A Guide to Ramadhan for Foreign Students

Ramadhan, which takes place from 26 May to 24 June this year, has always been known to be about showing that one should appreciate what one has.

Here's a guideline on what is done during Ramadhan:

ONE In Singapore, Muslims wake up at about 4am - 4.30am to eat Sahur, which is the period of time in the morning when one is allowed eat. Subuh, which is around 5:30am, is the time the sun rises and when one stops eating.

TWO Muslims have to recite a prayer when they are going to eat Sahur and it goes something like “I fast tomorrow to perform the obligatory Ramadan this year because of Allah” (direct translation from Arabic).

THREE During the holy month of Ramadhan, Muslims need to be their true selves. There will be challenges such as seeing one's friends eat or even people testing one's patience. This is the month that Muslims realise how one should appreciate the struggles of those who may not have these privileges. Muslims become more appreciative after Ramadhan because of the challenges faced during the month of Ramadhan.

FOUR Muslims normally break fast or iftar during the Maghrib prayers. which is around 7pm. However, this always depends on the time sets. In the earlier stages of Ramadhan, one would break fast early. Towards the end of Ramadhan, one would break fast a little later. To break fast, one will have to recite “O Allah, I fasted for you and with your blessing I break my fast with. O Allah is merciful and loving” (direct translation from Arabic).

FIVE People normally do not break their fast with heavy food. Muslims are supposed to break fast with light food such as dates despite the intense desire for food after not eating for about 10 hours. In some countries, one may even fast up to 22 hours.

SIX The amazing thing about Ramadhan is that one can go anywhere to break fast. One can always go to the Mosque to break fast. The Mosques would put rice, vegetable and gravy on a large tray that is enough for four people to share.

SEVEN On this special month, the best places to visit in Singapore is the Tampines, Woodlands & Geylang Bazaar. It only happens once a month. Everyone looks forward to it, no matter the race or religion. This is where one can get affordable food and that one would not usually find elsewhere.