RAMADAN is the month in which was sent down the Al Quran, as a guide to mankind. Also clear signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. And it is in Ramadan that Muslims are required to fast.
"Oh ye who believe,
Fasting is prescribed to you
As it was prescribed to those before you
That ye may learn self restraint".
- Sura Baqara verse 183
There are other verses of course about fasting . But I'm not going to pretend I'm an "ulama" or Islamic scholar about to give his sermon.
Suffice to say, today is the first day of Ramadan when Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk. Must if they are not sick etc. And fasting is not only about abstaining from food, drink and sex during day time (and sex here means between husband and wife. Not illicit).Fasting also require Muslims to abstain or refrain from all things negative, all things bad.
And we are told we must keep off these bad things for good. Not only during Ramadan, but even after Hari Raya and subsequent days until we say good bye to this world. Put boldly, the good things we do in Ramadan must continue till we die. Sad that many positive things in Ramadan come to an end on the very first day of Syawal or Hari Raya. No need to go into specifics.
When one is fasting it's only natural that one look forward to breaking fast or "buka puasa" time. But in Malaysia breaking of fast is now a food galore, a gourmet festival . Look at the events and the menu presented in hotels, restaurants and other eateries and you know what I mean. Nothing wrong with that. If one can afford to pay for such a hearty spread by all means indulge.
It's just that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) we were told broke his fast by eating a few date fruits and some water. Then the Prophet would pray. Praying as we know is the pillar of Islam. I'm not suggesting folks who attend big "buka puasa' session do not pray.
But just a note of caution, praying with a very full stomach can be "susah" expecailly the "marathon" "terawih" prayers.
But to their credit hotels etc have places where one can pray. Their own "suraus." And many of their customers would break fast "lightly," go for prayers and come back for the meal.
When fasting, many of us expect others to "understand that we're fasting." Meaning "be tolerant towards us who's fasting." Fine. But we must also "understand what's expected of us" by others. We must also tolerate their "demands" if we are required to work and perform.
We can't expect to "be tolerated" just because we're fasting. After all fasting is not about rest, relax and taking things easy. It's business as usual. Even the Battle of Badr, a war between Muslims and the on believers in the days of the Prophet was fought during Ramadan. And the warriors of Islam who fought the war were fasting.
Anyway, this Ramadan in Malaysia will see a by election being contested by BN and PAS . Up for grabs is the Permatang Pasir state seat. Two days away.
Held in "bulan puasa" in a Malay/Muslim area, campaigning must surely differ from previous occasions. Wooing for votes are carried out during breaking fast, after and before prayers, along the corridors of mosques and suraus, house to house . My hope is that the holy of Ramadan is not marred by politicians and their band of supporters in their eagerness for victory.
We know there are politicians who are experts in the "he say they say" tactic. I'll simplify it:
Mr A say Mr B say bad things which is unbecoming of a Muslim especially in the month of Ramadan. Thus tarnishing not only Ramadan but also Islam. Mr A then get his supporters to get reaction from other respected folks including the ulamas. The ulamas are asked what they think of the remarks "made" by MrB .As the remarks are really bad, the ulamas would say they do not agree with MrB. And some would also slam MrB publicly. Hence MrB is seen as unworthy of a state seat. UnIslamic even.All because of the bad things he said. But the truth is MrB did not say it all all. Mr B did not say what Mr A said MrB said. Get it?
To all Muslim readers, Selamat berpuasa. May this Ramadan be the best Ramadan we've experienced. (By MOHSIN ABDULLAH/MySinchew)
