This Is How It Feels To Live Ramadan In An Islamic Minority Country

Ilustrasi (YOU / Raga Granada)

Through the previous article, we have traced the traces of Islamic civilization by looking at historical mosques. From there it is clear how big the Muslim community in the world is. Muslims have even spread to countries that are dominated by non-Muslim religions. The final article is VOI's signature series, "Everything about Ramadan," about celebrating Ramadan in an Islamic minority country.

Nearly a quarter of the Earth's population is Muslim. The population is scattered to various countries. In some countries they are the majority, and in other parts of the world as a minority. However, for devout Muslims, this will not reduce their preoccupation with Allah's commandments.

Luckily for those of us who live in Indonesia, which is one of the largest Muslim countries in the world. According to World Population Review data, the number of Muslims in the country in 2020 will reach 229 million people or 87.2 percent of the total population of 273.5 million.

That is why in our beloved country the feel of Ramadan is so thick. And it is not impossible that fasting becomes easier because most people are fasting and there is no temptation to see food or drink. But what about Muslims living in countries where Muslims are a minority?

Russia

In Russia, for example. The Muslim population in the country is known to be only about 25 million out of an estimated 146 million people. Unlike in Indonesia, Muslims in Russia observe a 20-22 hour fast, which makes it one of the longest fasting hours in the world.

Muslims in Russia go about their daily lives without any change in working hours or holidays, unlike in many Muslim countries. Since Russia is a large country, each city has its own customs and traditions that differentiate it from the rest. During the month, relations between Muslims developed and people invited each other to break fast or sahur together, especially with their families.

Illustration (Unsplash / Abbat)

Philippines

Similar to Russia, in the Philippines, the number of Muslims is also classified as minor. Although dominated by Catholics, Muslim communities are almost always present in every major city.

Living in a non-Muslim majority country, it is a great blessing to have a Muslim community that helps fellow Muslims. Other Islamic activities are also available, such as lectures, iftar programs and volunteering. But there is a city namely Marawi, City, which is the only Islamic city in the Philippines.

Just like in Indonesia, there are bazaar stands selling food menus for breaking the fast. Muslims also gather at the mosque more often than usual, because they want to read the Koran.

In addition, there is also a memorial called 'Duyog Ramadan.' Citing UCA News, Duyog Ramadan is an annual activity started in 1979 that aims to encourage Christian families to "accompany" Muslims in fasting, praying and serving the poor.

However, in the past three years, the people of Marawi have tried to get back on their feet after Eid al-Fitr 2017 in Marawi City was celebrated amidst a shootout between local terrorist groups and government security forces. This conflict resulted in the destruction of the city and displaced at least 400,000 Muslim and Christian residents.

Illustration (Unsplash / Mostafa Meraji)

Brazil

Due to the strong presence of an Arab community estimated at 12 million people, Muslims in Brazil are spoiled for choice of typical food for breaking their fast. In Brasilia, products of oriental cuisine, dates and spices in supermarkets and specialty shops often experience double sales during Ramadan.

Quoting ANBA, Ramadan is more pronounced in Brazil if you have Muslim acquaintances and live near mosques. There, there is a large calendar showing congregational prayer times, celebrations, scheduled lectures and even dinner for breaking the fast. In Muslim homes, there tends to be large gatherings of family and friends, with few food options, to eat together after hours without eating or drinking.

Meanwhile Vietnam, has more than 80,000 followers of Islam. 85 percent of them are Cham living in the southern province. Quoting LIPI, Champa Muslims constitute two-thirds of the total number of Muslims in Vietnam, the remaining one-third are immigrant Muslims from various countries such as Arab, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and others.

The Ramadan tradition in Vietnam is also not much different from Indonesia. Before the fasting month, the Cham people gather at the community house or mosque to prepare halal food such as cakes and beef to eat when breaking their fast. They completely avoid alcoholic beverages. Some workers even take time off from work to gather with their families and focus on worship.

Infographics (VOI / Raga Granada)

China

In Beijing, the capital of China, Muslims often gather at the Niujie Mosque, the largest and oldest mosque in Beijing, to celebrate the start of Ramadan. Citing the SCMP, during the month of fasting, Muslim congregations gathered for prayers, gathered to break the fast, and exchanged visits.

At its peak, more than 1,000 Muslims attended the Niujie Mosque. The Niujie Mosque is the largest and oldest in Beijing and was founded by an Arab scholar in 966 AD. While the men listened to the priests preach in the main hall, all the women gathered in a smaller hall, where a loudspeaker conveyed the priest's words to them simultaneously.

They enjoy a relaxed environment in Beijing during Ramadan. Tourists are allowed to attend events during Ramadan. Although the Muslim community is a minority group in China, Islam has been practiced in the country for around 1,400 years.