Ramadan in Asia and New Zealand

In 2019, Yasir was runner up Young Muslim New Zealander of the Year

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The annual observance is one of the five pillars of Islam, and its arrival is much anticipated for Muslims in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.

During this period, able Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from food and drink (not even water!) focusing instead on spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and charitable acts.

Those fasting eat before dawn and after sunset, known respectively as suhoor and iftar, for the entire month. While suhoor is generally a private affair in one’s home, iftars are usually enjoyed with family and friends, often a festive occasion where exceptional dishes are prepared for guests.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of the temporary deprivation fasting imposes is practicing gratitude. Ramadan fosters empathy and compassion and, in return, Muslims are encouraged to practice manaakitanga and donate generously to worthy causes.

Ramadan in Asia

Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority country in the world

Contrary to popular belief, Asia-Pacific is home to a majority of the world’s Muslim population, with over 60 percent residing in the region. Ramadan is deeply embedded in the cultural and religious fabric of countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, marks Ramadan with unique traditions such as participating in colourful parades, visiting graves of loved ones, and ‘ngabuburit’, where people gather in public spaces before sunset to partake in activities while awaiting iftar. Night markets selling traditional foods like ‘kolak’ (a sweet coconut milk dessert) and ‘gorengan’ (fried snacks) emerge in cities and villages. 

Men praying in a mosque in Putrajaya, Malaysia

During Ramadan vibrant bazaars can be found in every corner of Malaysia, offering a variety of local delicacies such as ‘bubur lambuk’ (a spiced rice porridge). Like Indonesia, special taraweh prayers are held in mosques in which the entirety of the Quran is recited throughout the month. Both countries also observe the ‘balik kampung’ tradition, where city dwellers return to their hometowns to celebrate Eid (more on that below) with their families.

Strengthening cross-cultural understanding and cooperation in New Zealand

New Zealand’s bi-cultural society presents an opportunity for Muslims to use iftar as a means of fostering intercultural dialogue. Inviting non-Muslim friends, neighbours, and colleagues to a fast-breaking dinner allows them to experience the spirit of Ramadan firsthand.

Yasir: "Inviting non-Muslim friends, neighbours, and colleagues to a fast-breaking dinner allows them to experience the spirit of Ramadan firsthand."

Through iftars, the Muslim community demonstrates the values of hospitality, generosity, and community that are fundamental principles to Ramadan, positively contributing to cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

There are parallels to being a Leadership Network member—the experiences and connections formed during these gatherings indirectly aligns with the Foundation’s kaupapa of equipping New Zealanders with knowledge, skills, connections, and confidence to thrive in Asia, and beyond.

Eid al-Fitr

The end of Ramadan is decorated with Eid al-Fitr. The joyous occasion sees friends and whānau come together to re-connect, exchange gifts, and enjoy culinary delights. New Zealand is expected to sight the new moon, which welcomes the first of the two Eids, in late March.

Feel free to greet your Muslim friends with ‘Eid Mubarak’ during the three-day festivities.

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to thrive in Asia. We provide members with the connections, knowledge and confidence to lead New Zealand’s future relationship with the region.