Every Ramadan, my feet often travels far and wide, doing their best to have a different set of experiences I encountered back home…

hoping that it creates deeper meaning of fasting, faith, rituals, union of Muslim community, integration of all muslims and non-muslim locals, love, spirituality and gratitude within… including fostering the relationship of man and the Creator…

Ramadan for Muslims is a month long celebration of cleansing, purifying body, heart, mind and soul …

not just refraining food (water included) intake from sunrise to sunset but …

also the depth of individual’s consciousness is tested by being aware of our constant thoughts, words, heartfelt emotions, behavioural and many more that may not be for our highest good.

Mainly… to be our most loving highest self we can possibly be.

Of course it is challenging.. without food or water, abstaining from anger, gossips, “sinful” habits etc and yet I chose to travel …another arduous task… but I love it!

I believe whatever that comes is often perfect for that soul to undertake in hope that his/her being will escalate to the next level of being Human.

Looking back, while being in the present, I gathered these…

To date, I’ve experienced the amazing hospitality of the

• Moroccans at breaking fast in Casablanca and Marrakech
• in the mosque in Seoul with the Korean’s international volunteer groups who served thousands with communal meals during iftar and sahoor like delicious briyani, rice dishes, fruits, dates, drinks and lots more, 
• endless colourful bazaars in Brunei alongside their mouthwatering dishes and hospitality, 
• not forgetting Malaysia’s bazaars, seeing how both muslims and non work together respecting each others religions…
• indonesia (i went to Bali, a place that lived mostly hindu believers than Muslims with my youngest and fasted. I learnt lots about peace and spirituality)
• and including multicultural ethnicity ways of celebration in Europe in the month of Ramadan… 
• probably Saudi? (I believed I had more experiences but my memories of 44 countries are slowly fading)

This year, I’m heading to Spain…

I wonder what awaits me…

http://www.arabnews.com/node/944071/islam-perspective

May we (and our loved ones) receive the blessings of lailatul qadr alongside the many benefits of Ramadan, every year… Amiin.

Note: It’s not obligatory for Muslim travellers to fast… they can choose to fast or not. If they opt-out, they can fast at a later date when they reach home. Islam is actually simple.

For me, in most travels, I’ve fasted. I started fasting since I was 5-6 years old. So it became a habit. If I feel that I cannot then, I won’t force myself.