
Assalamualaikum Ya Mukminins Wal Mukminats!
Alhamdulillah. We are blessed once again to be alive during the advent of the holiest of months in the Islamic Calendar.
Ramadan al Mubarak is here once more. Those of us Muslims living here in Malaysia will start fasting tomorrow as announced by the Keeper of the Ruler's Seal yesterday.
I wish to congratulate those of you who have just embraced Islam and will be fasting for the first time in your life's as you have seen us do all these while.
Fasting is the 3rd pillar of Faith in Islam and it is compulsory on all those who are able to fast without endangering their selfs.
Fasting in Islam is unlike the practices of all other beliefs for in Islam, we do not drink even a sip of water or any other consumable liquid or food unlike some beliefs which allow the taking of water or light meals.
The manner of fasting in Islam or 'Sa'um' as it is referred to in Arabic is total abstaining from food and drinks, abstaining from ill speech, thoughts or deeds which will nullify one's fast.
Fasting also involves total abstaining of sexual contact between the husband and wife during the period of fast that is before the Fajr @ Subuh prayers and ends at Maghrib @ sunset prayers.
In between, a Muslim offers as much prayers to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala and takes care of his total self by avoiding needless debates, discussions, arguments, strife, ill will, animosity, lecherous conduct, back biting, fights, or anything that goes against the teachings of our Faith.
A true Muslim looks forward to be in the holiest month of Ramadan for this is the month which is sort of the ultra super duper bonus payouts in terms of blessings for all good deeds and even positive wishes that one wills upon oneself and others.The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during RamadanAllah, the Exalted, says:
"O you who believe! The fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days.
And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day).
But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know.
The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).
So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.'' (2:183-185)
1215. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
"Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: `
Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.'
Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: `I am fasting.'By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.
The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast.He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb.''[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In a narration by Al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
"Allah says:
`(The person observing Saum) has abstained from food and drink, and sexual pleasures for My sake; fasting is for Me, and I will bestow its reward. Every good deed has ten times its reward'.''In a narration by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
"The reward of every (good) deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times.Allah (SWT) says: `The reward of observing Saum is different from the reward of other good deeds; Saum is for Me, and I Alone will give its reward. The person observing Saum abstains from food and drink only for My sake.'
The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his Rubb.
Surely, the breath of one observing Saum is better smelling to Allah than the fragrance of musk.''
Commentary: "Khuluf'', is the smell that comes from the mouth of person who observes Saum.
It results from the thirst and hunger which he has to suffer during the Saum.
The Hadith not only tells us the merits of Saum but also brings into focus the true significance of it.
Saum is not thus mere abstention from food, drink and sexual intercourse, but also keeping away from all evils and vices and embracing virtues.1216. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
"He who spends a pair in the way of Allah will be called from the gates of Jannah: `O slave of Allah! This gate is better for you' and one who is constant in Salat (prayer), will be called from the Gate of Salat; and whoever is eager in fighting in the Cause of Allah, will be called from the Gate of Jihad; and who is regular in observing Saum will be called from Ar-Raiyan Gate.The one who is generous in charity will be called from the Gate of Charity.''
Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
"O Messenger of Allah (PBUH)! May my mother and father be sacrificed for you!
Those who are called from these gates will stand in need of nothing. Will anybody be called from all of those gates?''
He replied, "Yes, and I hope that you will be one of them.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary:
"Pair'' means two; in other channels of transmission, it has been explained thus: "
They asked him, `Pair of what?' He (PBUH) said, `A pair of horses, cows or camels'.'' "Pair'' in this Hadith, however, can be all-inclusive; i.e., fasting two days or performing two prayers, etc.
This Hadith also mentions the special distinction of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) and the esteem in which he was held by the Prophet (PBUH).
It also transpires from this Hadith that one can praise such a person right on his face about whom one does not fear that it will make him proud.
This Hadith has also an inducement for giving in Sadaqah two instead of a single item.
1217. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (PBUH) said,
"In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection.None else will enter through it. It will be called out, "Where are those who observe fasting?''So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.''[Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us about the special distinction of those who observe Saum.
"Only those who observe Saum'' signify the faithful who not only observe Saum during the month of Ramadan but also frequently observe voluntary fasts over and above the obligatory ones, otherwise Saum of Ramadan are compulsory for every Muslim.
Similar is the case of the people of Salat, people of Sadaqah and people of Jihad, who have been mentioned in the preceding Ahadith otherwise all Muslims are on par so far as the Salat, Sadaqah, etc., are concerned.
