Ramadan – month of feasting?

Ramadan is the most important month of the Muslim calendar. To some people Ramadan is the month of celebrations, shopping, fancy iftars at posh restaurants, entertainment and gossip. They stay up at night but not for worship; they while away that time watching TV or wandering in the bazaar. Ramadan for them is more a month of feasting than fasting.

Of course we all know that Ramadan is not only about fasting.  We also know that Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul. But how many of us do know and appreciate the real message of Ramadan alMubarak. We see many of us still muddle the meaning of Ramadan with the message of pop culture. I hope it is not done with intent.

The world has become so accustomed to them that many of us remain enslaved to them even during Ramadan. The message of the materialistic, pleasure-seeking global pop culture that has engulfed every Muslim land today is exactly the opposite of the message of Ramadan.

Let us liberate ourselves from all this. Rediscover our inner self that has been buried deep under it. Reorient ourselves. Devote our time to the reading of the Qur'an, to voluntary worship, to prayers and conversations with Allah. Reflect on the direction of our life and our priorities. Ramadan is also the month of kindness and charity. Go find the true path of Allah. Reflect on and strengthen our relationship with our Creator Allah subhanahuwatala.

Ramadan gives splendid opportunity for us to rebuild our spiritual strength. It is entirely up to each and every one of us to optimise benefit derived from the holy month of Ramadan.