A time to reflect and transform

It's been quite a long time I have not post anything in this blog... life was too hectic for a few weeks and  then I spent my free time catching up my family time and my sleeping time hahahaha.... so this blog get neglected during those time...

Anyway, I think it will be not too late to wish to all of you "Happy Ramadhan"....


The month which is eagerly awaited every year,
The month when we feels nearer to Allah,
The month to reflect and transform ourselves as per stated in the article "A time to reflect and transform" but I have to omit some lines (those related to politics) but you can still read the full article here.


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Published: Tuesday July 16, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday July 16, 2013 MYT 8:06:46 AM

A time to reflect and transform

IKIM VIEWS

As human beings who are always in need of constant reminders on the purpose of our existence, the fasting month is the best time for us to reflect and act upon the realisation of that purpose.

AS the holy month of Ramadan enters its second week, it is essential for us to understand that it is not just about fasting and the refraining of one’s edacity for food.

It is also the most excellent time to reflect on the purpose of our being and also the state of our souls.

Prophet Muhammad add­ressed his companions on the last day of Syaaban (the month before Ramadan), saying, “Oh people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which a night is better than a thousand months; a month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night.

“Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds (in this month) shall receive the same reward as when performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed (in this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time.

“It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Hea- ven.

“It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased.

“Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fires of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all,” (Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah).

The hadith above provides us with a clear picture of the opportunities that the month offers to those who seek meaningful transformations in their lives.

As human beings who are always in need of constant reminders on the purpose of our existence, the fasting month is the best time for us to reflect and act upon the realisation of that purpose.

Though fasting is seen as a personal deed, the impact of fasting especially in the month of Ramadan must transcend the individual element.

For instance, through fasting, we are made to feel and understand the hardships faced by the less fortunate ones and to be patient in our dealings on matters concerning ourselves and others.

It is imperative for us to also develop the realisation of our roles and the responsibilities that are attached to them.

For instance, we need to especially play a more vibrant role in the society through the act of sharing and giving.

As an individual unit in a larger segment of the society, the fasting month offers the chance for us to contribute in various areas that can benefit others.

Our social responsibility during Ramadan must not just be limited to the act of giving donations in the form of cash and kind but should also include contributions of our positive ideas and energy for the betterment of others in our society.

For the past few nights, we have been witnessing a great sense of unity forged through the congressional night prayers in the mosques nationwide.

Those who understand the blessings of Ramadan would be able to value the real kinship that ties our hearts together.

Through the congressional pra­yers, we are able to meet and greet our neighbours and other members of the community which we sometimes, for some reasons, are not able to do during other months.

It is therefore important to take heed the hadith as reported by Abu Hurairah, where the Messenger of Allah says: “All services of the son of Adam are for him except fasting.

“It is for Me, and I will reward him for it.

“Fasting is a shield.

“On the day you fast, do not use obscenity, nor yell at others, nor act ignorantly towards them.

“However, if anyone abuses you verbally or attempts to draw you to fight with him, say ‘I am fasting’ two times,” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).

Most importantly, Ramadan must be understood as the best time for character building and getting to know ourselves better.

Through the acts of fasting, prayers and doing good deeds, the month of Ramadan can indeed help us to reflect upon our strengths and weaknesses and hopefully discover our true potential as human beings.

Hence, Ramadan should not be taken lightly as just another month prior to the celebration of the Eid or a mere yearly tradition of food banquets and bazaars.

Muslims should perceive Ramadan as the chance given by Allah the Almighty for us to be closer to him.

This is in the form of performing our ibadah (acts of worship) and to be rewarded with his countless blessings in this world and the hereafter.

Hopefully, this year’s Ramadan will be a meaningful one to most of us with personal transformation of the souls and characters taking place.

In effect, these transformations will make us better individuals who can eventually benefit the society and the nation.