The Holy Month of Ramadan is now upon us, which means that practicing Muslims across the world will be undertaking a period of fasting as part of the Five Pillars of the Islamic faith. As explained by the Middle East Eye, the act of fasting during this time is believed to help Muslims strengthen their relationship with Allah SWT, while also extending help to those in need.
Religious devotion during this time extends beyond fasting too, as Muslims are typically also expected to abstain from amoral acts and control their desires by avoiding certain places or activities, while working on improving their faith through prayer or readings of the Al-Quran.
Local man says he avoids Ramadan bazaars as they ‘torture’ his faith
With that said, one local man has recently expressed his frustrations at visiting Ramadan bazaars, which are a big part of the fasting month in Malaysia where all manner of food and drink are often sold ahead of breaking their daily fast during iftar.
In an annonymous submission that was sent to local newspaper Kosmo! on Monday (April 3rd, 2023), a man known only by the alias of ‘Geng Tarawih’ from Kuala Selangor points out that the month of Ramadan brings upon all sorts of challenges for Muslims. Among them include the obvious physical tests that Muslims experience during fasting, alongside mental ones with regards to abstinence.
“In terms of mental tests, this comes in the form of the need to control one’s behaviour, speaking carefully, as well as lowering one’s gaze.” he said.
However where that’s concerned, he alleges that Muslim women who are improperly dressed that visit these bazaars often challenge the faith of Muslim men who are fasting.
“[Muslim women] don’t wear hijabs, wear form-fitting skirts and pants, clothes that accentuate their bust, and others [kinds of clothing].”
Worries he cannot control himself
Consequently, he claims that the blessings that men obtain from their fast will be reduced, as they may find it difficult to control their gaze around these women.
“So when Muslims pursue the highest quality of fasting, there are still a few who will only wind up hungry, thirsty and tired all day.”
He goes on to add that this is the reason why he refuses to go to Ramadan bazaars, as not only does he want to avoid crowded places, he is also worried that he may not be able to control himself.
To cap things off, he urges the newspaper’s readers who are of Muslim faith to learn to control their gaze when visiting Ramadan bazaars, and advises Muslim women to dress appropriately according to the true Muslim edicts, as opposed to adopting Western lifestyles.
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