All of us at Pt B.A.L.I. and PT Bali Luxury Villas and Best Bali Real Estate wish you and yours a very Happy Ramadan.
Selamat Ramadan. May Allah bless you during this holy month.
Imagine a month where dawn heralds not the start of a typical day, but a journey of spiritual renewal. This is Ramadan, a time of profound significance for Muslims worldwide.
The Five Pillars of Islam form the foundation of Muslim life, and fasting during Ramadan is a crucial part of this foundation. Alongside declaring faith in Allah (shahadah), performing the five daily prayers (salah), giving charity (zakat), and making the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), Ramadan fasting is a mandatory observance for all healthy, adult Muslims.
The fast begins at dawn, with a pre-dawn meal called ’suhoor’, and ends at sunset with the ‘iftar’ meal. During the fast, Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink anything, including water, and must also abstain from smoking, engaging in sexual activity, and other wordly pleasures.
Fasting during Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink. It is also about controlling one's thoughts and emotions and striving to become a better person.
Muslims are also encouraged to do their normal daily activities including going to work and prayers.
Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayers and recitation of the Quran during this month and to be more charitable and kinder to others.
Ramadan is also a time of community and togetherness. Muslims often gather to break their fast with an iftar meal. They also participate in Taraweeh prayers – special prayers performed after the nightly prayer during Ramadan.
There are exceptions to fasting during Ramadan. Children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, pregnant and nursing women, and people who are sick or travelling are not permitted to fast.
However, they are expected to make up the missed days of fasting at a later time or make a donation to charity to help feed the poor.
In addition to fasting, Ramadan is also a time of celebration and joy. The month ends with a three-day festival called Idul Fitri here in Indonesia, which is marked by feasting, giving and receiving gifts, and spending time with family and friends.
In addition to fasting, Ramadan is also a time of celebration and joy. The month ends with a three-day festival called Idul Fitri here in Indonesia, which is marked by feasting, giving and receiving gifts, and spending time with family and friends.
Ramadan in Bali
While Ramadan is a universal observance for Muslims, its expression varies across different cultures.
In Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim nation, it takes on a particularly vibrant character. And within Indonesia, Bali, with its unique blend of cultures, presents an interesting case. Bali being a Hindu majority island within the world's largest muslim country.
Now, as Bali is in Indonesia and Bali is a majority Hindu island, how then does Ramadan affect tourists in Bali?
Bali has about a 15% muslim population, while respecting the observation of Ramadan most places will operate as usual.
However some local muslim owned restaurants or street vendors may be closed or operate during different hours, and observers may experience reduced energy during the peak hours of the day.
While the holy month itself often coincides with high season, attracting international visitors, the end of Ramadan triggers a surge in domestic travel.
The Lebaran long weekend sees a significant influx of Indonesian holidaymakers, leading to increased domestic flights and heightened activity, particularly in popular tourist areas.
In general not much changes for tourists visiting the island, you will still be able to enjoy all your favourite activities.
During daylight hours, consider being mindful of those fasting and avoid eating or drinking in public spaces near mosques or in areas with a high concentration of Muslim residents.
Ramadan in Bali is a testament to the island's harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures. While the rhythms of daily life may shift slightly, the spirit of respect and understanding ensures that both observers and visitors can experience the beauty of this holy month.
Ramadan Mubarak
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