Ramadan Reflections: Connecting Communities Through Food in New Zealand

Ali and Hizul, an Auckland-based couple, reflect on their Ramadan memories in Malaysia, emphasizing the cultural significance of communal meals, particularly the bubur lambuk porridge. They express a longing for the familial connections typical in Malaysia and work to recreate that atmosphere in New Zealand by hosting shared iftars, promoting understanding of their culture while upholding traditional values.

During Ramadan, the essence of community and tradition flourishes within Malaysia, particularly around the beloved bubur lambuk porridge offered at local mosques. Habib Ali, along with his partner Syahida Hizul, based in Auckland, reminisce about their Ramadan experiences in Malaysia, where fasting from dawn until sunset is a sacred observance aimed at spiritual growth and empathy. “Everybody gathers at the masjid, and all masjids typically provide the bubur lambuk for people to have iftar with. They only do that in Ramadan,” Ali elaborates, highlighting the cultural significance of this dish.

Beyond food, Ramadan serves as a time for familial ties and togetherness, which the couple finds lacking in New Zealand. Ali shares nostalgic moments of awakening at dawn to help prepare suhoor with his mother, a routine that brought the household together in anticipation of the day’s fast. Hizul fondly recalls the lively atmosphere of their childhood where the entire household buzzed with energy preparatory to iftar, each member contributing to the meal. “No matter how old you are, your mum will wake you up for suhoor,” she remarks, recalling the bustling environment.

In Queenstown, Ali and Hizul strive to capture that vibrancy by inviting their café staff, local friends, and community members to share iftar. Over the past two years, their café has transformed into a gathering spot for collective meals, reflecting the duo’s commitment to Prophet Muhammad’s values of generosity and community spirit. Hizul states, “It’s become a platform for people to ask questions about Ramadan and Islam in general,” demonstrating their desire to foster understanding through shared meals, as they believe food can bridge cultural gaps.

Among the Malaysian and Singaporean diaspora in Auckland, gatherings at the home of Mohd Zali Kamari and Suzana Samsudin offer a communal space for iftar, emphasizing that familial bonds extend beyond blood relations. Ali notes their larger community often gathers at hired venues for group iftars on Saturdays, embodying the spirit of unity during the holy month.

The celebration of Ramadan unfolds as a pivotal time of spiritual reflection and community bonding, particularly through the sharing of traditional food such as bubur lambuk. Habib Ali and Syahida Hizul illustrate how they cherish these traditions while in New Zealand, striving to recreate the lively atmosphere they once enjoyed in Malaysia. Through their café and community gatherings, they not only share their cultural cuisine but also foster deeper connections and understanding regarding Islamic practices.

Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz