Autism Awareness

RAMADAN

HOLY MONTH TRADITIONS

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Samtec has many Associates who celebrate Ramadan, but most prominently at our Samtec Malaysia facilities.

NEW MOON

The new moon determines the start of Ramadan

FASTING

Fasting reminds you of the importance of self-control and the suffering of the poor

PRAYER

Throughout the 30 days of Ramadan, prayer is performed 5 times per day

FAMILY

Ramadan is an opportunity for togetherness while fasting, prayer, and, after the sun sets, meals

PURPOSE

Muslims focus their mind on prayer, purity, spirituality and charity

Eid marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadhan, which, is the month where Muslims observe fasting and abstinence as a form of sacrifice and penance. During the month of Ramadhan, adult Muslims are not allowed to partake of any food or drink or physical intimacy from sunrise to sunset. Smoking is also prohibited during these hours. They are also tasked to give alms and pray. All this is with the aim of building a stronger relationship with Allah. Muslims begin the day with “sahur” which is a meal before the break of dawn and that will be the only meal of the day until the time to break the fast. The act of breaking of fast begins with partaking in water as well as dates (mainly because dates provides the body with a quick and easily digested amount of sugar) before partaking in other foods and drinks.

Uniquely to Malaysia, Ramadhan is celebrated with certain unique traditions.

RAMADHAN BAZAAR

The street food activity increases during the month of Ramadhan especially for malay delicacies. Employees are often released earlier than the normal hours to allow for them to prepare for the breaking of fast. Out of convenience, many will go to the various Ramadhan bazaars (temporary approved street food market) searching for their favourite meals. Popular choices such as bubur lambuk, chicken satay, chicken biriyani rice, cakes and snacks are the main fare although different state delicacies like laksa Johor or laksa penang can be found if you happen to be in those states. The most popular foods at such bazaars are usually the syrup flavoured drinks, fresh juices and various desserts.

BUBUR LAMBUK

Bubur Lambuk is a rice porridge containing minced beef and dried shrimp, basic spices consisting of clove flowers, lawing flowers, cumin, cinnamon bark and others. By tradition, this is a staple diet for muslims to eat when breaking fast. This porridge is easy to make and is cooked in the mosque and distributed to the congregation, the poor and needy for free.

ZAKAT

Zakat is an obligation in Islam to make contributions towards the less fortunate. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is intended to redistribute wealth between the rich and the poor as well as cleanse the wealth of those who pay zakat. The Zakat Fitrah is a small amount that must be paid by all Muslims every year without fail, regardless of age, gender, or wealth. It is commonly paid during the holy month of Ramadhan as they are obligated to pay this before the start of Eid prayers. The rate for zakat fitrah is equivalent to the value of a bushel of rice weighing 2.7kg. If the payor is able to pay even more, they are highly encouraged to do so.

TARAWIH PRAYERS

Aside to the obligatory 5 calls of prayer in a day, many Muslims in Malaysia perform an additional terawih prayer. It is a special prayer session on a nightly basis during the entire month of Ramadhan. This is in line with the objective of the month which is to strengthen one’s belief and relationship with Allah