Ramadhan Here

Hey there,

This is my first time proceeding Ramadhan outside my country. It also the first Ramadhan withou being around my family. And indeed, I got so many new yet different experiences in doing so. Before we`re moving further, it`d be good in understanding what Ramadhan is and what people (certain people) do during Ramadhan.

Ramadhan is the holy month for Moslem in terms of religious business. During Ramadhan (which took around 30 days on lunar calendar), moslems are obliged to do fasting. Fasting here is not only means by not eating and drinking at day, but also by managing the emotions and desire. All of those things are conducted in order to examine ourselves to be a better person after progressing 30-days-of-fasting. Technically, we don`t eat at noon. We are only allowed to eat in two different times, before the rising of the sun, and after the sunset. Eating before the sunrise commonly called as "sahur", while eating after the sunset called as "Iftar (or 'Buka' in Bahasa).

In the final days of Ramadhan, moslem will celebrate Eid Mubaral or Idul Fitri. The highest celebration of moslem in winning over challenges during Ramadhan. Going back to the pure (pure=Fitri) is the basic value celebrated on Eid Mubarak.

In my country, Indonesia, which has the biggest moslem population yet not a moslem country, people commonly celebrate Ramadhan with their family. On Eid Mubarak, most of Indonesian travelled home to celebrate it joyfully with family. Progressing Sahur with family perhaps become one of the best moment ever with family. Wake up before the sun is rising, and together preparing for eating together, how warm is it!! Same condition applied in Iftar, when every member of family prepares the dishes and beverages for Iftar.

And right now, due to my exchange program, I`m not able to proceed Ramadhan with family. This year Ramadhan is clashed with the exchange date. Means that I`ll be lonely without family for this year Ramadhan. I think that`s okay and no problems, but I was wrong. I can`t forget the warmth and love from family. However, I have to survive in proceeding this Ramadhan.