Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The term "Ramadan" comes from the word ramd, which means "to burn". Fasting during this month is often thought to figuratively burn away all sins. The month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset.
In my primary school days, my clique consisted of a Muslim, whom we know him as S. S would still sit around with us during lunch breaks, even during the Ramadan period. Though it was a period of time which S found it hard to abstain from food during the day, he still stayed with us in the canteen while we have our meals.
After the fasting month, S talked to us about the significance of Ramadan and how important this month is to a Muslim. S also commented that he sat with us during lunch breaks as he was afraid of being labelled as a social outcast.
At that point of time, we felt sorry that we did not consider his feelings as a Muslim. However, at that age, we just could not understand what did we do that made him think that way.
As we age, we began to realise that the Ramadan month is an integral month in the Muslims' religious practise. We should consider the feelings of Muslims' when we ask them out for meal breaks, as some of them would want to remain in their own comfort zones. In addition, eating or drinking in front of Muslims during the fasting month should be avoided, as we should be sensitive and receptive towards their feelings.
In a multi racial society in Singapore, much understanding and tolerance towards the cultural behaviours of different ethnic groups would minimise inter-cultural misunderstandings and conflicts. Therefore, we should try to be much more receptive and understanding towards the practices of various religious and ethnic groups so as to maintain our reputation as a safe and secure country with zero tolerance towards inter racial conflicts.
Here's a video of Muslims in America fasting! Hope that you guys can find out more with regards to the season of Ramadhan!
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2 comments:
Dear Binglin,
You have offered valuable information and insights in sharing the Muslim culture with us. I only knew that Muslims fast during "Ramadan" but never knew its significance.
I really empathized with your friend who had to look at his friends enjoy their meals on his empty stomach. It is really admirable for him to adhere to such ardous undertaking.
Looking back, I have made insensitive remarks to a Muslim friend when I was younger. He was not a very devoted follower of his religion, thus, a few friends and I used to joke about whether there was food like "halal pork" or "halah wine". Although he did not mind what we said, it is nonetheless irresponsible of us to make such comments.
In order to minimise conflicts arising from intercultural differences, the understanding of other cultures and our open-mindedness in accepting other cultures are never enough. If we can keep these ideas in mind, the world would be a nicer and more peaceful place to live in.
Jia Yi
Dear Jia Yi,
I do agree that we should be more tolerant towards other races. In this way, we can minimise conflicts arising from incultural differences.
It was good that I sort of "educate" you on the importance on Ramadhan. We learn new things everyday and learning should be a continuous process!
Binglin
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