Ramadan

When I was told that I was going to land in Malaysia in the middle of Ramadan I was honestly a bit concerned. I thought to myself, can I really go without eating or even taking a sip of water for nearly 14 hours? Will I be able to make it or will I pass out the first day? To my relief my family was very kind and sensitive to my culture and said that I did not have to do anything that I was not comfortable with. They told me that it was my choice if I wanted to fast or not. When they told me that the youngest of the daughter, Naseha, was fasting, I thought to myself ‘if a nine year old can fast then so can I.’

                The same day of my handing over ceremony my family took me to have buka puasa (break fasting) at a relative’s house. Everyone was so kind and welcoming towards me. They already had some food on the table and family that would come over brought even more. As the time for buka was approaching everyone surrounded the table.  I didn’t know how to eat the food so I decided I would watch what they did and imitate it. They all started with dates since dates where high in fiber and while fasting they would not get fiber. After they put rice on their plates and there choice of meat. I had a little of everything. There was chicken, fish with tamarind sauce, and even KFC. Everything was delicious. After my family had eaten they all went to pray while I waited in the living room. Finally we went home where a welcome sign was hung up in my room.

                The next two weeks I fasted with my family. We would all wake up at 5 AM for sahur, the meal that we ate before sunrise. Usually it consisted of rice, either chicken or fish and afterwards cereal or toast. Then some would go back to sleep. When I went to school for four days I had to stay awake. The next meal we would have was at around 7:20. I admit the first few days were difficult, but after I got into the rhythm of things I got used to it. We would have buka either at home or at a restaurant as a family.

                After two weeks of fasting I feel more humbled. My host father told me that the reason they fast is so that they can experience what the poor who cannot always attain food live through. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. All Muslim adults have to observe Ramadan except those who are sick, pregnant, traveling, or going through there menses.   

Meal we had for Buka