Assalamualaikum wr wb,
"Dear fellow Muslims: May this be a month of inspiration filled with Iman & Taqwa. May Allah bestow Nur & Barakah in your life. May Allah always keep you on the straight path. May Allah shower His belssings on you and your family during this month and the rest of the year..."
"Dear fellow Muslims, remember that
The most precious wealth: Patience
The most loyal friend: Amal
The nicest ibadah: Sincerity
The highest self identity: Iman
The toughest job/complete diet: Fasting
The nicest word: Allah
The melodious song: Adzan
The greatest media: Al Quran
The greatest exercise: Shalat
The refreshing cleanliness: Wudhu
The nicest path: Haji
The nicest wanderings: Sins & Repent"
Salam Ramadhan Al Mubarak to all my fellow Muslims. Alhamdulillah, we're now in 2nd Ramadhan. May Allah give us all the strength to complete a full 30 days of fasting. Personally for me, Ramadhan is a special month whereby as much as possile, I will devote my time for Allah and perform extra prayers especially Tarawih. As a normal human being, I tend to take forgranted the graciousness Allah has given to me and it is only right for me to repent and abide by His rules in this Holy month.
Watching the live coverage of Tarawih prayers on RTM1 really relived the moment when I was personally in Mecca during Ramadhan. I performed the Umrah (mini pilgrimage) in 2001. Alhamdulillah, at such a young age of 12 years old, I already set my foot in Medina & Mecca. The greatest gift of all for my birthday that year was to touch the Holy Kaabah and got my prayers answered when I pray right in front of the Kaabah door. 6 years passed and I missed Mecca more than I miss anything/anyone. Insya'allah, mom and me planned to revisit Mecca next year, most probably in the month of Ramadhan again. After all, this is the best time to experience Haj as the number of Muslims present is comparable to Haj.
Fasting in Medina & Mecca was really great. There were no temptations and I really focused on my prayers. There must have been millions of Muslims breaking fast and then performing prayers together. Nothing can beat the peace and tranquility. One thing I really miss in Mecca is the Tawaf (circling the Kaabah). Though I felt lost in the sea of Muslims, I am glad that I am one of the chosen person to get so close to the Kaabah. A muslim must continuously pray to Allah as Allah will always answer their prayers. I experienced it and that made my belief in Islam & Allah stronger. Their Eid Mubarak (Hari Raya) was like meaningless. In fact, they don't look forward to it as they really miss Ramadhan and fear they will never get to meet Ramadhan again the following year. Only in the month of Ramadhan will Allah be the most gracious in rewarding a true Muslim. This explains why I rather hate to be in Singapore during Ramadhan. Sigh.
Anyways, Insya'allah, Allah will bless all of you with good healths and reward you for all your good deeds in this Holy month. Amin.
Signing off,
Niz
