Azlan Othman
As the holy month of Ramadhan approaches, Muslims are urged to prepare themselves spiritually by enhancing the acts of worship such as increasing Puasa Sunat, the recitation of Al-Quran, performing I’tikaf or seclusion at the mosque, Qiamullail or the night prayer, and recite Zikir or remembrance of Allah the Almighty.
Imams during the Friday sermon said Muslims should also deepen their religious knowledge pertaining to the fast especially on its rulings and etiquettes.
Those who missed fasting in the past are urged to perform Qadha or make up for the missed fast which is compulsory. Some missed the Ramadhan fast due to valid excuses such as illness, travelling, postpartum bleeding, menstruation and pregnancy.
Qadha is not compulsory but should paid through Fidyah for those who are ill with no hope of recovery.
Fidyah is a payment levied on someone who doesn’t fast during Ramadhan as expiation.
“We are required to pay Fidyah when we don’t fast in the month of Ramadhan for specific reasons and should not procrastinate before the next Ramadhan sets in,” the imams said.
The imams also called on Ummah to make their best preparation and to fill the holy month with pious and charitable acts.
“We also hope to perform fasting in a proper manner with hope to gain multiple rewards,” they said.
