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Journey to Allah in Ramadan: More Than Just Hunger
by Fadhrullah Hakim Yusop & Hasniesha Alyaa
Understanding the Purpose of Fasting
Eh, fast is a must is it for you people for what, oh? Ala, makan je la! If you want to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, you need to fast dulu ke baru you boleh dapat itu money pocket? You, including me, have all heard those questions, those casual jabs, and maybe even wrestled with them yourself at all times.
With the daily fasts taking place for 30 days continuously, Ramadan often sparks curiosity and even a little confusion among others. But for the Muslim, it’s far more than just skipping our favorite meals like those Nasi Lemak and Roti Canai early in the morning; it’s a month-long journey of profound personal and spiritual growth. Beyond the physical act of not drinking and eating from dawn till dusk, Ramadan for me is all about cultivating my inner strength.
A Time for Reflection and Discipline
“On regular days, everything feels like a routine, but during Ramadan, I find myself truly appreciating my blessings, cherishing family time, and embracing moments of reflection.”
– Arash Hadzim Haiqal Shahrir Affandi –
It’s a form of exercise in taqwa, God-consciousness; or as told by my Islamic Studies teacher in 4th grade, it is a heightened self-awareness of a presence greater than us. A reminder that even when no one else is watching, we are being seen. As we try to resist our basic desires, we strengthen our will, learning how to practice self-discipline and control, breaking us free from any chains of impulsive habits.
TL; DR: It is to keep our souls from succumbing to our egos and to nurture them through faith and filtering of undesirable emotions like wrath, greed, selfishness, intolerance, arrogance, and dishonesty. This experience later taught me that by being empathetic towards one another and having compassion, we can feel the pangs of hunger and thirst of those less fortunate who get through it daily, thus inspiring us to give back to our communities.
Strengthening Bonds with Loved Ones
“Compared to regular days, Ramadan is a time for intentional connection and not just with the Almighty, but also with those around us. It’s a season of togetherness, where we come together with loved ones, deepening our bonds through faith, love, and community.”
– Aida Ameera Abdul Raof –
But for many Muslim brothers and sisters, Ramadan is not just about individual growth, it’s about finding and tightening the connection. It’s usually the time for me to deepen my relationship with the Quran, reflecting upon my actions through the wisdom recitation. It’s about focusing on the quality of my daily prayers and seeking a close bond with the Almighty through sincere supplication. It’s about remembering all the actions that I have taken and seeking forgiveness for my shortcomings as a naïve human being. It’s a month of purification, and it is our chance to shed the negative habits and start to embrace positive change.
Meor Danish’s Ramadan Over Yonder: Fasting In The UK
For some, however, Ramadan is an entirely new experience when spent away from home. Take Meor Danish, for instance, who observed Ramadan in the UK. Since it was spring, fasting hours were much longer than in Malaysia, yet the early Iftar—around 5:50 to 6:15 PM—was a welcome change. He made the most of it by breaking his fast with drinks and light snacks outside before heading back for a full meal, often from local restaurants. One thing that surprised him was how easy it was to find halal food, even discovering a Halal WingStop in London! The mosques were packed for Taraweeh, but he did notice that prayer spaces for women weren’t always as accessible as back home.
The biggest challenge? Finding a good spot to pray while out and about—especially for his mom and sister, who sometimes had to search for a while. During long days of fasting, he often found himself missing the lively atmosphere of Ramadan bazaars in Malaysia, where the scent of grilled satay and fresh kuih would fill the air. The sense of community felt different; while there was still warmth in the gatherings he attended, it lacked the spontaneous camaraderie he was used to back home.
Despite these differences, Meor Danish made beautiful memories. His favorite moment? Having Iftar with Malaysian students in Manchester, hosted by his former teacher, who cooked up a delicious Chicken Curry and even made Big Mac Spring Rolls! That little slice of homemade comfort made all the difference. He also enjoyed exploring the diverse Ramadan culture in the UK, attending open Iftar events where Muslims of different nationalities came together, sharing their traditions and stories of fasting in their respective countries. It was a reminder that, while customs may vary, the essence of Ramadan remains universal.
Would he do it again? Absolutely! But he admits that nothing beats the Ramadan vibes in Malaysia—the bustling bazaars, post-Taraweeh Moreh, and the deep sense of togetherness.
The Universality of Ramadan
“Though the daily routine can be challenging, Ramadan always brings a stronger sense of community, uniting people from all walks of life; whether it’s sharing a meal or supporting one another in the journey of self-refinement, it’s a time of collective growth and connection.”
– Muhammad Naim Mizhan –
Whether in Malaysia or abroad, the essence of Ramadan remains the same: a journey of self-discovery, spiritual renewal, and strengthening bonds with both Allah and those around us. While the experience of fasting might differ in location, culture, and even daily schedules, the core of Ramadan unites Muslims worldwide in an unparalleled sense of devotion and togetherness.
Spreading Awareness and Embracing Change
So, when those tempting questions arise, educate them. Let them know that we came with good intentions and disseminate the knowledge we learned and believe in. Remember that the true rewards lie in the effort, the sincerity of our intention, and the spiritual transformation that we unfold.
Celebrating the holy month of Ramadan is not about impressing our colleagues or neighbors, it’s the one “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” golden chance to experience the journey of self-discovery and renewal.
It’s the time when millions or trillions of us around the world strive to be better individuals. And this Ramadan, whether you are observing it or simply just being curious about the why and what, consider it as a humble invitation from us to reflect on the power of change and the pursuit of inner peace together.
-This article has been edited by Maira Athirah
