Bridging Communities Through Ramadan: A Journey from Malaysia to New Zealand
During Ramadan, food, particularly bubur lambuk porridge, plays a significant role in uniting Muslim communities. Habib Ali and Syahida Hizul, residing in New Zealand, recreate their Malaysian Ramadan experiences by hosting iftar gatherings at their café, emphasizing community and cultural understanding. Their efforts highlight the importance of familial bonds and dispelling misconceptions about Islam and Ramadan.
The Ramadan celebration in Malaysia is marked by the delightful dish of bubur lambuk, particularly cherished during the Islamic month of fasting. As Ramadan approaches, the nostalgic aroma of Malaysian night markets signifies its arrival, captivating the hearts of individuals like Habib Ali and Syahida Hizul, who now reside in Auckland. They fondly recall how, during Ramadan, individuals fast from dawn until sunset to cultivate spiritual connections and empathize with the less fortunate.
Habib Ali emphasizes the community aspect, stating, “Everybody gathers at the masjid [mosque], and all masjids typically provide the bubur lambuk for people to have iftar [the meal at which Muslims break their fast after sunset] with.” This cherished porridge can be found only during the holy month. The couple, operating The Komunal Café in Queenstown, reflects on their familial traditions and how Ramadan traditionally brings families together.
The couple recalls their childhood experiences of early morning meal preparations for suhoor, with Ali saying, “I actually fall [asleep] in front of my food.” Habib reminisces about the bustling household atmosphere during iftar, a sentiment echoed by Hizul, who notes the heightened excitement in large families preparing meals for the evening feast.
In New Zealand, Ali and Hizul have created a semblance of this vibrant environment, inviting friends and community members to join them for iftar at their café—a practice they have maintained for two years. Through sharing meals, they embody the principles of kindness and community, highlighting that food serves as a communal bridge.
Hizul notes, “It’s become a platform for [people] to ask questions like just anything about Ramadan and Islam in general.” This initiative fosters understanding and dispels misconceptions, allowing individuals to engage freely in discussions about cultural traditions, hijab, and halal food practices. They emphasize the significance of such dialogues, especially in today’s environment where misunderstandings can easily arise.
The couple’s communal spirit extends beyond their café. They often gather with friends, with individuals like Mohd Zali Kamari and Suzana Samsudin ensuring that even in a foreign land, they cherish their cultural practices. Ali points out, “They’re not related by blood, but we typically get together with a small community and we do have iftar here.”
The observance of Ramadan in New Zealand, particularly through the lens of Habib Ali and Syahida Hizul, illustrates the importance of community, cultural exchange, and family bonding. By recreating the festive spirit of their homeland through shared meals, they contribute to greater understanding and connection across diverse cultures. This dedication reinforces the message that food plays an essential role in fostering unity and empathy, especially during such a sacred period in the Islamic calendar.
Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz
