Tag: fast

  • Free Food For All Out To Set Food Distribution Record This Ramadan

    Free Food For All Out To Set Food Distribution Record This Ramadan

    For this year’s Muslim holy month of Ramadan, charity organisation Free Food For All (FFA) is set to provide a free meal for thousands.

    On 6 June, the group will distribute 4,000 packets of food at the Sultan Mosque and Malay Heritage Centre. The mosque will also host 1,000 people during that’s evening iftar session, which is the meal taken by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan.

    Speaking to Yahoo Singapore at his Changi Road office, FFFA founder Nizar Mohd Shariff said that he is working with the Sultan Mosque, Malay Heritage Centre and local flea market organiser LalooLalang for the event, which is set to start at 5pm.

    The 46-year-old added that he has engaged the services of two kitchens to help prepare the food and is still looking for more sponsors to step forward and support the event.

    “We are planning to distribute nasi ayam penyet for the event. Makmur Restaurant and Zorah Enterprises are helping us to prepare the food. However, due to the the high volume of food, I reckon we might need a third kitchen to help us,” said Nizar.

    The founder of FFFA said that the group is also in talks with the Singapore Book of Records regarding setting a record for the most number of meals distributed during an iftar session.

    Nizar said that, despite the gloomy economy, sponsors are stepping forward to help him cover his costs. FFFA is currently giving out about 2,500 packs of food to the needy every week, which costs about $25,000 a month.

    He is still able to cover his costs and has been encouraged by the donations from the community, which go towards feeding the needy, especially the working poor.

    “With the current economical climate, people are spending less but when it comes to donors, we do have a steady stream of people coming forward.

    “Our donors are happy because our campaigns give value for them and we want to help people, especially those who are the working poor,” he said.

    Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com

  • An Open Invitation For Non-Muslims To Fast For A Day

    An Open Invitation For Non-Muslims To Fast For A Day

    Ramadhan is coming in about two weeks. I hope my Muslim brothers and sisters can introduce Ramadhan, and its significance in Islam (and why Muslims are markedly nicer in this month, if only in this month!) to our friends from other (or no) faiths.

    In fact, I suggest we encourage the people we know to try out fasting for a day. If nothing else, just to get the multiracial experience.

    For my friends, those who wish to try fasting for a day (or more), please inform me and you have an open invitation to my place for the breaking of fast on that day(s).

     

    Source: Walid J.Abdullah

  • Accidentally Drank While Fasting? Don’t Worry, Continue Fasting

    Accidentally Drank While Fasting? Don’t Worry, Continue Fasting

    ‪#‎SecondDayofRamadhan‬
    ‪#‎OldHabitsDieHard‬

    Walked into the conference room for a meeting and did my usual routine. Sat down and answered some emails while waiting for others. My good friend, Thiagarajan Subramaniam, came in and asked, “Is that a cup of milo I see next to you?”. I was bewildered for a moment before realising I was sipping the milo while answering my email! MasyaAllah! Never thought this could happen to me.

     

    Source: Zainal Sapari

  • 10 Things To Know About Ramadan

    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