Albert Herdianto Widjojo
This Friday is the eighteenth day of the Muslim community in my country running the fasting month of Ramadan. Fasting is done from dawn which is called Subuh until the full sunset sun is called Maghrib. Fasting is done by not eating or drinking at all during the specified time, as well as not to think, speak bad things, or behave negatively.
If we are on the road in the afternoon a few hours before Maghrib, then we will see or feel how people try hard to get home to break their fast with family at home, or with friends, or with other groups. During the fasting month, usually, there are always many invitations to do such a joint iftar event which is not only done by fellow Muslims but also with other religious people.
In addition, there are also people who carry out various activities whose purpose is to spend time to break their fast. In Jakarta or in certain areas, especially West Java and Banten, this activity is called Ngabuburit, which is a term from Sundanese (the language of West Javanese and Bantenese people) which means seeking amusement and distractions while waiting for the day’s fast to end.
As far as I know, fasting is also part of the worship of other religions even though the rules and procedures are different. I myself did not carry out fasting in that worship, but also often did it for other spiritual intentions. For me, fasting means refraining from indulging in any form of lust, which means more than just not eating and drinking for a certain amount of time, which also means that it needs to be done forever. Moreover, scientifically such fasting also provides many benefits, both for physical and psychological health.
The photo above is a picture that I took when I wanted to attend an invitation from a relative who lived in the suburbs. I could feel various atmosphere before breaking fast on that day; those who want to get to their destination immediately, those who are Ngabuburit, those who prepare drinks and food to be served to break their fast, whether at home, at the mosque or at other places.
-
Have you ever fasted for any reason?
-
Yes
-
No
-
Users voted 12 times.
Q: Have you ever fasted for any reason?
Yes (8 votes) – 67%
No (4 votes) – 33%
Even with us, it is a couple of days in the year when we are supposed to fasten, but I do not know exactly when and why … I do not hold these customs … I do not remember to ever fast … maybe on a Friday Friday when it should not Eat pork
I understand, dear friend. They are indeed more strict in carrying out religious orders. At least that’s what I see in my country.
In our country, this depends on each individual, whether it is true or not … the more faithful they stick to it … it does not
I agree that the post also gives many benefits for both physical and psychological health. We also have no meat, alcohol, and sex for 40 days before Easter and Christmas. I do it on Friday before Easter.
It’s the same as fasting in Catholicism, at least in my country. The difference is that you do it twice, before Easter and Christmas.
I have never fasted before … the only time I changed my diet for a “religious” purpose was for my cousin, and that to me wasn’t even for a religion purpose. But its the last thing we could do for my cousin.
However, it’s a form of fasting, at least an abstinence.
When I was working a project in Malaysia, during Ramadan, we (the Australian PM and I) used to skip lunch during that time to be fair to our Muslim coworkers.
That’s great! You have a high tolerance for respecting them, Doc. Other religious people in my country are also tolerant of those who fast in various ways.
Well, I eat mostly once a day this whole month. Is that considered fasting? But I still drink coffee, morning and afternoon, something I cannot fast ?
Eat once a day is fasting the Catholic way, isn’t it?
Personally, I do various types of fasting for various important intentions*, such as full fasting (without eating, drinking, smoking and sleeping) for three days which we call Patigeni, or fasting 24 hours and only breaking fast for 15 minutes for three days, Mutih fasting (only eating white rice and water) every day for 3 or 7 days, and various other fasts. Btw, when I write this, I’m tempted to challenge you to do one of it… Hehehe…
Mutih fasting is something I can do maybe altho eating only rice (no coffee? I cannot function without coffee) is kinda boring ?. I can live with only bread and water but haven’t tried with rice and water only. No to Patigeni only bcoz sleep is something I cannot forego.
I do not understand the part that said “breaking fast for 15 minutes”. Does it mean no sleep-eating-drinking-smoking for 3 days but can do whatever in that 3 days for 15 minutes only? Does that part belong to Patigeni?
Patigeni, Pati (Javanese) = Mati = put off/extinguish, Dead. Geni (Javanese) = Api = fire, which means turning off fire. 3 days continuously without light, eating, drinking, and smoking, without pause.
Fasting 3 days x 24 hours = without eating, drinking, and smoking until exactly 24 hours after that only have time no later than 15 minutes to eat, etc. then continue fasting. Interested? Ha ha ha ha…
I only asked for my information. I can function without food and 3 days isn’t a long time. Unfortunately, I cannot afford not to sleep or drink not even if I live in paradise. Drink is life, sleep is lifer (pun intended) ??
I have no argument to argue…
Hahahahahaha ??????? and you can complain to Virily that comments like this must not be accepted ?
Orthodox Christians in my country have two fasting periods (before Christmas and before Easter). During these periods, they do not eat animal products (meat, eggs, milk, etc.).
It’s interesting to know. Catholics in my country only carry out fasting (eating full once a day) and abstinence (meat, eggs, milk, etc.) before Easter.
We can eat all day long!??
That’s true! Our rules about fasting are different from their rules, and ours feels lighter.
I fasted once but not a full fast for an answer for a specific decision. I did not get an answer but over time the answer came to me….
That’s great, Pamela. Even with just one fast, you get what you expect.
Fasting is not only muslim religious festival , but all major religion speak about it, It is the months blessings from God.
Nehemiah 1:4
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
He who controls the senses by the mind and engages his active organs in works of devotion, without attachment, is by far superior.”(BG 3.7)
I know, my friend. Isn’t that I already mentioned in the writing above that fasting is also part of the worship festival of other religions?
Yeah , you are absolutely right Albert. Have you ever been invited by muslim friend for aftar party ?
The picture above I took when I was on my way to a relative’s iftar. I have two Muslim brothers-in-law from two of my sisters, while my wife’s family is entirely Muslim. My friends are mostly Muslim because Islam is the majority in my country, so… there are at least 3 invitations for breaking fast every week.
Oh that’s really greats, Hope you have great aftar with them
Yup! I am always happy to enjoy being with them. Thank you.
We also have Muslims in our country but unfortunately, I haven’t given a chance to learn about their culture and tradition. Yes, I also benefit during these religious festivities because holidays are implemented for all government offices. Thank you for sharing this information.
You know that Islam is the majority religion in my country, so a lot of their worship is quite well known by other people.
Thanks a lot, Sharon.
Fasting is a spiritual exercise, you starve the flesh and feed the spirit. We usually study the word of God during a fast.
Agree with you. People usually feel closer to God when fasting.
Thank you for sharing. This is a very interesting tradition. I certainly would not endure without food and drink for a day
If you are here, at least you can just enjoy ngabuburit time, Vidocka.
Always so interesting to learn of different traditions all over the world. Thank you for sharing this with us Albert.
Thank you for your appreciation, Carol. Even in my own country, there are so many traditions just for this one thing.