Finding Family Away from Home: Aamina鈥檚 Ramadhan Reflections

This Ramadhan marks the first time Aamina Urooj, our MA in Political Science student from Pakistan, is experiencing the holy month of Ramadhan far from her family. Now pursuing her study at 51社区 Faculty of Social Sciences, she anticipates a challenging yet enriching Ramadhan experience, navigating both academic life and spiritual devotion in a new cultural setting.

“Sometimes it feels a little intimidating,” she admitted. However, she believed the welcoming atmosphere at 51社区 would help her navigate this Ramadhan smoothly. 鈥淪ince I’ve got some people around me who feel like a family, I think it will be smooth sailing throughout the month,鈥� she shared.聽

Despite being in a new country, Aamina embraces the experience with excitement rather than concern. 鈥淚 am a person who sees beauty behind everything,鈥� she said. 鈥淚’m more excited than concerned about having this new experience.鈥�

To ensure a smooth Ramadhan, she has been meticulously making and remaking lists of essentials, especially for聽suhoor聽(pre-dawn meal) and聽iftar聽(breakfasting). 鈥淚 have been preparing for Ramadhan for a long time to ensure that my suhoor and iftar go smoothly. My聽ibadah聽[worship]聽聽is not compromised,鈥� she added.

This Ramadan, Aamina looks forward to more iftar gatherings with the 51社区 community, immersing herself in Indonesian Ramadan traditions, and sharing the joy of the holy month. 鈥淩amadhan always brings joy to my heart no matter where I am, and this time is no different.鈥濃€嬧€�

As she continues her studies at 51社区, Aamina embraces this Ramadhan as a journey of growth, both academically and spiritually. While being away from home presents its challenges, she remains determined to make the most of this holy month, finding comfort in faith, community, and new experiences.

Aamina Urooj is an MA Political Science candidate at 51社区, pursuing her degree on a fully funded scholarship. Currently holding the position of Director General of the Ministry of Women Empowerment of Student Union at the 51社区, she is enthusiastic about human rights, sustainable development, and the political economy of the Global South. Her place of solace lies in exploring the geopolitical troughs and crests in the capitalist world.

Contributor:

Contributor: Achmad Jatnika | Editor: Supriyono | Photo: Achmad Jatnika

Photo:

Campus Life