In a country where fasting during Ramadan is a given among Muslims, many forget that the ritual is not as universal among adherents worldwide.
After all, 99 per cent of Malaysian Muslims observe fasting, according to a Pew Research Center Forum on Religion and Public Life survey of more than 38,000 Muslims in 39 countries, released in 2012.
The survey found that fasting is generally observed by most Muslims in Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. In such countries, observance is 85 per cent and above, except for an outlier — the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where only 69 per cent Muslims fast.
But it is a different story in Central Asia and Southern-Eastern Europe.
While more than 84 per cent fast in Turkey and Tajikistan, just half of the Muslims fast in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Just 43 per cent observe it in Azerbaijan, and a mere 30 per cent of Muslims fast in Kazakhstan.
While most Muslims in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina fast (76 per cent and 75 per cent respectively), it is not so in Russia (56 per cent) and Albania (44 per cent).
There is a sizeable portion of Muslim populations in the latter area. Seven in 10 of Kazakhstan citizens are Muslims. More than half of Albanians are too, compared to the second biggest religion there (Christianity, at 10 per cent).
Despite that, Muslims elsewhere are always ignored in conversations about Islam — either by Muslims themselves, or in critical discourse from the West. Although the cradle of Islam is in the Middle East, we take for granted the diversity of Muslims and how the religion is practised differently by different groups of people.
Despite that, it might seem surprising that fasting is actually the second most observed ritual in the five pillars of Islam. Around 93 per cent of Muslims worldwide fast, following 97 per cent who declare their faith in the oneness of Allah and Prophet Muhammad being the last messenger.
(The fact that three per cent of Muslims do not even believe in the Declaration of Faith might shock some; while some might argue those are not even technically Muslims.)
Compared to that, only 77 per cent give zakat, or alms; just 63 per cent perform the five daily prayers; and a mere nine per cent perform the hajj to Mecca — which is itself only mandated for those who can afford it.
It should be noted here that Muslims in Central Asia and Southern-Eastern Europe also find religion less important in their lives. Only 15 per cent of Albanian Muslims believe religion is “very important”, and just 18 per cent in Kazakhstan. Except in Turkey, Muslims in those countries who place such importance in religion do not reach even half of the population.
What does this really say about fasting? That perhaps compelling Muslims to fast does not correlate with Muslims voluntarily doing so.
There were two countries where 100 per cent of Muslims surveyed observe fasting. Guess where?
It was in Thailand, where Muslims are minorities concentrated in the southern provinces. And Cameroon, a Christian-majority country.
Would making fasting mandatory for Muslims in Central Asia and Southern-Eastern Europe by decree of the state increase the level of observance there? Unlikely, considering the minor role religion plays there.
Whereas in Malaysia, fasting is enforced by state religious authorities. Skipping it is considered a punishable crime.
In the Federal Territories, Muslims caught openly eating, drinking, or smoking during Ramadan can be fined not more than RM1,000 or jailed not more than six months or both for first offence, under Section 15 regarding “not respecting Ramadan”, in its Shariah Criminal Offences Act 1997.
Other states also have almost the same provisions in their respective Shariah Criminal Offences Acts.
In some states, the offence also covers those who sell food, drinks etc. for immediate consumption by Muslims during Ramadan. The seller is also liable to face the same punishment.
In theory, this would be impossible to implement fairly, considering that the Shariah laws are supposed to apply only to Muslims. In theory, of course.
However, with Islam as entrenched here, this practically means that a restaurant — although itself has no religion — would usually refuse service to Muslims outright during fasting hours, completely ignoring that there are many valid reasons for skipping fast: illness, menstruation, travelling, just for instance.
It has been years since fasting was made mandatory for Muslims here. And still, not 100 per cent of Muslims observe it.
And yet, considerable resource is being devoted to this exercise that some may even consider almost impossible (Thailand and Cameroon, notwithstanding). Add to that, skipping fasting is yet another “crime” in the Shariah laws where nobody is a victim.
Malaysia is already pandering to Muslims during Ramadan — office hours end an hour early so Muslims can afford to return home for breaking fast, only for most of them in the Klang Valley to be stuck in unusually bad traffic jams during the daily evening commute.
If not observing fasting is no longer a crime, would the level of those fasting tumble from 99 per cent? Perhaps it would. But then again, perhaps it would not, as 93 per cent of Muslims here already consider religion to be very dear to their lives.
This summer, some Muslims would be subjected to long hours of fasting in certain countries, especially in the West. There are tales of those who only have five hours between breaking fast and resuming fasting. Some of those Muslims still steadfastly observe their fast.
Canadian MP Mark Holland’s vow to fast in solidarity with Muslims was applauded by many Muslims. Some even prayed for Holland to one day see the light and embrace Islam.
Just like Holland, and many more who choose to fast despite gruelling conditions, they do so not out of coercion, not because they are afraid of getting caught.
It is only then that one can witness a Muslim who is sincere with his/her faith. As long as fasting is forced, ending up a burden on Muslims nationwide, such a thing is rarely possible.
* This is the personal opinion of the columnist, Zurairi AR.
Source: www.themalaymailonline.com
