It is that time of the year for Muslims when all cultural entertainment is starting to wind down.
The Klopse and the Malay Choir seasons are done and dusted, and the Kramat Festival in Faure, as well as the Spice Mecca Ramadaan for All festival at the Castle of Good Hope this weekend past, was basically the last dose of Cape Malay culture for us to absorb before Ramadaan commences next week.
It is now time for us to prepare ourselves mentally, physically and spiritually for the holy month, where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from all food and drink and conjugal relations.
Preparing yourself does not necessarily mean making more salaah and reading more Qur’an.
LEARNING: Read the Qur’an to educate yourself
For some people, the first step can simply mean staying away from sins they commit throughout the year, like gambling, using alcohol and drugs, jolling, and abusing your spouse, parents or children.
Just by mentally shifting away from this worldly life, and concentrating on the Almighty and the hereafter, is already a good start.
As I always say, none of us are perfect, we all have our skeletons in the closet, but there is this one month in which we can strive to get back on track and collect blessings in abundance, as this is the month in which more people are forgiven than at any other time, according to Islamic teachings.
Sometimes, you can feel spiritually inferior towards others who are seemingly more in touch with their deen(religion) than you.
Please do not be put off by this.
We are all on different levels when it comes to our deen, and the Almighty is there for everyone; the strong AND the weak.
And He loves it when we return to Him after we have transgressed.
After all, He is the most forgiving, the most merciful.
Then there’s those mense who are very judgerag, saying things like, ‘kyk nou vir Saaliegh, suip heel jaar, nou skielik wiet hy waar sit die masjied’, or ‘het jy gesien hoe vol stof is daai koefiyah, finally uit die storage room uit’.
Don’t be that guy.
Don’t pierce the heart of a Muslim by saying negative goetes, los die fitna oppie back burner and rather encourage people, that is the quality of a good Muslim.
Be careful, because putting someone down like that could cost you all your good deeds and where will that leave you?
A reminder is good for the believer, but sometimes you don’t even need to say anything.
FAST: Stay away from drugs and alcohol
The best way to show someone the beauty of Islam is to live it.
Previously, when Ramadaan arrived, I’d hang up my mic for the thirty days.
But now that I have the responsibility of a wife and child, I find myself questioning this act, because I work in the entertainment industry.
I wonder how our Muslim entertainers can do this, knowing that they also have a family to see to and sort out for Labarang.
I’ve noticed that most Muslim entertainers are singers, and it would be strange to gooi a show and encourage people to come and skut their lyfies after the Taraweeg(night prayers).
But then I see Muslims going shopping and eating out at night, in some restaurants the TVs are on sports channels, but this we call halaal entertainment.
Some of us also sit in the comfort of our homes, watching old shows of local artists.
So we are fasting, but we are enjoying ourselves.
So now why can’t one give a show after boeka time or Taraweeg, like a comedy show without music?
Surely there is nothing wrong with laughter in Ramadaan, after all to smile is also a sunnah.
I would like to hear your opinion on this issue.
Our artists may be too afraid of being judged, or worse, not selling tickets for a show in Ramadaan.
With that said have a blessed pwasa, keep the Qur’an alive and may all your good deeds, no matter how small, be accepted by the Almighty, in sha Allah ameen.
Ramadaan Kareem.