Written By Zafran Shah
Edited by Nadya R.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, signifies a spiritual month for Muslims worldwide. According to Muzammil Siddiqi in IslamiCity, during this month, Muslims are
obligated to run the ibadah of fasting, which is to abstain from all those that are forbidden
during fasting from the break of dawn till sunset with the intention of fasting (“Islamic Legal
Rules of Fasting,” March 20, 2024).
As the Ramadan of 1446 AH approaches, Muslims are preparing to embrace this month in terms of both physical and spiritual responsibilities for divine rewards, especially Laylatul
Qadr, which is promised in the month of Ramadan. However, we are now focusing on discussing
matters besides its personal and religious significance, which are Ramadan’s values and
practices that profoundly benefit society at large.
Here’s how Ramadan can serve as a foundation for building a better society.
One of the defining aspects of Ramadan is the emphasis on charity. Obligatory zakat and also
sadaqah that aim to assist those who are in need will unite communities by promoting the
relationship between both parties. Furthermore, Islamic institutions that provide Muslims iftar
meals, like mosques, help lessen poverty by reducing hunger.
Moreover, the study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
(Urooj et al., 2020) demonstrated that we can gain numerous health benefits by fasting, such as
significant improvement in HDL levels and liver functions. Besides that, the preaching for
practices of gratitude, reflection, and mindfulness in Islam will improve our mental health from
any sort of negativity.
As for its environmental benefit, fasting promotes awareness of food consumption, which can
lead to a significant reduction in food waste if people can successfully control their desires in
the bazaar Ramadhan.
Lastly, to foster a deeper understanding and faith in Islam during Ramadan, events such as talks
are conducted more prominently than usual. One of the most remarkable events during 2024 Ramadhan is the “Festival Ramadan Putrajaya 2024.” These events are majorly open to all to promote an equal chance of learning regardless of status, which leads to bridging the societal gaps and promoting inclusivity.
Hence, Ramadan is the perfect exemplary month that holds the values for the betterment of our society that can be integrated into our lives every day. Through Ramadan, it will serve as the foundation for a more sustainable, compassionate, and thriving world.
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