COMMENT | The bubur lambuk conundrum

COMMENT | Pak Samad loves bubur lambuk. Every year during Ramadan, he will always break his fast with dates, then a glass of water, and then a bowl of reheated bubur lambuk.

Bubur lambuk is a fragrant and nourishing rice porridge infused with spices, meats, and herbs. The distribution of bubur lambuk at mosques is a cherished tradition every time Muslims in Malaysia embark on a journey of spiritual reflection, fasting, and community solidarity during the holy month.

When Pak Samad was a young boy, he used to follow his father to perform the Asar prayers and wait in a queue to collect bubur lambuk in a small food carrier. Sometimes his father would collect extra to be passed to their non-Muslim neighbour who also enjoyed the special dish.

Pak Samad’s father believed that the distribution itself is a tradition rooted in the teachings of Islam, which emphasises the importance of charity, hospitality, and sharing with others.

Pak Samad’s father passed away in the early 1990s. However, Pak Samad and his family...