Spending Ramadan in his home away from home is 'special' for Somali entrepreneur

Abdinur with Saliza (right) and his sister Maryan Mohamed in Negri Sembilan during Hari Raya a few years ago.

For Somali student and entrepreneur Abdinur Mohamed, 31, Ramadan is the most special time of the year.

“Ramadan means everything to me,” says Abdinur who lives in Kuala Lumpur. “It is the month of forgiveness and the month that the holy Quran was revealed,” he shares. “To me, fasting brings out the best in people; it promotes patience, discipline, helps us have purity in our thoughts and encourages piety,” he says.

Abdinur came to Malaysia as a student 12 years ago. After obtaining his undergraduate and Masters degrees, he returned to Somalia for some years but has returned to pursue his PhD in International Relations – he has applied to do it in Universiti Malaya.

Although he now considers Malaysia home, it did take some time getting used to the way of life here and also the food.

“It was my first trip abroad and I came to Malaysia alone. I had problems adjusting to Malaysian food which to me, initially, tasted weird. I found it too spicy. I was frustrated at first and almost wanted to return to Somalia.

“Luckily I moved to Nilai in Negri Sembilan and then to Taman Melati in Gombak where I found many other Somalis. There was even a Somali restaurant. Slowly, I adapted to the food – at first, it was Western food and finally, Malay Food which I now enjoy. I guess it is just a matter of time for us to adjust to everything, really,” he says.

Now, Abdinur is married to Saliza Samiran, a Malaysian from Johor, and the couple have four children, Aamir, Mu’amar, Mohamed and Mohamoud.

“Malaysia is like my second home. It’s the place where I gained more knowledge and learned about different cultures. However, it is difficult not to miss the place of one’s birth, fasting together and celebrating with my family is very meaningful to me... just as it is to everyone too. I do miss the food back home the most though as it is super fresh and delicious,” he shares.

However, having his sister with him and his family is comforting, he says.

“Usually every Ramadan, my schedule is quite straightforward. I teach classes on the Quran and other Islamic subjects online during the day and then I prepare for the Tarawih prayers because I am an Imam at the surau near where I live,” says Abdinur who also runs a travel agency in Somalia and has a cargo business with his wife.

“I would like to wish my fellow Muslims Ramadan Mubarak, and hopefully we can all be thankful, pray more and stay away from bad actions this month,” he concludes.