Here is a series of experiences, challenges and difficulties when fasting in a foreign country.
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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are used to the same routine in carrying out their duties during the Ramadan period.
Going to the Ramadan bazaar, performing
tarawih in the evening as well as getting the Hari Raya Aidilfitri loot from the popular night market in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, seem to be a normal cycle for most Muslims in Malaysia.
In Malaysia,
sahur the meal consumed just before dawn is normally taken as late as possible followed by
the break of fast (buka puasa) during Maghrib prayers.
Fasting abroad seems another challenge on its own. Some Malaysians share their experiences fasting abroad.
Aberdeen, Scotland “In Aberdeen, Scotland fasting period is about 20 hours. The break of dawn or Subuh is at 2am and Maghrib is at 10pm. Aberdeen is in the far north and the cold weather is a non-issue for us to fast for long hours.
The break of fast session with friends are normally one of the most of sought-after sessions for Azwadi. - Photo by Azwadi Kamarudin
“Although it’s
summer, the weather is still cold and sometimes the temperature would drop below 10-degrees. Cooking is a must for us as there is no Ramadan bazaar here, right? Our break of fast sessions are very festive as there would be plenty of food to be shared among us."
- Azwadi Kamarudin
United Kingdom "We fast for about 19 hours and the greatest challenge is the short period of time between
iftar and
sahur. The breaking of fast is
at 9.45pm,
tarawih prayers about 12.15am and
sahur at 2am.
A family affair. - Photo by Hanafi Musa
“Understandably. the Ramadan vibe here is not as merry here compared to Malaysia. Every day, we long for Malaysian food so we make it a point to cook our own dishes. Most
restaurants here are open as usual and seeing
locals dining during the day is also a challenge for us to control our appetite."
- Hanafi Musa
Mekah “Celebrating Ramadan in Mekah is indescribable but the weather was the biggest challenge for us'. When we were out performing the 'tawaf wida', we would moisten the whole body with
zamzam water. Normally, after we have completed our
tawaf, our clothes would have already dried due to the heat.
In the holy land of Mekah - Photo by Khairil Bahrin
"
MasyaAllah, we believe there is a great reward in return after the hardship we endured. We hope to have more opportunities to return here during the month of Ramadan."
- Khairil Bahrin
Canterbury, Kent "Ramadan was quite challenging because it is summer here. We are required to fast for nearly 18 hours starting at 3.30am. Ramadan is becoming more challenging as some of us are working part-time at the university.
Celebrating Ramadan has been pretty challenging for the students in Kent, United Kingdom. - Photo by Mohamad Noh Mustafah Hussain
"The size of the Muslim community in Canterbury is relatively
small compared to other parts of the country. Although the Ramadan ambient here is not imminent we have agreed to take turns cooking and
break fast together as a big family."
Personal collection Mohamad Noh Mustafah Hussain
"There were times when I called my mother and aunt asking for recipes of
Malaysian popular dishes. Then, we would try out to recipes together."
- Mohamad Noh Mustafah Hussain
Stockholm, Sweden “Fasting period in the City of Örebro is about 20 hours 22 minutes. This year, Ramadan falls at the height of summer or dubbed as Midsommardagen.
"The gap from Maghrib to Subuh is less than five hours. So
we would break our fast, perform our
tarawih followed by
sahur and these are normally done within a short period of time.
Asnawi Ali - Photo from Asnawi Ali
"The first day of Ramadan right up until the fifth has been the hardest for most of us. After that, we would normally get the hang of it fasting for long hours. The biggest obstacle is not hunger or
thirst but the psychological pressure. Muslims are minority in Sweden so, the feel of Ramadan here is close to none."
- Asnawi Ali
Nottingham, United Kingdom "This is the second year fasting for 19 hours in Nottingham.
Break fast at 9.30 pm,
Isyak and
tarawih prayers finished at around midnight. After we take a short respite, we would immediately have
sahur as i
msak falls around 2.30am.
Photo – Facebook Nottingham Malaysian Community/Suvik Phutmanee
"While there is no bazaar like in Malaysia but the excitement of Ramadan and fasting is still observed here due to the large Muslim community.”
- Edwin A. Hudini
Melbourne, Australia “I celebrate Eid Mubarak in Melbourne, Australia last year.
“Fasting is not really difficult here compared to Malaysia as the temperature here is between 10 Celcius and 15 Celcius.
And we would fast for nine hours. Chef Matt a.k.a Flying Chef
“When Syawal comes, beef rendang is certainly a dish of choice.
“Back in 2010, I fasted and celebrated Hari Raya in Shanghai, China. The weather is hot between 30 °c to 38 °c and it was challenging to fast for 11 hours.
- Chef Matt