(Courtesy of Google)It's not easy to restrict yourself from food and what more water! Eating in Malaysia is a culture. We are spoilt for choices and have the luxury of convenience in eating; you can get food anywhere and anytime. Then for the workforce, so called due to stress, they eat a lot claimming to have used up their energy before that. Eating regularly is also healthy to avoid gastrics and diseases related to food disorder. Then there are other who claim they are too busy working that they have no time to eat!
It is well noted in Malaysia the holy month of Ramadhan@ fasting month @ Puasa before the Aidilfitri celebrated globally by Muslims. The day starts with a meal before morning prayers around 5 am. The fast begins when 1st prayer of the day starts (5 times a day is the total prayers for Muslims). The fast last the whole day till around 7 something PM the same day(2nd last prayer for the day).
I totally have respect for Muslims who follow the fasting month. It is not easy. Not even a sip of water. I doubt I can do it! :P
Unless one is sick or going through menstruals, they are exempted from fasting. However, do people really fast? I do not think it is a law in other countries to fast but in Malaysia it is.
Today for the first time, I was asked by the Malay stall owner if I was Malay. Oh boy, I freaking exploded and my uncle held me back. I said,"How dare you ask me?". He replied my face looked Malay. What to do lah I am Serani and a bit dark. I was pissed and lost my appetite although I was hungry before that. As I ate I thought and my uncle told me it is normal.
They actually in Malaysia have to confirm if one is Muslim or not during fasting month. If he sold to a Muslim, all his food utensils will be confiscated by the police. According to the law, he was doing his job.
I am a guy who does not really like to fight with people. After eating, I went to pay and also apologised and shook his hand. He also apologised and explained to me the situation in Malaysia.
As much as I hated for being accused unnecessarily, this is what you have to face if you are tanned skin in Malaysia which is discrimination. For a Muslim who does not follow the fasting month, it is a crime and is punishable.
I can't believe people are being forced to practice their beliefs or faced penalty. Based on my religion as a Catholic, you are thought what is right. However, it is not a law or force. You decide what is right and what you are comfortable doing. From a general overview and not relating it to faith, you can tell people what is right but it is up to them to consider what is right and wrong.
I think the religion varies based on culture. Probably in a more liberal country, the decision is left to the individual to follow or not to follow. I look at it as we are only human. How to avoid sin?
