We are celebrating Ramadan season this month. Ramadan is a time of holy devotion for Muslims, most notably observed through fasting. It is one of the five pillars of Islam: the obligations of every Muslim according to their faith. From the time the sun creeps into the day through to the last ray of light, nothing should pass their lips. No food, no water, no cigarettes. Nothing.

Iftar is the evening meal with which we end our daily Ramadan fast at sunset. This is the second meal of the day. Last week, we went to Gubuk Makan Mang Engking to enjoy it together.

Ramadan is also when one sets a sacrifice within one’s self and contemplates existence in the world: how one might be able to make that existence more meaningful for family, friends, teammates, and the world. It is a spiritual experience where one strengthens faith and belief.

When the sun goes down, it is time to be with your family and celebrate. If you can afford it, you give a little of what you have to those who do not have enough for themselves. This gives life to generosity and gratitude: ensuring that no one is missing out. It is when the grand traditions of hospitality shine their brightest in these parts of the world. Most experiences during this season are reflections of the incredibly wonderful interactions with strangers.

This is a wonderful time to connect with each other and create some of the best memories together. It was certainly the time when we had some of our best interactions.

Arisa