Ramadhan & Syawal 1426H

Alhamdulillah, we still have the opportunity to welcome Ramadhan this year. It is our first time fasting outside Malaysia. After 35 years of comfortable, I experienced 30 days fasting around unfamiliar environment. No salam and wishes from people I met. Only prayers from dear family as I leave home to head for school. The nights are rather silent, with my wife and I doing our occassional Tarawikh (separately). Nights during spring are relatively shorter as compared to winter. Usually, we would retire one hour after iftar, leaving Isya' at before eating Sahur. How I miss Ramadhan in Malaysia. Anyway, it is valuable experience for my wife and me. Something that we would treasure throughout our life. Indeed, when we go back to Malaysia, we would appreciate life more.

1 Syawal is yet to be confirmed. FIANZ the Islamic body in NZ will be sighting the moon on Thursday 3rd Nov. We will know on Thursday night whether Eidul Fitri will be on Friday or Saturday. Already NZ has started fasting one day later than the rest of the world. Australia and other countries will be celebrating Eid on Thursday, when NZ is only looking for the moon on that day. It would be hilarious if they don't see the moon, then.

To all my friends in Malaysia and in other countries. I wish all of you and your families, Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin. May Allah accept our deeds in Ramadhan and grant us guidance throughout the year.