Category: Agama

Austere Brand Of Islam On Rise In Europe, Stirring Concerns

PARIS — Its imams preach austere piety, its tenets demand strict separation of sexes — and some of its most radical adherents are heeding the call of jihad. Salafism, an Islamic movement based on a literal reading of the Quran, is on the rise in France, Germany and Britain, security officials say, with Salafis sharply increasing their influence in mosques and on the streets.

The trend worries European authorities, who see Salafism as one of the inspirational forces for young Europeans heading to Syria or Iraq to do battle for the Islamic State group. Experts, however, point out that the vast majority of Salafis are peace-loving.

In Germany, there are currently about 7,000 Salafis in the country — nearly double the 3,800 estimated four years ago, the Interior Ministry said last month. About 100 French mosques are now controlled by Salafis, a small number compared to the more than 2,000 Muslim houses of worship, but more than double the number four years ago, a senior security official told The Associated Press. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to discuss the matter publicly. France does not do head-counts by religious practices or origins.

In Britain the numbers are on the rise, too. Seven per cent of Britain’s 1,740 mosques are run by Salafis, according to Mr Mehmood Naqshbandi, an expert on Britain’s Muslims and counter-extremism adviser to the British government who keeps a database of the various currents of Islam in Britain. He says those numbers are steadily growing, especially among young people — and that a quarter to half of British Muslims under 30 “accept some parts or all of the Salafi theology.”

Today, the Internet is largely seen as the main route for youth to quickly radicalise. But radicalisation can be cultivated in places where Muslims socialise, like mosques. And there, said the French security official, it is Salafis who are considered the principle purveyors of radical ideology.

Experts say Salafis in France have been waging a campaign of stealth to take over mosques. First they develop a following, then begin criticizing the imam in order to win control over the faithful, security officials and moderate Muslims say. Youth and converts to Islam are considered the most vulnerable to such messages.

Experts of Islam divide Salafis into three groups: the traditional brand of “quietists” who eschew politics; those who become politicised; and the hardcore worshippers who follow the call of jihad.

Today, Salafism has become a buzzword for danger. In Germany, authorities consider all Salafis as extremists, and security officials in Europe believe there is a direct line from the peaceful version to the version that embraces jihad — and risks tempting the fragile into fanaticism.

“The bridge is short,” said Mr Alain Rodier, a former intelligence officer who is now a terrorism specialist.

Salafism, in principle, should not be a cause for concern, said Mr Naqshbandi, the British expert. But, he said, the very simplicity of its message means anyone can warp it to his own ends.

“People who want to pursue militant political Islam have a set of tools available … which they can twist to argue their case,” Mr Naqshbandi said. He called the Islamic State group, which champions Salafism, the prime example of how the theology can be abused.

Those who practice Salafism — which comes from the word “salafs,” or ancestors — seek to emulate the Islam of the prophet Muhammad and his early followers, which they consider the purest form of the religion. Salafis, who are Sunni Muslims, are easily identifiable. Men wear beards and robes above the ankle and women often cover their faces.

A mosque outside Lyon won an unusual case last week against a Salafi worshipper taken to court after months of tension. Faouzi Saidi, 51, was convicted of troubling public order inside a house of worship and fined. He admitted to criticizing the imam for what he claimed were theological lapses, but claimed he only once held “parallel prayers” in a corner with a group of followers.

The case was thought to be the first in France by Muslims against a Muslim invoking a 1905 law to guarantee secularism — used by the government to pass bans on headscarves and face-covering veils.

France has worked to put a safety ring around Islam since deadly January terror attacks in Paris, seeking to stifle the spread of extremism in areas considered fertile terrain. Authorities have notably started taking down Internet sites that glorify terrorism and are pressing ahead with a training program to instill imams with French values.

Critics say police often infringe upon the freedom of worship in their mission to monitor Salafi extremists. “It would be naive to think there is never a risk,” said Samir Amghar, a specialist on Salafism. But to consider that every sign of ultraconservative Islam presents a danger “risks stigmatising a large majority of Muslims.”

