Celebrating Ramadan: A Cultural Journey from Malaysia to Queenstown

Habib Ali and Syahida Hizul, a couple residing in Auckland, celebrate Ramadan by sharing traditional Malaysian dishes such as bubur lambuk while fostering community connections. They invite friends and neighbors to their café in Queenstown for iftar, emphasizing the importance of food in promoting cultural understanding and combating misconceptions about Islam.

During Ramadan, traditional Malaysian rice porridge, known as bubur lambuk, becomes especially popular, according to Habib Ali, who has a deep affection for this dish. He and his wife, Syahida Hizul, reminisce about the vibrant nighttime markets in Malaysia filled with enticing aromas and bustling crowds, marking the commencement of Ramadan. This significant month of fasting and worship is observed by Muslims, who refrain from eating from dawn until sunset with exceptions for certain groups.

Ali highlights that mosques typically serve bubur lambuk during Ramadan for those breaking their fast, stating, “Everybody gathers at the masjid [mosque], and all masjids typically provide the bubur lambuk for people to have iftar.” He operates The Komunal Café in Queenstown, showcasing Malaysian cuisine and sharing cultural experiences.

Beyond culinary traditions, Ramadan serves as a vital period for family bonding, which Ali and Hizul miss in New Zealand. Ali reminisces about aiding his mother in preparing pre-dawn meals, noting, “Typically, if I want to help my mum to cook, I’ll wake up at 4:30 a.m.” Similarly, Hizul reflects on the lively chaos of preparing for iftar, emphasizing the familial atmosphere she yearns for and the urgency of dinner preparation.

To reflect the familial spirit of the holiday, the couple invites friends, community members, and café workers to share iftar at their eatery in Frankton, creating a closer-knit community. Hizul expresses, “I think food always brings people together, so it’s the easiest way to connect and probably give them a bit of understanding about what Ramadan is, what our culture is.”

Both Ali and Hizul welcome inquiries regarding their culture, advocating for open dialogue to dispel misunderstandings about Islamic practices, such as the hijab or halal food. They exemplify the importance of community in Auckland, where they gather for iftar with friends, feeling a sense of familial bond despite not being related by blood.

In this way, the couple continues to foster connections within their community while upholding the essence of Ramadan, emphasizing the significance of food and companionship during this sacred time.

In conclusion, Ramadan serves as a significant period for spiritual reflection, family bonding, and communal connection, particularly in the Malaysian context as expressed by Habib Ali and Syahida Hizul. Through their café, they recreate the flavors and familial spirit of Ramadan in Queenstown, providing a setting for community members to engage in dialogue about cultural traditions. Their efforts embody the principle that food fosters connection and understanding among diverse communities, bridging gaps and enhancing cultural awareness.

Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz