So, this is what I learned from the dawn prayer’s sermon this morning. I think this is by far the best or at least the most memorable and understandable things ever said about Ramadan. Well, it is my personal point of view. Others who attended the sermon might have different point of view, though.
For every Muslims observing fasting, it is required for them to follow the rules/guidelines underlining the implementation of fasting. However, lots of people are so preoccupied with what to do and what not to do during Ramadan while ignoring the fundamental question as to why they have to observe the fasting during Ramadan. Most Muslim would surely remember, know, learn by heart the Surah portraying the requirements for all Muslims to fast. Yet, as to why they need to fast is often ignored.
It is once again, as I was reminded during this morning’s sermon, true.
So, I was slapped again this morning. * so many slaps on my face during Ramadan: which is a good thing ever happen to me * J
Of course the ultimate goal of observing the fasting is to become taqwain (those who truly believes in the words of Allah and follow the good deeds and refrain from doing bad deeds simply because they have faith in Allah). Thus, fasting is like a practice for one month to become a obedient and good Muslim so as to keep continuing to become a good one for the rest of other 11 months ahead.
We need to have a goal as to why we are fasting.
Interesting allegory that I learned this morning was like this. When we take a taxi, the first thing that we must tell the driver is where we are heading. So, when the driver asks where he should take us, we should/must have the answer where we are going. It would be incomprehensible to say..like….just drive and I have Rp 50,000 and just stop when the meter shows Rp 50,000. If that is the case…then…we may end up at the side of the road, nowhere, or worse…plunged into the ditch…J.
Using that metaphor, we are now taking a taxi (Fasting during Ramadan) and we have to tell ourselves where we are going even before calling on the taxi. The direction, the goal, the destination that we are going is the ultimate goal of being a good and faithful Muslim according to teachings found in Al Quran and Al Hadith.
By doing so, we know that we are going somewhere.
There are other things that I learned. Hmm let’s see if I could remember them correctly. J. I guess I will start with this. I learned that committing a sin needs a lot of energy, time, and money. While not committing a sin is free of charge. I kept giggling and chuckling during this sermon. Here we go:
First, suppose we are to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, it would so easy just to ignore and pass it by without doing nothing. So, avoiding alcohol (a.k.a. not committing a sin) is free of charge. While, on the other hand, it will take a lot of cash to buy those beverages, plus the extra money to pay the entrance fee to the places where alcoholic beverages are served, and not to mention the time and energy we spent on those things. Yep, the so-called hmm let’s see (think of any famous brands) would cost lots of Rupiah to buy. Of course there are cheaper ones, but hey…it still needs money.
Interestingly, the speaker of this mornings’ sermon puts it in this way: It is not free of charge to go to hell. We have to pay a lot of money to go to hell. But, hey it is free to go to Heaven. But…interestingly….lots of people ignore this simple fact.
Once again….I was slapped on my face AGAIN!!!
Second, ….to be continued
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