And some Salafis say that the common image of their lives as being one of rigid worship — with no enjoyment — is a myth.

Mr Olivier Corel, a Salafi who reportedly figured in the religious life of Mohammed Merah — who killed three children, a rabbi and three paratroopers in 2012 — went skiing with his wife in the Pyrenees in January.

“We have fun. We have fun. We have fun,” his wife told the AP by telephone, before hanging up.

Mr Rachid Abou Houdeyfa, a Salafi imam in the western French city of Brest known for his You Tube sermons of do’s and don’ts, created one video showing himself and a buddy in a pleasure boat and titled it “Can One Have Fun?”

“We’re going swimming,” he said before diving into the water.

Source: www.todayonline.com

June 22, 2015
Answers To Common Questions About Ramadan And Hari Raya

“Really? Cannot eat at all?”

It’s a common question asked of myself and my fellow fasting family and friends by non-Muslims during this period.

Muslims the world over fast for the whole month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.

In Singapore, Ramadan started on the evening of Wednesday, June 17, with Muslims going through their first full day of fasting on Thursday.

The next question is usually: “But can drink water, right?”

While it is often the same questions asked on an annual basis, it’s better to ask than stay quiet.

In the interest of clearing up a few things once and for all for my non-fasting friends, here are the answers to some of your fasting month questions.

Why do you fast?

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam – anyone who is of age (generally determined by reaching puberty), and is not ill or in a situation which makes it difficult for them to complete their fast (eg strenuous work), must fast.

For Muslims, fasting during the month of Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink.

It’s also about abstaining from other things from sun rise to sundown – such as smoking and sex.

We are encouraged to stay away from all kinds of temptation.

But drinking water is okay, right?

No, really, we can’t!

Not water, or tea, or milk, nothing.

Yes, in this weather, this means you can get really parched, but the idea is to tahan (take it) until about 7 in the evening, when we’re able to eat and drink again during the iftar, or breaking of fast.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong joining congregants of the newly upgraded Mujahidin Mosque in Commonwealth for a break fast, or iftar, session in 2014. ST FILE PHOTO

So you can eat in the evening. When do you stop eating then?

We generally stop eating and drinking at imsak, which is about 10 minutes before the break of dawn, a practice of the Prophet Muhammad.

We are encouraged to wake up in the early mornings – around 4 to 5am in Singapore – to eat something before imsak – this morning meal is called sahur.

For some, it’s a couple of dates. For others, it can be a full meal of rice and other dishes.

We eat again at sundown, which coincides with the time of the Maghrib prayer, one of the five prayers Muslims do every day.

What happens if you accidentally eat or drink something during the day?

It can happen, simply out of habit. This has happened to most Muslims I know. If it’s unintentional, we keep fasting.

What happens if you feel dizzy, or ill?

Only those who are well enough to fast should do so. You are permitted to break your fast if you are unwell.

So, do you have to “pay back” for the days you didn’t fast?

Yes, we should pay back the missed days as soon as possible.

It doesn’t have to be continuous but before the next Ramadan comes around.

If one is unable to repay, or unable to fast for years, then he or she can pay fidyah, a sum of money calculated using the number of days missed that will be donated to the poor.

So do NSmen have to fast?

Yes, if they are not ill. A guidebook from the voluntary welfare organisation Perdaus encourages fasting NSmen to drink lots of water and eat in the morning before sunup to help them through the day.

Uh, should I not eat or drink in front of you?

That’s entirely up to you! Food smells are certainly much more distracting on an empty stomach, so it would be nice if you didn’t.

But dealing with temptation is a strong theme for us Muslims during Ramadhan. Just, you know, don’t tempt us on purpose, lah.

BH FILE PHOTO

How about those countries where the sun sets at night, or sometimes not at all during the summer months?!

I had the same question when I was a kid. Do they, like, never eat at all?

They do but their fast is longer.

Now that it’s summer and days can be very, very long in the northern hemisphere.

Muslims in places like Reykjavik, Iceland, may fast for up to 21 hours a day, reports Quartz.

However, some scholars say that for health reasons, Muslims in such places could follow the “morning to evening” timings for fasting.

So, after Ramadan ends, you celebrate Hari Raya, which is Muslim New Year, right?

Actually, Hari Raya Puasa, or Aidilfitri, means ‘festival of breaking of fast’ in Arabic.

We celebrate it right after Ramadan ends, during the next month in the Islamic calendar, Syawal.

Muslims are not permitted to fast on Hari Raya Puasa.

In Singapore and in some other countries, the celebrations continue for a month, with friends and family visiting each others’ houses in traditional garb, presenting both children and elders with ‘green packets’, and serving traditional Malay kuih, or cookies.

It is all-encompassing as non-Muslims are invited over, too!

BH FILE PHOTO

Unlike Chinese custom, the younger members of the family generally stop receiving green packets after they’ve started working. Eating dishes like ketupat, rendang and ayam masak merah, however, is permitted no matter how old you are.

Oh, and we do have a “Muslim New Year”, or more accurately Islamic New Year.

It falls on the first day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, called Muharram. Our next New Year will be from sunset on Oct 13 to sunset of Oct 14.

There’s another Hari Raya on my calendar. What’s the difference?

That would be Hari Raya Haji, which marks the end of the annual Hajj, where millions of Muslims travel to Mecca to perform the pilgrimage.

On this day, those who are able are meant to sacrifice, or korban, a goat, a cow or a sheep, with the meat being meant for your family, neighbours and the poor.

No, you don’t have to go to butchery school! Your neighbourhood mosque will likely be able to conduct the sacrifice on your behalf. Some Muslims opt to pay for animals to be sacrificed in other, usually poorer countries, so the meat can be distributed to the needy there.

The korban commemorates the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael (the Quran doesn’t exactly say which son, but we believe it’s Ishmael, while Jews and Christians believe it’s Isaac).

Don’t worry, the story has a happy ending – at the last minute, the sacrifice is stopped and Ibrahim (or Abraham as he is otherwise known) is told by God that the deed has been fulfilled, as Ishmael has been replaced by a “great sacrifice”.

Okay, why do both Hari Rayas keep occurring earlier every year?

Because we get more and more eager to celebrate?

No. The real answer is that the dates are determined by the Islamic calendar, which has 12 months, but just 354 days.

The months are shorter as they follow the lunar cycle – the first day of the month starts when the first crescent is spotted. That’s how the beginning of Ramadhan is determined as well.

(The Islamic calendar is fully lunar, while the Chinese calendar is lunar-solar … that’s why Chinese New Year doesn’t move around as much as Hari Raya does.)

Also, this is why some years you get a public holiday bonanza, with Hari Raya Puasa falling in the same week as Chinese New Year from 1996 to 1998, and Hari Raya Haji (Eid-ul Adha) falling two days after Christmas in 2007.

Hopefully these answer the basics.

Source: www.tnp.sg

June 21, 2015
New Cafes And Restaurants Offer Ramadan Specials To Break Fast

This Ramadan, Muslims can break fast over satay and rendang pizza at casual restaurant Tasconi’s Pizza in Simpang Bedok.

The Muslim-owned Brunei franchise, which came to Singapore last December, is marking Ramadan for the first time this year, along with many other cafes and casual restaurants which have opened in the last 18 months.

It will be the first Ramadan for most of these places, including newer cafes such as four-month-old Wilder in North Bridge Road, six-month-old The Lab in Jalan Pisang and casual Western restaurant Royz Et Vous in Telok Ayer Street.

They are pulling out all the stops by offering special buka puasa menus and dishes to tantalise the tastebuds of diners.

Others, such as American buffalo wings franchise Wingstop, which has two outlets in Singapore, have recently become halal-certified and will be serving special food for break fast as well.

During the annual holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Thursday this year, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk.

The day begins with a pre-dawn meal, or sahur, at about 5am, and ends with a meal at dusk.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the celebration which marks the end of the fasting period. It falls on July 17 this year.

