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Singaporeans have been flocking to the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar since its return on Mar. 17.
One man, however, wasn't entirely pleased after his visit to the bazaar.
"Let us Muslim to sit and have our break fast"
In a Facebook post on Apr. 7, a man named Harry Helmi uploaded a picture of a woman eating at one of the tables provided at the bazaar.
His caption, written in both Malay and English, stated:
"An open letter to the ramadan bazaar organiser:
To all non Muslim, its ok for you to consumed your food at the tables n chairs provided, but its also best if you can let us Muslim to sit and have our break fast once you have finished eating rather then still sitting n chit chat. To the organiser I have a suggestions, why dont you make a BIG poster to informed that by 630pm all tables n chair only for Muslim to breaking fast. Sorry for my broken English as passed sec 3 only k bye..."
He added that the picture he posted was for "illustration purposes" and that it had "no association to the living or the dead".
Image via Harry Helmi/Facebook.
Commenters called him out for being "self-entitled"
As of Apr. 10 morning, the Facebook post had gotten over 920 shares and more than 790 comments.
While some commenters agreed that the tables and chairs should be meant for Muslims who need to break their fast, many disagreed with Helmi's sentiments and labeled him "self-entitled" as the bazaar is a public space, open to the general public.
A few Muslims in the comments section also offered their apologies to non-Muslims.
Some commenters pointed out that he could have shared the table with the woman in the photo.
Meanwhile, a number of commenters suggested different ways and places for him to break his fast.
Translation:
"Last week, we brought a mat and broke our fast at Level 3 of Tanjong Katong Complex. We planned to do so... so we brought along a mat we purchased from Decathlon. Next time, you can try doing the same. There's air-con there, it's better right?
I don't think it's right to set that kind of rules just because you need to have a proper place to break your fast."
Translation:
"I think you should bring your own chair and table. Have a picnic while you're at it."
Translation:
"At home, you can break your fast while lying down. It's great... you should try it."
Translation:
"Just sit and break your fast by the road. Or bring your own chair, you can get one from Shopee."
Top images via Harry Helmi/Facebook & Mothership.