Azlan Othman
As the nation is about a week away from welcoming the holy month of Ramadhan, religious authorities urged Muslims to intensify pious acts and increase Sunnat prayers, reading Al-Quran, Zikir, I’tikaf (spend their days and nights at the mosque) and Qiyamullail (nightly vigil).
Imams in the Friday sermon yesterday also called on Muslims to deepen their religious knowledge such as laws of fasting and etiquette such as refrain from committing forbidden acts, safeguarding sight, hearing and restraining the tongue as well as from wasteful matters.
Welcoming the holy month of Ramadhan is a blessing for the faithful where gates of heaven and blessings are abundant and every good deed is compensated with multiplied rewards.
One should also avoid consuming anything dubious and Haram, especially during the breaking of fast and when taking Sahur (pre-dawn meal).
Besides spiritual preparation, Muslims are also urged to look after their health as a healthy body will facilitate them to perform fasting and other pious acts such as Tarawih prayers, Qiyamullail, reading Al-Quran, I’tikaf and so on.
Imams also called on the Ummah to eat in moderation and strive for a balanced diet. The fasting month is also a good time to quit smoking.
“Let us be grateful for being able to welcome the holy month of Ramadhan once again despite the fact that the world is still grappling with COVID-19,” Imams said.
Imams also advised the Ummah to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and hoped that this year, “we will be able to perform such obligation properly and receive blessings from Allah the Almighty”.
Meanwhile, in the Friday sermon yesterday, Imams also highlighted the significance of water resources, especially when it is scarce.
“Imagine the hardship when the water supply is temporarily cut off or if there is yellowish water, drought, maintenance of infrastructure and so on affecting the daily routine,” Imams said.
“As consumers, we should be patient in facing such a situation and give trust to the Department of Water Services.
“Without realising, we tend not to appreciate such blessing as at present such resources are accessible. Due to the lack of appreciation, some people waste water and use it excessively,” Imams added.
“Such attitude of wastage is despicable. Let us be grateful for the blessings by being prudent and responsible in water usage and pray for such blessing to be everlasting and continuously enjoyed.”
