THE MUSLIM HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN WILL TAKE PLACE IN AUGUST THIS YEAR. KATRINA MELVIN EXAMINES THIS FESTIVE MONTH AND ITS MANIFESTATIONS IN MODERN MALAYSIA

For the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims, fasting during Ramadan is proscribed in the Quran, where it is written that: “Prayer carries us half way to God, fasting brings us to the door of His palace, and alms-giving procures us admission.” In Islam, as in most religions, fasting is about more than just abstaining from eating and drinking. During the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims are expected to avoid all temptations from dawn until sunset, including food, drink, tobacco, and sexual relations. Muslims are also expected to offer more prayer than usual, and to donate time or money to those less fortunate than themselves.

It is also a time for personal reflection and rededication to God. Young children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the infirm are generally exempt from fasting. Fasting is not expected until the onset of puberty, but some younger children may fast when they can during Ramadan to prepare themselves for later years. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and those suffering from illnesses either choose to make up for the days they have missed later in the year, or give alms to the poor as an alternative to fasting.

Ramadan traditionally begins upon the sighting of the new moon in the ninth lunar month, and lasts for between 29 and 30 days. Because the Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, it falls earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar by approximately 11 days. The start date can vary from country to country by a day or two depending on the position and visibility of the moon. Nowadays, however, many rely on astronomical calculations, which are more accurate than the naked eye, though this technology-based method is somewhat controversial. It is predicted that Ramadan will begin this year on 1 August and end on 30 August, but the official period of observance will be announced by the Malaysian government for Muslims here in the days running up to Ramadan, using a combination of traditional and modern methods.

Ramadan, known as Bulan Puasa in Malaysia, poses several challenges for the modern Muslim living in this multicultural society. In many North African and Middle Eastern countries, eating and drinking is forbidden between sun up and sun down, meaning even non-Muslims must observe Ramadan in public. In multicultural Malaysia, however, non-Muslims are free to eat and drink, restaurants and shops remain open, and fasting Muslims may find themselves surrounded by temptation. But, as a show of support, many non-Muslim Malaysians make the effort to fast alongside their Muslim compatriots, and it is certainly unusual to see a non-Muslim eating or drinking in public, for example at work or on public transport, during Ramadan.

At this time of year, a Muslim is expected to pray at least the usual five times, with one additional prayer know as taraweeh, which follows Iftar (the fast-breaking evening meal). Observing Ramadan in the modern workplace can be difficult. Public servants and bank workers in Malaysia may be allowed to leave work an hour earlier to compensate for missed lunch hours and take breaks to pray, but in the business world, it may be difficult to make that commitment. It can also be challenging to remain alert and focused through a long working day on an empty stomach. Rozalin Mahmood, a designer, explains that it is “harder than usual to maintain concentration in the afternoons and evenings, but it gets easier as the body adjusts to fasting – this usually takes about a week”.

For those in more unusual professions, there are unique challenges. For instance, Malaysia’s first astronaut, Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, was in space during Ramadan. In response to the many questions this raised, the Islamic National Fatwa Council published an 18-page guidebook “Guidelines for Performing Islamic Rites at the International Space Station”, which covers determining prayer times, lowgravity prayer, locating Mecca from the International Space Station, and fasting.

Just as fasting month can be challenging in the modern world, there are also some very modern solutions to ease the way. Throughout the year, prayer times vary as they depend on longitude, latitude, and the position of the sun. Many Muslims will make extra effort to observe prayer times during Ramadan, which is considered the holiest of months.There are now websites and smartphone applications which alert the user to exact prayer and fasting times, as well as pinpointing the direction of Mecca – an icon changes from red to green when pointed in the correct direction.

There are also apps which guide the user through the reading of the Quran – it is meant to be read in its entirety over the thirty days, 1/30 per day after breaking fast. Throughout the month of Ramadan and for several days before and after, Ramadan markets can be found in towns and cities across Malaysia.The markets come to life just before Iftar and go on until late. Here you can buy traditional Malaysian snacks and meals, as well as some which are unique to the period. Must-try Hari Raya treats include kuih (cakes made with rice flour and coconut milk) and air tebu (sugar-cane juice). You can also pick up traditional clothes, such as the Baju Melayu and Baju Kurang.

The vibrant atmosphere from around 8.30pm onwards, brightly coloured Hari Raya decorations, and colourfully dressed shoppers make for a memorable experience. Kampung Kerinci and Kampug Baru host two of the best known Ramadan markets in the city, running every evening throughout the festive period. Shah Alam’s night market is one of the biggest, and well worth the 40-minute drive from KL.

Ramadan ends with Eid ul-Fitr, a day to spend time with loved ones. In Malaysia this day is known as Hari Raya, when the famous “open house” celebrations begin. Muslim families open their doors to family and friends, and food is served in abundance. For those who don’t get an invite, a variety of well-known figures, including the prime minister and his wife and the King and Queen at Istana Negara host open houses for all to attend. If you are lucky enough to be invited to an open house, your host will appreciate a small gift, such as a basket of fruit or a tray of sweets.

On Eid ul-Fitr, it is customary to apologise to family and friends for any wrongs you have done them throughout the year, to ask for forgiveness and to forgive. Hari Raya is also the time when many citydwelling Malaysians Balik Kampung (return to their hometowns), meaning the highways are jammed, public transport is fully booked, and the city streets are empty. If you plan to travel during this time, plan carefully and book well in advance.