Muslims across Malaysia are choosing to break their fast at mosques during Ramadan to save money, strengthen community ties and enjoy shared iftar meals.

PETALING JAYA: Saving on expenses, strengthening community bonds and enjoying the atmosphere of breaking fast together are among the reasons many Muslims choose to break their fast at mosques during Ramadan.

For some, it is also a way to ease the longing for family.

Nik Faiz Nik Ruzman, 25, said he breaks his fast at the mosque whenever his schedule allows.

“I don’t do it very often because my work as a journalist can be quite busy. But when I have some free time, especially when I have no other plans, I will go to the mosque.

“I am very grateful to those who donate food to the mosque because it really helps those who are in need.

“As someone living away from my family, breaking fast at the mosque also helps ease the feeling of missing the atmosphere of iftar with my loved ones. Being away from home, there are times when you really miss gathering with the family,” he said.

Afifah Ulyaa Abdul Rahim, 20, a student at a local university, said she has been breaking fast at her campus mosque almost every day throughout Ramadan.

“Financial considerations do play a part. As Hari Raya approaches, there are quite a lot of expenses, so whenever I can manage things on my own, I try not to burden my parents,”she said, adding that breaking fast at the mosque not only helps control spending but also prevents overeating.

“When you go to Ramadan bazaars, sometimes you end up buying too much because everything looks tempting. At the mosque, we usually just take what we need because we know others are also there to eat.”

Meanwhile, Muzir Mohamad, 45, said he prefers to break his fast at a surau in his village in Kepala Batas, Penang during Ramadan as it brings the local community closer together.

“During Ramadan, my friends and I usually don’t spend our evenings hanging out because we attend tarawih prayers. So the time for breaking fast becomes the moment for us to gather.

“Breaking fast at the surau is not as lively as at larger mosques. Most of the food is prepared by the local congregation, along with donations from villagers and nearby residents. Still, it is enough to feed more than 100 people who come to break fast here,” he said.

Syakir Wahab, 38, said he had only once experienced breaking fast at a mosque, mainly to enjoy the communal atmosphere with his wife.

“We once broke fast at a mosque in Shah Alam. There were a lot of people there.

“The food provided wasn’t excessive. If you plan to break fast at larger mosques, it’s better to be mindful as the crowd can be quite big, so it helps to bring a bit of your own food as well,” he said.

Ramadan is now approaching its final days.

In Malaysia, the sighting of the Syawal crescent moon to determine the start of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, March 19, which falls on the 29th day of Ramadan.

 The Sun Malaysia