Ramadhan in China

This year, I’m celebrating Ramadhan in China. Such a huge different from previous Ramadhan that I ever had in Malaysia. The hot temperature, the food different, the time zone…it just something too new for me.

The first 2 days was a challenged. I can’t stand the heat that I almost wanted to break my fast. But after that, I began to adapt to the surrounding. It becomes easy and easy everyday. Alhamdulillah, praise to Allah to all the strength and will that He gave me.

Work is the same weather its Ramadhan or not. After all, this is not a Muslim country. In fact, most of them don’t really believe in religion anymore. Thanks to the so-called “The Creator of New China” President Mao Zedong.

I have one assignment from my boss. He asked me to have a supplier visit in Suzhou (“Sucho” that’s how you pronounce it). From what I heard and learned, Suzhou is among a beautiful place to visit. Having that in my mind, I'm just so eager to get my camera into action. I’m expecting something different. Probably something that have Chinese soul in it. Jinhua is nothing but a ‘rock jungle’ for me. I need something else.

The journey took me like 7 hours to arrive at supplier’s place. There is no visit during the first day, we just straightaway checked in to our hotel. Only then I learned that we are actually far for Suzhou. We are actually at Kunshan, a very secluded small town but lots of buildings. No nice view, no lake, no Chinese soul…just plain and heartless buildings.

5.20 am from my hotel's room. I think, the skycrapper further at the horizon is Shanghai.

The second day was hectic. Being surrounded by people who never know about Islam, it just another challenging day for me to stand with what I believe most. But Allah is merciful. He knows what He is doing to His humble servant and I don’t have to worry.

The meeting took the whole day till night. I have to stay another night at Kunshan. For me or for anybody in Malaysia will say that 7 hours is a long journey but to the local Chinese, it’s just nearby.

This picture taken from the factory window. Just to show how close the factory and houses area.

This is the meeting room. I don't think I will ever forget about this meeting in my entire life.

I have to onboard this fast train twice and this things can go more than 200km/h. How in the world I'm going to believe than Kunshan is near to Jinhua when I have to travel in this train for 7 hours?