KUCHING: Fasting during Ramadan is a spiritual and physical journey that requires preparation, discipline and mindfulness.
Fasting for the first time during Ramadan or maybe having to spend fasting month away from family and loved ones may present challenges for which the body and mind need time to adjust, but with the right preparation, the experience can be easier and more fulfilling.
For 28-year-old Hary Teo, a fitness instructor with Paradigm Fitness Indonesia in Jakarta, this is his first time away from his family and home in Kuching, and thus definitely a new experience.
As of Sunday (second day of fasting in Indonesia) he said, the weather in Jakarta has been kind, not too warm, thus it is less tiring especially when you have to work in a gym, and the breaking of fast in Indonesia is between 6.10pm and 6.20pm (depending on your location).
“But the challenges are more toward the vibes, because when I am at home in Kuching, I can break the fast with my family, and now I have to make efforts to look for a different vibe.
“From the first day of Ramadan here, I joined a few Indonesian friends to break fast. This is the best time because the Indonesians go all out to eat, and the tables are full of food. At the same time, I might also want to spend time alone breaking fast, by just having simple food,” said the youngster who wants to continue to pursue his career in Jakarta, as he believes that Indonesia is the biggest economy in Asia.
As for going for ‘Tarawikh’ in mosques in Jakarta, he said he has been everyday since Ramadan started, but would like to do ‘Tarawikh’ himself in the comfort of his home.
For convert, 38-year-old single mother Yalina Fiona Keith, a well-known event/conference producer, a trainer, a Wesna secretary, home-based food business owner and pageant coach, Ramadan is all about spiritual growth and personal reflection as a ‘Mualaf’ since 2018.
“This month’s expectation is all about balancing motherhood and fasting, time management and productivity as a single mother.
“There is still a lot for me to learn but being a Mualaf in Sarawak, I’m grateful for the harmony that allows me to embrace Ramadan while staying true to myself. This beautiful month becomes even more meaningful as I share it with my loved ones, cherishing the journey with an open heart,” said the mother of a five-year-old daughter.
Another convert, Imran Lau, 54, recalled starting to fast more than two decades ago, saying it was tough on his body during and after breaking of fast.
“Now, I need a week to get used to it. During Ramadan, I will try to remember to put myself in the shoes of those less fortunate and tell myself to be grateful for what I have,” said Lau, an employee at Maltimur Resources Sdn Bhd.
For 47-year-old Hazelina Jasni, who is managing director at a communications agency, fasting in Kuala Lumpur is not all that different from fasting in Kuching—except for the warmth of home and the familiar tastes of Ramadan in Sarawak.
“KL can be hectic, especially with the long commutes, but honestly, Kuching traffic isn’t much better these days.
“What I truly miss are the simple joys of Ramadan back home — family gatherings, the sense of community, and of course, the special kuih we only get this time of year,” she said.
Citing Kuih Celorot, Bongkol, Bubur Pedas, and midnight treats like Suntong Tutok, Hazel finds herself longing for the flavours of home, which are harder to come by in the nation’s capital.
Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur keeps her busy, with breaking of fast gatherings with media and clients being part of her work but one blessing she’s grateful for is that her agency is based in Kuching, allowing her to travel back and forth.
“I plan my trips around Ramadan whenever I can because nothing feels better than being with family and friends, sharing meals that bring back the warmth of home,” says the trainer who has lived in Kuala Lumpur for the last 20 years.
