Its now the seventh day of Ramadhan, the month in which everyday all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk. The month ends with Hari-Raya, which is the biggest celebration in their calendar. I have heard it is really amazing and I am disappointed that our flight date means we miss it. The aim of Ramadhan is for muslims to experience feeling thirsty and hungry so they can sympathise with those who do not have food and drink.
At 4.30am they wake up and take their 'Sahur' (breakfast). This is rice with meat or fish - yes at 4.30am!! They must not eat once the morning prayer call has finished. Then during the day they cannot intake anything...eat...drink...smoke etc...until their 'Buka Puasa' (breaking fast) at around 7.15pm. Before they dig into a meal, they eat dates and drink milk- which has some religous connotation but Im not sure the exact meaning.
For the first two days of Ramadhan I tried to 'Puasa' (fast). Not eating was really easy - you just get so thirsty!! Now I am doing my own version...7.30am - 7.30pm without food, and I am allowed to drink because I dont think my body is used to coping in the heat without water. For those of you who think I am going to come home stick thin..you are wrong - we eat so much in the evening it basically makes us for 2 lunches and dinner put together! I am fasting because I want to join in with everyone at school, and it is the most satisfying feeling breaking fast in the evening.
Every night during Ramadhan there are huge markets selling traditional foods for people to take home when they break their fast (if they cant be bothered to cook!) They are so colourful and have a great atmosphere. I go most days and try different things every time. I am seriously going to miss Malay food - its soooo good and super cheap.
You do not have to fast if you are ill, pregnant, or on your period. The days lost must be made up for at another point in the year though. Some pregnant women still choose to fast though...theyre crazy!
Here is a photo I took at the Pasar Ramadhan in Parit Sulong. The lady in green is our head of English who took us.
At 4.30am they wake up and take their 'Sahur' (breakfast). This is rice with meat or fish - yes at 4.30am!! They must not eat once the morning prayer call has finished. Then during the day they cannot intake anything...eat...drink...smoke etc...until their 'Buka Puasa' (breaking fast) at around 7.15pm. Before they dig into a meal, they eat dates and drink milk- which has some religous connotation but Im not sure the exact meaning.
For the first two days of Ramadhan I tried to 'Puasa' (fast). Not eating was really easy - you just get so thirsty!! Now I am doing my own version...7.30am - 7.30pm without food, and I am allowed to drink because I dont think my body is used to coping in the heat without water. For those of you who think I am going to come home stick thin..you are wrong - we eat so much in the evening it basically makes us for 2 lunches and dinner put together! I am fasting because I want to join in with everyone at school, and it is the most satisfying feeling breaking fast in the evening.
Every night during Ramadhan there are huge markets selling traditional foods for people to take home when they break their fast (if they cant be bothered to cook!) They are so colourful and have a great atmosphere. I go most days and try different things every time. I am seriously going to miss Malay food - its soooo good and super cheap.
You do not have to fast if you are ill, pregnant, or on your period. The days lost must be made up for at another point in the year though. Some pregnant women still choose to fast though...theyre crazy!
Here is a photo I took at the Pasar Ramadhan in Parit Sulong. The lady in green is our head of English who took us.
I am already beginning to get into going home mode... Next week is our last week at school, and I have made a list of all the places I want to go to nearby for the last time. I feel ready to leave school but Malaysia has become so much like home now. I am making most of the sunny weather and the freedom I have before I come home in three weeks time.
No comments:
Post a Comment