IN the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world partake in all the activities associated with this month. From fasting and giving charity to performing extra prayers, reflection and devotion, all this is for the good of the person and of mankind.
In Malaysia, Ramadan is observed, but in different manner, compared with 50 years ago. Although the spirit and observance are the same, the scenario has changed.
I remember as a boy living in Taiping, Perak, during Ramadan, one of the things I had to do was to buy ice to prepare for iftar or the breaking of fast. It was bought from a ice maker’s shop and what was more unique was the manner the ice was packed so that it did not melt.
The block of ice was covered in sawdust, wrapped in newspaper and tied with gunny sack string. Despite the wrapping, I had to cycle fast to get home so that the ice was intact.
Then, there was no Ramadan bazaar, only a few elderly women selling traditional cakes and savouries in the market.
Another must during Ramadan, then and now, was to have dates to break fast with.
Those days, the fruits were packed in gunny sacks and sold by the kati, not kilos. They were a paste-like substance and were usually sold in sundry shops owned by Indian Muslims.
The tarawih prayers were held at the local mosque and it was the imam who led the prayers. Even the breaking of fast at the masjid was a simple affair.
Today, the Ramadan landscape has changed and it has, to a large extent, become synonymous with food.
This can be seen at the many Ramadan bazaars established all over the country. Apart from this, the Ramadan buffet is now being offered by all leading hotels.
The food served represents a gourmet paradise. Customers now comprise all races. Even iftar in the mosques are a special event with different menus being offered.
Another feature is the dates served today. They come from West Asian countries and with different names. But ajwah is still the most sought after, as it was the favourite of Prophet Muhammad.
Even the way the dates are packed and presented is an art in itself.
Tarawih prayers have now become international as imams are invited from Mecca, Madinah, Egypt and other countries
Although the landscape has definitely changed, the spirit, observance and traditions continue. Let us all pray that Allah will continue to bless and grant his barakah or blessings to us all so that we can still observe Ramadan in peace, harmony and tranquility in this beautiful country of ours.
Selamat berpuasa and Salam Aidilfitri Al Mubarak to all my Muslim friends.
Datuk A. Mutalib Razak, Kuala Lumpur
