TRUE COLOURS

Observing the Month of Ramadhan

September 4, 2008
September 1, 2008 marked the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadhan for all muslims all over the world.  During this month, abstinence from all the pleasures and comforts in life is being observed for thirty days.  Being one of the five pillars of Islam, a muslim is obliged to fast from sunrise to sunset.  At this time of day, food, water, cigarettes and the likes are prohibited as well as all other pleasures, negative thoughts and intentions.  A muslim is also obliged to pray five times a day and the nightly prayer “tarawi” with fellow muslims in the mosque.  The giving of “zakat” or alms to the poor is also obliged to every family.  Sacrifice and self-discipline are the basic values that are evident and developed in observing the month of fasting and it is shown by waking up at early dawn to take “saul” or the early meal just before sunrise and “buka” or to break the fast just right after sunset.  Every believer of Islam is required to fast, adults and children 7-8 years old and above.  Only those who are sick, infants and young children, newly gave birth, lactating mothers, on a long travel and the elderly are exempted from fasting.  All those who follow and observe religiously and honestly shall receive the “balas” or reward from Allah (SWT).
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