Raya in Bahrain: an Aidilfitri shaped by caution and resilience

2026-03-23 - 03:10

Nizam, Norhani and their two children are finding small ways to hold on to the spirit of the season, such as supporting fellow Malaysians who bake biskut raya. (Bernama pic) KLANG: For Muhamad Nizam Shaidon, this year’s Aidilfitri is unlike any other. Far from home in Bahrain, the 43-year-old is marking the festive season not with travel plans or open-house visits but with caution, quiet routines, and constant vigilance. Nizam has lived there for nearly 11 years with his wife, Norhani Aida Nor, 42. They have two daughters, aged 10 and 13. This Ramadan, the family has had to adjust to an uneasy backdrop of tension and uncertainty. “We are constantly monitoring sirens and official updates to ensure our safety,” he said. “The atmosphere of Ramadan and Hari Raya this year is very different.” Explosions have been heard across several areas, including near the United States military base in Juffair and other key locations. Among recent incidents were a drone strike on a desalination plant, a major fire at a fuel storage facility in Muharraq, and damage in nearby residential areas. “The explosions are clearly audible from where we stay, sometimes with sounds like drones beforehand,” Nizam said, adding that several strikes were intercepted by the Bahrain defence force. Despite the tension, daily life continues with a sense of cautious normalcy. Shopping malls remain open, mosques operate with safety measures, and preparations for Aidilfitri still go on. The authorities have also assured residents that essential supplies such as food, water and electricity remain stable. As a precaution, Nizam and his family have temporarily moved to a hotel arranged by his employer, while he continues working remotely. Their daughters attend school online, and the family keeps outings to a minimum. In previous years, Aidilfitri meant returning to Taman Melawati in Kuala Lumpur. But this time, airspace closures are affecting flights and the situation is still uncertain. “Usually we go back for Raya, but this year we decided not to travel,” Nizam said. “We made no preparations. Right now, our priority is safety.” Even so, the family is finding small ways to hold on to the spirit of the season. They support fellow Malaysians who bake biskut raya – a simple way to stir up memories of home. “It helps comfort the children,” Nizam said, adding that he keeps in touch with family at home to ensure they do not worry. He also expressed appreciation for the Malaysian embassy in Bahrain, which has been providing regular updates and guidance. For now, the family holds on to hope that tensions in the region will ease soon, and that future Raya celebrations will once again feel like home.