Filipino Muslims in Qatar have been preparing mentally and spiritually to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, a Filipino community leader has said.
Edgar Anami considers the annual observance as a month of fasting, sacrifices and prayers. It is learnt that about 2,000 Filipino Muslims live in Qatar.
“We can bear with not eating during the day. But we have to remember that the holy month of Ramadan is also about prayers: asking for forgiveness, asking for more blessings, and it is about forgiving,” he said.
“We are called upon to re-evaluate our lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits – essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings,” Anami said.
Anami stressed that the Arabic word for “fasting” is “sawm” which literally means “to refrain”. It includes refraining not only from eating and drinking but also from evil actions, thoughts and words.
He believes that fasting makes one a better human being who learns how to be more patient.
Many non-Muslim Filipinos also observe the fasting rules as a sign of respect to their Muslim colleagues.
“Most of the time we also refrain from eating and drinking during the day,” said a female restaurant supervisor.
http://www.gulf-times.com/qatar/178/details/358876/filipino-muslims-welcome-ramadan
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