TOPIC

Ramadan

Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God.
A view of restaurant signs and boats at Lei Yue Mun on September 22. Given that seafood is generally considered halal, there exists a unique opportunity to promote areas like Lei Yue Mun and Sai Kung as halal seafood districts. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong tourism

Letters | Halal seafood districts and other ideas for boosting Hong Kong tourism

Readers discuss ideas for creating a distinct brand of halal tourism, how China can play serious hardball on rare earths, and the US president’s deal-making.

Myanmar

Video | Indonesian Muslims mark Eid amid economic worries

Indonesia

Eid celebrations in Indonesia and India face economic and political challenges

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Israel-Gaza war

Netanyahu offers Hamas leaders Gaza exit but demands group disarm

Israeli leader says his country is working towards a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to displace Gazans to other countries.

Fighters of the Islamic Jihad and Ezz al-Din Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas, during the handover of three Israeli hostages in February. File photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Malaysia

Slap heard around Malaysia: viral Ramadan altercation sparks memes, debate

Social media users are poking fun at the absurdity of the viral video of an elderly Malay man confronting a non-Muslim for not fasting.

Malaysia

Fast fashion: food waste from Malaysian Ramadan bazaars hits the runway

A food waste-reduction group collected over 46,000kg of unsold food over the first two weeks of Ramadan this year, but said the actual wastage was likely to be much higher.

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Malaysia

Malaysian retiree claims trial to slapping non-Muslim for not fasting in Ramadan

The 65-year-old initially pleaded guilty but contested some of facts so the judge rejected his plea.

In this screengrab from a social-media video, a man in a black robe is seen confronting the 21-year-old victim. Photo: Handout
Israel-Gaza war

Netanyahu says strikes on Gaza that killed hundreds are ‘only the beginning’

Israeli strikes killed more than 400 and shattered months of relative calm in Gaza since ceasefire began.

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Malaysia

‘Provocation’: Malaysians angry after non-Muslim assaulted for eating during Ramadan

The victim claimed the assailant slapped him several times after he refused to show his identity card to prove he was not a Muslim.

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Malaysia

Sugar highs and waistline woes: in Malaysia, a Ramadan reality check

Sugar-laden delights have become an integral part of many diets in one of Asia’s most obese nations, despite the growing health risks.

Sugary drinks sold at Putrajaya Ramadan bazaar in Malaysia. One in five Malaysians suffers from diabetes, according to health ministry statistics. Photo: Hadi Azmi
Religion in China

China Islamic group rebrands as Beijing tightens grip on religions

Semi-official group drops logo and Islamic symbols from website and social media account, a move that may risk alienating ordinary Muslims.

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A street in Kashgar Old Town, in China’s western Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. China’s campaign to “sinicise religion” has had particular impact on Hui and Uygur Muslims. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

Japanese ex-adult film star raises eyebrows as ‘Muslim convert’ in Malaysia

While many Malaysian online users praised her newfound faith, others questioned if she was really sincere or just producing content.

Hong Kong society

Letters | Hong Kong could do more to match global momentum during Ramadan

Readers discuss the city’s efforts to become Muslim-friendly, Cathay Pacific’s business class seats, and the proposal to legalise basketball betting.

Malaysia

Doctors warn of hidden perils of Malaysia’s sweet tooth during Ramadan

Food content creators have drawn criticism for sharing sugar-laden drink recipes to break the fast, amid warnings of links to diabetes and obesity.

A Muslim family recites prayers before they break their fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 2. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong halal bazaar? New attractions among ideas to lure more Muslim visitors

City’s halal tourism drive sees hotels and restaurants making adjustments to seek Muslim friendly status.

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Chief Imam of Hong Kong Mufti Muhammad Arshad at the Ramadan Iftar dinner at The Mira in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Indonesia

Job losses, rising food prices threaten Indonesians’ Ramadan spending spree

Eid-related incentives may not be enough to boost people’s purchasing power amid the economic slowdown, analysts warn.

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Pakistan

Video | In Pakistan, high prices overshadow start of Ramadan

Consumers have complained about high prices and low-quality produce.

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Israel-Gaza war

Netanyahu thanks Trump for weapons to ‘finish the job’ against Iran axis

Israeli prime minister says Trump ‘is the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House’.

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US President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on February 4. Photo: Reuters
Israel-Gaza war

Israel blocks aid into Gaza as ceasefire stand-off escalates

The proposal, which Hamas has yet to accept, seeks the release of half the remaining hostages on the day the deal comes into effect.

Africa

Sudan civil war: famine and inflation eclipse Ramadan

The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced more than 12 million and cut off crucial supply routes across the country.

Malaysia

Ramadan price gougers put on notice in Malaysia as holy month looms

Licences to operate stalls at food bazaars are now auctioned directly to those ‘genuinely keen to trade’, thereby cutting out middlemen.

People buy food from street vendors for iftar (fast-breaking) meals at the Ramadan bazaar in conjunction with the celebration of the holy month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in March 2024. Photo: Anadolu via Getty Images
NBA

Meet NBA star Dennis Schröder, critic of the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade

Schröder began his career in Germany, joined the Atlanta Hawks in 2013, then featured in numerous NBA deals; he’s married to his high-school sweetheart, with whom he has three children.

Dennis Schröder, who joined the NBA’s Golden State Warriors only weeks ago. Photo: Reuters
Fame and celebrity

Who is Azeez Al-Shaair, the NFL linebacker who wore pro-Palestinian cleats?

A devout Muslim who fasts during Ramadan even when he’s training, the Houston Texans starting player’s brutal tackle on Trevor Lawrence left the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback concussed.

Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong’s Muslim community urges government funding for halal certification body

Other measures proposed include Ramadan food fairs and festivals to promote Muslim culture as well as more prayer rooms at shopping centres.

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Israel-Gaza war

Joe Biden pushes Gaza ceasefire deal in Eid message

The United States as been pressing Israel and Hamas to accept a deal passed by the UN Security Council last week.

Palestinians perform the Eid al-Adha morning prayer amid rubble in Gaza City on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Israel-Gaza war

Biden’s Gaza plan ‘not a good deal’ but Israel accepts it, Netanyahu aide says

Pressure is growing on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following US President Joe Biden’s proposal for an end to the war in Gaza.

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Israeli tanks near the Israel-Gaza border. Photo: Reuters
Israel-Gaza war

Israeli strike in Gaza kills 3 sons, 4 grandchildren of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

Strike on sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh came as Israel holds delicate ceasefire negotiations with the militant group that rules Gaza.

Israel-Gaza war

With little to celebrate or eat, Gazans face ‘heartbreaking’ Eid

Millions of Muslims around the world are observing Eid, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, but few in Gaza can take solace from this special time.

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