Muscat – Ramadan is like a festival in Malaysia, not only for Muslims but for people of all faiths, especially when it comes to food. Muslims must abstain from food and drink for 13 hours, but when it’s time for iftar, Malaysian Muslims know how to pamper their taste buds.

In the concluding edition of the ‘Ramadan around the world’ series, Zarina binti Abu Samah, a teacher of Segamat High School in Segamat in the southern Malaysian state of Johor, introduces the country’s Ramadan traditions. “Since there is no cooking done during the day, there is more time to focus on religious activities,” she said.

Speaking to Muscat Daily from her home, Zarina said reciting the Quran, learning the verses and praying are the main activities during the day. “Daily routine continues for all – including office workers, school and university students. But we need to find time in our busy schedule to do good things, like being polite, respecting others and giving donations.”

Unique taste
According to Zarina, visiting Bazaar Ramadan in Segamat – famous for its unique and rare dishes – is a test of will power. The irresistible and wide array of foods leave visitors spoilt for choice.

“There is Mediterranean cuisine, local Malay cuisine and more. This is the time when you can find modern dishes and also traditional foods in Bazaar Ramadan. Whatever you can think of will be available. There’s a big crowd to purchase foods like murtabak, rojak and ayam golek as early as 4pm.

“Generally, office workers and university students choose to buy food in these places since they do not have time to cook. But people of other faiths and foreigners, too, love visiting the bazaar. It is a food heaven for all.”

However, from a very young age, Zarina was taught that home-cooked meals are better than takeaways. “So, it is normal for me, and many other working women like me, to cook for our families. The meals do not have to be extravagant… something simple like soup, fried chicken or fried noodles is enough. But miraculously, during Ramadan, most women – housewives as well as working women – suddenly turn into master chefs, whipping up all kinds of dishes that we can normally enjoy at five-star restaurants.”

She considers Ramadan the best time to test her culinary skills and is often surprised by the eagerness of the chef in her. “My children are so amused and delighted at the same time when they see all the food I cook for them.”

For Zarina, iftar is incomplete without meeting her loved ones. “Having meals after sunset over talk about our day is one of the best moments. People are busy every day and sometimes we do not have time to sit down and enjoy our meals with family members. During Ramadan, everyone makes it a point to break fast at home. Some invite friends or close family to join them for iftar at home or outside.”

Month of prayers
After iftar, most people go for prayers. “Night time is dedicated to prayers and reciting verses from the Quran. Children and women are allowed to pray in the mosque, too, and you get caught up in the spirit of Ramadan around you when everyone is praying to Allah together. Families go to the mosque together, fostering closer ties,” she said.

“In this month, people are also more generous – everyone is willing to give money or donate to the poor, children and anyone facing difficulties in life.”

Zarina described Ramadan as a ‘magical month’. “In the midst of worshipping Allah, Muslims are also busy preparing for Eid al Fitr. We prepare early to celebrate the auspicious day when we complete the fasting month.

“The cloth used to make traditional Baju Kurung, Kebaya or Baju Melayu for Eid are given to tailors three months or even earlier. I send mine a month before Ramadan to ensure the clothes are ready before the big day.”

There is a general sense of compassion during Ramadan, with people distributing basic food items like rice, oil, flour and sugar among the needy. “Many also give money or ‘duit raya’ and new clothes to them. Islam teaches us to think of others, too, besides making our own preparations.”

About Ramadan ending soon, Zarina said, “No doubt we welcome Eid al Fitr warmly, but the thought of having to wait a whole long year for the next Ramadan makes us sad.

“When Ramadan arrives, the door of mercy opens. It nourishes the seeds of deeds among people. We hope that these seeds grow into trees of a good life in the future.”