Ramadan is the most special time of the year for Somali student and entrepreneur Abdinur Mohamed, 31.
“Ramadan is everything to me,” says Abdinur, a Kuala Lumpur resident. “It is the month of forgiveness and the revelation of the holy Quran,” he says. “Fasting, in my opinion, brings out the best in individuals; it fosters patience, discipline, helps us think clearly, and encourages piety,” he says.
Abdinur moved to Malaysia 12 years ago as a student. He returned to Somalia for a few years after receiving his undergraduate and master’s degrees, but he is now back to pursue his PhD in International Relations, which he has applied for at Universiti Malaya.Although he now considers Malaysia home, it did take some time getting used to the way of life here and also the food.
“It was my first trip abroad and I came to Malaysia alone. I had problems adjusting to Malaysian food which to me, initially, tasted weird. I found it too spicy. I was frustrated at first and almost wanted to return to Somalia.
“Fortunately, I relocated to Nilai, Negri Sembilan, and then to Taman Melati, Gombak, where I met many other Somalis.” There was even a Somali restaurant on the premises. I gradually adapted to the food, first to Western cuisine and then to Malay cuisine, which I now like. “I suppose it’s just a question of time before we get used to everything,” he says.
Abdinur is now married to Saliza Samiran, a Johorean, and they have four children: Aamir, Mu’amar, Mohamed, and Mohamoud.
“Malaysia feels like a second home to me.” It’s where I learned more about different cultures and expanded my knowledge. However, it is difficult not to miss one’s birthplace when fasting and celebrating with one’s family.
However, having his sister with him and his family is comforting, he says.
“Usually every Ramadan, my schedule is quite straightforward. I teach classes on the Quran and other Islamic subjects online during the day and then I prepare for the Tarawih prayers because I am an Imam at the surau near where I live,” says Abdinur who also runs a travel agency in Somalia and has a cargo business with his wife.
“I would like to wish my fellow Muslims Ramadan Mubarak, and hopefully we can all be thankful, pray more and stay away from bad actions this month,” he concludes.