Ramadhan 1430 Hijrah Begins

Today the dirst day of Ramadhan (Arabic: رمضان‎) begins. Ramadhan is the ninth month in the Muslim Calendar. During Ramadhan, Muslims all over the world starts fasting from dawn till sunset. By fasting one has to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and undulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured. The purpose of fasting is to teach patience, modesty and spirituality.

During the month of Ramadhan, Muslims asks for forgiveness from sins done in the past and purifying the inner self. After fasting during the day, Muslims will congregate to mosques and surau to perform the daily prayers (Isya') and the Tarawih, the only prayer done during the month of Ramadhan. Recital of the Quran or Tadarus in groups also being done.

Ramadhan is actually the month whereby Muslims do extra religuous rites because this is the month where Allah will convey rewards (pahala) in multiples compared to normal months.

Firman Allah S.W.T...

"Wahai orang-orang yang beriman, telah diwajibkan atas kamu berpuasa sebagaimana telah diwajibkan ke atas umat-umat sebelum kamu, semoga kamu menjadi orang yang bertaqwa. "

Surah Al-Baqarah Ayat 183.

Fasting is wajib (compulsory) for every Muslims who fulfilled the requirements to fast. It is one of the pillar of Islam.

This evening I went out kuih shopping to the usual location since a dew years back that it at Seri Petaling. It is at Jalan Radin in front of SRK Seri Petaling on one side a Seri Petaling Mosque on the other side. Sometimes I use to go to Sungai Besi where there are more stalls and of course more choice of dishes.

Seems that the price on some items had increase but consumers have no choice. Bought Roti John as my son ordered for it. A large size filled with chicken costs RM 3.50 while a small one RM 1.80. Bought one large Roti John. Then I decided to walk to the stalls across the road. Its a new addition this year. Saw one stall selling Roti John too and the price is just RM 2.50 for chicken with black pepper sauce. On the first day of Ramadhan I was shortchanged for one ringgit already. Also saw a juga of sugar cane juice also increased from RM 2.50 to RM 3.00 this year. However the price of Murtabak Chicken or Beef at the stalls I use to buy still remains RM 2.00 a piece.

Among the popular stall at Seri Petaling is the popia either wet or fried and being sold for 5 at RM 3.00. However I was shortchanged last year for buying there. TodayI bought three for RM 1.00 at another stall. So if I buy RM3.00, I would have got 9 popiahs comparedof only 5 at the particular stall. The morale is, don't make a hasty decision before doing some calculation. Today's businessmen are clever in hoodwinking customers.