The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, signifying the
month of Ramadan is coming to an end soon. We have seen many of our
Muslim friends observe fasting by refraining from consuming food, drinking
liquids and smoking from sunrise to sunset, to name a few, before breaking
their fasts.
However, I’ve come to realise that this special month of
Ramadan can be enjoyed and experienced by anyone. Here are 4 simple quick ways our
non-Muslim friends can soak in the Ramadan atmosphere!
1. Give fasting a go – half day or full day,
it doesn’t matter!
When
in Rome, do as the Romans – well, technically.
I guess to be able to fully
comprehend and understand the meaning behind fasting, you’ll have to experience
it for yourself. One of the reasons fasting is observed is to understand better
the plight of those who have lesser than we do and ultimately, appreciate what
we have now – a safe home, enough food and drinks and our health. Most times,
we don’t realise that not having food or water for half a day—or longer—is a
lived reality for many people around the world. If you can’t last for a day,
try to fast from dawn till about lunch:)
Source: Suria News
Just recently, Khaw Boon Wan and
50 of his non-Muslim grassroots activists experienced a day of fasting in a bid
to raise funds for a mosque and also to come together as a community and break
their fasts together with Muslim residents. I’m pretty sure nothing ever felt
as good as the first gulp of cold water they had the moment they broke their
fasts.
While he said that he could only
“tahan” for a day, I say “Great try!”
2. Participate in iftar (or the breaking of
fast) sessions
Mass
iftar, or breaking of fast sessions, are a common sight at your neighbourhood
community clubs (CCs) and mosques. Often, the Malay Activity Executive
Committees of the various CCs will organise such sessions to encourage
residents from various walks of lives to come together with their Muslim
neigbours to break fast as one community.
You get
to enjoy good food while connecting with your fellow neighbours. As the saying
goes, the fondest memories are made when gathered around the table. Win-win,
right?
3. Soak in the festive atmosphere at the
Geylang Serai and Tampines Hari Raya Bazaars
Now,
it goes without saying that the beginning of the fasting month also marks the
opening of the highly anticipated Geylang Serai Hari Raya Bazaar.
And the most awesome thing this
year – you get to visit two Hari Raya Bazaars in one month. There’s a Tampines
Hari Raya Bazaar right in the heart of the neighbourhood. Tampines residents,
rejoice!
I mean, come on, what’s not to like:
-
Bright, festive decorations lights – you can’t
be down at the sight of such prettiness, right?
-
Awesome food offerings - Ramly burger? Japanese
pizza? Churros? Coconut ice crem? Checked … and so much more
-
Stalls after stalls, streets after streets of
everything from home deco to ethnic clothes to anything else you may need – there’s something for everyone
4. Cleanse spiritually and holistically
Now
I know that “cleansing spiritually and holistically” sounds like something you
can experience through a 3-day yoga boot camp. However, during the month of
Ramadan, we are also encouraged to refrain from stuffing ourselves silly after a
day of fasting or feasting on negative thoughts. Smile at others more, think
happy thoughts and feed yourself and your soul better.
Be at
peace and at ease with yourself. Try it… and thank me later.
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