Iftar is one of my best memories in Japan
Written by Guizani Mokhtar san
From June 6, 2016 Muslims all over the world are observing Ramadhan, the month of prayers, fasting and spirituality.
Fasting Ramadhan is one of the pillars of Islam, and the holy month is an opportunity for Muslims to recommit their faith in Allah, and to revive the sense of charity, kinship, passion and devotion. Perhaps Kinship and the warmth of the family are among the most important things that expatriates miss during the holy Month of Ramadhan. It is common for Muslims around the world to break their fast soon after sunset, in a unique scene of joy and happiness where all family members, in the broader sense, gather. Friends and neighbors often join the table.
Night prayers also is another unique opportunity, where family members, friends and neighbors can meet. Spending Ramadhan with the family is something with no equals and that what we miss. Being unable to spend this wonderful Ramadan times between our families, we have made our time with friends to mimic the family intimacy. We come together in a single house to share the dinner and the time. Our mosque here in Sapporo also offers group Iftar (break the fast), providing hence a family like environment. Sharing Iftar with people from all over the world and with people you never even met before is so touching, and it remains one of my best memories in Japan.
Although many have somehow managed to re-create the unique family atmosphere of Ramadhan, many others were not able to do so. For instance, many students and researchers face difficult times during Ramadhan being busy in their lab until late time, while there is no Halal food in the vicinity. Some others cannot celebrate the Eid ElFitr festival (the day after the end of Ramadhan) with their kids, family and friends as it is not officially an off day. We are fortunate enough to leave in a country that respects our believes, and we trust strongly that Japan will improve our life.
