Ramadan bazaars all over the country this month are packed to the brim with visitors keen to try unique snacks or check out the stalls. While most bazaars have dedicated seating areas for those dining out, spots are filled up pretty quickly.
A Singapore Muslim man gave his two cents on how to handle the crowds at the Geylang bazaar.
Facebook user Harry Helmi on Friday appealed to all non-Muslims to let fasting Muslims use the spaces for breaking fast. While he did not deny non-Muslims seats in the dining area, he felt that priority should go to the Muslims especially nearer to Maghrib, which is the time all Muslims break their fast.
He added another suggestion targeted at the organizer of the bazaar, to make a “BIG” poster informing diners that all tables and chairs should be for Muslims breaking fast after 6:30pm.
Does this sound reasonable?
Surprisingly, the idea was welcomed by some of those who commented that they agreed with Helmi’s post.
A commenter even said that it was the norm in KL to do so.
However, her comment was slammed almost immediately by other Malaysians who insisted that this was not true.
His seemingly innocent post also riled up many others and even fellow Muslims called him out saying that his suggestion was full of entitlement.
Many agreed that it really comes down to pure good ol’ commonsense and communication. Want to make sure the whole gang is happy for iftar (breaking fast)? Come down early to chope for seats.
If you feel like you really need to sit for a quick bite while breaking fast in a crowded place? Ask if you can share tables or seats. Don’t underestimate people’s kindness.
Some of the practical comments also brought up the difficulties of breaking fast outside during the month of Ramadan.
Breaking fast in public is not wrong but knowing that everyone is looking to find a seat at the same time also presents problems for those looking to break fast outside with family and friends.
During this period, reservations are scarce and seats are gone quickly at eateries that don’t entertain reservations.
The comment thread also provided some GIF-worthy moments by lurkers who were just there to witness the drama but at the end of it, it’s just tables and chairs y’know?
Just like this one unbothered commenter put it: anyone is welcome to “seat at any seat and at anytime comforts you.” I guess he just means well.
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