Tasconi’s Pizza is incorporating satay and rendang into pizza to give the dish a twist, says its marketing consultant, Madam Nor Suhir.

The 48-year-old says: “Satay and rendang are traditional dishes that are a must-have during Ramadan. It is a time for Malays to balik kampung (come home), go back to basics and forget all about the modern things.

“Pizza is something generally more enjoyed by the younger generation. We wanted to bring together the young and old, as well as the new and traditional.”

This concept of melding the contemporary with the traditional to cater to different generations was also behind cafe Butter Studio’s new Ramadan set menus.

Inspired by the traditional Malay communal dining experience of food being served on dulangs (metal trays), the cafe will be offering modern brunch fare served on sharing platters for Ramadan.

It has created the Studio Eggs Ben platter, which has portions of Crabby Eggs Neptune, chicken Spam and chilli beans served on a silver sharing platter.

The All-Star Sliders Platter features three kinds of sliders – Signature Godfather Burger, The Elvis Burger and Mexican Wrestler Sliders – served on a wooden sharing platter. Both platters come with side dishes.

Miss Shannon Lua, 31, owner of Butter Studio, says: “We liked the heritage behind the dulang and found it thematic for Ramadan, which is all about families dining in and breaking fast together.

“At the same time, we wanted to offer an alternative to the traditional dulang set, which usually consists of rice and dishes. Teenagers who want something different can try this as they cannot enjoy brunch items when they fast in the day.”

Bakeries such as And All Things Delicious and Wheebake, which opened in May and January last year respectively, are also getting in on the act by offering a special range of baked goodies for Ramadan and Hari Raya.

The owner of And All Things Delicious, Mrs Dewi Imelda Wadhwa, 36, will be creating a Ramadan edition of her house blend granola by adding dates from Tunisia.

She says: “The granola is great for sahur (the pre-dawn meal Muslims take before fasting) as it is high in protein and will provide a slow release of energy throughout the day.”

Wheebake will be bringing back its popular rainbow butter cookies for its second Ramadan. The bakery sold more than 1,000 jars of its rainbow cookies during the fasting month last year.

Muslims such as document officer Nor Hayati and undergraduate Nurul Aqilah are interested in visiting these new cafes to break fast.

Madam Hayati, 55, who enjoys visiting new eating haunts, says: “I am excited to try out these places. I like Western food such as steak and pasta and many of these cafes serve a mixture of Western and local fusion food.

Miss Aqilah, 20, says: “My family would rather go to restaurants they usually go to as they will not be inclined to try out these places for the first time, especially during Ramadan. But I would definitely go to these cafes to break fast with my friends, who are younger and just as adventurous as me.”

CASUAL RESTAURANTS

TASCONI’S PIZZA

Tasconi’s pizza. — PHOTO: CHUBBY BOTAK KOALA

What: This Muslim-owned casual restaurant, which is in the midst of getting halal certification, will be launching its satay or rendang pizza ($23.80) and rendang baked rice ($9.90) for both dine-in and delivery this Ramadan. Go big with its Ramadan combo meals ($29.90 or $46.90), which consist of either satay or rendang pizza, rendang baked rice, Mexican wings, a bottle of drink and dates.

Its 15 other usual pizza flavours and signatures such as shepherd’s pie will still be available. There is a $3 charge for delivery.

Where: East Village, 430 Upper Changi Road, 01-61

Open: Normal opening hours are 10am to 10pm (Sunday to Thursday), 10am to 11.30pm (Friday to Saturday). It will be open from 3 to 10pm (Monday to Thursday) and 3 to 11pm (Friday to Sunday) during the month of Ramadan.

Info: Call 6341-6991 or www.facebook.com/TasconiPizzaSingapore

WINGSTOP

Kecap Manis from Wingstop. — PHOTO: WINGSTOP SINGAPORE

What: Get your buffalo wings fix from this American franchise, which will be rolling out a new wing flavour, Kecap Manis, for Ramadan at its two recently halal-certified outlets.

Its 11 regular wing flavours such as Oriental Soy Pepper and Garlic Parmesan will also be available ($7.95 for six wings). There is also a Ramadan bundle for four people ($49.90) with 24 wings, eight tenders, four regular side dishes, vegetable sticks, four dips and four regular sodas.

Where: Bedok Mall, 311 New Upper Changi Road, B1-53, tel: 68449230; City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, B1-33/34/K15, tel: 65096571

Open: 11am to 10pm daily

Info: www.facebook.com/wingstopsg

ROYZ ET VOUS

What: This Muslim-owned casual Western restaurant recently moved to bigger premises which seat 80. It will be offering three different Ramadan set menus every week.

Available from 7to 9pm, each set menu (from $20 to $30) includes a soup of the day, main course, dessert and drink. For the first week, diners can choose from three main dishes: garlic and chicken pasta, chicken stew or smoked duck breast served with side dishes. They can also choose to add on selective a la carte items (from $12.90) such as jalapeno poppers, buffalo wings, potato skins and pizza.

Where: 137 Telok Ayer Street, 01-01

Open: 8am to 9pm daily

Info: Call 6293-0270 or go to www.royzetvous.com.sg

CAFES

WILDER

Soba salad. — PHOTO: WILDER

What: Break fast over a range of Mexican food, traditional Malay food, fusion food and more at this Muslim-owned cafe, which will be introducing different cuisines on its Ramadan set menu every week from 7pm.

For the first week’s set menu ($35), starters offered are soba salad and lobster bisque. Choose between pan-seared salmon with mushroom pasta or pulled beef for mains. Dessert, water and dates to break fast are also included in the set.

Selected best-selling dishes such as salted egg fries and salted egg calamari off the cafe’s a la carte menu will still be available. The restaurant is also accepting pre-orders for its signature lasagne ($11.90) for takeaway.

Where: 749 North Bridge Road

Open: 12.30 to 10pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 12.30 to 9pm (Sunday), closed on Monday

Info: Call 6635-1136 or go to www.facebook.com/wilder.sg

SARAH’S THE PANCAKE CAFE

The Shabulan Ramadan from Sarah’s The Pancake Cafe serves pancakes topped with pieces of shabu shabu beef. — PHOTO: SARAH’S THE PANCAKE CAFE

What: This Muslim-owned cafe will be introducing a special break fast dish, the Shabulan Ramadan ($17.50). Available from 7pm, it features pancakes topped with slices of shabu shabu beef, caramelised onions and parmesan and cream cheeses, served with mixed vegetables on the side.

Dates are also offered to diners to break fast. The Shabulan Ramadan also comes as a meal ($19.50), which includes mushroom soup and a drink.

The cafe will continue to serve its regular a la carte dishes (from $9.50), including sweet and savoury pancakes, crepes, pasta and appetisers. Signatures include its Ala Dol (chendol) and Ala Mak (nasi lemak) pancakes.

Where: East Village, 430 Upper Changi Road, 01-62

Open: 10am to 10pm (Monday to Thursday), 9am to 11.30am and 2.30 to 11.30pm (Friday), 9am to 11.30pm (Saturday) and 9am to 10.30pm (Sunday)

Info: Call 9688-4163 or go to www.facebook.com/pages/Sarahs-The-Pancake-Cafe/1510133592538587

SEDAP CAFE

What: From 6 to 9pm daily, diners can dive into halal-certified Sedap Cafe’s Eat All You Can Buffet Ramadan Special ($15.50 nett each for adults and $9.50 nett each for children eight and younger).

It offers a spread of international and Asian fare. Highlights include Terengganu grilled chicken, Kelantanese grilled beef, squid salad, wasabi chicken, deep fried prawns and beef fajitas, as well as local delights such as briyani, mee siam and the signature nasi lemak.

Desserts and drinks are also provided. The cafe’s regular a la carte menu will still be offered during this period.

Where: The Sports Stage, 200 Pandan Gardens, 01-12

Open: 8am to 9pm daily. The Eat All You Can Buffet Ramadan Special is available from June 18 to July 16.

Info: Call 6899-1706 or go to www.sedap.com.sg

THE LAB

Mediterranean-inspired fragrant pilaf rice with grilled rosemary lamb chops. — PHOTO: THE LAB

What: From 6.30 to 9pm, this Muslim-owned Western cafe is offering a special Ramadan set menu ($38) that will include a choice of starter, main course, dessert and drink for break fast.

Diners have a choice among three starters and three main courses. Starters include spicy marinara mussels, grilled honey chicken joints and bruschetta. Mains include Mediterranean-inspired fragrant pilaf rice with grilled rosemary lamb chops, grilled salmon and local fusion food such as beef or chicken burgers with rendang sauce.

There are also vegetarian options under the set menu, such as fragrant pilaf rice paired with grilled aubergine.

Where: 1 Jalan Pisang, 01-01

Open: 12.30 to 10pm (Monday to Saturday), last order at 9.15pm; 1 to 9.30pm (Sunday), last order at 8.45pm

Info: Call 6299-5681 or go to www.facebook.com/weexperiment

BUTTER STUDIO

The All-Star Sliders Platter from Butter Studio. — PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM

What: Head to this halal-certified cafe to break fast over its two special Ramadan sharing platters, for two to three diners. The platters are available from 6 to 8.30pm and reservations must be made.

Pick between The Studio Eggs Ben Platter ($59.90), which includes servings of Crabby Eggs Neptune, chicken Spam and chilli beans, or The All-Star Sliders Platter ($59.90), which offers three different types of sliders. Both platters come with chips and salad, as well as mocktail iced drinks and salted egg pandan madeleines for dessert. Its regular a la carte menu will also be offered.

Butter Studio is also offering Ramadan pastries (from $18) at its two halal-certified retail outlets. These include pandan pineapple balls, red velvet white chocolate cookies and gula melaka pandan cake rolls.

Where: Cafe is at 147 Jalan Besar, tel: 6294-7115. Retails outlets are at Takashimaya Food Hall, B2 Takashimaya Shopping Centre 08-4A, tel: 6734-6153; One KM Mall, 11 Tanjong Katong Road, B1-K13, tel: 6702-2820

Open: The cafe is open from 10.30am to 10pm (Sunday to Thursday), last order at 9pm; 10.30am to midnight (Friday and Saturday), last order at 10pm.

Both retails outlets are open from 10am to 9.30pm daily.

Info: Go to www.facebook.com/butterstudio

BAKERIES

AND ALL THINGS DELICIOUS

House blend granola. — PHOTO: CJ SAMEER WADHWA

What: Bakery owner Dewi Imelda Wadhwa has created a Ramadan edition of her house blend granola ($8 for a 200g pack, above). Containing Deglet Nour dates, rolled oats, desiccated coconut, almonds, soya oil, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, the granola is meant to be a Suhur meal before fasting.

In addition to selling her regular bakes made with halal ingredients, she has unveiled a special Hari Raya range of goodies for order during Ramadan. These include cakes such as gula melaka cake and orange-infused sugee cake (from $36), sticky pineapple jam scones ($34 for six), quiche ($55) and cookies (from $22).

Where: 462 Crawford Lane, 01-61

Open: 8am to 5pm (weekdays), 8am to 6pm (Saturday), closed on Sunday

Info: Call 6291-4252 or go to andallthingsdelicious.com

WHEEBAKE

Rainbow butter cookies. — PHOTO: WHEEBAKE

What: This Muslim-owned bakery is marking its second Ramadan by offering a special cupcake set called the Kampong Box ($16) with four cupcakes: ondeh ondeh, pandan kaya custard, bandung and chendol. Other goodies available only during Ramadan are the rainbow butter cookies ($16 a jar), mango sticky rice tart (from $7.50) and egg sponge roll with pineapple spread ($10 for three).

It will continue selling the usual cupcakes with eight to 12 flavours available daily, tarts, cakes and premium milkshakes with flavours such as salted caramel and bubblegum which were introduced early this month.

Where: 415 Pandan Gardens, 01-114Open: Normal opening hours are 1 to 7pm (Tuesday to Thursday), 1 to 9pm (Friday and Saturday), 11am to 6pm (Sunday), closed on Monday

It will be open from 1 to 6pm or till sold out (Tuesday to Sunday) during the month of Ramadan. It is closed on Monday.

Info: Call 6635-6693 or go to www.wheebake.com

Source: www.straitstimes.com

June 20, 2015
10 Things To Know About Ramadan

The first day of Ramadan, traditionally a time for prayer and abstinence, started on Wednesday (June 17) evening.

The ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar involves a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset for nearly 1.6 billion Muslims across the world.

Here are 10 things to know about the holy month.

1. The dates for Ramadan change every year as the calendar is based on the lunar cycle, and it usually falls 11 days earlier than the previous year.

It begins at the first sighting of the new crescent moon.

2. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is meant to cultivate self-discipline and direct one’s heart away from distractions, as well as to cleanse one’s soul by freeing it of impurities.

The meal that Muslims consume at dawn before fasting begins is called sahur. The breaking fast meal is known as iftar.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated after the last break fast of the month. It also marks the start of a new month, Syawal.

A street light-up in Tampines to coincide with the launch of a Hari Raya bazaa nearby. — ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

3. Besides abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims must also refrain from smoking, sexual activities and sinful speech or behaviour while fasting.

4. During Ramadan, praying is emphasised throughout the day (for the full list of times, click here). Special evening prayers, when long portions of the Quran are recited, called terawih, are also conducted.

Filipino Muslim children being taught how to pray properly outside the Pink mosque in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province. — PHOTO: EPA

5. Not all adult Muslims need to fast – the elderly and people who are sick or travelling overseas are exempted, although in the latter cases, they are expected to make up for it.

Women who are pregnant, menstruating or breastfeeding are also excused. Children are not required to fast until they reach puberty.

6. Under the Labour Law in the United Arab Emirates, employees are entitled to work reduced hours during this period without a reduction in their salaries. Workers across the country get two hours cut from their regular work days.

The law does not differentiate between Muslims and non-Muslims.

This rule, however, does not apply in Singapore.

7. The most important day of Ramadan takes place some time during the last 10 days of the month. It usually falls on the 9th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, or 27th days of Ramadan. Muslims believe it was the day when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

It is known as Laylat al-Qadr, or Night of Power.

8. A recent local study conducted by experts from the National University of Singapore found that fasting during the Ramadan period can help improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

For a guide on how Muslims with diabetes can fast safely, click here.

9. Fasts are usually broken by eating dates, which is known for being easy to digest and possessing a high level of sugar. Soups, bread and fruits such as watermelon are also recommended.

Dates for sale at a roadside stall in Karachi, Pakistan ahead of Ramadan. — PHOTO: EPA

Click here for a list of local eateries offering Ramadan specials.

10. The theme for this year’s festivities in Singapore is “Celebrating Ramadan with family”.

Social media is expected to play a significant part in it, with Muis organising a photo contest on Instagram where uploaded photos with the themes of family, care or spirituality and with the hashtag #BlessingsofRamadan stand to win $300 every week.

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim marked the start of Ramadan with a Facebook post on Wednesday evening. “May the Holy month strengthen our ties with our families and loved ones, and bring out the best in us,” he wrote.

Source: www.straitstimes.com

June 19, 2015
Why Are Muslims So Happy In Ramadan?

If you have non-Muslim colleagues who are missing their lunch buddies this month, perhaps this will give them a better idea of what’s really going on with Muslims this Ramadan.

Your Muslim classmates and colleagues may look pale, have chapped lips and look adoringly at the clock counting down to 713pm to break their fast, but despite the hunger and thirst, they’re kind of …. peaceful. Happy even! What sorcery is this, you wonder? Here are some reasons why:

1) Rewards are multiplied.

Ramadan is like the Great Singapore Sale of worship. In other months, we are told that our good deeds are rewarded in the ratio 1:10 (yeah, Allah is pretty great) up to 1:700 but for Ramadan, a narration by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informs us that God says “Fasting is for Me, and I reward it accordingly.” And that means infinitely (and more!) probably because one of the attributes of God is that He is the Most Generous. There is no logic or system in His Accounting WHICH IS GREAT because we are so in need of extra points.

So that’s why we’re still smiling despite looking at you and your Big Mac during lunch time. Coz we’re hopeful of the rewards of remaining patient for that few hours.

2) We see our potential.

In Ramadan, we believe Satan gets locked up. No more bothersome whispers to do evil things! Although Muslims do believe that we all have innate bad characteristics (with or without Satan) that we have to remove, it does help that we get a free pass for a month from him and focus on cleaning our hearts!

This, coupled with the fact that its the GSS of worship, is why you may notice your Muslim friends who drink, stop drinking. Those who can rival a pirate with his swearing and cursing, bite his tongue in this month. And others turn down invitations for movies, parties and other general entertainment.

It’s because we realise what we’re capable of. We spend 11 months of the year trying so hard to be better people and it’s usually a great struggle. Yet in Ramadan, things get easier and we focus more on our spirituality and realise what we’re capable of. And that makes us mighty pleased and hopeful.

3) Great sense of community

Living in a fast-paced city like Singapore and with an increasingly individualistic system of living, it gets difficult to feel a sense of community sometimes. Ramadan reverses that. Makciks all over insist that their children come home to break their fast together, if not everyday, at least once a week.

This sense of community is most beautifully manifested during the special night prayer that’s only done in Ramadan. It is called the Tarawih prayer (tarawih literally comes from the word rest, or refers to the period of rest in between 4 cycles of the prayer). Mosques all over Singapore which are usually only packed for Friday prayers, are generally packed every single night in Ramadan for these prayers and not just men too. Women, children and the elderly all make their way to the mosques to perform this voluntary prayer together. And it’s an amazingly happy sight.

Fasting also teaches and reminds us of those less fortunate. When we’re hungry, we are able to empathise with those who are hungry not out of choice. Since Ramadan is basically our happy hour for extra good deeds, you will see many charity initiatives in this month too. SimplyIslam’s Ramadan Charity Basket has been ongoing for 8 years now and we help to provide financial aid and also food provisions to over 150 needy families. You can click on the link above to find out more, donate and also volunteer during the drive!

4) Salvation from Hell

Do I really need to explain? Ok. So Muslims believe in a Heaven and a Hell. If your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds, to Heaven you go! (With God’s Mercy of course!) If it’s the opposite, …. you know where this is going.

BUT! Ramadan is great because Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says: “Fasting serves as a shield from Hellfire.”

And in another narration, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”

ALL his past sins guys, ALL. So of course we’re happy in this month!

5) Ramadan Food

I know I was going for the spirituality angle in this piece but I’ll be a hypocrite if I say we don’t get excited about the special Ramadan food. These are things that even the non-Muslims enjoy too I’m sure!

There’s this milky, nutty, cold and yummy drink that magically appears in Ramadan and it’s called Katira. Katira is to Singaporean Muslims what the Butterbeer is to Harry Potter. (If you don’t get that reference, seriously why have you not read Harry Potter?!)

Katira Goodness

There’s also Dendeng which is basically our awesome, halal version of your Bee Cheng Hiang’s Bakkwa. ‘Nuff said.

Then there’s the simple, understated Bubur Masjid (literally Mosque Porridge) that we actually send our kids to collect at the mosque once they’re done with school because if we go after our office hours, it might run out. Seriously, we take our Bubur Masjid very seriously. Seriously.

So now you know what’s up with your Muslim friends this month. We’ll catch up with you on Hari Raya when we’ll all celebrate over pineapple tarts and fizzy drinks! But till then, please don’t post your lunch on Instagram, thanks.

Source: http://muzlimbuzz.sg

June 19, 2015