Celebrating Ramadan in Queenstown: A Journey of Food and Community

Habib Ali and Syahida Hizul celebrate Ramadan in Queenstown, New Zealand by honoring their Malaysian traditions, particularly through food such as bubur lambuk porridge. They emphasize the significance of family and community gatherings, sharing not just meals but also cultural understanding. Their café serves as a hub for connection and dialogue about Ramadan, illustrating how food fosters relationships and combats misconceptions about Islam.

In Queenstown, New Zealand, Habib Ali and Syahida Hizul celebrate Ramadan by recreating cherished customs from Malaysia. They reminisce about the vibrant night markets in Malaysia, where traditional bubur lambuk porridge is served to Muslims breaking their fast. This popular dish is unique to Ramadan, and its presence signifies the arrival of this sacred month. Living in New Zealand, the couple aims to foster connections within their community by sharing food and their cultural practices.

For Ali and Hizul, Ramadan transcends mere food; it is a time for familial bonds and collective remembrance. Ali recalls his childhood routine of waking up early to assist his mother in preparing meals for suhoor, reflecting on the energetic atmosphere as families gathered and prepared for iftar, the meal at sunset when they break their fast. Hizul describes the frantic preparations as symbolic of their close-knit family traditions during Ramadan.

To maintain their cultural essence in New Zealand, Ali and Hizul invite friends and community members to share iftar at their café in Frankton. This initiative not only allows them to uphold prophetic traditions of sharing but also serves as a platform for dialogue about Ramadan and Islamic customs. Hizul emphasizes the role of food in fostering connections and understanding, encouraging conversations around Ramadan and misconceptions about Islam.

Within Auckland’s close-knit network, Ali and Hizul find solace in community gatherings, notably at the home of their friends Mohd Zali Kamari and Suzana Samsudin, who embody the spirit of togetherness by hosting iftar for numerous guests. They emphasize that such gatherings, though not blood-related, reinforce the bonds of their cultural community, showcasing the importance of support and unity during Ramadan.

In conclusion, the observance of Ramadan by Habib Ali and Syahida Hizul in Queenstown highlights the significance of food in cultural traditions, community bonding, and spiritual reflection. Through their efforts to recreate the vibrancy of Malaysian Ramadan customs, they foster understanding and connection within their New Zealand community. Their experiences underscore the universal themes of family, generosity, and the pursuit of cultural identity, offering profound insights into the values of Ramadan.

Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz