Celebrating Ramadan away from home

19 March 2025 

Across the globe, Muslims gather with family and friends to mark the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. But for those observing Ramadan away from home, the experience carries a different weight, a blend of nostalgia, adaptation, and newfound community. To better understand how our Muslim international students are navigating Ramadan in Malaysia, we spoke with Farrel Bramantio Naulitua Pane from Indonesia and Sameera @ Aye Thiri Naing from Myanmar.

For Farrel, Ramadan in Indonesia is a time of festivity and togetherness. “Ramadan is celebrated all around the country,” he explains. “We have traditions like Ngabuburit (waiting for iftar) in Ramadan bazaars, going for Taraweeh prayers together, and breaking fast with family.” Indonesian Ramadan staples like Kolak (a sweet dessert made of banana and coconut milk), Es Buah, and Es Podeng are flavours that define the season for him. Adjusting to Ramadan in Malaysia has been surprisingly smooth for Farrel, thanks to the cultural similarities between the two countries. “As Malaysia and Indonesia are close to each other, it doesn't necessarily have a big difference,” he shares. “There are bazaars here too, and people gather for Taraweeh prayers just like back home!”

Farrel Bramantio Naulitua Pane, an Indonesian student from the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Monash University Malaysia.

Sameera’s experience is shaped by the deep sense of communal care back home in Myanmar. “If someone’s lights aren’t on for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), we make sure to wake them up,” she recalls. Traditional dishes like Rice Ganji and Haleem are shared widely, and large ceremonial spreads for iftar are common. “Everyone sits on the floor, sharing the meal together. It’s such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.” In Malaysia, however, the experience is different. “I miss the comfort of my mom’s cooking, but I’ve found new joy in breaking fast with friends here. Going for Taraweeh prayers at the mosque is something I couldn’t do back home, and it makes me feel connected in a different way.”

Observing Ramadan as a student comes with its own set of challenges. Farrel notes that being away from family has been the hardest part. “Not being able to break fast with my family or experience the warmth of home during Ramadan is tough,” he admits. But he has found strength in adapting to the situation. “I’ve learned to be more independent, organising iftars with friends and joining campus events helps me feel connected.”

Sameera reflects on the struggle to balance faith with academic life. “My sleep schedule is all over the place, late nights for Taraweeh, early mornings for Suhoor, and trying to keep up with assignments in between,” she laughs. “It’s overwhelming at times, especially since I also have my responsibilities as the Media Head at MUISS (Monash University International Student Services). But it’s taught me discipline, and I’m learning to make time for what matters most.”

The community has played a key role in preserving the essence of Ramadan for both Farrel and Sameera. Farrel has found a sense of belonging with his friends at Monash. “We break fast together at places like Sunway Geo Avenue and Aman Bistro. We also go to the mosque together for Taraweeh, it makes a huge difference.” Sameera speaks warmly of the friendships she has formed. “One of my friends, who isn’t Muslim, invites us to her house for iftar every year. It’s such a thoughtful gesture, and it makes me feel at home.” MUIS (Monash University Islamic Society) has also provided a comforting space by organising potlucks and Taraweeh prayers.

Sameera @ Aye Thiri Naing, a School of Arts and Social Sciences student at Monash University Malaysia hailing from Myanmar.

When asked what advice they would give to other students experiencing Ramadan away from home for the first time, Farrel and Sameera shared their insights. “Make the most of it. It’s a chance to experience Ramadan through different cultures. Try the local snacks, explore the bazaars, and reach out to the Muslim community. You’ll be surprised at how welcoming people are,” Farrel said. Sameera then shared a similar sentiment. “Don’t do it alone. Find your people. Sharing iftar, praying together, and just sitting and talking, it makes such a difference.” She also reminds students to be gentle with themselves. “There will be tough days when you miss home, and that’s normal. Just take it one day at a time and know that you’re not alone.”

For Farrel and Sameera, spending Ramadan away from home has been a journey of growth. Even if they are thousands of miles from home, the essence of the holy month remains unchanged, a reminder that faith, community, and love know no borders.