Hunger and thirst are proving to be nothing but minor obstacles for these new Muslim converts, who believe their faith will help them through the month of Ramadan.
Nuradlin Lim Cia Cia, a Year Four medical student with Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, said she began fasting two years ago but this is her first time fasting as a Muslim. “Before this, I was fasting secretly without the knowledge of my parents as I didn't want to hurt their feelings. When my younger sister converted to Islam, only then did I have the courage the follow in her footsteps," said the 23-year-old. Nuradlin said her sister, Gladys Lim Yin Yin, 22, became a Muslim a year ago. She said their mother was supportive of the move while their father had some objection. “My mother is very supportive and understanding. She even wakes me up every day for sahur and prepares halal meals for me," she told.
Nuradlin said, as a medical student, she has a tight schedule which doesn't always give her an opportunity to perform Tarawih prayers at the mosque. "However, I'm fortunate to have supportive friends who will pray together with me at home," she said.
As for Halim Abdullah, formerly Lim Ah Teng, 50, he said his experience of fasting for the first time has been a significant one. “Although in this past week I have encountered the urge to eat, but I continued fasting as I did not want my efforts to go to waste," he said. Halim, who has been a Muslim for nine months, said his biggest challenge was losing his own family in the process. However, but he felt blessed at having been 'adopted' by another Muslim family. “My family was against my decision and banished me. However, I am so grateful to be able to go through this fasting journey with my new family. “My adopted family has been a great support. They are helping teach me ways on how to live as a proper Muslim by guiding me to perform prayers and reciting the Quran,”
Meanwhile, Nur Syuhada Abdullah, 30, a factory operator, is the sole Muslim convert in her family She said that at the moment, she only knows how to fast and is still learning how to perform her prayers properly. “For now, I am only following what other Muslim are doing when they pray. I am also grateful that my friends and neighbors have taught me a lot especially on the fard ‘ain and fard' kifayah. “I don’t feel hungry during the fasting hours but my working conditions can make me feel extremely thirsty. Sometimes I feel very lethargic, but nevertheless I want to continue fasting to fulfil my religious obligations."
source : hawzahnews
