In anticipation of this year's Ramadan, Muslim students, faculty, and staff, along with the Muslim Students Association (MUSA) of Mindanao State University - General Santos City (MSU-GSC), gathered in the university gymnasium on February 25 to conduct ‘Istiqbal Ramadhan 2025,’ a preparation for the upcoming month of Ramadan.
According to Jan Jan Dalimbang Salvan, president of MUSA, Istiqbal is an event that seeks to prepare Muslim brothers and sisters for the month of Ramadan.
© Krishtine Rivera
“Dito may mga Islamic scholars na nagalecture about Ramadan. Ano ang [mga] need i- prepare ng isang Muslim at ano ang mga dapat at hindi dapat gawin,” Salvan stated.
Before deciding to fast, an individual must be ready physically and emotionally, one must know when to pray and to eat.
Salvan also remarked that since he became a student at MSU-GSC, there had been no Istiqbal conducted, emphasizing that this is the first-ever Istiqbal Ramadan held on campus.
“Usually ginagawa dito sa campus during Ramadan ay ung Iftar. Naghahanda yung iilang Muslim para mapakain ung mga taong naga fasting,” he added.
During the event, Patricia Noel Wallace, a nutritionist and guest speaker, emphasized the importance of fasting and its beneficial effects.
When asked by a constituent for food recommendations to help a fasting individual through the day, she replied, “Carbs, like ‘Tinapay,’ will help sustain your body's energy.”
Wallace also noted that while feeling tired is normal, it is not normal to feel faint.
Additionally, MUSA prepared prizes for attendees to lighten the atmosphere during the event.
The true essence of Ramadan
Considered a holy month for Muslim people, Shaykh Abdurrahim Abtahi, a religious scholar, explained the true essence of Ramadan.
“Kapag ang isang muslim nakakarinig ng haram, iiwas ang Muslim. Kapag nakakakita ng haram, iiwas ang isang muslim tuwing Ramadan,” he mentioned.
However, he expressed his disappointment with how every year Muslim people forget the true essence of the season.
The scholar pointed out that Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, compassion, community bonding, and gratitude.
“Every single year, hindi natin maalala ang [essence] ng Ramadan. Kapag tinatanong tayo ano ang Ramadhan, [we] say — food, nakakain natin ang mga pagkain na hindi natin madalas kainin,” he sarcastically said.
Moreover, Abtahi also pointed out the ignorance of some when praying.
“Pagsasamba... kahit pa ginagawa natin ito five times a day, ang dami pa ring hindi marunong magbasa ng Qur'an. Ang iba naman ay hindi alam ang tamang posisyon sa pag-upo,” he pointed out.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslim citizens refrain from eating and drinking during the daytime - to acknowledge the sacrifices of Prophet Muhammad and to offer more prayers than they regularly do.
Comments