RAMADAN is the best month to focus on the hereafter rather than worldly matters.
These were words shared by a Penangite who is excited to welcome the holy month which officially starts on April 3.
Shafina Ahmad, 30, said Ramadan is a month full of blessings (barakah) from God, and what makes this month so special is that the rewards are multiplied.
“Every form of worship, every act of kindness and every good deed carries more weight and blessings. Also, the gates of forgiveness are open and all prayers are heard.
“Ramadan is not only about abstaining oneself from drinking and eating, but also abstaining from immoral acts and anger.
“It is a good start to renew our intentions in order to achieve closeness with God and becoming a better human being in general.
“We can set our own Ramadan goals, such as finishing the ‘Quran’ or developing better habits like showing more love and kindness to one another.
“The world definitely needs more love, especially now that our country will transition to the endemic phase starting April 1,” Shafina told Buletin Mutiara during a phone interview on March 31.
Regarded as a special month, she said Ramadan is also about strengthening family ties.
“Ramadan is when we can dine in with our loved ones not only for ‘iftar’, but for ‘sahur’ as well. Preparing meals and eating together definitely counts as a form of worship too,” she added.
In a related development, as a proud Penangite, Shafina said one of the first things that comes to her mind about Ramadan in Penang is the bazaars set up across popular sites in the state.
“Penang’s Ramadan bazaars are popular not only among the Muslims, but among the non-Muslims too. It is something we all anticipate and reward ourselves with.
“This year, unlike the previous two years, we will all have the chance to visit bazaars more freely. While we shop for our favourite delicacies, it is important to follow all the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Let’s also take this opportunity to support local food vendors by buying their delightful treats,” Shafina added.
Meanwhile for Syazana, 29, a content writer, Ramadan is special to her because it gives her the opportunity to slow down and be more mindful of the things she says and does.
“Apart from that, during this month, I become more thoughtful and grateful of the blessings that I have in my life.
“As for the bazaars, I can’t tell you how I miss buying my favourite dishes. I am looking forward to buying ‘som tam’, ‘ayam perchik’ and ‘kuih pelita’,” Syazana said.
As for Fariheen Nur Sheikha Salahudin, 21, Ramadan is a test of faith and also an opportunity for repentance.
“During this period of fasting, I would often try to practise my faith more than usual as the rewards are higher when you do good deeds during the fasting month.
“I personally always take this chance to do more good things and be a better Muslim, but honestly speaking, to consistently do this is quite a challenge,” Fariheen said.
Being a foodie herself, Fariheen is also looking forward to Ramadan as the bazaars sell mouthwatering dishes.
“I often enjoy planning what to eat for breakfast. During days when my mum doesn’t cook, we would buy food from the bazaars,” she added.
Another individual, Ghea, 28, said Ramadan is all about starting fresh for her and her family.
“It is a time for reflection, trying to undo the mistakes from the past and learning to be a better person through good life practices. During this time, families and friends become even more important to me,” she said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of interviewees