By Kim Young-jin
Over a billion Muslims around the world last week began the fasting, prayer and charity that comprise the holy month of Ramadan, and those in Korea were no exception despite the stifling heat.
Islam’s holy month began last Tuesday and will last until Sept. 10. During that time, most Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, read the Koran and make charitable contributions.
On the lunar calendar, Ramadan begins about 11 days earlier each year, meaning this year it falls square in the middle of a scorching summer in Korea.
Kamaldeen Hamid from Ghana admitted the sweltering heat makes the fasting more arduous, but laughed kindly when asked if it might prevent him from observing the guidelines.
“The last two Ramadan have been a bit harder. The heat makes working during the day tough. But I don’t think it will be a problem,” said Hamid, who works with cars.
Indian man Arif said that while the heat and fasting may be difficult, it is all worthwhile come sunset.
“After fasting all day, we can have some food, relax and share community. Iftar gives us a great feeling,” he said.
Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast each day. Communities often meet at this time to pray and share food.
Korea is home to some 30,000 native Muslims and 100,000 foreign adherents who come from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Uzbekistan and the United States.
Seoul Central Masjid, located near Itaewon, hosts some 250 Muslims each weekday for iftar, with the number swelling to over 500 on weekends.
Fasters generally wake an hour before dawn to have a small meal; eating and drinking is then only allowed after the fourth prayer, at around 7:30 p.m., with many heading to the mosque for iftar.
Ramadan is supposed to bring purity and create total devotion to Allah. The abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing of desires it requires is regarded as an act of obedience to God and atonement for one’s sins. Shariq Saeed, a trader who has spent 11 Ramadan in Korea, said observing the holy month here adds an element of diversity given the multicultural environment taking root here.
He said people from all over the world and all walks come to Seoul Central Masjid during Ramadan. “All sorts of people ― students, families, diplomats ― gather here for iftar,” he said. “We come from many different countries but consider ourselves part of one nation ¬ Islam.”
Muneer Ahmad, who runs an Islamic bookstore near the mosque, said the diversity is a boon for the community.
“It is very interesting to discover each other in such a multicultura l setting, where people from so many different walks of life can be seen living together. It provides us the opportunity to understand each other better,” he said.
Ahmad added that by properly observing the holy month, adherents here help teach the larger society about Islam.
“Koreans can see Muslims living their faith and adhering to the Islamic way of life,” he said. “They can find out more about the true face of Islam, and many misconceptions about Islam and Muslims can be removed from their minds. So I believe it has a good impact.”
Seoul Central Masjid is located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. It is accessible from Itaewon Subway Station. Call (02) 794-7307 or 793-6908 for more details regarding its Ramadan programs.