BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, August 7, 2010
MUSLIM smokers were reminded of the golden opportunity to quit the unhealthy habit during Ramadhan, as the holy fasting month is merely days away.

During the Friday sermon, imams highlighted that the act of fasting during Ramadhan promises great rewards and forgiveness from Allah (SWT), especially those who devote their lives to serving Him.

The practice of fasting during Ramadhan would also help Brunei, in terms of curb smoking problems in the Sultanate, the sermon highlighted.

Smokers have always sought for the best ways to quit smoking and have failed on many occasions.

The change in environment during Ramadhan, be it at home or at work, is different compared to other months in the Muslim calendar as there will not be situations where smokers light up after breakfast and lunch.

Therefore, this makes Ramadhan the ideal time for smokers to quit the unhealthy habit.

Other religious practices during the fasting month include doubling the amount of prayers, performing solat fardhu and sunat (daily and recommended prayers), reciting the salawat or praises for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), taubat (repent), and tadarus (reading Al-Quran) may also help smokers to restrain themselves from smoking.

Not only that, the smokers will also gain the pahala (heavenly reward) of fasting.

Muslims in the Sultanate were also reminded during the sermon yesterday to take advantage of the fasting month, as it is the time when rewards from Allah (SWT) are multiplied.

This is the month where Muslims deprive themselves from food and drink as well as sexual intercourse during daylight, an act which helps to curb temptations from taking over.

Ramadhan requires fasting, which brings about rewards unavailable at other months, and the paying of tithes.

Muslims were also encouraged to perform more prayers, read the Quran, recite dzikir (praising Allah) and be more giving throughout the holy month.

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