MUSCAT: With just around 16 days to go for the Islamic world to get the most awaited religious event of the year, Ramadhan. Families make numerous plans for daily religious rituals for the whole month.
Many Muslims look forward to Ramadhan for positive improvements in their behaviors, plans, daily routines, and acts. Ramadhan instills discipline and commitment in people.
Choose three goals you wish to achieve by the end of Ramadhan, and begin working on them, and the results will be as positive as the resolutions. The resolutions could include regulating temper, avoiding backbiting, and communicating with family members more frequently.
Ramadhan signifies something different to everyone.
For some, it means hours of Holy Quran reciting, while for others, it means a lavish iftar meal and charitable giving. Ramadhan is also a time for believers to reflect on their faith and life's purpose. Hence, for Muslims, Ramadhan preparations include not just storing food supplies for the massive iftar feast commonly shared with family and friends, but also clarifying goals and preparing the mind to submit entirely to Allah.
Muslims should be aware of what is expected of the communities to begin rationalizing spending during Ramadhan and before the commencement of the month.
Despite the fact that many marketplaces are announcing massive discounts on food products, individuals should be aware that the regular portion of food supplies they used to consume should remain the same.
Hawa al Balushi, a housewife, stated that preparing for Ramadhan does not imply purchasing food items. "Ramadhan, I like to think, is the month of cleanliness. Deep cleaning and decorating the house with my kids is how I officially flag off Ramadhan preparations."
"This cements the importance of the holy month among children as well", she adds.
"Changing the thinking of the entire community may be unachievable, but we can start with some simple personal efforts that other people can follow," stated Amal al Abri, Head of a charity group.
"One month before Ramadhan, as a charity group, we start collecting food items from households. We deliver them five days before the month begins. So we've been very busy this month of Shaaban. Around the mid of Ramadhan too we do disperse the rest of the things".
"What I particularly like about the people of the Sultanate of Oman is their determination to help these families. We get a lot of money and food. This month, the rewards double, and Muslims are eager to help others in the joy of this month, and as they say, sharing is caring. Then, when we distribute the food, we ensure that we provide them what they require without piling up food that will wind up in the trash can," Amal added.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
