New shop is fastbecoming a hit
South Wales Echo, Oct 30 2003
RAMADAN started this week - and a newcomer to Cardiff is hoping the Muslim holy month will give him the chance to settle into his community.
Abdul Malik admits he didn't take the religious festival that seriously until a few years ago. But after a lot of research, he has become closer to God - and now hopes to become closer to his new neighbours too.
Abdul recently opened Cardiff's first specialist halal shop, Pak Butchers in Clare Road, Grangetown. Already with two successful shops in Bristol and plans to expand in Newport, Abdul sees the shop as providing a service to fasting Muslims.
"It sounds ironic, but Ramadan is a busy time for us as when the fast is broken each night we like to have meat on the table," he said.
During Ramadan - the ninth lunar month in the Islamic calendar - Muslims fast from dusk till dawn each day, although old people and pregnant women are excused. The fast is then traditionally broken with dates - which staff at Pak Butchers are giving away free.