Fasting & Hari Raya
To the layman, most of us will know Ramadan as the month where our Muslim friends are obliged to fast from sunrise to sunset – but there is more to this practice besides abstaining from food!
Firstly, the origins and motivations for fasting. Fasting is established by Islamic Schools to establish a believer’s piety and faith towards God. It is also a challenge that puts one’s mental fortitude to the test – in addition to fighting against thirst and hunger, fasting Muslims also abstain from doing other “impure” things, like engaging in sexual activity or saying unkind words to people.
Secondly, the common time to break fast, ‘iftar’ or ‘buka puasa’, is a common experience for many. Before sunrise, Muslim families eat and drink together to prepare themselves for the month of fasting. After sunset, Muslims often gather to break fast, either with their communities such as at the Mosque, or with their families at home. One of our friends, Has, 18, describes the special meaning of breaking fast together with their family:
“During my normal (school) days, our family rarely eats dinner together because we arrive home at different times. But during Ramadan, we put in effort to wait for each other (and for the sun to set) so that we can break fast together, creating memorable experiences during the month of Ramadan.”
On the last day of Ramadan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated to mark the end of fasting. Celebrants would host elaborate feasts with their family, and do house visits to extended family and friends.
Food and Festivities
Regardless of race and religion, the common topic that brings all Singaporeans together is food. During Ramadan, Ramadan bazaars can be found all over Singapore selling a range of food and drinks. While many sell traditional Malay food and pastries, due to Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage, food from other cuisines occasionally make an appearance at the bazaars having adapted to the Halal audience. In the evenings, the bazaars are filled with both fasting and non-fasting patrons – many fasting patrons buy food for later, then gather together to break fast.
Month of doing good
During Ramadan, followers are encouraged to do good and contribute to social causes as it is believed that good deeds will be amplified during the holy month.
The year is 2024, and while Singapore enjoys peace, there are other unfortunate parts of the world suffering from brutal conflict. Charity workers can be seen appealing for donations for refugees in war-stricken regions. Closer to home, Mosques appeal for donations to fund social causes like helping the lesser privileged in Singapore and nearby countries.
What about you? How will you do good this Ramadan? One of the ways is to join one of our volunteer for our upcoming projects! Check it out at https://www.youthbank.sg/events
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Article written & photos taken by Caspian (Heartware Content Creator 2024 Cycle 1)
Graphic designed by Fiona (Heartware Content Creator 2024 Cycle 1)
