By: Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak (Ph.D.)
Every year, Muslims around the world eagerly await the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. This anticipation begins two months before the appearance of the crescent moon that marks the start of Ramadan. As a tradition in the Muslim world, devout Muslims begin preparing themselves joyfully when the month of Rajab begins. Following the example of the Holy Prophet (SAW), many Muslims worldwide start to habituate themselves to fasting by observing optional fasts during the months of Rajab and Sha’ban. These few days of fasting, depending on one’s capacity and choice, serve as a warm-up for the obligatory fast during Ramadan. While Muslims globally prepare mentally and spiritually for Ramadan, there are always cultural differences in how the fasting month is welcomed. In this article, I would like to share some of the interesting ways Malaysians prepare for and celebrate Ramadan.
