RAMADHAN KAREEM
Bismillahirahmanirahim
Millions of Muslims in Malaysia and many more across the world welcome the month of Ramadhan.
A typical day in Ramadhan starts very early, before the dawn with the Sahuur or the morning meal. The whole day is spent without eating or drinking anything.
With a prayer of gratitude to Allah s.w.t., a Muslim breaks his fast at sunset with the iftar or the evening meal. Following the practice of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., dates have traditionally been a part of iftar meals.
From sunrise till sunset, a Muslim who fasts is required to abstain from all evil deeds as seemingly small as they may be. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is reported to have said, "If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during fasting, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink." It is prohibited to use bad language, to engage in any fights or to indulge in worldly pleasures during the fast. Since it is more of a spiritual exercise, a Muslim is expected to spend as much of his time as possible in the remembrance of Allah.
The essence of fasting is manifold. Physically, it is a great endurance exercise. It makes us experience hunger and empathize with the millions around the world who go without food every day. It is alarming to note that approximately every five seconds a child dies of hunger in the world. With stress on eating less and giving out more to the less fortunate, these conditions may be improved.
Ramadan also lays heavy emphasis on charity. It is obligatory for all Muslims to give out zakat (a fixed portion of their wealth) to charitable endeavors. In Ramadan, Muslims are urged to spend far more than just this obligatory part. The reward of charity work is multiplied manifold in this blessed month.
The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. This celebration is held to express gratitude to Allah for having enabled the faithful to partake of the blessings of Ramadan.
OneStudio team wish all Muslims in Malaysia and the world, "Ramadan Kareem" -- a very happy Ramadan.
In Malaysia, as part of an old tradition, muslims still maintain sending Greeting cards. The above are all designs by OneStudio with Canvas inserts. |