Celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Lasting 29 to 30 days, it is observed as a month of fasting, prayer, contemplation, and togetherness. 

4.1% of Hong Kong’s population, around 300,000 individuals, are Muslim. This number comprises 120,000 Indonesians, 50,000 Chinese, 30,000 Pakistanis, and others from all around the world.

The vast majority of Muslim Indonesians in Hong Kong are female migrant domestic workers (MDWs). Many struggle to find the time and privacy to fulfil their religious duties, especially during the month of Ramadan, but do the best they can under the circumstances.

“I usually pray at night because I do not have the opportunity to pray during working hours. I have a lot to do during the day,” shares Titin Iryanti, an Indonesian MDW, also known as Mao to her friends. “I have to do my praying in private as my employers do not allow me to pray in their home,” Mao says.

Some employers are more understanding. “Thank God, I am allowed to pray in my employer’s home as they are also Muslim. Even with my previous employer who were locals, allowed me to pray too,” shares Marvina Dela Cruz, a Filipino MDW and volunteer for Pangyao.

During fasting, or puasa in Indonesian, individuals abstain from several things during the day, including eating and drinking. It can be a challenge sometimes, as the work of a MDW is often physical and exhausting. On days when their errands require a lot of walking, such as grocery shopping, picking up children from school, or bringing the elderly to their checkups, it can be tough trying to overcome hunger and thirst.

“Every morning we have sahur, or the pre-dawn meal. I usually eat between 1:00am and 2:00am. I try to eat a meal that is high in complex carbohydrates, like brown rice, alongside high-protein foods to keep me feeling full throughout the day. Sometimes, I just eat fruit, which has natural sugars for energy,” shares Mao. “I try to drink enough mineral water according to what my body needs before sunrise. I also enjoy a cup of tea and take Promag, an antacid popular in Indonesia, to help my stomach settle,” she says.

Hong Kong has six principal mosques, the largest being the Kowloon Mosque in Tsim Sha Tsui, which can accommodate 3,500 worshippers. “I often go to the Chai Wan Mosque to pray, but when I have to do prayer at home, I do have to keep it private,” Mao says. Some communities or groups of friends come together to find alternative spaces for prayer, such as community centres and parks. These makeshift spaces allow individuals carry on their religious duties in a comfortable and inclusive environment, surrounded by their Muslim brethren. 

At the end of the month-long puasa, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated as a day of victory. “During Eid al-Fitr, we perform congregational prayers, recite takbirans (the blessing of Allah), pay Zakat al-Fitr (the obligatory charity), visit relatives (mudik), forgive past grievances, and wear our best attire. This celebration is a sacred moment for gratitude, sharing through charity, and strengthening bonds of brotherhood,” smiles Mao.

“However, since I am in Hong Kong, and far from family, I celebrate Eid al-Fitr by gathering with my Indonesian friends here, asking for forgiveness (halal bilhalal), and sharing a meal together,” she adds.

“I celebrate Eid-al-Fitr by heading to the Ammar Mosque and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wanchai for prayers, then head out for a meal with my friends. Sometimes we even go to Shek O beach for a barbecue!” Marvina says excitedly.

Ramadan in Hong Kong is a time of celebration, reflection, and unity for all Muslims, from all backgrounds. They come together, share their experiences, and celebrate their faith and culture. 

During Ramadan, by understanding the needs of employees, coworkers, friends, family, and others of the Muslim faith – whether offering a few minutes of privacy for prayers, a kind word, being sensitive about fasting, or even just being silently supportive – we can all help to strengthen the city’s inclusivity and diversity. Hong Kong has a great spirit of generosity and compassion, so let us foster a sense of solidarity and empathy, not only among the Muslim community, but also to everyone we encounter in our daily lives.