張 Gallery

Ramadan

Eid Mubarak to all Muslim friends! As Ramadan comes to an end, let’s look back and continue to be inspired by its spirit of reflection , remembrance and renewal. This was my first time joining in Ramadan prayers and understanding more about the culture and religion as I partook on this photo series. As an outsider and someone who was not a follower, I was initially afraid that I was intruding into the private space of devotees and their connection with god. However, as I reached out to the management of the tarawih prayer spaces at the void deck of Jalan Kukoh, Ar-Raudhah Mosque and Masjid Sultan, I was pleasantly surprised to be warmly received. To my understanding, in Ramadan, Muslims fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of learning self-control, gratitude, and compassion. As they fast, they offered me food and drinks, something which I was too ashamed to consume before Iftar. Over the course of a few weeks in which I joined Iftar sessions at Jalan Kukoh, Ar-Raudhah Mosque and Masjid Sultan alike, I felt a sense of peace whenever it was time for Maghrib and Isha prayers. I could understand why Ramadan was a period of introspection, and a time for God to forgive the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention. I am truly grateful for their hospitality and for allowing me to have a glimpse of a culture and religion that has been outside of my context even though we live in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society.