BY GILLIAN NESSLYN
KUCHING: For many young Muslims, Ramadan is not just about enduring hunger and thirst.
It is also about balancing work, studies and personal commitments while finding meaning in the holy month.
As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, Ramadan is a blessed time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline and strengthening faith.
In addition to fasting from dawn to sunset, it is also a month that emphasises increased worship, charity and family and community ties.
With busy schedules and modern distractions, Gen Z Muslims have their own unique way of navigating the month of fasting, making it a challenging but also a rewarding experience.
Trainees, students and young professionals in Sarawak share their experiences, challenges, and reflections on the meaning of Ramadan in their lives.
For Gen Z, Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink – it is a time to improve oneself, discipline one’s heart and mind, and appreciate shared experiences.
Whether it is managing work, spending time with friends, or learning the values of meaningful life, each individual’s journey during this holy month is unique yet meaningful.
Sarawak Tribune spoke to several young individuals about their Ramadan journey – what challenges they faced and what made this holy month truly meaningful.
Finding balance in the hustle
For 24-year-old Nur Eyman Latifah, an intern at Sarawak Energy Bhd, fasting while juggling work and studies can be tough at first, but she eventually gets used to it.
“The hardest part is staying awake for sahur between 3 am and 4 am, but I push through by keeping myself active at work,” she said.
She shared that Ramadan has helped her curb her snacking habits and be more mindful of her food intake.
While some people take a break from social media, she believes it is a test of mental resilience.
“It’s not that deep! If I see a mukbang video, I just scroll past it,” she said.
One thing she finds meaningful is sharing iftar with friends of different faiths – it is a wonderful moment having iftar together regardless of religion.
Turning challenges into motivation
For 24-year-old Anira Hamimi Awang Irwan, a student at Swinburne University Sarawak, fasting while staying active is something she enjoys.
“I actually enjoy going to dance classes while fasting.
“The toughest part is not drinking water, but I treat it as a fun challenge rather than something to complain about,” she said.
She also takes this month as an opportunity to focus on workouts and cut down unnecessary meals, adding “I don’t think much about food, so I end up being more productive”.
Anira said Ramadan is also about community as she and her friends have had multiple iftar hangouts and late-night moreh sessions.
“Last week, we even lined up for the viral TinySlush just for the experience – it’s these moments that make Ramadan special,” she said.
A time for self-reflection and growth
As for 24-year-old Nur Fatihah Abdul Azeez, another intern at Sarawak Energy Bhd, Ramadan serves as a reset button.
“It helps me rethink my daily routines and build habits that last beyond the month,” she said.
She structures her day based on her energy levels – mornings for high-focus tasks, afternoons for lighter work, and evenings for reflection.
Her biggest challenge is the afternoon slump.
“It’s tough, especially on hot days, but I take short breaks and avoid overloading my schedule,” she said.
For Fatihah, moreh sessions with friends are a highlight. “We go to Brew Cafe, play games, and even try new desserts together. It’s about making meaningful memories beyond just fasting.”
The power of patience and gratitude
For 24-year-old Muhammad NurFadzillah Lee, an intern at the Office of the Sarawak Premier, Ramadan is a time to do good deeds despite a packed schedule.
“If I have free time, I recite surahs or do charity work,” he said.
His biggest challenge is fasting in the hot weather.
“Stopping for prayers helps me reset and regain energy,” he added.
More than just fasting, Ramadan is about learning patience and gratitude.
“Balancing work and fasting aren’t easy, but it makes me appreciate the little things – breaking fast with a warm meal, spending time with friends, and reflecting on my personal growth.”
