Manchester City, the reigning English Premier League champions, have sent warm greetings to their fans observing Ramadan, sharing heartfelt wishes via their official Instagram account. The popular club, also known as The Citizens, aims to connect with their growing fanbase in Indonesia as the holy month begins.
On March 1, 2025, Muslims across Indonesia, including the beautiful island nation and its diverse regions, will commence fasting as per the official announcements from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Ministry confirmed this date following the Sidang Isbat (confirmation meeting) held on February 28, 2025, where representatives from various religious organizations and astronomers collaborated to determine the beginning of Ramadan. This decision was made at the Ministry’s headquarters, signifying the unity and shared observance of Ramadan within the Indonesian Muslim community.
Within the Ramadan greetings video shared by Manchester City on their Instagram, several players participated, extending their messages of goodwill. Matheus Nunes, who is from Portugal, uniquely greeted fans using the Indonesian language, saying, "Selamat datang Ramadhan. Selamat berpuasa," meaning “Welcome Ramadan. Happy fasting.” Nunes's effort to use local language shows the club's recognition of cultural connections, enhancing their significance among Indonesian supporters.
Other players, such as John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Bernardo Silva, collectively offered their prayers, wishing fans, “Kami mendoakan Ramadhan yang berkah buat Anda” (We wish you blessed Ramadan) and “Ramadhan kareem dari kami semua di Manchester City” (Ramadan greetings from all of us at Manchester City).
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, is not only about refraining from food and drink but also about reflection, prayer, and community bonding. A unique tradition emerges during this time called Ngabuburit, predominantly observed throughout parts of Indonesia, particularly West Java. Ngabuburit, derived from the Sundanese language, translates to waiting for the evening or sunset, denoting the period Muslims wait to break their fast each day at sunset, marked by the Maghrib prayer.
The practice of Ngabuburit has evolved over the years, becoming one of the cherished customs of Ramadan. Many people gather with friends or family, engaging in various activities like socializing, cooking, or even listening to religious sermons—creating not only familial bonds but also fostering community spirit during the holy month. According to local traditions, Ngabuburit activities can include preparing iftar meals, providing free takjil (snacks), and simply enjoying communal games or performances.
Interviewed experts and cultural historians have revealed interesting insights about Ngabuburit. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra, Cultural Anthropology Expert at Universitas Gadjah Mada, explained, “The activity does not only exist within Indonesian borders but is seen as part of broader Islamic practices as communities worldwide adapt to their customs during Ramadan. The essence remains the same: awaiting the breaking of the fast.”
Apipudin, a historian specializing in Arab culture at Universitas Indonesia, echoed Heddy’s sentiments, adding, “These activities haven’t always been documented or emphasized historically, yet they are integral to the communal experiences we create today.”
While the Ngabuburit tradition can be traced back several decades, its significance has grown exponentially, perhaps especially highlighted during the global pandemic, when many continued celebrating by finding creative methods to uphold social distancing yet maintain shared observances.
Manchester City, underlining their intent to strengthen ties with Indonesian fans, engaged even more uniquely. The club had previously organized events such as the Treble Trophy Tour and promotional collaborations with local brands, ensuring their presence isn’t just confined to football, but also resonates culturally.
This Ramadan, Manchester City's gestures aim to show solidarity with their Indonesian fans, affirming their acknowledgment of Ramadan's significance. Their involvement is more than mere advertising; it connects deeply with the communal spirit of the month, recognizing shared values of faith, reflection, and togetherness.
Ramadan is not only about personal introspection but also about sharing compassion and love within communities, and this connection among cultural experiences and global perspectives is what enriches the observance, making it unforgettable.
Overall, as fans around the globe prepare for the holy month, it is encouraging to see international organizations like Manchester City embracing and honoring local traditions. Their thoughtful acknowledgments serve as reminders of the universal spirit of unity and respect, especially during this time of year. Ramadan Mubarak to all!