Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is revered by Muslims worldwide as the holy month of fasting.

From dawn until sunset each day, observant Muslims abstain from food and drink, dedicating themselves to prayer and spiritual reflection. This annual ritual is not only a key part of the religious calendar, but also a time of profound personal growth and community bonding.

In Brunei Darussalam – a nation with a predominantly Muslim population – the fasting month is embraced with great enthusiasm and reverence. The month-long fast culminates in the joyous celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, when families and friends come together to mark the end of Ramadhan in a spirit of gratitude and forgiveness.

RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE

Fasting during Ramadhan holds immense religious significance in Islam. It is an obligatory act of worship, known in Arabic as sawm, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam – the five foundational duties for every Muslim.

Al-Quran explicitly enjoins fasting upon believers: “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you – as it was for those before you – so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah.”

In other words, the fast is intended to cultivate taqwa, a sense of piety and God-consciousness. By exercising self-restraint from worldly needs, Muslims strengthen their faith and discipline.

Islamic tradition holds that Ramadhan was the month in which Al- Quran was first revealed, making it a particularly sacred time for extra prayers and reflection.

The spiritual benefits of fasting are deeply cherished – it teaches patience, sincerity and humility. Many believers report that going without food and water from dawn to dusk reminds them to be grateful for their blessings and empathise with those less fortunate.

Moreover, those who observe the fast with sincere faith and devotion seek forgiveness and mercy; it is believed that Allah the Almighty pardons the past misdeeds of those who truly dedicate themselves during Ramadhan. Thus, fasting is far more than skipping meals – it is a spiritual exercise that purifies the soul, reinforces one’s dependence on Allah the Almighty and strengthens the foundations of faith.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE IN THE SULTANATE

In Brunei, Ramadhan is not only a religious duty but also a deeply cultural experience ingrained into daily life. The entire country takes on a tranquil yet purposeful atmosphere during the month.

Bruneians observe Ramadhan wholeheartedly, and the pace of life slows noticeably – work days are shortened and daytime activities are kept modest out of respect for the fast.

The atmosphere is one of tranquillity, introspection and devotion. Each evening, as the sun sets, families gather at home or in mosques to break their fast together.

It is common for extended families to unite for the sunset meal (sungkai/iftar) and this daily ritual significantly strengthens family bonds. Traditional Bruneian dishes and sweet treats specific to Ramadhan are prepared and the act of sharing food becomes a way of nurturing both kinship and faith.

It is also customary to begin sungkai with dates and water, emulating Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) practice, before enjoying a hearty meal. Throughout the month, the spirit of community and togetherness is palpable – friends, neighbours, and even strangers often exchange warm Ramadhan greetings and invite each other to share sungkai, reflecting the collective embrace of the fasting tradition.

One of the most vibrant cultural aspects of Ramadhan in Brunei is the proliferation of evening food markets and bazaars.

Locally known as Gerai Ramadhan, these lively markets spring up in towns and villages, usually from mid-afternoon until dusk.

They come alive with a plethora of mouth-watering delicacies and traditional Bruneian cuisine prepared especially for iftar.

Stalls offer everything from grilled meats, curries and noodle dishes to an array of kueh (traditional cakes and sweets), creating a festive panorama of colours and aromas. For locals, visiting the Ramadhan bazaar is a cherished daily routine – a chance to pick up favourite foods for breaking the fast and to mingle with the community.

One of the more recent sungkai traditions in the Sultanate takes place at the iconic Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of Brunei’s largest and most revered places of worship. Here, congregants gather to break their fast with an abundant spread of delicacies, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

Following sungkai, worshippers proceed with the Maghrib prayer before continuing their evening devotion with the Isyak and Sunnat Tarawih prayers, embracing the spiritual essence of Ramadhan in a truly serene setting.

A HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE

Ramadhan fasting is far more than a test of willpower; it is a comprehensive experience that touches the heart, body and society.

For Muslims in Brunei Darussalam, as in the rest of the Muslim world, fasting in the holy month serves as a yearly spiritual tune-up – reaffirming their commitment to faith and reminding them of the values of compassion and discipline.

It reinforces cultural identity, as generations come together to observe time-honoured traditions unique to Ramadhan. It also brings tangible health and wellness benefits when observed sensibly, proving that ancient practices can align with modern well-being.

On a communal level, the fasting month creates a powerful sense of togetherness: families strengthen their bonds, the wealthy reach out to help the poor and the entire society partakes in a rhythm of empathy and self-restraint.

In Brunei, the impact of fasting is visible in the gentler pace of life during the day and the lively, charitable spirit that blooms each night.

As the crescent moon appears to signal the end of Ramadhan, Bruneians celebrate not just the conclusion of a month-long fast, but the reaffirmation of values that carry forward.

The festival of Aidilfitri is marked by joy, forgiveness and unity – a reflection of the spiritual growth achieved during Ramadhan.

The importance of fasting thus resonates beyond the religious obligation; it is a pillar that upholds personal faith and social harmony alike. – Izah Azahari