1218. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
"Every slave of Allah who observes Saum (fasting) for one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will draw his face farther from Hell-fire to the extent of a distance to be covered in seventy years.''[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: "Every slave of Allah'' includes men, women, the free and the unfree, because they are slaves of Allah. The Hadith highlights the excellence of fasting for the sake of Allah which will serve, on the Day of Resurrection, as shield against Hell-fire.
1219. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Prophet (PBUH) said,
"He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.''[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: "
Sins'' here means minor sins which relate to the Rights of Allah.1220. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
"When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.''[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This is a special distinction of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims become more inclined towards the worship of Allah. They pay greater attention to the recitation of the Qur'an, remembrance of Allah, worship, and seeking pardon for sins.
1221. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
"Observe Saum (fast) on sighting the crescent and terminate it on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy before you, then complete the number (thirty days) of the month.''[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: The words "Ghabiya'', and "Ghumma'', both have the same meanings, namely clouded sky or sky overcast with clouds, as a result of which the moon is not visible.
In that case, the injunction is that thirty days of the month be completed.
If the moon of Ramadan is not sighted on the 29th Sha`ban, then its thirty days be completed and Ramadan's Saum be started on the next day.
Similarly, if the moon for the month of Shawwal is not sighted on the 29th of Ramadan, thirty days of Saum must be completed before celebrating `Eid-ul-Fitr.
This means that the sighting of the moon is necessary for keeping the Saum of Ramadan.
Counting by celestial system is not sufficient for this purpose. Moreover, the evidence of reliable witnesses for the crescent of Ramadan and the evidence of two dependable witnesses for the crescent of Shawwal are sufficient.
This amount of evidence will fulfill the requirement of sighting the moon.
Whether the sighting of the moon at one place is sufficient for another place is controversial and arguments of both the groups of `Ulama', who support and oppose it, are based on this Hadith.
The group which contend that the sighting of the moon at one place is valid for another holds that the words "Sumu" and "Aftiru" are addressed to all the Muslims, and for this reason the sighting at one place holds good for another place.
The group which holds that the sighting of the moon at one place is not enough for the Muslims of other localities contend that the words are addressed to the people who have actually sighted the moon.
The Muslims of the localities of other areas who have not sighted the moon are not addressed by these words.
They say that the sighting of the moon goes with each area according to which they will decide about starting of Saum and celebrating `Eid.
There is a third group also, which is of the opinion that for such areas which are in close proximity and do not have much difference in the timings of sunrise and sunset, the sighting of the moon at one place holds good for the other.
In any case, it is a moderate view, which can be implemented without fear of its being wrong. According to this view, at least in one country the sighting of the moon at one place holds good for all other areas.
Benefits of Fasting :
There are many benefits of fasting. Firstly, it can burn off excess and unnecessary fats from one's physical self, thereby making us become healthier and maybe ..hehehehe...a tad slimmer!
I for one would surely love that as I have had my paunch as long as I can remember. Anyway, it is good to fast so that we can experience how it must be for those poor folks who have little to eat and are hungry most of the time.
It will make the rich and wealthy realize that they too ought to be more prudent and generous at the same time in helping out their fellow man.
Fasting helps to also purify oneself from the needs and wants of the flesh and the ever rebellious spirit.

Fasting is beneficial to us body and soul and helps us to become closer to our Lord, Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.
You can read more about the benefits of fasting
here and
here.
There are numerous sources online which explain in detail about all the benefits of fasting during Ramadan but in essence it is greatly beneficial in drawing us closer to one another as all Muslims, regardless of rank and title will be observing the Sa'um and are equal before Allah.
We feel gracious to one another and can relate to each other going through the fasting period as fellow Muslims and by experiencing similar hunger and observance of all the good conducts enjoined upon us all and going all out to do as much good to ourselves and others will see us turn out to be better Muslims than we were before, Insya Allah.May Allah SWT bless us all with a productive, peaceful, glorious Ramadan and forgive us of our past sins and mistakes. Ameen.Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims, wherever you are!Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Ta'ala Wabarakatuh.
>> Malaysians can't expect the government or the opposition or anyone else to keep babysitting them.
>> Do not blame others if you do not work for your keep.
So I presume that's a resounding vote for abolishing the bumiputra policy. Or is there a double standard lurking somewhere in the darkness?
Wednesday, 29 August, 2007
Well anonymous boo,
There is no relevance to what I said about people needing to work for their keep and you assuming that it infers to the bumiputera policy!
Do you seriously think that its up to you or me or anyone else out there?
We are just common citizens. If its to be its up to the Royal Majesties as to what they decree it to be?
Don't daydream that the Malays will be willing to surrender more of their rights than they already have!
Non Malays are fortunate enough to be unhindered in their self enterprise to improve and enrich themselves without having to beg for government subsidies.
Not all the Malays are getting the privileges as it is.
Don't you ever watch TV3 'Bersamamu'?
Who do you think is featured the most?
apart from a few Chinese and Indians, it is the majority of the rural and even urban Malays who are suffering from lack of government aid or their own unfortunate circumstances.
Whatever it is, isn't it right for us to seek our own fortune?
Do not deviate from the topic bro and if you really want to be held credible, don't hide under a pseudonym.
I didn't know that you are another one of those anonymous blog commenters.
I try my best to just respond to bonafide bloggers.
I prefer to know with whom I am engaging in a conversation.
Never liked talking to strangers!
Hope you would be gracious enough to let me know who you are by email?
Thanks. Send it to mahaguru58@gmail.com
Wednesday, 29 August, 2007
Salaam.
Very well spoken mahaguru58 sir! It is hard to respond in a reasonable manner to non-Bumis regarding what they consider as a "discrimination" towards them. It's even HARDER to convince them that Bumis have an equally (if not MORE) fair share of suffering from "discrimination" as well, like what you said regarding TV3's BERSAMAMU.
Friday, 07 September, 2007
definately..tv3 is malays channel!!..they'll definately feature malays and not chinese or indian!!(name me any tamil programme aired in tv3??)..
its just unfair..we INDIANS came to malaya 200 years ago..and still considered 2nd class citizens..whereas bugis,javanease who came much later can njoy bumiputraship!!
the fact is there are marginalisation!!
pls keep in mind without the support from the chinese and indians..Malaysia cant achieve what it had achieved now!!
Who gonna work in railways stations and rubber tapping estate?...who gonna deal the with the timber mining work?..
Malay+chinese+indians = success
priviledge + marginalisation = sharing wealth
the equation doesnt tally my friend!!
Sunday, 16 September, 2007
Sujend,
The subject matter is not TV3 being pro Malay or whatever!
You seem confused about what we are discussing here young man.
Do not mislead yourself with that kind of 'it's not fair this and that mindset'!
The topic of this article is that your esteemed leader and 'Spear of your Samy @ Deity' is saying that HINDRAF's allegations about the Tamil Indians have been marginalised and forgotten by the Malaysian Government since Merdeka are all bloody lies!
That's the subject matter..not TV3!
Go read up your History books once again and see things for what they are and not what you are deluding yourself with.
Maybe you have yet to learn about what Indians in this country have achieved due to wallowing in self pity or engaged in Malay bashing amongst your peers.
Do not grow up hating others for the lack of enterprise of your fellow Indians who CHOOSE to remain in those rubber and oil palm estates.
See the progress that many Indians have made in the field of business and industry in our nation.
Maybe you have yet to hear of Ananda Krishnan,one of the filthy rich Malaysian Indian billionaires, who owns and runs ASTRO, MAXIS, MEASAT,etc?
Eversendai Corporation, a Malaysian Indian owned Construction giant who built the Burj al Arab in Dubai and are among the largest Malaysian builders and construction companies out there in the Middle East?
I can keep naming and showing you examples of what many Malaysian Indians have achieved since Independence but it will be of no use when you keep your vision focused on the butts of those who CHOOSE to wallow in self pity and lament about why they are in such situations in those estates you mentioned!
HINDRAF are just playing the racial and religious sentiment in stirring up unrest in this nation , championing the illegally built temples and this and that for a purpose.
Check out who are the 'brains' behind HINDRAF and you will see legal eagles who have their own agendas for self advancements not for the community as they would claim loudly through their loudhailers but usually for themselves.
Creating unrest draws attention to themselves. This is a form of trumpeting oneself to let people know about them.
If those of you are really concerned about the welfare of your fellow Indians languishing in the estates, then go educate them about the various opportunities available in our country that are now being grabbed and enjoyed by foreign immigrants to our shores such as the enterprising Indonesians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis and Vietnamese workers.
All our fellow citizens especially the Indians in the estates do is wallow in self pity and complain like hell!
No one's stopping anyone from doing business or start any self enterprise.
Go check out the various Little India's here in KL, Penang, Ipoh, and all other major cities or towns in this Malay 'favoring' nation!
Until and unless you get rid of that cloud of hatred and animosity clouding your judgment and rationality, you'd remain where you are and complain till Kingdom come!
Sunday, 16 September, 2007