Marhaban Yaa Ramadhan.
Let's be happy to welcome this Holy Month.
This year seems a bit different for me. Ramadhan 1433 H. Since now I'm living in a foreign country, Japan, I need to get accostumed to the Ramadhan life here. As a matter of fact, Japanese Muslims are minority. So, I need to struggle harder than years before. Seeking for the right information about when exactly Ramadhan 1st is, where to pray Tarawih, where to pray at Eid Fitri, and so on. Beside, none of Muslims are living around my neighborhood. Just then, it wasn't like any particular things people do when it comes to Ramadhan.
It's early summer here now. My biggest trouble is about the weather, to be honest. It's pretty unstable because sometimes it could be really hot or freezing cold. Sometimes rain's pouring but sometimes the sun is exactly above the head. Well, in my motherland, Indonesia, it's actually hot. Since I get used to live in tropical countries, therefore my body kind of react to the subtropical atmosphere.
Now, I'm still a high school student. You know, that'd be lots of things to do when you're at this age. Club activities, courses, or simply hanging out with friends. Summer vacation in my school last in about 40 days. Probably, the longest school holiday I've ever had. The most plenty homeworks I would've to work on it. Outdoor activities, such as camp, voluntary activities, representative things, and etc. By not knowing about what exactly Ramadhan is, many of these people questioned me about when, why, and how I'm going to do Ramadhan here. The most complicated thing is that I have to always ensure them about my health. Like seriously, it's nothing like suicidal things. It's a holy thing to do and I'm happy for it. They explained about how Japan's weather is so humid. That there are many disease might spreading. So dangerous as it could cause death.
As on their mind about religion is a part of a culture, they respect me anyway. Somehow, I know they just care for me and I'm deeply thankful for that. I don't wanna looked so strict. Not trying to be rigid, but just hold on to the belief, lesson I've been learning since I was little. Cause no matter where I'm at this quote remain in me "Think globally, Act locally" which actually I found out written on the backside of a friend's T-shirt. Sounds a little bit silly how it figured a new point of view.
But, the most important thing I wanna say here is about how standing your ground when it's worth to do, then just go for it. When people think it's impossible, then you can make it even more possible. Nothing beats strong will and faith. The world is a better place when you cause someone who doesn't understand, understands; someone who never know, know;, someone who doesn't believe, believes.
Above is my Ramadhan schedule for this year. It starts erlier and ends later than I used to have. Good luck for me cause Allah. SWT is always with me. I Believe.
