My name is Mustafa Alaswad, and I am from Palestine (born in Jordan) and am studying at the Faculty of Medicine in my 3rd semester. I have been in Indonesia for one year, and this is my second Ramadan in Makassar. I was asked to write about my experience and observation in Makassar during Ramadan.
First, being away from the family is challenging, especially during significant events. Most of the students are homesick during this Ramadan because family gatherings in Ramadan differ from any other experience. During this Ramadan, I experienced and observed many new things in Makassar.
BUKBER (Buka Bersama) or Break Fasting Together
As a participant in some organizations at our university, I received a few messages from friends that all participants should gather and have breakfast together, which leads to strong friendships among the participants and the good deeds that they get. Being in such a society and seeing people helping each other with unconditional kindness is like home. Looking at the responsible people from the organization and how they plan, invite, organize, and help others are amazing.
Another fantastic thing, breaking fasting in some masjids is very spiritual. I have experienced breaking fasting in more than one masjid. They provide dates, Jalangkote (a typical Makassar fry), cake, and the main box. Also, before 15 minutes of adzan (call prayer) Maghrib, one of the committee members started giving instructions on how to break fasting based on the Prophet Mohamed’s sunnah and then reminded the worshipers to pray, which is an incredible moment to see all people around you praying or reciting the Quran.
WALKING BEFORE MAGHRIB
Walking a few minutes before adzan and seeing crowded people around workshops (one of the spots on campus) to buy different sorts of foods and many tables on the streets presenting many juices is unique and makes me feel Ramadan. Visiting some restaurants after Taraweeh is also very different in Ramadan compared to other months.
QUR’AN, ARABIC LESSONS AND COMPETITIONS
In the previous year, I only saw a few lessons. Still, during this Ramadan, I observed that people are so excited and passionate around their teachers to learn about religion, Quran, and Arabic studies. Another thing is the increased number of competitions in many fields, which can let people get into activities within Ramadan. These are my experiences and observations in Ramdhan, and I hope all of my friends and classmates’ international students enjoy Ramdhan. May Allah accept our worship during this month.