Ramadhan In My Perception

What is Ramadhan to all of us here in Malaysia?

It's a mixed perception.

Some say this is the month where the Muslim don't eat and drink in the Public. Bazaar Ramadhan with many choices of food and local delicacies. This is the months where most hotel and eateries charge a sky-high buffet line price with feast ready to gobble once the time comes to break the fast. You can see many VIPs, VVIPs, Companies visited the orphanage and the poor with thoughts of giving back to the community but at the same time call the press and make sure get the name on the visible section possible to announce the deeds.

For the first time in my entire working experience, I am placed with the same office with a Muslim friend. I find that during Ramadhan time they can't stop talking about food throughout the day. For eg. what to cook for breakfast later and this food nice and that food nice. They would excitedly ask the same question to me too. Which I always abruptly, told them off to restrain themselves and be more focus in reflecting during this holy month. (I am very bad in being diplomatic during conversations)

Same goes in this era of technology where social media is the medium to announce on everything. You will see the most feed of your Muslim friends is all about food for breakfast (iftar) and suhur and Raya preparation. No harm to sharing the joy. However, to my point of view sharing the food photo is alright. No problem at all. It just, one needs to be mature enough to not share food excessively. Same goes with Raya preparation. You have to respect some who can't afford for even a simple preparation.

So what is Ramadhan to my Perceptions?

Ramadhan is a time for all Muslims to practice self-restraint between dawn and dusk from food, drink, and any form of immoral behaviour, including impure and unkind thoughts.

The basic 5 times prayers are a must and if permissible to visit the mosque and join the tarawih ( additional night prayer).

Iftar usually starts with a glass of juice and follow with prayer. I will eat my main meal which consists of one plate of a simple meal. That's all. As for Sahur (Suhur), I just drank a glass of powdered multi-grains drink and some plain water.

I never feel a lack of energy, tired or sleepy during Ramadhan with this practice. In fact, I feel a lot better throughout the month compare to the usual months.

Interestingly, Ramadhan starts with the moon-sighting and end with Eid Al Fitr with the moon-sighting too. Eid is a celebration for all Muslim who has experienced the whole months of self-restraint with everyone dress in new clothing and special baked cookies and goodies. This is the time people will visit the graves of your loved ones and people gather to enjoy the family meals and pray in the mosque.

Check out on my other post on how to cure the bad breath during Ramadhan. HERE