Witnessing the Ramadan in Malaysia (Johor Bahru)
In Singapore where there are 4 main races, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasians, racial harmony is of paramount importance. Effective communication allows us to better appreciate the differences between cultures and understand more in depth about the feelings and sensitivity of other races. Hence, effective communication among the 4 races is critical in order to achieve the desired racial harmony.
In this article, we are going to explore the significance of the Malay festivals, particularly Hari Raya Puasa & Ramadan. I had the fortune of witnessing the Ramadan in a Muslim majority country, Malaysia.
I spent my last weekend in Malaysia, Johor Bahru and was fortunate to witness a major fast-breaking event. As I was looking for dinner along the outdoor dining streets, I saw a large group of local Muslims waiting patiently for the sunset in order to break their fast. This is because the local Muslims are very particular about the actual time of breaking their fast, which is when the sun sets and which on that day was 7.15pm. At 7.00pm, there were almost no more seats available along the dining streets as local Muslims had already gathered at their respective tables. Various foods filled up the dining tables, waiting to be consumed. Right on the dot at 7.15pm, chanting prayers from the nearby mosque could be heard. The chanting signaled the starting of a prayer prior to the meal. Most Muslims obeyed and folded their hands for their short prayers. Within a minute, the chanting and prayers were completed and the long awaited rich meal began.
Background of Hari Raya Puasa & Ramadan
Hari Raya Puasa is a very important occasion that is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It is also known as the festival that marks the end of one month of fasting, known as Ramadan. The words ‘Hari Raya’ mean 'day of celebration.' Many mistake Hari Raya Puasa for the Muslim New Year but it is not.
Ramadan is the name of the one-month fasting period when Muslims fast for a period of almost 12 hours. They fast from dawn till sunset. The primary purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to remind all Muslims of self-control and submitting to Allah, the holy one. It is a known fact that during the period of fasting, apart from eating and drinking Muslims are also forbidden from smoking and having sexual relations. Only the sick are excused from fasting during this month. Muslims are expected to avoid lying, breaking promise or cheating during the month of Ramadan.
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1 comment:
Hi,Victor.
While I was in Indonesia,which is also Muslim dominant country, I witnessed Ramadan as well.
When I was traveling Yogyakarta, one of the guide was fasting and he didn't eat and drink during the job about. Furthermore,when I went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Jakarta, they didn't serve alcohols because of the Ramada.
I think we have to understand thier culture(religion) and had better overlook some inconvenience or irritating behaviour of the Muslims during daytime. Actually it is not good for the economic efficiency, but the economic growth is not the only factor of development and we should be respectful for their rituals.
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