For
each Muslims, the advent of Ramadan brings
different meanings. While there are those
who welcome Ramadan with a deep passion
for its benefits and blessings, there
are also those who feel its “burdens
and difficulties” and yet those
welcoming it solely for the sake of the
festive Hari Raya celebrations that come
after Ramadan.
The diversity in response is a manifestation
of the level of iman and taqwa of each
individual. The fact, however, remains
that Ramadan is a holy and glorious month
– the month of worship, the month
of al-Qur’an and the month to multiply
manifold our acts of worship and level
of iman. Indeed, Ramadan is full of wisdom
and meanings.
The dawn of Ramadan should be welcomed
with deep sense of gratitude and humility.
Other than completing the fast of Ramadan,
we should also intensify accompanying
charitable deeds like sharing food with
our neighbours during the breaking of
fast, involving in voluntary works, performing
the meritorious Tarawih and Tadarus.
Worship in Islam is not limited
to the rituals – in fact it encompasses
a lot more such as:
- Spending time with the children
either to supervise or monitor their
studies or even to entertain them;
- Toiling yourself in order to maintain
the economic need of the family
- Assisting your wife by sharing household
chores
- Leaving others in peace by not disturbing
them or creating difficulties for
them
- Rendering assistance to friends
or neighbours regardless of race or
religion when they are in need
- To always smile and be cheerful
- Seeking beneficial knowledge
- Keeping to oneself the shortcomings
of others
- Feeding neighbours of different
religion.
All these actions are in line with the
essence of Islam as a universal religion
that brings mercy to mankind.
“And
We do not send you but as a mercy for
the universe.”
(AlAnbiya’: 107)
In order
to be an exemplary community that inspires
others, we will have to uphold strongly
to our Islamic principles while at the
same time, adapt to changing context.
“You’re
the best community raised for mankind.
You enjoin what is good and forbid what
is wrong while you believe
in Allah.”
(Ali Imran: 110)
With this spirit of
human fellowship, hopefully we can be
a Muslim that is worth emulating and an
inspiration to others, insya Allah.
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