Ramadan: A time of reflection, devotion and spiritual growth
TIME has flown by swiftly, especially as we pause to contemplate its journey. As we step into the fourth week of the sacred month of Ramadan, Muslims globally engage in fasting, a practice intertwined with self-reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice.
Fasting transcends mere repentance; it serves as a method of purifying oneself, both physically and spiritually, while also expressing solidarity with the less fortunate. It embodies a spiritual retreat that cultivates collective spiritual growth and strengthens faith.
Current estimates indicate that the global Muslim population stands at approximately 1.9 billion. They form the majority in 49 countries, representing diverse linguistic and ethnic backgrounds.
Overall, the Muslim population has increased, along with its share of the world’s population. In 2010, 74 percent of Muslims resided in 49 countries where they constituted the majority.
By 2030, the global Muslim population is projected to rise by 35 percent compared to 2010 levels, reaching 2.2 billion individuals. Islam followers are expected to comprise roughly 26 percent of the world’s population, a rise of approximately three percent from current levels.
Malaysia ranks among the countries with the largest Muslim population. As of 2020, Malaysia had about 20.6 million Muslims, accounting for 63.5 percent of the total population. A 2023 report from the Pew Research Center indicated that this figure had increased to 75 percent of Malaysian adults identifying as Muslims.
The entire Muslim community in Malaysia began fasting on March 12, 2024, coinciding with the sighting of the moon. This semantic shift means that the term “Ramadan” is now also used to refer to the fasting month itself. This phenomenon has given rise to expressions such as “observing Ramadan,” which denotes “practicing Ramadan fasting.”
Etymologically, the term “ramadh n,” which can be used as both a first or last name, originates from the Arabic root r-m-d. Though it may carry various connotations, all are related to heat, burning, or summer.
Initially falling in the summer due to the lunar calendar’s intercalation to align with the solar calendar, Ramadan now follows the lunar cycle and advances by 10 or 11 days each year. For instance, in 2022, Ramadan commenced on April 2, while in 2023, it started on March 23. This approximately tenday difference illustrates how Ramadan shifts annually due to the lunar calendar.
Through fasting, Muslims experience hunger and thirst, fostering empathy for those lacking food daily worldwide. This mirrors the hunger and thirst endured by fasting individuals throughout Ramadan, embodying a period of sacrifice. In this context, we can reflect on the courage and patience demonstrated by Muslims in Gaza confronting life’s hardships during Ramadan.
Fasting constitutes the fourth pillar of Islam, a core tenet alongside declaring faith, performing prayers, giving alms, and undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca for those able. Over 29 to 30 days, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink, sexual relations, falsehoods, insults, negative thoughts, and other wrongful acts. Failure to adhere to these guidelines renders the fast invalid, known as “breaking the fast” in Malaysia.
The fasting month of Ramadan creates a unique atmosphere compared to other months, as Muslims fast all day and perform additional prayers, or tarawih, in a very meaningful communal event. Young and old, along with those who are reasonably healthy, usually perform prayers in mosques, exhibiting diligence and devotion in fulfilling religious obligations. Given the purity of this month, it is believed to cleanse sins.
Fasting, as a general practice, has been employed in medicine for various purposes, including weight management, alleviating obstacles, and reducing cholesterol. Contrary to crash diet plans, fasting in Islam ensures adequate nutrient and caloric intake during Ramadan, undertaken voluntarily rather than under medical prescription.
Ramadan serves as a period of self-adjustment and selfdiscipline, with lessons learned during Ramadan applied beyond its conclusion, offeringnlifelong benefits. If the lessons learned during Ramadan, whether related to food or behavior, are practiced after Ramadan, they can benefit a person’s life. Additionally, food consumed during Ramadan is not restricted by crash diet criteria, with all permissible or halal foods consumed in moderate quantities.
The primary distinction between Ramadan and other fasts lies in meal timing; Muslims typically forgo breakfast at midday during Ramadan, partaking in the pre-dawn meal, suhoor, before fasting until sunset.
Refraining from drinking during this period does not yield negativeneffects but instead concentrates bodily fluids.
Ramadan stands as a special time for Muslims worldwide, offering not only physical health benefits but also bolstering self-control and piety. Moreover, Ramadan instills values such as patience, sincerity, and compassion for fellow human beings.
To my family, particularly Sinakagon Kiki in Kundasang, relatives in Ranau and Membakut, and to my Muslim friends, I extend heartfelt wishes of “Selamat Berpuasa!” May this Ramadan be filled with peace, joy and blessings for you and your families.