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| Ramadan by Elsayed Mohammed Elsaba, a student from Egypt who studied at UMM. (Photo: Syifa Humas) |
Celebrating Eid away from family creates a sense of longing in itself. This was felt by one of the foreign students who studied at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). She is Rania Hamdi Ramadan Elsayed Mohammed Elsaba, a student from Egypt who tells about the experience of Eid in Indonesia.
“Honestly being away from family is not easy and it will never be. But fortunately, I am in a Muslim-majority country like Indonesia which still gives Eid euphoria even though it is a little different in my country. However, many of my Indonesian friends have returned to their hometowns, so it feels a bit lonely," he continued.
Rania, who is already in her fourth year in Indonesia, sees that there is not much difference between Eid celebrations in the two countries. Many returned home and gathered with their families in their hometowns.
Interestingly, Rania's favorite food during Eid is not chicken opor or the like. But he prefers to eat Malang meatballs which can be easily found. “When you eat Malang Meatballs, your sad mood can be cured right away. Moreover, many are selling right here," he added.
Furthermore, he also prefers to spend Eid with his close friends who are also foreign students. Having the same longing for family brings them closer. Usually, after the Eid prayer, they gather, cook together, and eat together while watching a movie.
Rania also admitted that she was very happy even though she had to celebrate Eid in Indonesia. This can not be separated from the Indonesian people who are friendly and like to give a smile. Even several times he received gifts to be enjoyed with his friends.
“Indonesian people are very friendly. I can't deny that. When they smile at me, their smile is peaceful and comforting. Alhamdulillah, even though I am far from my family, I am surrounded by friends and friendly people,” said Rania ending. (Zak/Wil)
