Ramadan and Hari Raya

During Ramadan the Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset. They do not eat or drink anything during the day. It is a month of prayers, reading the Quran and performing charity. Self discipline and devotion to Allah is the focus. The fasting is to remind the Muslims of the starving poor, orphans, sick and elderly people. They are to donate food, clothes and money as charity to the needy. This is also the time to ask and give forgiveness.

Families get up early for the meal taken before sunrise. This meal is called sahur.

At sunset the fast is broken with a light meal known as berbuka puasa. Traditionally this meal consists of the foods to give a quick energy lift. The families will have some dates, fruit, water, milk and sweet drinks. Prophet Mohammed broke his fast with dates and water. Then they have their prayers and after the prayers the heavier meals will be eaten. The idea is not to eat too much at the heavier meal either.

At the end of Ramadan, is a Feast which is known in Malaysia as Hari Raya Aidilfitri which means Celebration Day.

Commercialism crept into this celebration as well. The nicest shortbread and dates are sold and of course the food cannot get better. The traditional clothes are also more visible in the shops and many giftpacks are available.

I have only one photo so far of the decorations one sees here and there. Green seems to be the colour of choice. The crescent moon and star is a popular decoration, as well as a checkered box. I have not figured out the idea behind the box yet. The photo is taken near Sutera Mall and I could not believe (should know better by now) how many eating places there are just in that area. We went to a Moonlight restoran with the most divine cakes. Closeby and overlooking this park is a frozen yogurt place.

Here is a photo of the inside of this shop. You dish your own frozen yogurt is big tubs and it gets weighed and then priced. For the record: I was good and did not have any. Actually I was feeling a bit off colour and could not have any.