Its Fasting month –Ramadhan 2011

 

Its fasting month again. And again I have to struggle with my migraine. I know it will go off on the 3rd day , as its normally did. This is part of my strive during this fasting month.

Today is the 2nd day of fasting in Malaysia, while in Brunei, according to my friend who is living in that country, today is their first day of fasting.

The starting of Ramadhan is based on sighting of the new moon. Hence, its possible for one country to have a difference of 1 day gap on the commencement of Ramadhan, from another.

According to the History of Islam, The Qur’an was first reveled during the month of Ramadhan. Ramadhan is the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar. The actual night when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad( Peace Be Upon Him) is called Lailatul-Qadar.

No one knows on which particular night the Qur'an was first revealed, but it is said to be one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, and to stand in prayer on this one night is said to be better than a thousand months of worship

During Ramadhan, Muslims will not eat and drink during daylight hours.

“how could you stand it??” 

“ Why do you have to suffer”

That were regular questions from the Non-Muslim friends of mine. I never get irritated by the questions though. It is my responsibility to provide the answer. Not by just saying “I can” or  “I have no choice”, but with a little explanation

I'm sure they are familiar with the word ‘JIHAD’ (strive). Killing the innocent is not Jihad.

Fasting is a real ‘Jihad’. Its a form of training to refrain from all wrong-doing. For a period of time, we are learning to control our basic urges i.e the urge to satisfy hunger, thirst and sexual desire, and devote ourselves to serving and helping others while disregarding our own needs.

Only healthy adult Muslim required to fast, not those who happen to fall ill or be on long journey during Ramadhan, in which they should complete the missed fasts after Ramadhan.

To those who are not able to fast, such as the very old, the long term ill, pregnant woman or women who feed their babies, among others, can give charity instead of fasting. At least giving a day’s food to one poor person for every fast missed.

Fasting makes us realize the suffering and the feelings of the needy. Its not meant to torture at all.

Ramadhan Al-Mubarak everyone..!!!