The First Ramadan After Eight Years Abroad: A Reflection
This year’s Ramadan holds profound significance for me. After eight years of fasting abroad, I have once again experienced the spiritual atmosphere of my homeland. The differences are striking, particularly in the practice of Tarawih prayer.
In Malaysia, Tarawih consists of 20 raka’ahs followed by 3 raka’ahs of Witr, conducted without a sermon, lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes after the Isha prayer. In contrast, here, Tarawih is generally performed in 8 raka’ahs followed by 3 raka’ahs of Witr, interspersed with religious sermons, yet with a similar overall duration.
One particularly intriguing difference lies in the delivery of sermons. In Malaysia, religious sermons are more structured, with Friday sermons (Khutbah Jumaat) adhering to topics predetermined by the Department of Islamic Affairs (JAIS). Meanwhile, here, sermons are more diverse, taking place not only during Friday sermons but also after Tarawih, with topics tailored to the accreditation and expertise of the delivering ustaz.
I am grateful for the opportunity to experience both traditions. Each setting has its own unique characteristics, yet the ultimate purpose remains unchanged—to draw closer to Allah and deepen spiritual understanding.
May this Ramadan serve as a time for reflection and self-improvement for us all.
In Malaysia, Tarawih consists of 20 raka’ahs followed by 3 raka’ahs of Witr, conducted without a sermon, lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes after the Isha prayer. In contrast, here, Tarawih is generally performed in 8 raka’ahs followed by 3 raka’ahs of Witr, interspersed with religious sermons, yet with a similar overall duration.
One particularly intriguing difference lies in the delivery of sermons. In Malaysia, religious sermons are more structured, with Friday sermons (Khutbah Jumaat) adhering to topics predetermined by the Department of Islamic Affairs (JAIS). Meanwhile, here, sermons are more diverse, taking place not only during Friday sermons but also after Tarawih, with topics tailored to the accreditation and expertise of the delivering ustaz.
I am grateful for the opportunity to experience both traditions. Each setting has its own unique characteristics, yet the ultimate purpose remains unchanged—to draw closer to Allah and deepen spiritual understanding.
May this Ramadan serve as a time for reflection and self-improvement for us all.
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