PENANG, July 2014 - Al-Malik Khalid mosque in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a welcoming place to locals and foreigners especially those who belong to the USM community where they gather to break their fast and pray together during the holy month of Ramadan every year.

Mahnaz, a housewife and a mother of two students, said that fasting in Malaysia is easier than in Iran because the hours of fasting here are shorter as compared to Iran where they have to fast for as long as 17 hours and the summers in Iran is very hot.

“It has been four years that I have celebrated Ramadan here with my family and I enjoyed it very much. We have more or less got used to it,” she added.

Hamid, 41, a PhD student in Psychology said, “Ramadan is the month for us to reach out to the poor and the needy as it would atone our sins while seeking forgiveness from Allah. We also have sweet delicacies, zolbia and bamieh, distributed at the mosques during the breaking of fast which we cannot find them in Malaysia.”

“In Iran we pray after Azan and proceed to break our fast with dates and warm water. We would then wait for a while before starting the main meal.

“Religious events in Malaysia are joyously celebrated and experiencing them make each occasion even more memorable, particularly with the uniquely Malaysian tradition of open houses that gives a touch of festive cheer,” added Hamid referring to the Raya or Eid celebration.

When asked about the local dishes served during Ramadan, Hamid is amazed with the wide variety of food available in Malaysia, especially during Ramadan for buka puasa (breaking of fast).

“They are very tasty but are also spicy which many Iranians are not used to such food. However, they gradually got used to the taste after a few tries,” he added.

Just as in Malaysia, Iranian Islamic police strictly enforces the ‘no eating, drinking, or smoking’ regulation at public places such as restaurants, workplaces, schools and universities during the fasting month.

“On the morning of Hari Raya, Iranians would start the day with a morning prayer and a special breakfast called Halim or Aash at the mosque. We are then invited to the houses of our elders such as our grandparents to celebrate Raya. We would then take our children to the park, circus or some entertainment outlet because Raya coincides with summer holiday for school children and university students. The television and radio stations would feature festive songs,” recalled Hamid.

Text: Mina Seifi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa