Ramadhan and Aidil Fitri
Ive talked to 3 friends yesterday. As a non Muslim, i ignorantly told them “tahan lagi! One more day and you dont have to fast!”
To my suprise, all three reprimanded me. I honestly thought they would say “insya Allah!”. Nope. Instead, they, on separate occassions, told me the same thing along this line :” no! I will miss Ramadhan and the fasting. It was a beautiful experience and i cant wait for the next Ramadhan to come!”
Long have we live under the same roof and yet we couldnt truly empathize or understand the true feelings of each other. I am quite confident that most non-Muslim friends, out of good will, would have thought that our Muslims friends and family will find relief towards the end of Ramadhan, assuming that fasting is some sort of hardship to them.
Most Muslim however will reply you quite the otherwise, that the fasting month really give them peace, solace, and is definitely a privilege to look forward to.
I then recalled Monyet King (now Pisang Raja)’s story about his maid, who never fast when she was back jn indonesia, but fasted religiously as she starts her work here in KL. The reason was simple: back in Indonesia she survived as a poor hard labour and needed to eat to work so that her family can be fed. Now that she has a better life in malaysia she can then indulge in her religious obligation to fast, of which she did so voluntarily and jovially.
The Ramadhan is truly a humbling month for all to enjoy. The annual affair reminds muslim to be forgiving, patience, and to empathize with the less fortunate. Working in a 99% Muslim organization, i must say that i felt their effort in improving their “zahir” and “batin”. I felt their peace, their forgiveness, and patience. It is a beautiful reminder to all.
Another friend told me, she looked forward to ramadhan more so than syawal’s aidil fitri. Reason is simple : Ramadhan gave her peace and she found solace with The Creator through her efforts of humbling herself. Syawal Aidil Fitri on the otherhand is just another festive and cultural celebration disproportionately blown up through heavy capitalism, consumerism, and commercialization.
A true muslim, she said, will appreciate Ramadhan more than the Eid, and i tend to concur with her.
Now that ramadhan has come to an end, I hope the month long of endurance and peace would extend to all mankind throughout the year.
Selamat Hari Raya aidil Fitri and May the next blessed and holy month of Ramadhan reach all of us in no time.
Source: Tai Zee Kin
