The world of Tzu Chi May 2021 (Vol.134)

B efore dawn, when the surrounding is serene and accompanied by the chirping of insects, the cool breeze blows gently through the window. Ahmad, a Muslim, stands at the corner of a rectangular-shaped mat with his arms raised to the side of his ears. He then puts his right hand on his left wrist and recites piously in Arabic, “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful...” Today, April 13, marks the first day of the month-long Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims get up early and have their pre-dawn meal ( Suhur ) before starting the day’s fast and the morning prayer. Ramadan fasting is an obligation every Muslim must fulfil. However, exceptions are made to those in special circumstances like illness, pregnancy, or elderly people in poor health. The purpose of fasting is to remind believers to always purify their souls and abstain from worldly desires. Therefore, Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims to continuously practise self-discipline and adjust their minds and bodies. Eid al-Fitr is not new year The grand celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which comes after a challenging month of fasting, is often misunderstood by the public as a New Year celebration. In fact, the Hijri New Year is the Awal Muharram, which is also known as the Islamic or Arabic New Year. It marks the first day of the Islamic lunar calendar year. Hijri New Year is a statutory holiday in Malaysia, but for most Muslims, there is actually no special celebration. Muslims usually only commemorate this day by preaching or recalling the history of Prophet Muhammad (Nabi Muhammad SAW, about 570 – 632) leading the Muslims from Mecca to Medina in 622 A.D. The migration helped spread Islam to the Arabian Peninsula and brought about a global Islamic civilization. For Muslims, there are three important festivals in a year, namely Eid al-Fitr, Hari Raya Haji and Jummah (Friday). In Malay, Eid al-Fitr is Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The word “Aidilfitri” comes from Arabic; “Aidil” means “to return” while “Fitri” means “true goodness”. The end of the Ramadan month not only signifies success in restraining human desires, but also represents the return to truth and goodness. Fasting is one of the five pillars Fasting is one of the five core beliefs and practices that a Muslim must observe. The Five Pillars refers to the basic principles that must be complied in the Islamic faith, that is, “ shahada, salat, sawm, zakat, and hajj ”, which means “profession of faith, prayer, fasting, alms, and pilgrimage” (Note 1). “Believers! Fasting is enjoined upon you, as it was enjoined upon those before you, that you become God-fearing.” Al-Quran (Surah al- Baqarah, 2:183) In the second year of the establishment of the Islamic calendar (623 A.D.), Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, was announced as the fasting month. Thence, all The annual Muslim fasting month (Ramadan) has begun, with Muslims worldwide abstaining from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset. The main purpose of Ramadan is to enhance the spirituality of Muslims, where believers practise religious precepts through longer prayers and self-restraint. over Story 2021 • 05 10