Malaysian Shares Her Family's Experience Of Fasting For Over 20 Hours In A Day In Norway
"It would be a lie to say we don't miss the Ramadan atmosphere in Malaysia."
By Aqasha Nalani — 29 Mar 2024, 11:19 AM
Azira Aziz, a 40-year-old Malaysian citizen residing in Oslo, Norway, recalled the challenges she and her family faced during Ramadan in 2012
Their move to the country following her husband's job offer led them to experience fasting for exceptionally long hours, a stark contrast to the shorter fasting periods in Malaysia, reported Harian Metro.
According to the mother of two, one of the main challenges they first faced after their migration was the confusion over iftar timings, as mosques in Norway followed different mazhab.
"Some mosques break their fast early and some a bit later, so we were quite confused. We had to have our sahur meal early and wait for iftar until 10.45pm," said Azira.
Despite the initial difficulties, Azira said her family gradually adjusted to fasting for long hours
She shared that from 2013 to 2020, the Muslim community in Norway had to fast for 20 hours during Ramadan, but some were given dispensation to follow Mecca's timings.
"We were allowed to follow Mecca, which means fasting for about 17 hours only. However, for those who could, they would complete the full 20-hour fast," said Azira, adding that her family opted to fast for 20 hours.
This year, however, Muslims in Oslo experienced shorter fasting hours due to winter, fasting for 14 hours daily.
Azira also expressed a longing for the vibrant Ramadan atmosphere in Malaysia
"It has been 11 years since we moved to Norway. It would be a lie to say we don't miss the Ramadan atmosphere in our homeland," said Azira.
She added that she misses having iftar at the mosque, performing tarawih prayers, and visiting Ramadan bazaars.
Azira also shared that her family would celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Norway, as returning to Malaysia during the school year is challenging with their two children, Nur Fazera, 13, and Nur Firzanah, 10.
