Breaking of fast and significance of Ramadan

Ramadan or Berpuasa in Bahasa Malaysia is an annual practice observed by Muslims all over the world. Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The practice involves abstinence from eating food, drinking, smoking and all other restricted things from dawn till late in the evening or at the time of Maghrib prayer.

The practice is not different for those who live in Malaysia, especially students who have traveled from their various countries of origin to study here. Ramadan is a time of mix reactions, a time of joy and blessings when Muslims draw close to their creator in prayers and supplication.

“I usually break my fast with dates as recommended by Prophet Mohammad SAW and water because of thirst,” said Abba Junaid, a UCSI University diploma in management student from Nigeria. “For me Ramadan is a time of drawing close to my lord in prayer and seeking forgiveness.”

Junaid is not the only one who thinks of Ramadan as a time of reflection and a time to seek forgiveness and cleanse the soul. Other international students from other parts of the world also feel the same way.

“The period of Ramadan means a lot to Muslims especially as it relates to seclusion and increased devotion, sober reflection and being close Allah SWT,” said Ahmed Jamali engineering student UCSI University from Iran.

“Ramadan is like a visitor that visits you once every year and during the visit, brings along with it abundant rewards that one cannot find anywhere or at any time of the year except this period. I treat this visitor (Ramadan) with diligence and care,” said Ali Abdul-Aziz UCSI University architecture student from Iraq.

“This blessed period of Ramadan reminds us Muslims of whom we really are, the true servants of Allah SWT. The gates of Paradise (Jannah) are open for mercies while the gates of Hell (Jahannam) are shut. It is an opportunity to right our wrongs collectively and count our blessings through prayers and supplication,” said Mohammed Nangila, a UCSI University computing student from Kenya.

Ramadan has always been a time of unification among the Muslim community.

“Not everyone makes it to this month of bliss and joy; I feel it is a privilege given to me by Allah SWT to fast this month with the rest of the Muslim community,” said UCSI University computing student Abdullahi Mohammed, from Nigeria. “I usually take this opportunity to seek forgiveness.”

Another student said, “Ramadan is a time to give and share with your loved ones, family and friends. But best of all it is a time to seek for mercy and rewards.”

However, Ramadan is not just about the food a person can eat or the number of days one is required to fast. According to Islamic teachings, Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection a time when Muslims fast during the day and perform Tarawih (night) prayers at night, reciting and listening to the entire Quran.

RAMADAN KAREEM!