Ramadan: A Celebration of Self-discovery
Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting revered by Muslims around the world. The religious clerical teachings emphasise the importance of Ramadan to inculcate values like patience, humility and spirituality. Malaysia, known for its vibrant ways of celebrating Ramadan has certainly impressed us with the ever present Bazaar Ramadan and the ‘Buka Puasa’ ceremonies attended by all ethnicities. To commemorate this month, J-on interviewed Muslim lecturers and students from UTAR to get their insights on Ramadan itself.
“Ramadan is not only about Muslims’ fasting period but a reminder to us to care for the unfortunates.
My only hope is that our prayers will free Palestine and other Muslim's majority country from Zionist regime lead by U.S through the abilities of mind, knowledge, and power of humanity. We shall be united no matter what religious we are.”
Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Laboratory officer, Khairul Hafiz Bin Mohammad
“Ramadan is a worship practice that makes me to share and understand what poor and hungry feel. I have to be more humane in my thinking and doing or else it would lose the significance of being in a hungry and thirsty state for the whole month.
I expect the people to be more humane in their thinking too and do not forget to do good deeds and smile always when interacting with others.
The other hopeful expectation I have is to do well in my job and I want my students to understand better of what I teach.”
Biomedical Department Associate Professor for Faculty of Science Dr Mohamed Abdel Rahman Ahmed Elkhalifa
“Ramadan teaches me patience and self-control. We should watch our behaviour other than fasting. When we are fasting, we are not supposed to do or say bad things.
I personally feel that during Ramadan, we as a family are able to gather and eat together after buka puasa during sahur. Ramadan is also the time time we pray to earn forgiveness and rewards especially in the last 10 days of the month.
“I wish I can deal with negativity in me and focus on improving the positive side. It would be difficult to change ourselves in a month but we should develop a strong faith to become a better person, a better daughter and a better Muslim.”
Bachelor of Communication (hons) Journalism student, Aimi Huwaina
“The fasting month is excited and I look forwards the coming of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. To me, Ramadan is a month which we do not only concern about food we consume but also to cultivate a sincere heart as we fast. It is like we totally dedicate our entire self to Allah.
Mentally, we do not think of negative things whereas physically we avoid committing unpleasant acts in His eyes. From what I have known, most of the Muslims in India would hustle to complete the reading of the 'Al-Quran' during this fasting month.
There is more to Ramadan, such as the history of it and its myths. ‘Malam Lailatul-Qadar’ as the blessed night is when we made our prayers to Allah.
Last but not least, we do not cut our nails or our hair.”
Bachelor in Social Science (hons) Psychology student, Humi Kalsom Bibi Binti Navas Ali Khan
“Ramadan is a harmonious and peaceful month for many Muslims. After Ramadan, there comes syawal where Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. Ramadan brings prosperity to the people and reminds people of the sufferings faced by people in other countries.
In a way, we are concerned and patronise it by fasting from dawn till sunset. Ramadan certainly brings out the best in every people. We can see people opening up Bazaars and so on. The variety and the multitude of people certainly enhance the ambience of the month itself.
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Bachelor of Communication (hons) Journalism student, Amirah Ismail
