Young people can cheer up Ramadan atmosphere in villages

It is humbling to think how many humanitarian thought streams come together at Ramadan. Gratitude towards Allah the Almighty, a sense of community, the notion of sharing, and also that one great ideal which is becoming a casualty of modern times the pleasure of a family gathered together over a meal. Buka puasa, or the breaking of fast during Ramadan could mean just delicious food for some, but to most families, it is one occasion to underline the warmth of filial relationships. They believe in breaking the fast with their families. One common query you would come across parents posing to their children in any conversations during this time of the year is: "When are you coming home for buka puasa?" With children often in far flung cities, pursuing their careers or education, parents see buka puasa as one occasion that can bring a family together. WORK COMMITMENTS Increased travel opportunities, aspirations and advances in communication have led to children travelling far and wide to pursue their dream goals. While cell phones and internet have indeed made the world a global village, all this modernisation and information technology has not been able to recreate the warmth of a family sitting together in a festive spirit. Parents long for a few snatched moments of togetherness with their progeny. Social activist Fatimah Mansur says all Muslim parents hope to have buka puasa meals with their children. "However, due to work and other commitments, young adults living in other cities are unable to return home (village) to have buka puasa meals with their parents; they only return to their villages to celebrate Hari Raya. But whenever the children manage to join their parents for this ritual meal together, parents are elated, she says. YOUNGER GENERATION Living in Kampung Gintong, some 25 km from Jerantut town in Pahang, Mariam (not her full name), says villages would be bustling with activity if the younger generation returned home to celebrate Ramadan. "There is the 'sahur' tradition where the youths will visit the houses of neighbours to wake them up for the compulsory meal. This is still being continued in villages with many residents," she said. Mariam added that there will be a festive atmosphere at the village's surau and mosque for the breaking of fast as well as other events like the Qiamullail and Tadarus held at night. KAMPUNG GINTONG Unfortunately, the reality is different. During Ramadan, Kampung Gintong appears dull and lifeless, a pale shadow of its earlier self. The youth in this village have migrated to urban areas to pursue their careers and education. During the festive season, once identified with hustle and bustle in the family courtyard and laughter ringing through the corridors, older people find themselves alone in their houses. Occasionally, when some of their children who are still in school or those who are still not employed, visit them, it becomes a moment to cherish. The century-old Malay tradition is no more followed by the youth. However, when students come to Kampung Gintong to participate in camping activities, pitching their tents near the paddy fields, catching fish, and participating in games such as top-spinning at other times of the year, the area becomes alive. No wonder, the villagers look forward to students visits, and themselves participate in games and angling competitions. RAMADAN Sadly, during Ramadan, even these students do not engage in such activities. So the only hope is for the children to return, which is rare. "Those young people who stay close to their villages are able to return home for Ramadan, but for those who stay far away, returning to their villages to spend a weekend with their families becomes difficult," explained Mohd Kamal Hasan, a former radio jockey who hails from Kampung Gintong. Mohd Kamal presently stays in Jerantut, and is able to return home for buka puasa, but earlier, his work commitments prevented being with his family in the village. Now that he knows what a pleasure it could be to be under the same roof with the family at glorious times like this, he has become a votary of parents. He says youth should visit their parents for at least a weekend to celebrate Ramadan. WEEKEND "Breaking fast in my village is an altogether different experience," admits Nurizzati Umira Satar, a Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) student in Kuala Lumpur, who also hails from Kampung Gintong. "I would love to return home every week," says Nurizzati, who forever remains ready to board the express bus to return home whenever she finds an opportunity to do so. Indulging in sumptuous meals during buka puasa in the city is not the same as breaking fast with ones kith and kin at home. After all, it is not just about the food. In fact, it is a far more glorious combination of religion, dedication, purity, togetherness and the joys of the family. A buka puasa meal simply tastes different when enjoyed with your mother and father watching you, listening to your tales from the city. Next time you have the opportunity, try it out.