KUCHING: As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, many reflect on the things they missed out on the previous year.
ome hope to experience special moments this time around.
“Every Ramadan, I always look forward to visiting the Ramadan bazaars because the ambience is always different during this holy month,” said Siti Sulyamah, 34.
For others, this is a chance to reconnect with family, friends, and their faith.
“It will be my son’s first time fasting for Ramadan, so this year will be slightly different from previous years,” said Nana Ramli, 36.
Karmila Amani, 23, shared that one of the things she missed last year was the BCCK Ramadan buffet.
“Honestly, last year I skipped the BCCK Ramadan buffet due to my packed schedule. Hopefully, I get to ‘berbuka’ there at least ‘sekali lah’ this Ramadan,” she said.
Similarly, Naufal Zahin, 24, hopes to accomplish something he was unable to last year.
“I’m hoping to complete my Al-Quran reading this year,” he said.
For them, Ramadan is a time for cherished traditions with family and friends.
Karmila enjoys the late-night ‘moreh’ tradition, where she brings her siblings and friends to a local stall after ‘Terawih’ prayers.
“Annie Stall. It has the best Sarawak laksa— you all should try it,” she added.
Naufal, on the other hand, shared that his family’s Ramadan traditions were filled with special moments, from hunting for ‘suntong tutok’ to gathering for a large family ‘iftar’ on the last day of Ramadan. ‘Iftar’ is the meal that Muslims eat to break their daily fast during Ramadan.
The best part of Ramadan is when my family and relatives come together for ‘iftar’ at our grandmother’s house,” said Naufal.
“For ‘Terawih’, I prefer ‘masjid hopping’ around Kuching, just like last year,” Karmila said.
Nana shares the same sentiment as Karmila — both prefer trying out different mosques during Ramadan.
Naufal and Siti, however, tend to pray at specific mosques.
“Last year, I prayed quite often at Masjid Darul Naim in Kampung Lintang,” he said.
As Ramadan approaches, they all have clear hopes for what they want to achieve.
They wish to make the most of their time this Ramadan, surrounded by their loved ones.
At the same time, they share the same goal of using this opportunity to strengthen their faith.
For those experiencing Ramadan for the first time, they offered advice on how to make the most of their experience.
“Go make the most out of it. Spend it with your family and friends,” said Karmila.
Naufal, aware of the challenges of fasting, emphasised the importance of patience.
“Ramadan is about more than just abstaining from food and drink,” he said.
Siti, on the other hand, prays for consistency for those experiencing their first Ramadan this year.
“I hope everyone can train themselves to remain patient and sincere in facing the challenges of Ramadan,” she added.
