KUALA LUMPUR - Ramadan is not just a month of worship but also an opportunity for some Muslims to deepen their religious experience in unique and meaningful ways.
Not surprisingly, the practice of "mosque hopping" or "mosque hunting" is currently gaining attention, especially on social media, where many netizens are sharing their experiences of visiting different mosques this holy month.
From visiting historic mosques to modern ones, this trend not only enriches their spiritual experience but also strengthens bonds within the Muslim community.
Siti Fakhira Norazhar, 25, a content publisher at a company here, said this activity is more than just following a trend, adding that for her, it is a spiritual journey that nourishes the soul.
"I work in Kuala Lumpur and rely heavily on public transportation to get around. Since many mosques are located near LRT (Light Rail Transit) or MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) stations, my friends and I take the opportunity to stop by different mosques for prayers," she told Bernama.
Fakhira, who lives in Kampung Sungai Merab in Sepang, Selangor, said she visited six mosques during Ramadan last year.
The Ar-Rahah Mosque in Pantai Dalam, Tenaga Nasional Bhd Mosque in Bangsar and Al-Barakah Surau at Menara Bank Rakyat Twin Towers in Brickfields were among the mosques she visited.
Commenting on the perception that mosque hopping is merely about seeking free food, Siti Fakhira said its main goal is to enliven the mosque by participating in communal breaking-of-fast gatherings (iftar) and performing tarawih prayers.
"Some people do come for the free food but that is not a bad thing. Mosques encourage large congregations for iftar as it strengthens Islamic brotherhood. In fact, some people even bring their own food," she said.
Meanwhile, personal assistant Muhammad Azrie Idzmeer Rosli, 33, said he engages in mosque hopping to broaden his knowledge about different mosques in terms of their architecture and history, to understand the diversity of practices within local communities and to interact with fellow worshippers.
"Mosque hopping is not just about physically visiting different mosques; it is also a spiritual journey that brings me closer to Allah SWT.
"In this fast-paced modern world, this activity allows me to appreciate the sanctity of Ramadan and experience a sense of unity within the Muslim community," he added.
Azrie also explained the main message behind the videos he shares on TikTok about this activity is to encourage more people to visit mosques.
"I'm not a big influencer but if my videos can inspire and provide useful information to others, encouraging them to visit mosques more often, that is a bonus for me," he added. - BERNAMA