During the holy month of Ramadan, the topic of eating in public comes up quite often. More often than not, this issue is centred around Non-Muslims and women who are unable to fast, eating in public. While many are keen to share their own opinions – mostly of varying viewpoints – it is Malaysian actress Izara Aishah’s recent comment on the issue that is gaining traction.
She shared a tweet expressing her stand on the issue: that it should not be seen as rude and she doesn’t mind others eating in front of her when she’s fasting.
To my non Muslim friends and my Muslim sisters yang cannot fast, please just eat infront of me it’s not rude. Islam is not difficult, It’s the culture and I don’t practise that kind of culture.
— Madame Izara (@IzaraAishah) April 25, 2021
She emphasized that Islam, as a religion, isn’t difficult to practise. But what she hoped for was that the culture of being offended because a non-Muslim or older woman eats in front of an individual who is fasting would stop. While most of her followers agreed with her…
FACTS
— slim shady ?? (@lowkeyizz) April 25, 2021
True!! I went to pavilion punya food court smlm sbb nk duduk kepenatan n some non-Muslims felt guilty nk mkn dpn aku.. n i just asked them to eat.. it wont affect me pun kalau dorg nk mkn.. we’re adults.. we should be able to tolerate kot..
— aku hensem, sado & kayaaaaa (@sadohensem) April 25, 2021
There were a handful of netizens who did not agree with the 28-year-old actress. This user claims that it’s not actually about culture:
Its not culture..its about manners!
— siti zulaikha (@SnowyPrincess19) April 25, 2021
This user strongly disagreed with that point of view. They said: “How can you feel threatened when you watch others eat, how old are you to feel that way. Talking about manners I think it’s us who are fasting that have to look elsewhere”
Manners? We are all equal just because you’re fasting doesn’t mean people need to look at you as a superior to not eat in front of you. Takkan bila tgok org makan time puasa tergugat gak, umur brp dh kan nk trgugat.. Talking abt manners i think kita yg puasa ni alihkn pndngn.
— ????? (@alephwang) April 25, 2021
Ramadan is supposed to be a holy month of doing good and giving to others who are needy. If a non-Muslim or the elderly choose to respect an individual who is fasting, that’s great. But the act should not be forced. As Izara said, Islam is not difficult, so how about we keep it that way? Let’s spread love and peace people!
*Cover image credit: @izaraaishahofficial