RAMADAN of the year 1422 in the Islamic calendar has so far been relatively cool in Malaysia. The monsoon season has brought with it showers that lower the temperature somewhat. Most mornings this Ramadan we are getting spells of drizzle or rain clouds hovering in the sky. Most afternoons we see heavy rains or thunder storms.
The gloomy weather has somewhat reflected the mood this past week as if it is also mourning the passing away of an important figure in the country.
The beloved Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Hisamud-din Alam Shah passed away last Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur at the age of 75.
His death fell on the fifth day of the most auspicious month in the Islamic calendar. May his soul be blessed by God Almighty.
The death of the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong brought together Malay-sians from different strata of the community, going beyond the boundaries of race, creed and age.
It is obvious that Malaysians feel a sense of loss and sadness with the demise of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. For Muslims, this feeling of sadness is even greater in the month of Ramadan.
At the same time, it is equally important to remember that while people love the dearly departed, God loves him even more.
His death is a great loss to the country and the people of Malaysia.
No doubt, much has been written about His Majesty during the past week and definitely all this will go into the annals of history.
It must be remembered that in Islam, death is not the end of all things. Instead, it is the next step in a person’s journey in meeting his Creator.
A person’s death acts as a reminder to those living that nothing in this physical realm lasts forever.
To a Muslim, he or she must remember that this world is actually the time to prepare for the Hereafter.
Therefore, a Muslim must always perform acts of worship (ibadah), observe good virtues (akhlak)
and carry out good deeds to face the Day of Judgement.
The holy month of Ramadan is considered a period for Muslims to train and inculcate commendable virtues so that they would continue to observe them even after Ramadan.
This is the month to prepare the body and soul for the rest of the year so as to enable Muslims to make ready the needed supply for the Hereafter. If for instance, during Ramadan, a Muslim frequents the mosque to perform prayers night in and night out, then this habit should continue throughout the year.
Ramadan is also the month when Muslims instil virtuous characteristics such as patience, tolerance, forgiving and kindness. Upon instilling these virtues, it is imperative that Muslims continue to practise them even after
the end of the holy month.
Ramadan is also known as the month of the Quran as this is the month the first verse was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad. As such Muslims are encouraged to recite and learn the verses of the Quran all throughout
the month of Ramadan.
However, it is essential that the training in Ramadan in reciting and learning the Quran be continued even when the month of the Quran ends.
In other words, the act of reciting and learning the Quran should be habitual for a Muslim.
The month of Ramadan is also a month of fasting. Fasting here goes more than just refraining from eating and drinking. It also includes a more philosophical meaning. Muslims are required to refrain from speaking, looking
and hearing sinful things which include wild rumours, unfounded allegations and the like.
If throughout the month of Ramadan al-Mubarak, a Muslim is successful in doing this, then he or she ought to pursue this commendable endeavour beyond this auspicious month.
This is why Ramadan, which is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar, is regarded as the most important month of the year.
Ramadan is perfect training ground for Muslims to build their character, to become better persons in order to strive for the success of this world as well as the next.
Indeed, one can learn a lot about the character of Almarhum Sultan Salahud-din Abdul Aziz Shah. His Majesty was a kind, gentle, affectionate and loving King who placed the interest of his rakyat as his priority.
These traits and quality should be emulated by all people, whether they are leaders or otherwise.
And what better time to do so than the month of Ramadan?
As mentioned earlier, Ramadan is a training ground to inculcate good character. It is therefore time for Muslims in particular and Malaysians in general to take a cue from the Almarhum Yang di-Pertuan Agong who had
imparted to us these positive virtues.
It has been said that it was these virtues – kindness, gentleness and compassion -that have set apart the Almarhum from everyone else. He will always be remembered as the King who won the admiration of his rakyat. This was why thousands of people paid their last respects to His Majesty last Thursday.
The weather was kind on the day the King was laid to rest. It was the most appropriate weather to bid farewell to a beloved King. May the holy month of Ramadan – promised by God as a bountiful month – bring forth many rewards and bounties to his soul.
The rakyat will continue to mourn the passing of His Majesty. Al-Fatihah!