MARHABAN YAA RAMADAN...
Ramadan, the fasting month, is an event of great importance to the Indonesian and the world’s Muslim community. Being one of the five pillars of Islam, observance of the fasting month is the priority in the devout Muslim’s life during this month. Fasting involves a change in the daily routine of the Muslim faithful and represents an expression of their deep belief in God.
Many Indonesians look forward to Ramadan as an opportunity to test and develop their inner, spiritual selves. The fasting regimen is rigorous. No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed after the first prayer in the morning until the opening of the fast in the evening. Prayer times change based on sunset and sunrise, so the exact timing is different every day. The morning prayer usually comes around four-thirty. Before this time, a Muslim family must rise and consume the last food or drink that they will have for the next fourteen hours. The opening of the fast, or Buka Puasa, occurs around 6 o’clock in the evening. At this time, all fasting Muslims will break the fast by drinking, eating and attending prayers.
Business people often note a loss of work efficiency during Ramadan. Secretaries may become forgetful. Drivers can be observed sleeping in the car. Employees may often leave the office early and arrive for work late.
