My first Ramadhan in Aberdeen

Salam w.b.t. and hello folks.

I don’t have fancy pictures of food, restaurants, whatnot to be posted on social network. But, I would like to share so far what it is like fasting here, in Aberdeen. Ramadhan 6 today.

Maghrib is around 10.15 pm, and Subuh is around 2.10 am. So, I have approximately 4 hours to before I start fasting again. Well, compared to Finland and nearby regions, they have less than an hour. So, 4 hours. Should not complain much.

Also, I shared with my workmates about Ramadhan, fasting, and basic ideas why Muslim fast.

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Kris: I have an energy drink in my car. I can nip out and give it to you.

Me: What? Energy drink? No, no. When I say fasting, I mean no food, no drink, nothing goes inside our body.

Kris: What??! I thought you cannot eat only. You can drink. What if you dehydrate?

Me: I haven't reach that level yet, and I can assure you it won't be until dehydration. If it is too much, I will just break my fast. So, don’t worry.

*

Alan: Toon, are you fasting ey?

Me: Yeah. Do you want to try to fast with me as well?

Alan: I don't think I will make it. If I don’t eat and hungry, I will be grumpy and have my period all day.

Me: You are the first man I know that can have period ;)

*

Workshop supervisor came and asked me several questions about Ramadhan and fasting. After our chat, I told him, I am not really good at explaining stuffs but I will try my best to answer.

He said, "Nah, don’t worry. You already answer all my questions. Before this, we did not have a chance to ask this sort of thing here. Since you are here, we can ask you".

"I will try my best to address all the questions, Fincham".

*

They are curious, curious on many things. They asked about headscarf, hajj, mosques, and many other things. Some even asked about marriage (Hahahaha). Most of the times, I doubt if I have properly explained to them since I am not that alim.

Anyway, Ramadhan Mubarak to everyone. No matter where we are, we are aiming the same objective, to be a better person.

The view of Edinburgh from Arthur's Seat. I went there last month.

P/S - The responsibility is bigger

Friendly Australian Man

Salam w.b.t and Hi, folks. How are you guys doing? I am doing extremely well. Hehehe...

I would like to share an experience that I had last year with you guys. I had shared it on Facebook, but I want to share it again here because it was a unique experience. Actually, it was a conversation that I had with an Australian man and I paste it below. 

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I had a conversation with a really friendly, nice, and good Australian man about half an hour ago.

I met him when I walked to my apartment. He smiled and said hello to me and I said hello back. I thought the conversation will end after that because I can see he was on his way to throw rubbish and I want to go home. He introduced his name and asked my name, I replied my name is Siti. He looked surprise and say, “So, you are Siti, UWA student and doing thesis right now?!!” I was like how does he know me? Am I in trouble or should I run? Suddenly he laughed while tidying up his hair and at that point I knew he was not dangerous. He said, “Hey, I am ** we contacted through email”. Then, our laughter exploded.

We talked about Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, durian, nasi lemak, Eid, Independence Day and others. He asked me, “Do you go to UWA mosque every Friday?” and I replied with “No”. Then he asked me which mosque that I usually go? In my head I was like, “Well not usually, but I do go to the mosque”. I answered, “Hepburn Mosque, about 30 minutes from here”. He asked, “Is it okay if I join you and your friends when you go to the mosque? Is it alright if a man comes with a group of girls to go to the mosque?” I said, “Yes, it is fine to come to the mosque. I will certainly let you know when I want to go to the mosque. I have your mobile number”. He looked really excited.

So, I have to arrange time to bring this nice man to the mosque.

 ~~~~~

After I posted this on Facebook, someone had offered to help me to bring this man to the mosque. Actually, we did not bring this man to the mosque. Instead, we brought him to Kings Park to join the Eid Celebration there. It was in the park and open area, not a mosque. So that, he could see how the Muslim perform the prayers and listen to the sermon. It was my first time bringing non-Muslim to join the Muslim community and it was a valuable experience. The man also happy and still hoping that he will be able to come to the real mosque one day. I wish I could fulfill his wish, but I am no longer in Australia and I have lost contact with him. 

Ok, folks. I will stop here and see you in the next entry. Take a good care of yourself. Salam w.b.t :)