An American’s Guide to Ramadan

Selamat Berbuka Puasa! With Ramadan, a time of heightened spirituality and self-control upon us, millions of Muslims worldwide are fasting. If you, like many American expats, are unfamiliar with or confused by Ramadan, you’re not alone. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with our brief guide to Ramadan in Malaysia.

History of Ramadan 

It is believed that during the ninth month of the lunar calendar, the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammed. Muhammed was meditating in the cave of Hira when he was visited by the angel Jibril (Gabriel), revealing the Qur’an to him. Jibril also told Muhammed that there was only one God and that Muhammed was the final messenger. This is known as the revelation of Islam. 

What happens during Ramadan

Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reflect on and strengthen their relationship with God. It is a time to demonstrate self-control and restraint, cleanse the body, mind, and soul, and be grateful for blessings. It is also a time to reflect on the many challenges and struggles people endure, which reminds us to be compassionate toward others. 

Ramadan lasts for 29 to 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle. Muslims fast from sunup to sundown, abstaining from eating and drinking, impure thoughts, swearing, conflict, and sexual contact during that time. People who are pre-pubescent or elderly, menstruating, breastfeeding, pregnant, ill, require medication, or traveling are exempt from fasting. An important task for Muslims during this time is to give to charity and help those in need.

For breaking fast at sunset, people tend to gather with others and break their fasts. These gatherings are universally known as iftar (the Arabic term for breaking fast); in Malaysia, the term is “buka puasa” in Bahasa Melayu. In Malaysia, it has become customary for people to host buka puasa gatherings at their homes, restaurants, and hotels and invite others to join. Some people will go to “pasar ramadan” (Ramadan bazaars) to pick up treats and dishes for buka puasa. 

Most people break their fast with dates. During Ramadan, everyone pulls all the stops so you will see every traditional Malay dish available. One of the simpler dishes that you can find is bubur lambuk. Many mosques will make this and distribute it to the poor, and sometimes, they will sell it to make money to distribute to the poor. It is said that bubur lambuk was created when people didn’t have much money. Instead, they would come together and bring what they could, to make a hearty dish everyone could enjoy for buka puasa. They would bring what they could, barley, chicken, corn, etc., hence how bubur lambuk came about. For Eid – or in Bahasa malayu, Raya. During Ramadan, you’ll see tons of treats, cookies, kuihs (traditional Malaysian desserts)  in abundance. You will also see lots of ketupats, which are rice cakes wrapped in palm leaves. Empty ketupats are also used to adorn homes as decor. 

Many Ramadan bazaars happen during this time, where stalls sell tasty, sweet, or savory meals, bites, snacks, and drinks for people to break their fast. They are worth exploring and experiencing, as you get an opportunity to try all sorts of Malaysian delights from all the different areas of Malaysia. 

Looking for a Ramadan bazaar in Klang Valley? Check out of list of some of the most popular markets below. 

What’s that sound? 

If you’ve traveled to any other Muslim country, you’ve undoubtedly heard the call to prayer. This is called the adhan. It is always called before it’s time to pray, and Malaysia is no different. While our mosques may look slightly different than those in Turkey or the UAE – as they often demonstrate a colonial style – you will still hear the adhan from the minaret towers. While you can usually hear it year-round, it may sound a bit louder around this time 

Following breakfast, extra prayers (called tarawih) are made. These are special prayers involving reading long portions of the Qur’an. Afterward, many people get together and go for coffee or hang out. Malaysians refer to this hangout time as moreh. 

Mosques are open for non-Muslims during Ramadan. But it is important to note to be dressed properly. Long sleeves, pants/skirts, and for women, a scarf. ⁠We are lucky to have The National Mosque of Malaysia located right here in Kuala Lumpur. There are also many beautiful mosques around KL, such as Masjid Wilayah, Masjid Jamek, and if you want to venture out a little further, the Pink Mosque in Putrajaya, The Blue Mosque, The Iron Mosque, and Raja Haji Fisabilillah Mosque.

Celebrating the end of Ramadan

The celebration commemorating the fasting month is called Eid-Ul-Fitr. In Bahasa Malayu, it is called Hari Raya Puasa (usually referred to as Hari Raya, i.e., New Year). 

People celebrate with a large prayer service with the communities, wearing their best attire and indulging in large festivities. In Malaysia, people host “open house” celebrations and invite people to their homes for food and festivities. One tradition is to give “duit raya,” or Eid Money in envelopes to children, single people, and those in need.

How to celebrate Ramadan like a local

If you’re looking for a great way to immerse yourself in one of the many cultures in Malaysia, consider stopping by one of the many amazing Ramadan Bazaars (known as “pasar Ramadan”) throughout Klang Valley. The following are some of the most popular ones. Pro tip: Go early (around 4 or 5pm) to avoid the crowd. 

If you want to wish your Muslim neighbors well during Ramadan, you can say “Selamat berbuka puasa” (happy fasting month) or “Ramadan mubarak” (the Arabic version, but it’s universal amongst Muslims).

TTDI

Located along Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, the TTDI Ramadan Bazaar is where you can grab a mouthwatering smoked brisket taco and pulled lamb tacos, nasi biryani gam, freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, or ikan bakar. Ensure you don't miss out on the popular popiah basah stall that's been around for over 20 years! 

Bangsar

Located just a 15-minute walk from the Bangsar LRT Station, the Ramadan bazaar in Bangsar is the perfect neighborhood bazaar. While it isn't as big as some others on this list, they have all the classics and is great if you just want to tapao something for dinner quickly.

Ampang

Tapak Pasar Ramadan Taman Melawati in Selangor is bound to be a highlight in your Ramadan bazaar journey! Find your favorite savory food, desserts, and drinks among the abundant stalls serving up deliciousness.

Cheras

A favorite among locals and expats, Bazaar Ramadhan Taman Bukit Cheras is brimming with stalls serving various local delicacies. 

Bukit Bintang

Located in the heart of KL right in front of the iconic Bukit Bintang McDonald's outlet, the Bukit Bintang Ramadan Bazaar is hard to miss when you're in the area. While it isn't huge, they have all the classics such as nasi briyani, nasi lemak, roti john, and more. 

Taman Melawati 

One of the biggest bazaars in Klang Valley, Taman Melawati Ramadan Bazaar offers a plethora of choices with rows and rows of stalls where you can get anything from whole fried chicken to apam balik, roast chicken, char kuey teow, and more. One of our favorites here is the freshly made onde-onde – an explosion of earthy and sweet gula melaka makes for the best dessert!

Kampung Baru

Set against a backdrop of the Petronas Twin Towers, the Kampung Baru Ramadan Bazaar is another iconic one in Klang Valley. One of the best sellers here is the bubur lambuk (savory porridge), comfort food cooked the traditional way

Jalan Tuanku Abdul

Stretched out proudly in front of the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad building, the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Ramadan Bazaar is another iconic bazaar in KL. This huge bazaar has hundreds of stalls, offering Ramadan classics such as assortments of kuih, ayam percik, ikan bakar, nasi campur, mee goreng, and more. 

Masjid India

The Ramadan bazaar in Masjid India is located close to the Masjid India mosque and is known for its mouthwatering Indian-Muslim fare. From tandoori chicken to putu mayam, the place is full of yummy food with a vibrant vibe. There's also a covered section and stalls selling clothes, toys, cookies, and more – perfect for Raya shopping!

We hope this quick guide helps you get better acquainted with your new host country. And to all of AAM’s Muslim friends, we wish you Selamat Berbuka Puasa!