Church Members Join Interfaith Friends for Ramadan Break Fast

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On March 15, 2025, Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship (INSaF) hosted a multi-faith “Buka Puasa” or break fast event for Ramadan at the Pure Life Society facility in Jalan Puchong, Malaysia. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Malaysia sponsored the evening meal and presented gifts to six children under the care of non-profit organization Yayasan Chow Kit. Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian faiths came together to enjoy this evening of sharing and fellowship.

Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam, spanning 30 days from March 2, 2025 this year. During this sacred period, Muslims around the world observe fasting from sunrise to sunset for the entire month, dedicating themselves to prayers and good deeds. “Buka Puasa” means “break fast” in Malay. Latter-day Saints similarly follow the principle of fasting for spiritual purposes, beginning and ending the fast with prayer and focusing on doing good.

Current INSaF chairman, Dr. Amir Farid Isahak, shared a presentation on the event theme of “The Virtues of Charity”. He shared that “Charity is not just about giving money, it is about giving your time, your kindness, and your heart to those in need.” A member of the Muslim faith, Dr. Amir explained that although Ramadan is most commonly associated with fasting, there is more to the observance, including prayers, reading holy scriptures, remembering God, paying tithes, and practicing forgiveness and charity. To the interfaith audience, he quoted the prophet Muhammad who said, “Charity is more virtuous than prayer and fasting. But what is even better than charity is keeping peace and good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind.”

Following Dr. Amir’s remarks, President Richard K. L. Ho, who oversees the Kuala Lumpur district of the Church, spoke on fasting. He stated, “All the major religions practice fasting as a means of developing spiritual strength and self-mastery. Many fast to show humility before God and to seek spiritual guidance.” He explained that like the Muslim practice of zakat, which is a form of alms giving for charitable and religious purposes, the Church encourages members to donate the cost of abstained meals and more if possible, as a fast offering to help the poor and needy. President Ho echoed Dr. Amir’s interfaith sentiments in his concluding remarks, saying, “May we respect each other as friends and as allies in the work of helping those who suffer and are in need.”

Thereafter, President Ho and his wife Min Lian were joined by Dr. Amir to hand out gifts donated by the Church to the child attendees. The gifts included traditional Malay clothing such as “baju johor” for the boys, and “baju kurung” and “tudung” headscarves for the girls. The children were escorted by leaders from Yayasan Chow Kit, which caters to the needs of children and teenagers. They currently run two drop-in centers and a safe home for at-risk children.

Following the gift distribution, Dr. Amir opened up the podium to members of the audience to share their thoughts on the subjects presented. Mr. Haridas Nair, of the Hindu faith, counseled the young people to give 10 percent of their earnings to charity, to put another 10 percent into savings, and then save another 10 percent for special occasions and learn to live on the remainder. He emphasized that “there is power in charity” and reminded the audience of the Hindu belief that you “reap what you sow”.

Lyndon D’Oliveiro, of the Pentecostal Christian faith, shared that he was greatly edified by the presentations of the evening. He likened the act of fasting to an iceberg where the 15 percent seen above the water is the physical “doing” of going hungry. But the remaining 85 percent is below the surface and unseen -- this is the “being” of drawing closer to God with a prayer in one’s heart.
 

Other inspiring thoughts and quotes that were shared included the Buddhist saying, “No one has ever become poor by giving”; the Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda’s quote that “the religious man must be charitable”; and the Biblical scripture, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

At the appointed time just after sunset, the fast was broken with attendees enjoying a small treat of dates and a sweet refreshing drink. The Muslims then invited all to join them in their call to prayer before the evening’s program shifted to the main dining hall for the communal meal.
 

Expressing his gratitude, Elder Dan Haltinner, a senior full-time Church volunteer said, “We share very common values and beliefs with our Muslim brothers and sisters. It was an honor and a pleasure to be invited to this Buka Puasa event to break their fast with them this evening.”