Muslims to keep Ramadan spirit alive during MCO

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23  -- Today marks the 37th day of the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) and the Muslims in the country are expected to begin observing the Ramadan month tomorrow while practising the new normal following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the past, days before the start of Ramadan, highways across the country would have been crowded with motorists returning to their hometowns to commence fasting with the loved ones, but this time things are a bit different, the roads are strangely quiet.

This is because no interstate movement is allowed and the public cannot return to the their hometowns to welcome the Ramadan month during the MCO period to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus.

However, those who returned to their hometowns before the MCO came into force and now want to travel back to their respective homes in the city are given the opportunity to do so.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday said the application could be made online starting this Saturday, using the 'Gerak Malaysia' application or applying at a nearby police station.

However, it is not a licence for the public to carry out mass movement because otherwise, the government's efforts in implementing the MCO and the front liners’ continuous and tireless struggles to break the chain of the virus would have been futile.

This year’s Ramadan is definitely a different experience as there will be no congregational Tarawih prayers at the suraus and mosques as well as the hustle and bustle of Ramadan bazaars that sell a variety of sumptuous dishes to suit one’s taste.

But it’s not all doom and gloom as the delicious meals can still be prepared in the comfort of one’s own home as the government guarantees adequate supply of wet goods and other basic necessities to meet the demands of the people throughout the country including during Ramadan.

There is no better time than now to hone one’s cooking skills, and it is also a good time to try out kitchen appliances like 'air fryer' and 'thermomix' which are the current trend to prepare meals for breaking the fast.

What about the recipe? Just ‘Google' it and you will be spoilt for choices as there will be a variety of recipes to suit your taste, be it Western, Chinese or Indian cuisine, or any traditional dish.

Those who are more comfortable buying food out there, there is no need to worry, even though there will be no Ramadan bazaars, e-bazaars are still available with delivery through e-hailing services to deliver the required meals.

For those who are frustrated being unable to perform prayers at the mosques, this time should be best spent with family members by performing Tarawih prayers at home, to foster close relationships.

As the COVID-19 positive cases have been brought down to two digits, it shows that the government's efforts thus far yield encouraging results.

So hold on, stay at home, as we are about to win this fight.

Perhaps, this Ramadan our fights are not only confined to the worldly desires like greed, envy, hunger, thirst and lust, but also against the COVID-19 virus that has plagued many lives around the world.

God willing, we will win!

-- BERNAMA