KUCHING: As Ramadan approaches, the holy month brings more than fasting and prayer. It revives cherished family traditions and routines.
For many young adults experiencing their first Ramadan away from home, moments of togetherness are deeply missed, from the simple pre-dawn meal of sahur to the lively gatherings for iftar.
The absence of familiar sights, smells and sounds of home can make the experience bittersweet, blending spiritual reflection with heartfelt nostalgia.
Food holds a special place during this season. The aroma of home-cooked meals, favourite dishes prepared by parents and the shared effort of preparing iftar are more than just sustenance. They are symbols of love, care and family connection.
Yet, the essence of the month – connection, gratitude and reflection – remains across distances.
Many turn to technology to bridge the gap, with video calls and virtual gatherings allowing families to share iftar meals, laughter and encouragement.
For those experiencing their first Ramadan away, these digital connections provide comfort and continuity, illustrating how the blend of old traditions and new routines helps them navigate the challenges and joys of observing Ramadan from afar.
Mohamad Shahrill Ariffin Wahab, 34, a teacher, reflects on the cherished traditions he misses while observing Ramadan away from his parents.
“Usually, as Ramadan approaches, I start to long for the moments of sahur and iftar, especially those who still have parents, while being away from home.
“The tradition that becomes a practice and routine every Ramadan is having sahur with food that is only enough to fill the stomach. Breaking the fast with favourite dishes prepared by one’s mother is a meal that is often missed.
“While away, the tradition of preparing favourite foods without wasting anything is a very simple yet deeply meaningful moment,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Despite the distance, Shahrill, who hails from Telaga but now working in Tatau, Bintulu, stresses that the bond of Ramadan transcends physical separation.
“Even when apart, the bond of Ramadan continues to connect love, even from a distance. However, the meals prepared by a mother are things that are never neglected, alongside performing prayers more calmly and perfectly.”
He added that to ease his longing for family, making video calls during iftar helps bridge the distance, making it feel like they are only a thread apart.
“The familiar smiles and warmth remain, even across the miles.”
For Nur Hidayah Sarakawi, 27, this Ramadan is her first experience away from her family.
“What I miss the most is the happiness and festive atmosphere of celebrating it with my family. We always gathered together to break our fast, and everyone would contribute to preparing a variety of dishes for iftar.
“The house would feel lively and full of warmth. That tradition is meaningful to me because it’s not just about the food but about togetherness, shared effort and the joy of spending Ramadan surrounded by the people I love.”
Nur Hidayah, who is now in Johor, admits that coping with the separation has been challenging.
“Being away from my loved ones during this Ramadan hasn’t been easy, and honestly, I’m still learning how to cope with it. I try to keep myself occupied by doing things I enjoy, like focusing on my hobbies, as a way to distract myself.
“However, there are moments when I feel sad, especially when I think about home and the people I miss. Even so, staying busy helps me get through the day and I remind myself that this phase is part of my personal growth.”
For both Shahrill and Hidayah, the first Ramadan away from home is a time of reflection, adaptation and appreciation for the enduring ties of family and tradition, reminding them that love and connection can persist, even across distances.
