at the mosque. Most of the time, the students will have iftar over there. During the weekend, my collegues and I will gather at one of our houses in the evening and cook together for iftar (with Raya song in the background, of course).
Dr. Faiz Rashdi
“Ramadan Kareem”
“Ramadan Mubarak”
“Kullu sannah wa antu toyyibin.” “Wa enta kaman.”
All of these greetings welcoming Ramadan and wishing to have a great year. When the clock strikes 1 o’clock in the morning, I can hear the sound of drum hit in my neighbourhood. During my first few Ramadhans here, I thought it was the mischievous Egyptians who played around and stayed up at night. It’s only recently it came to my knowledge that they are actually a group of people volunteering to wake the neighbourhood up for Suhoor by hitting a traditional drum and walking from road to road, even stand in front of each home and calls each inhabitant by their names to wake them up. They are called the Al-Meserahaty, the Night Caller. The mesaharaty was not paid a fixed salary but received donations from the neighbourhood.
You must be wondering why 1 o’clock, right? The Fajr prayer in Egypt is at 3 am due to the long duration of the daytime of summer season. To be honest, it was quite hard as first for us to get accustomed to this. This is because; usually we woke up at around 5 in the morning for Subuh prayer.
Egyptians also have places which known as Ma’edat el-Rahman (which means, Mercy Table). Fitting with its name, it is a place where tables are placed and free food for iftar is provided with an open invitation for the poor or the people who travelling on the road, provided by the more fortunate Egyptians. It can be seen all around Cairo and throughout the nation. This tradition is said to be originated from the Fatimid era, when Ahmed Bin Tolon invited his entire citizens to an Iftar after he took over Egypt, later asking them to show the poorer people the same courtesy. Ramadhan is truly a month of sharing. For sure, to have this experience is definitely something I would cherish a lifetime and it shall be missed, as this Ramadan would be my last Ramadan here, in Egypt.
Nitajul Ulfah
Stories by YCP members. Click on to the teams tab for more info on MMG YCP members.
Compiled by Aziza Aini.
These are our stories. I bet you have more interesting ones too. Why not share your best Ramadhan story overseas as a student and stand a chance to WIN a Whitecoat hoodie from WhiteCoat Enterprise, worth RM 90, (now on sale to raise funds for the Malaysian Integrated Medical Professionals Association). Share your stories in the comment section below and include your email address. May the best story win!
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