Dear Muslim friends, as the month of Ramadan comes to a close, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a joyous and blessed Hari Raya Aidilfitri!
Every year, I witness my friends fasting, and always appreciated their will power and spirituality. This year, the difference is that I am doing prolonged fasts that lasted up to 88 hours, and have a deeper appreciation of the meaning behind fasting during Ramadan now. Noting that a water fast is very different from fasting during Ramadan, I went to find out more about what goes on behind fasting, about Ramadan fasting being about promoting self-discipline, self-control, and empathy towards those who are less fortunate. It encourages Muslims to practice patience, humility, and compassion, as well as to strengthen their faith and spiritual connection with God.
I have similar insights. Even though my beliefs are different, I have found a deeper connection to my spiritual self through prolonged fasting, a greater sense of gratitude for everything around me, and more empathy to the fellow human being. With this, a deeper respect and appreciation of the different traditions and experiences that people have, even if they may be different from my own.
I would like to wish all my Muslim friends be filled with love, happiness, and togetherness as you this special occasion with family and friends. Selamat Hari Raya!