We sat down and had a chat with Mamoru Hasegawa Hasan, 21 on the challenges he has faced during Ramadan, how COVID-19 changed Ramadan for him, his thoughts on over-consumption in Ramadan, and more. Read more stories like Hasan's and get insights on how Muslim consumers around the world prepare for Ramadan and Eid during the COVID-19 pandemic and the new normal in the MASTERCARD-CRESCENTRATING RAMADAN & EID LIFESTYLE REPORT 2022.
When did you become Muslim?
May 2020, during the month of Ramadan.
For how long have you been fasting in Ramadan?
I have been fasting in Ramadan for 3 years, 1 year as a non-Muslim.
What is special to you about Ramadan/Eid?
Ramadan reminds me of how blessed I am while feeling connected to Muslims around the world. I take the time to appreciate the things I take for granted such as eating or drinking. I give more sadaqah during this season.
It also reminds me to connect with other people. I know I’m not the only one fasting so I send messages to friends that I haven’t contacted for a while. Furthermore, I love having iftar with friends and studying Islam with them, to establish a connection.
What challenges have you encountered during Ramadan?
Last year, I was working in a restaurant whose owner was my parents’ friend. I worked during lunch hours so they were worried about me fasting. It took me a long time to have them understand why I fasted and how I managed it. It was a little bit stressful that they asked me if I was okay every time. But at the end of Ramadan, they finally treated me normally. I realized that it helps non-Muslims to understand Islam better through our actions rather than teaching in a classroom.
What is your opinion on over-consumption in Ramadan?
I have heard that Ramadan is the month that Muslims consume the most in the year. To be honest, I have never experienced it because I live with a non-Muslim family. I think it is okay as long as the food or products do not go to waste. The problem for me is that it is difficult to stay in shape. Due to fasting, I try not to waste my energy during the day and then eat a lot at night. I find that it makes me gain weight.
In what way has COVID-19 affected your Ramadan/Eid experience?
I have never experienced Ramadan before COVID-19, so I cannot compare. But due to COVID-19, I avoid places where people gather. So I may not go to masjids that much and I will not be able to have iftar with my friends and other Muslims. I have never experienced Eid al Fitr in a masjid. But thanks to online classes and moving around less, I get more time to read al-Quran and learn Islam through the internet.
Do you give more Sadaqah in Ramadan and how do you do that?
Yes, InshaAllah. Every month, as a university project team, we conduct a so-called Food Drive at one of the masjids in Japan, where people bring long-lasting food and deliver them to groups that provide food and daily necessities to the needy. For Ramadan, I will donate more than usual. Furthermore, I will try to be more kind and thankful to other people by greeting them and showing my appreciation.
Are there any other experiences/stories that you would like to share on Ramadan and Eid? Is there anything you wish was different during the season?
2 years ago, the year I converted to Islam, we at Nonaka Lab created a video for Iftar. This was the first year of Ramadan during the pandemic. It was not allowed to go outside and we wondered how Muslims around the world spend their Ramadan, so we researched the situation in some countries through interviews and statistics. We ask the interviewees and the lab members to record a video of themselves which we then compiled. The aim of the video was to establish a connection with the Ummah, even though we could not gather for prayer or Iftar as usual.
I hope the pandemic will end (or at least, the number of patients becomes less) so I can have iftar with my friends and visit some masjids for iftar or taraweeh.
