As Muslims in the country prepare to observe the obligatory fasting in the holy month of Ramadhan, beginning either on Monday or Tuesday (pending the outcome of the moon sighting on Sunday), religious authorities during the Friday sermon have called upon the Muslim community to ready themselves both spiritually and in terms of health care.
Devotees are encouraged to enhance their spiritual understanding of the religion, particularly about fasting.
This includes improving worship practices and fulfilling Qadha (making up missed mandatory fasts). It is advised to deepen religious knowledge regarding the laws of fasting and etiquette.
In addition to spiritual preparations, Muslims are urged to intensify their pious acts, such as performing the highly recommended Sunat prayers, reciting Al-Quran, engaging in Zikir (remembrance of Allah), practicing Qiamulail (staying vigilant at night for religious activities), and more throughout the holy month.
Imams across mosques in the sermon on Friday emphasise that maintaining a healthy body facilitates the observance of fasting and other worship activities. During Ramadhan, attention to health should include selecting and preparing food from Halal and clean sources, as well as maintaining a balanced and moderate diet. Fasting itself is a beneficial exercise that aids in overcoming habits like smoking.
Muslims are reminded to diligently prepare for the upcoming holy month, filling it with good deeds, as the certainty of being able to observe the next fasting month of Ramadhan in the future remains uncertain. – Azlan Othman
