MALAYSIA NON-MUSLIMS FOSTER RAMADAN JOY
Kuala Lumpur, 6 Ramadan 1436/23 June 2015 (MINA) – Putting aside religious differences and fostering the spirits of Ramadan, Malaysia’s non-Muslims have expressed their joy and wish to participate in the Ramadan rituals, joining Muslims’ special iftar meals.
“It’s only during the fasting month that you see so many types of dishes, particularly ones that are not commonly prepared,” Jeann Yora Mahin(29), told Bernama news agency on Monday (22/6), On Islam quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.
“I am excited to try all as you don’t get to enjoy them every day.”
Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, kicked off in Malaysia on Thursday, June 18.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
In Malaysia, many non-Muslims found the month as offering a great opportunity to come closer to Muslims by sharing their iftar buffets at hotels and restaurants.
“I don’t fast during Ramadan but I still appreciate breaking fast with my Muslim colleagues,” Rachel Basnayake, 24, said.
Basnayake asserted that ethnic dishes such as tuhau and jeruk bambangan, which are also sold at Ramadan food stalls, were among her favourites.
Steven Liew (34), shared a similar opinion.
“I love to eat, and usually during the fasting month, I will not restrain myself from enjoying all the food,” he told Bernama.
Ramadan is a time for prayers, so Muslims increase their efforts and time for prayers to come closer to Allah.
Aside from the regular prayers, there is the Prayer of Tarawiah after the Night Prayer.
Many Muslims also take Ramadan time as an opportunity to recite the whole of the Quran, or most of it.
Muslim Malays form about 60 percent of Malaysia’s population of 26-million, while Christians make up around 9.1 percent.
Buddhists constitute 19.2 percent, Hindu 6.3 percent, with the balance comprised of various other traditional Chinese religions. (T/P006/R03)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
