Ramadan a time to learn lessons

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory on every mentally and physically fit Muslim to abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking from before the break of dawn till the sunset. “Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein.” Muslims fast in response to that command, and in obedience and out of love of God. For more than a billion Muslims, Ramadan is a month of blessing marked by prayers, Qur’an recitation, fasting and charity. Although fasting indicates restraining the stomach, other restraints are also in order. “He who doesn’t desist from obscene language, Allah has no need that he did not eat or drink.” The tongue must avoid backbiting, lies and slander. Ears, eyes, heart and mind must all be involved to avoid anything that spoils the spirit of fasting, which may render fasting as worthless despite the hunger and thirst. “If one slanders you or aggresses against you, tell him I am fasting.” It would be a grave mistake to think of fasting only in the literal sense of total abstinence from food and drink. Fasting teaches principles of honest devotion and sound conscience. When fasting, a person is faithful in secret and in public, for there is no authority to check his behavior, whether he is secretly breaking fasting. Fasting teaches patience, selflessness and self-control. When fasting, a person feels for those who are needy and deprived. It teaches adaptability and strengthens the will power to change the entire course of daily activities by breaking 11 months of routine. While they are hungry, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. This is clear because fasting is broken with a meal known as Iftar, beginning simply with dates and water.

"I Witness"

Recently, I witnessed a particularly senseless road traffic accident. I and my friends are in the first vehicle in a line of traffic waiting at a red light; two mopeds, racing one another, sped through traffic and ran the red light. The first moped made it through, the second didn’t. A car, driving at the correct speed through the green light, in the dark, did not see the unlit moped; both rider and passenger were thrown high into the air and landed, each with a sickly thud, on the road. Neither was wearing a helmet. As we had to move on, I have no idea if both survived. Over the next few days I experienced a gamut of feelings – both physical and mental. Immediately I felt nauseous, followed by fear and worry for the injured parties. This swiftly moved to feeling sorry for the poor man who obeyed all traffic rules but would forever carry the burden of guilt for injuring those men. ThenI got angry! These two people, recklessly riding a motorbike built for one person, flouting elementary traffic laws, caused myself and countless other witnesses to worry about them and their welfare. I also realized there were other lives that this needless accident would affect.

Whilst I sincerely hope that these men made a fast recovery from their injuries, they may not — such accidents often result in a lifetime of consequences. In each scenario, milliseconds of foolishness can result in countless years of stress for the victims and their families, not to mention the medical and familial help required. The above is just one of hundreds of accidents that happen here daily and, having given this much thought, I believe that the reason for the appalling driving and the “me first” attitude is selfishness – an abject inability to consider anybody else. But why? Saudi Arabs and expats alike are brought up to be courteous and caring, and the majority of people who I have met, in-Kingdom, are extremely polite and considerate. So, why, when we sit in our vehicles and turn on the ignition, do we forget our upbringing, culture and basic manners, and become selfish and inconsiderate? Isn’t it time we adopt our principles on the road, too, and display the common courtesy that we offer and expect in life in general?

Is technology so wonderful?

Technology is all around us: at home, in the office, out on the road, deep down in the sea, and high up in the sky. What is this constant bombardment of increasing technology, and what effect does it have on our daily lives? Does it bring us closer together, or has it alienated us and created more distance in relationships?
We are little short of becoming enslaved by our computers, Internet and e-mail. Interfacing with the computer and Internet has become more frequent than face to face conversation with family members, co-workers and friends. Direct communication is becoming extinct, giving way to video conferencing and voice mail. Our visits to hospitals to console a sick relative or friend have been replaced by shorter telephone calls or, more likely, an e-mail or e-card saying, “Get well soon!”

It is becoming normal to see young people, mobile-phone wires dangling from their necks, talking as they walk. Evening walks are no longer quiet. Nature’s rhythms and sounds are blocked out by mobile phones and personal stereos. Youngsters storm Internet cafes in the evenings for virtual chatting, as well.

We are very well connected today. However, it is not the speed of our connection but the quality of our interaction that is important. If technology can bridge the gap toward more positive human relations, then we can say we have a viable and useful tool. It is amazing to be able to bring the whole world right to our desktops with a click of the mouse. Information that would have been beyond our reach a few years ago is now a few clicks away. The fruits of technology are countless. However, the concern among many is technology’s impact on humans. Amazing as it is, technology should not reduce the human element and transform people from doers to mere watchers.

Money, Money, Money

Money, money! People work for it, die for it, and some kill for it. Some see it as necessary for a happy life. Some spend it, some save it, and a few even wash it. Is it a source of evil or a gate to heaven? How much must one have before one can say, “Enough is enough”?

Man’s wishes and frivolous desires are endless and will never be met. “If a man is granted two valleys of gold, he will seek to acquire a third one.” Those who have 99 sheep would love to get one more to make it a hundred. This explains why all religions command us not to kill to inherit, nor ask to be so rich that we forget God, nor so poor that we sin. Wealth is better than poverty, yet money can’t buy happiness. The beggar by the side of the road may possess more peace and security than the very rich who may fight him for it. They say money can buy you the most suitable bed but not the ability to sleep. We are not meant to go after money for its own sake but in order to improve the quality of our lives and the lives of others, such as our wives, children, relatives and the needy. We hear of people retiring from their jobs but never retiring from seeking money. Some continue the pursuit of money and become too old to enjoy it. They are well off yet never happy enough. A job promotion, a pay raise, a new car, a new house, a new computer — these things may make you happy, but how long will your happiness last? Over time, they become worthless, and your desires turn to something else.

In the money hunt, we always aim to get more. But whether we enjoy more makes all the difference. A person is sure to be happy if he finds other things that he can call wealth. He can be rich in friends, family, health and knowledge.

Being Alone But Not Lonely

I come from a simple, happy family who used to have dinner all together watching TV, and then midnight snacks, having fun with each other until late at night. It seems that every time most of us experience this kind of quality time, we usually take it for granted. There are times when many of us need to be far away from our families, often to work — to earn a “hefty salary,” as they say. I am one of those. Alone and far away, I’ve come to realize how lucky I am to have shared good times with people close to my heart. I am used to being alone, but I keep trying not to be lonely, by going out with new friends who are complete strangers to me but who, on the other hand, treat me like family. The advantages of working and living in another land make you more independent and responsible for yourself. I’ve had the chance to meet people from different walks of life and explore my knowledge about their styles of living. Working with different nationalities makes you more versatile, especially in the job you are in. In the exchange of ideas, your information about your environment somehow increases. I’m glad our company provides recreational facilities that employees can take advantage of to improve themselves – and find enjoyment, too. There is basketball, volleyball, and the gym. But my favorite is the Internet connection, where I can have my Internet access 24/7. Or you can try to engage yourself in art works and be creative or be more talented through practicing your hobbies. Being on my own, I’ve learned to be brave enough to face yet more challenges in my life and to face anybody.

Life is full of surprises, after all.