Oh. My. God,
I used to write but now I don't even have time to write any-more. I feel so sad because writing has always been my passion. I am freaking busy right now with work, life and my future plans. Even Vivy who own a company writes more frequent compare to me! *cries*
Before I start mumbling, I would like to take this small opportunity to wish all Muslim who is fasting in this holy month, Ramadhan Al-Mubarak! Grab this opportunity to improve ourselves to be a better "me" and aim for His Jannah.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the main pillars of Islam. I have been fasting every year since I was about seven-years-old and the experience has been changing for me in many ways, teaching me a lot about discipline, and what it means to be less fortunate.
The first 2 years my dad gave me RM1 If I managed to fast until 7-ish. Cause he knows I might end up eating at 12 noon. RM30 in my hand by end month, for sure. I think that was the only way he could think of cause' who doesn't love money?! I can buy so many chocolates with that RM30! Imagine me going to the convenient store wearing 30 cent shades that I got from Tora ToyBox and hand over the money to the Shop owner while doing the 7-years-old sombong face. Then I get to keep the chocolates in my room and eat secretly when everyone else is asleep. *evil laugh*
But well, that didn't happen. The money that I got from my dad, I finished it all by buying food for stray cats/dogs. I have a soft spot in my heart when it comes to animals. Which THAT IS WHY I STRONGLY DISAGREE WHEN CHINA DO THE STUPID FESTIVAL WHERE THEY KILL DOGS AND CATS AND EAT THEM. *cries*
#YULIN is cruel!! Thus, #StopYulin2015 campaign should be done in all countries. No one and nothing deserves to be treated that way. Sigh. Stupid mentality.
Fasting is an obligation and a great worship. It is among the best acts of obedience and greatest deeds, and one for which there is great reward. God is indeed merciful. Imam al-Bukhariyy related the Qudsiyy hadith that the Prophet said Allah said: which means: "The reward of every good deed is multiplied ten up to seven-hundred times, except that of the Fasting; it is usually done in sincerity and will be multiplied by as many times as Allah wills."
One of the doors of Paradise, named ar-Rayyan, is specified for those Muslims who used to fast in this world. On the Day of Judgement, it will be opened, and those who used to fast in obedience to Allah enter through it, then it would be closed and no others will enter through it.
Fasting is a really good exercise for us to always feel grateful and thankful for what we have. Something that has stayed the same however, is the common reaction that I often get from non-Muslim friends and colleagues. *grab a chair guys*
I don't know why, but they just love to ask the same questions every year for that one particular month haha.
- 'So what? Do you really don't eat or drink anything at all for 30 days, Shikin?"
You really think that's what I'm doing? I am pretty sure I would die if I tried that. I don't dare to do so. Nope. Nope. Nope.
- 'Is it ok to eat in front of you?' - I get this alot. Like seriously guys.
Of course it is. One of the main principles of fasting is discipline and I would prefer if you just spent your day normally and didn't worry about me. I can handle some nasi lemak or nasi kandaq being eaten near me. *loud sounds coming out from my tummy*
- 'Why do you do it to yourself? Isn’t it bad for you? Your body needs food okay? How could they make you guys do this?'
I'm not punishing myself and this isn't a burden. Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims that a lot of us look forward to. There are certainly times when it can be difficult but it only lasts a month and it reminds us how people less fortunate than us have to live.
Fasting is only considered obligatory for adults that can fast. You don’t have to fast if you have any health issues that could be affected. We may be losing a few meals every day but the aim is to change our entire lifestyle positively allowing us to feel that we are gaining a lot spiritually throughout the month. You should try it friends! :) *I actually have friends who did this and they love it!*
- 'Must be a great way to get in shape!'
Yes, there is plenty of evidence around to support the many health benefits of fasting, including improving brain function, improving your immune system, normalising insulin sensitivity, helping to cure addiction and helping weight loss. We also eat a lot of dates during this month which are very good for you.
But then, during the night, everyone will eat like nobody business. Like they have never eaten for YEARS. Every hour they will be holding foods, munching here and there. Okay maybe not everyone else, I lied. Please forgive me. I was talking about myself *rubbing my round tummy*
- 'Eat some of this, no one will know' - I don't get this much now.
Ramadan is not just about avoiding food or drink. We use the month to learn self-discipline, try to become spiritually stronger, appreciate God's gifts to us and how fortunate we are, reflect on the value of charity and generosity and give thanks for the Quran which was first revealed in the month of Ramadan.
I had 2 evil friends when I was younger. They made me eat Maggi Curry. As per claimed by them "If you eat this in 2 seconds, your puasa wont batal". Me being me, I eat a spoon of maggi and both of them were laughing and said "HA HA HA, your puasa is now batal Shikin!!". I was so naive. Hey, I was 8 okay that time. And they were 10 years-old. Blergh. But it was a good one. Haha.
- 'You must be really hungry!'
I was doing fine until you mentioned it, thanks. *looking at my watch. Crap, another few hours to go*.
Haha.
If you know someone fasting during Ramadan, please, just act normal. If you still find the entire concept too difficult to comprehend, remember that it only lasts about a month! And at the end we get to celebrate HARIII RAYAAAAA YAAAAYYY!!! ( Eid Mubarak).
Can't believe it has been a year since last Ramadan! How time flies so fast. It's scary. I am scared. I am getting older. Oh god, next thing I know I have wrinkles on my face and losing my teeth one by one. *gulp*
Nightmares. Nightmares everywhere.
Till then, Assalamualaikum! Enjoy your Ramadan :)
Forever weh :)
