Living in a pluralistic society like Malaysia, where majority of the population adheres to Islamic faith, what do we understand about Islamic practices as the month of Ramadan fast approaching?

For Muslims, the third pillar of Islam, the daytime fast during the month of Ramadan, is the most important sign of religious faithfulness aside from daily prayer. The Ramadan lasts for 28 - 30 days.

During this time, fasting, Saum, is obligatory (Surah 2:183-85). Except for the sick, prepubescent children, pregnant women, some travellers, and soldiers in active combat (these are urged to fast if they can or to compensate by fasting as soon as it is physically possible), all Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, smoke, or have sexual relations from approximately one hour before sunrise until the precise moment of sunset. During the night hours, these restraints are lifted (Surah 2:187).

Throughout the entire month, Muslims are to think of the poor and their needs, to pray more and keep from sinning and to read or quote the Qur’an frequently. Ramadan is also called the "Blessed Month." Muslims are fervently trying to be pure and sinless. It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is paradise; it is the month of reconciliation, the month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness, and whose end is freedom from the fire of hell.

Traditionally, it is told that whoever fasts through the month of Ramadan with faith and a sense of responsibility will be forgiven for past sins by God. A duty fulfilled in the month of Ramadan is worth seventy duties fulfilled in other months.

Young people feel a sense of pride and the community celebrates when for the first time they take the fast upon themselves. It is intended that this should lead to discipline of one's entire life: a discipline of the tongue, so that it does not lie or slander; of the ears, so that they will shut out evil; and of all desire, so that it is directed toward God's will.

Muslims commemorate the night of the 27^th day of Ramadan as the night that Muhammad first heard the quranic message ("Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny"). It is thus a holy night in Islam; for on this night the angel and the spirit descended with permission of the Lord. It is a night full of blessing (Surah 44:1-8).

The month of Ramadan ends with a great feast and exchange of gifts. Aidil-Fitri, "the feast of breaking fast," is celebrated with great joy by the whole community. On this special day, Muslims put on new clothes and proceed to the mosque for prayer. Following the prayer, they visit one another and exchange gifts. The poor are provided with either money or food.

All in all, Ramadan tests endurance and self-denial. Upon its successful completion, one may feel that not only has one's moral duties been observed but also that paradise has come closer.

1. Pray that the Muslims will experience divine visitations especially during Ramadan so that they will be drawn closer to God.
2. Pray that their spirituality will be reflected in mutual understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims, love and respect for one another, sensibility and compassion for the poor and harmonious living with each other in this country .
3. Pray for the physical and spiritual well-being of all Muslims especially the poor and needy around the world.
4. Continue to pray that God will raise up Muslim leaders to speak against religious extremism and terrorism.