The Holy Month of Ramadan

Over 1.5 billion Muslims await the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar as this is the time when they observe fasting for a full month. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five tenets of Islam, the others being Kalimah (announcement of faith), Solat (praying five times a day), Zakat ( offering of tithe to the poor and needy) and Haj (undertaking a holy pilgrimage to Mecca).

The significance of Ramadan on a spiritual level invites the believer to rid himself of all impure thoughts, words and deeds by observing a period of fasting from sunrise to sunset. This observance also includes denying the body from carnal relations during the fasting period. Muslims dedicate their time, and energy to worship and in performing religious and charitable activities in an honest attempt to reap the benefits of spiritual growth. Denying the physical body of worldly pleasures is also said to awaken the soul to be more emphatic to the needs of others, especially those who are less fortunate.

Ramadan is also the holiest month for Muslims as this is the month when the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is believed that around the 27th night of Ramadan, the first revelation of the Holy Quran occurred. This event observed as Lailatul Qadar and is considered the holiest day of the month when angels descend from heaven. Locally, this night is celebrated with prayers and reciting of the Holy Quran. Prayers performed during this period, according to the Holy Quran, is said to better than a thousand month. In villages, families light little oil lamps around their house, turning the rural landscape into a virtual fairyland.

The Holy month of Ramadan is also a time of great rejoicing as Muslims start preparing to undertake their daily fasting. The beginning or Ramadan is signaled by the sighting of the new moon and this itself is reason for great jubilation around the Muslims world. Fasting begins with a small meal called Sahur in the wee hours of the morning before the first rays of the sun begin cleaving through the night. From this point, Muslims abstain from all forms of sustenance till the sunsets.

The abstinence is officially ended at sunset when Muslims break the fast with a drink and some dates. This is followed by evening prayers. Only then will Muslims sit down to a proper meal with family and friends. Following this is the Tarawih prayers (special prayers in Ramadan).

Food features prominently during this holy month; first in abstaining from it, then in sharing the meal with family, friends and the needy. Muslims take great pleasure in offering sustenance to others, not only as a way to appease hunger and thirst, but also as a medium to foster goodwill and a sense of brotherhood amongst their kin. In Malaysia, it is a popular practice to serve food to the poor and to anyone who steps into a mosque.

The congregation helps by collecting money needed to buy food and shares the load of cooking huge pots of food that is then distributed to all. Everyone chips in, turning the event into a practical way to lighten the workload while fostering kinship, brotherhood and goodwill amongst the people. In villages and rural areas, where the congregation may be smaller compared to towns and cities, villages organize a practice called moreh that enables everyone to contribute according to their ability. Each night, after the Tarawih prayers, one household will be in charge of preparing food for the congregation. The fare is simple such as fried noodles, fried rice and lace pancakes. The next day, another household takes turn in providing the food, cakes and drinks. This practice allows the villages to provide according to their means.

In cities, a popular activity during Ramadan is to break fast in hotels and restaurants. Restaurants hold special food promotions, usually serving food that is unique to certain states in Malaysia. Guess get a chance to taste food that generally isn’t easily available. This nostalgic trip down memory lane adds to the joyous atmosphere of breaking fast, as many Muslims will instantly remember how they used to break fast with their family and friends back in their hometowns.

The practice of breaking fast at hotels and restaurants is not limited ti Muslims alone, as non-Muslims are equally invited to dine on the food promotions that are offered at very reasonable prices throughout the month. These events also give visitors to the country an opportunity to savour the amazing array of food, cooking styles, tastes and flavours that make up the Malaysian cuisine, turning the Eid-Ur-Fitr celebrations into a joyous occasion.