Why Yee Jhin fasts with his Muslim friends during Ramadan

2026-03-11 - 00:34

Lo Yee Jhin aka Eugene with his teacher Raja Muhammad Imran Raja Abdul Aziz, who commends the teen’s efforts. (Bernama pic) BANGI: While many teens his age look forward to meals during the school day, Lo Yee Jhin has chosen a different routine this Ramadan. He abstains from food and drink from dawn to sunset alongside his Muslim friends. Fondly known as Eugene, the 15-year-old student of Pusat Permata @ Pintar Negara says this experience been both meaningful and eye-opening. Indeed, it is more than just about going without food. “Fasting teaches me to be more disciplined because there are fixed times for sahur and breaking fast,” he said in reflection. “It also reminds me to be a better person, as Ramadan is about being kind to others. Fasting teaches us self-control – even when we feel hungry, we learn to manage ourselves and our emotions.” Waking up early for sahur with his Muslim hostel mates has made Eugene’s journey especially memorable. The daily routine gives him a deeper appreciation of the effort and commitment required during the holy month. Of course, the experience is not without its challenges: he acknowledged that fasting can be particularly tough after physical activity such as exercise. Still, his determination to fully experience Ramadan keeps him motivated. Eugene shared that his curiosity about fasting first began as a way to better understand his Muslim friends, and also because fasting is familiar within his own religious tradition. “In Christianity, there is also fasting, usually for 40 days, but the approach is different. Traditionally, we fast by eating two half-meals and avoiding meat except seafood,” he outlined. This year marks the first time Eugene is attempting to fast for the entire holy month, after having tried it for about a week last year. This decision, he said, caught many people around him off guard. “Many of my friends and teachers were surprised that I wanted to do it for the whole month. But what really touched me was how supportive they have been in helping me stay motivated,” he said. Encouraged by the experience, Eugene said he hopes to fast again in the lead-up to Aidilfitri next year in solidarity with his Muslim friends.