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| Fachrul Rozi in front of the Islamic University of Medina Faculty of Sharia Building (Photo: Special) |
Even though Saudi Arabia has as many Muslims as Indonesia, many cultural differences emerge, especially when Ramadan arrives. Fachrul Rozi, an alumnus of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) currently continuing his study at the Islamic University of Medina, Saudi Arabia, feels the same way.
"This is my first time fasting abroad and away from my homeland. Of course I miss it, but thank God, Ramadan here is as busy as in Indonesia," he said.
Rozi, as he is often called, said that one of the activities that amazed him was the time before breaking the fast. Even though they both share food, the people in Medina are very zealous in providing food. They are competing to share and try to get a lot of goodness in Ramadan. The food varies from beef, briyani rice, kebabs, and other Arabic specialties.
"I was surprised that there was so much food to break the fast. Alhamdulillah, my friends and I also joined in providing food for the Muslims here," he added.
The UMM Islamic Family Law alumnus also said that dates seemed to be a mandatory food for breaking the fast in Medina. Usually, people in Arabia eat it together with the yoghurt. Interestingly, Zabadi fresh yoghurt tastes slightly different from the usual yoghurts. A mixture of zabadi is poured into it to have a sour, salty, and slightly sweet taste. Unfortunately, Rozi didn't really like it because it was a little unsuitable for the Indonesian tongue.
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Another thing that amazes Rozi is the culture of the people who completely stop their activities when the call to prayer arrives, and then pray in droves at the mosque. Even the residents also reminded each other to carry out the prayer immediately. This applies not only at sunset but also at every call to prayer. Then when finished praying, activity returned to normal.
"Indeed, Arabia, especially Medina, is a place where Islam first descended and developed. But still, things like this make me chuckle in awe. I am grateful to be able to set foot in this City of the Prophet," he said.
Lastly, Rozi encourages young people to dream and pursue it seriously, including going to school and studying abroad. However, remember to bring your knowledge back to your homeland and share it with others.
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"That is in accordance with my principle of 'Go to Return'. So my presence here is only temporary to study. My main goal, God willing, is to share knowledge and experience when I return to Indonesia later, "concluded Rozi. (Put/Ri/Wil)
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