Ramadan is not just about not eating or drinking. Understanding its purpose and the reason behind it will help you understand why Muslims fast during Ramadan,.
Fasting
Fasting is done from the start of dawn till sunset for one month. Muslims still do go about our daily lives as per normal.
A few closed ones said to me that we also fast to remember the suffering of the kids who are in starvation not having enough food in their daily lives. By fasting we can understand how they feel better and be more appreciative of what we have.
Forming good habits
“Fasting is not merely to go without food and drink; fasting is to abstain from idle talk and obscene language”
It’s a good month to practice self-discipline, and by that it also helps Muslims to learn to do good deeds. No swearing or cursing, smoking.
Its a good time to tell them to be patient, to control our sexual desires, (which means no sex during the month) also to be kind and humble. This i feel with context of Singaporeans to help a lot, because complaining is a common thing; and overcoming people’s bad judgement by being calm.
It also teaches Muslims to tell the truth.
Purify the heart
During the month of Ramadan, it is believed that God locks up the gate of hell, which means that the devils are no longer being able to tempt the people into doing sins. Whatever we do is made with our own choice ‘without the devil’s work’.
Muslims focus on being active with helping out with the poor, doing charitable events, instead of getting involved with sexual pleasures or enjoying ourselves by listening to loud music. In this time of the year, Muslims come together to pray and recite the Quran in mosques often.
Bonding with People
The thing that i enjoy about Ramadan, is the bonding between family and friends, everyone will be busy helping out with the food or dishes, and at times we do go out together to restaurants in a huge group, to break fast together. It helps to create bonding and sharing good sessions.
It doesn’t matter if you’re Chinese or Indian or in a different religion, we welcome you to also try to break fast with us to share the moment. It’ll be better if you can also feel how we feel by fasting for a day.
To celebrate the end of Ramadan
The best thing about ending of Ramadan is that we get to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid ul-Fitr (festivity of breaking the fast). It is to also celebrate the endurance we face having a month of self-discipline, withstanding obstacles along the way mentally and physically, and return to our normal eating routine again.
Could you spot the life lessons here? Did you learn anything new? Share with me down below the comments section! 🙂
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