Malang (malangkota.go.id) – Saudi Arabia as the birthplace of Islam and also has a large Muslim population like Indonesia, but has many differences in customs that are seen when Ramadan arrives. That is what Fachrul Rozi, one of the alumni of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) who received a scholarship and is currently continuing his education at the Islamic University of Medina, Saudi Arabia, felt.
"This is my first fasting month abroad and far from my homeland. Of course I miss it, but thank God Ramadan here is also as lively as in Indonesia," he said, Thursday (20/4/2023).
The man who is often called Rozi said that one of the activities that amazed him was the time before breaking the fast. Although they share food, the people in Medina are very generous in providing food for breaking the fast. They seem to be competing to share and try to get a lot of goodness in the Holy Month of Ramadan. The food is also varied, ranging from beef, beriani rice, kebabs, and other typical Arabic foods.
"I was surprised by the abundance of food for breaking the fast. Alhamdulillah, my friends and I also joined in providing food for the Muslims here," he added.
The alumni of the Faculty of Islamic Family Law UMM also said that in Medina, dates seem to be a mandatory food for breaking the fast. Usually people in Arabia eat it together with yogurt. Interestingly, the fresh taste of yogurt in Arabia is slightly different from yogurts in general. There is a mixture of zabadi poured into it so that it has a sour, salty, and slightly sweet taste. Unfortunately, Rozi said he didn't really like it because it was a little unsuitable for the Indonesian tongue.
Another thing that amazed Rozi was the culture of the community who really stopped their activities when the call to prayer came and then flocked to the mosque to pray in congregation. Even the residents also reminded each other to immediately perform the prayer. This applies not only at Maghrib, but also at every call to prayer time. Then when the prayer is finished, activities return to normal.
"Indeed, Arabia, especially Medina, is where Islam descended and developed in the beginning. But still, something like this makes me amazed. I am grateful to be able to set foot in the City of the Prophet," he said.
Finally, Rozi also encouraged young people to dream and pursue their dreams seriously. Including going to school and studying abroad. However, do not forget to bring the knowledge and science back to your homeland and share it with others.
"It is in accordance with my principle of leaving to return. So my presence here is only temporary to study. My main goal, God willing, is to share knowledge and experience when I return to Indonesia later," concluded Rozi. (say/yon)
