Ramadhan is here!

Ramadhan is here at last!

Alhamdulillah! Finally we commenced Ramadhan after waiting for a long , long time. Been waiting for it since we finished the last one.

We were of course happy to be able to celebrate the day of Eid but so sad that all the special privileges and benefits of Ramadhan were no longer there for us anymore until the next Ramadhan. All those benefits and rewards for a whole month, just waiting for anyone who is interested to reach out for it.

Alhamdulillah, Allah SWT has answered our duaas to be given the chance to participate in yet another Ramadhan. So here it is - what are we going to do about it? Trying our best to fulfil our obligations and peform extra extra ibadah and sedeqah. Abstaining from food and water is just one part of the whole process of fasting. Fasting of the tongue - minding our speech, our manners, our actions, our thoughts, our anger, our judgements on others .... so much to do and so many opportunities to gain extra rewards. :)

Jumping back into fasting mode after 2nd day after Eid

Right after the Eid festivities (actually on one day celebration) many people would begin to pay back any missed days of fasting during Ramadhan. It was really tempting to accept all the wonderful open house invitations by friends and neighbours. I suppose it is alright to visit them after we break fast. At least to have a drink and meet their families.

It would defeat the purpose of fasting and discipline by eating our way into the month of Shawal and beyond. We were actually learning the art of self control, restraint, patience and discipline for an entire month.

Surely we have to try our best to change our poor eating habits and wicked indulgences. After detoxing and losing some excess weight we should value our newly gained healthy lifestyle. No more oily fried food and overly sweet drinks. Why are all the delicious food mainly deep fried or creamy? Even the simple fried keropok and fritters which should be off limits are so tasty and yummy.

Challenge to eat healthily

Its a challenge, isn't it? I am thinking of how to prepare more healthy meals and trying to eat more often at home. I feel we have to make time to eat well and avoid foods that are laden with msg, preservatives and other flavourings and artificial colours. Soups, salads and stews, steamed corn, baked chicken and vegetables and fruits seem to be a good alternative.