From April 2 to May 1, 2022, all Muslims around the world, including those in Taiwan, will celebrate Ramadhan. The month of Ramadhan, in which all Muslims are obligated to fast, begins on May 2, 2022 and ends with Eid Al-Fitr 1443 Hijriyah on May 2, 2022. In this article, I'll share my own experiences with the ups and downs of fasting during Ramadhan and Eid in Taiwan.
Fasting in Taiwan
Muslims all throughout the world fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadhan. In Taiwan, according to the Grand Imam of the Taipei Grand Mosque's timetable and regulations, I can eat breakfast till roughly 4.11 a.m. and the day finishes at 6.32 p.m. Ramadhan is much more than just fasting, for your information. It's all about becoming closer to God, doing good for others, and being more involved in the community. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, this year provides the first opportunity for many Muslims to return to the mosque for evening prayers and to break their fast in the company of family, friends, and community.
Different Ramadhan
During Ramadhan in Taiwan, I experience something new. Normally, I get up with my wife and children to prepare the early breakfast. But now I'm on my own, it's difficult to get up and start fasting without them. Iftar is the most awaited event for all Muslims this month, and while I typically enjoy great Indonesian dishes, I have to break the fast swiftly and without special delights because lectures begin at 06.30pm.
Sad? Absolutely yes, but I recognize that this is a part of the process, and life must go on!
Antidote for longing!
Fortunately, I am able to continue my education in Taiwan, where many Indonesians’ study and work. Breaking the fast together at the Hsinchu Islamic Center has become a regular activity every Saturday and Sunday during the month of Ramadhan. Many Muslims from Indonesia, Egypt, India, and other countries gathered there to share iftar. Various delicious Indonesian dishes are available there, this is certainly a little treat the feeling of longing for the atmosphere of breaking the fast in Indonesia. All iftar dishes are provided for free, all we have to do is come and eat them while continuing to pray together, thank you for Indonesian Muslims solidarity in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Eid Al-Fitr in Taiwan, unforgettable moment!
This year, we celebrated Eid Al-Fitr on May 2 after fasting for 29 days. We are performing Eid prayers in the morning. It was a wet day, and I had a heavy day ahead of me. After praying, we gathered at the Hsinchu Islamic Center, Taiwan to conduct "Muslim’s friendship" activity and then met with my thesis advisor to discuss my progress in the middle of the day. It has been a good day since I got permission to collect data for finishing my thesis. However, it is still not done! I still have two Monday courses to complete, namely Economic and Business Development for Startups. And after finishing those two lovely courses, I can finally wrap up this day.
All in one day: rainy day + Eid prayer in the rain + "Muslim’s friendship" in HIC + thesis advisor consultation + Economic course + Business Development for Startups course. What a wonderful day!
Note: Photo taken by Hsinchu Islamic Center
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