Inside the Ruangguru Team’s Ramadan Festivities
Every year, Muslims all around the world celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan. It is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims, as it is believed that during this month, God first revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. For approximately 30 days of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset to practice self-control and cleanse both the mind and body. It is meant to be a time to become more in tune with one’s spiritual side.
But beyond that, Ramadan is a blend of faith, history, and culture — with celebrations and traditions that are unique to each region and community. Similarly, Ruangguru team members also have their own unique way of celebrating Ramadan, some might even be passed down through generations.
Let’s take a look at how three of our Ruangguru team members celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan!
Anggi Bagas Ferdiansyah, Master Teacher Pedagogy English
To Bagas, Ramadan is a golden month of forgiveness, mercy, and blessings. He also sees Ramadan as an opportunity to build stronger relationships with his family and friends through gatherings.
During this holy month, Bagas and his family celebrate by practicing the usual traditions, such as Taraweeh, Sahoor, and Iftar among several others. He also loves to do good deeds during this time, such as teaching children in his neighborhood to recite the Quran. Bagas believes that every good deed done in the month of Ramadan will be multiplied.
As the month goes by, Bagas is most excited to partake in Takbiran, which takes place the night before Eid al-Fitr. He would go to a mosque near his home and spend the night there until dawn before then making preparations for the Eid prayer in the morning.
Additionally, to get ready for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr festivities, Bagas and his family would prepare various traditional foods such as tape, opor ayam, and an assortment of cookies.
Ae Rohaelah, Learning And Development Specialist
Ae is a firm believer in sadaqah or sharing during Ramadan. Every year, she routinely distributes takjil or snacks to others around her such as the people in mosques and her neighbors. There is also a unique tradition Ae used to do with her mother that she remembers fondly: mosque hunting. Every night during Ramadan, they would find a different mosque for Taraweeh, even if it is located far from their home.
In fact, Taraweeh is Ae’s favorite activity to do in Ramadan because it enables her to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors. Sometimes in our daily lives, we may forget to keep in touch or check in with the people around us. In Ramadan, we are given the time and opportunity to spend time with them and catch up.
This year’s Ramadan is extra special for Ae, as this is the first time she will be going home for the holidays after two years of travel restrictions.
Ziljian Qisti, Brand Marketing Strategy Specialist
Jian regards Ramadan as the moment to redefine ourselves as a person, a chance to atone for past mistakes and become a better version of ourselves.
This is why Jian celebrates the Ramadan month by reconnecting with his friends and family, especially with those who might have drifted apart due to busy schedules. Renewing these relationships might also open new doors and opportunities. For example, an old friend might be starting a new business or venture, who knows what exciting things you can do together?
Apart from that, Jian’s favorite things about Ramadan are the food and festivity. Ramadan food festivals are a must-visit event for Jian and his friends. Moreover, he feels that most people are more inspired to cook and serve new delicacies during this time. But even the usual meals taste so much better when enjoyed with friends and family.
When preparing for the Eid al-Fitr, Jian believes that making time to talk to your loved ones and convey your gratitude for their presence is an important thing to do. Gift-giving is nice but expressing gratitude might be a more sincere and authentic way to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
These are just a few of the unique Ramadan traditions of our Ruangguru team members. Though everyone might have their own traditions and festivities, the spirit of this Holy Month remains the same. What about you? Care to tell us about your unique Ramadan traditions?
