Stories

By Ahsan Nathyr Bin Noorazman (3J) and Muhammad Raziq Coules (3F). 

After many years of Covid-19 restrictions, we were very fortunate to finally have our Iftar celebration event last Friday on the 14^th of April at the Y1-4 Albert Hong Hall. In conjunction with the fasting month of Ramadan, a mass break fast (Iftar) session was organised by the Festival and Celebrations committee together with the Malay Language Department to provide an opportunity for students to witness and experience what it is like to break a fast together with their Muslim friends in school. We received overwhelming support and participation from both staff and students with more than 200 in attendance that day!

Elijah Looi from class 2C and Kwa Euhan from class 3F both felt the spirit of togetherness between Muslim and non-Muslim students as they had conversations while breaking fast with each other. When interviewed, Muhammad Syabil from class 3M remarked “I enjoyed the food a lot and it was a very enriching experience. I think that it was also educational especially for the non-Muslims to help them understand Islamic practices better through the sharing by the RI students and guest speakers”. Hayath, a non-Muslim student from class 4M, also shared a similar view that the presentations were very effective in clearing any doubts or misconceptions about Ramadan.

This year, we also invited a few RGS students and teachers. Nadhira, a year 4 RGS student, also enjoyed the experience and was amazed to see the ‘gotong-royong’ (communal spirit) among the RI Malay students in ensuring the smooth running of the event.

Students and teachers bonding together during Iftar, where they broke fast together and interacted over traditional Malay food. 

The Iftar experience has helped our fellow Rafflesians forge stronger bonds with one another as they spent time together over traditional Malay desserts and food. We would like to also thank our guest speakers, Mr Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib, Master Chung Kwang Tong and Mr Kuek Yi Hsing for their insightful sharing on the significance of fasting across various religions - Islam, Taoism and Baha’i. We would also like to thank our deputy principals, Mr Desmond Tan and Mr Edward Ng for gracing the occasion with their presence. As Syawal draws near, we wish all Muslim students and staff Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin!