Non-Muslims join breaking of fast

Jun 23, 2017

By Sim Bak Heng
The iconic Masjid Abidin, popularly known as Masjid Putih or White Mosque, organised a buka puasa reception for 50 non-Muslims recently.

The invitation for Iftar Muhibbah was extended by Imam Besar of Terengganu, Aizi Saidi Abd Aziz to foster interfaith rapport with the non- Muslim community.

He, together with the mosque committee, ushered in the guests as they started arriving from 6.30pm.

Housewife Ng Su Yin, 38, from Padang Midin, said she was touched by the invitation, which offered her an opportunity to make new Muslim friends.

She said the interaction with Muslims boosted her knowledge about the importance of fasting, while breaking fast with them widened her perspective on religious tolerance.

“I hardly had any chance to dine with my Muslim friends, let alone breaking fast with them.

“Today’s invitation is precious and has opened my mind about Ramadan.”

Kong See Shiong, 51, said this was her first time breaking fast with her Muslim friends.

“I have never fasted before. As I broke fast with them today, I could feel the hunger they had gone through during the day and their commitment towards their religion,” she said.

Dentist Dr M. Kumeran, 28, who is the Malaysian Hindu Sangam Terengganu Council secretary, said he was touched by the mosque’s invitation, which, he said, was an initiative to foster religious harmony among people of different faith.

“This is exactly what our society needs,” he said.

Ustaz Wan Mohd Hazim Wan Mohd Hashim, the mosque’s imam and coordinator of the event, said the mosque hoped to spread the message of love and religious tolerance this Ramadan to non-Muslims.

He said a mosque was more than just a place of worship for Muslims. “Many mosques in the world are tourist attractions.

We welcome non-Muslims to visit our mosque and learn about its history.”--NST