Things To Ponder Archives - Small Changes MY

Journey to Allah in Ramadan: More Than Just Hunger

Meor Danish — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:21:16 +0000

Journey to Allah in Ramadan: More Than Just Hunger

by Fadhrullah Hakim Yusop & Hasniesha Alyaa

Understanding the Purpose of Fasting

Eh, fast is a must is it for you people for what, oh? Ala, makan je la! If you want to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, you need to fast dulu ke baru you boleh dapat itu money pocket? You, including me, have all heard those questions, those casual jabs, and maybe even wrestled with them yourself at all times.

With the daily fasts taking place for 30 days continuously, Ramadan often sparks curiosity and even a little confusion among others. But for the Muslim, it’s far more than just skipping our favorite meals like those Nasi Lemak and Roti Canai early in the morning; it’s a month-long journey of profound personal and spiritual growth. Beyond the physical act of not drinking and eating from dawn till dusk, Ramadan for me is all about cultivating my inner strength.

A Time for Reflection and Discipline

“On regular days, everything feels like a routine, but during Ramadan, I find myself truly appreciating my blessings, cherishing family time, and embracing moments of reflection.”

– Arash Hadzim Haiqal Shahrir Affandi –

It’s a form of exercise in taqwa, God-consciousness; or as told by my Islamic Studies teacher in 4th grade, it is a heightened self-awareness of a presence greater than us. A reminder that even when no one else is watching, we are being seen. As we try to resist our basic desires, we strengthen our will, learning how to practice self-discipline and control, breaking us free from any chains of impulsive habits.

TL; DR: It is to keep our souls from succumbing to our egos and to nurture them through faith and filtering of undesirable emotions like wrath, greed, selfishness, intolerance, arrogance, and dishonesty. This experience later taught me that by being empathetic towards one another and having compassion, we can feel the pangs of hunger and thirst of those less fortunate who get through it daily, thus inspiring us to give back to our communities.

Strengthening Bonds with Loved Ones

“Compared to regular days, Ramadan is a time for intentional connection and not just with the Almighty, but also with those around us. It’s a season of togetherness, where we come together with loved ones, deepening our bonds through faith, love, and community.”

– Aida Ameera Abdul Raof –

But for many Muslim brothers and sisters, Ramadan is not just about individual growth, it’s about finding and tightening the connection. It’s usually the time for me to deepen my relationship with the Quran, reflecting upon my actions through the wisdom recitation. It’s about focusing on the quality of my daily prayers and seeking a close bond with the Almighty through sincere supplication. It’s about remembering all the actions that I have taken and seeking forgiveness for my shortcomings as a naïve human being. It’s a month of purification, and it is our chance to shed the negative habits and start to embrace positive change.

Meor Danish’s Ramadan Over Yonder: Fasting In The UK

For some, however, Ramadan is an entirely new experience when spent away from home. Take Meor Danish, for instance, who observed Ramadan in the UK. Since it was spring, fasting hours were much longer than in Malaysia, yet the early Iftar—around 5:50 to 6:15 PM—was a welcome change. He made the most of it by breaking his fast with drinks and light snacks outside before heading back for a full meal, often from local restaurants. One thing that surprised him was how easy it was to find halal food, even discovering a Halal WingStop in London! The mosques were packed for Taraweeh, but he did notice that prayer spaces for women weren’t always as accessible as back home.

The biggest challenge? Finding a good spot to pray while out and about—especially for his mom and sister, who sometimes had to search for a while. During long days of fasting, he often found himself missing the lively atmosphere of Ramadan bazaars in Malaysia, where the scent of grilled satay and fresh kuih would fill the air. The sense of community felt different; while there was still warmth in the gatherings he attended, it lacked the spontaneous camaraderie he was used to back home.

Despite these differences, Meor Danish made beautiful memories. His favorite moment? Having Iftar with Malaysian students in Manchester, hosted by his former teacher, who cooked up a delicious Chicken Curry and even made Big Mac Spring Rolls! That little slice of homemade comfort made all the difference. He also enjoyed exploring the diverse Ramadan culture in the UK, attending open Iftar events where Muslims of different nationalities came together, sharing their traditions and stories of fasting in their respective countries. It was a reminder that, while customs may vary, the essence of Ramadan remains universal.

Would he do it again? Absolutely! But he admits that nothing beats the Ramadan vibes in Malaysia—the bustling bazaars, post-Taraweeh Moreh, and the deep sense of togetherness.

The Universality of Ramadan

“Though the daily routine can be challenging, Ramadan always brings a stronger sense of community, uniting people from all walks of life; whether it’s sharing a meal or supporting one another in the journey of self-refinement, it’s a time of collective growth and connection.”

– Muhammad Naim Mizhan –

Whether in Malaysia or abroad, the essence of Ramadan remains the same: a journey of self-discovery, spiritual renewal, and strengthening bonds with both Allah and those around us. While the experience of fasting might differ in location, culture, and even daily schedules, the core of Ramadan unites Muslims worldwide in an unparalleled sense of devotion and togetherness.

Spreading Awareness and Embracing Change

So, when those tempting questions arise, educate them. Let them know that we came with good intentions and disseminate the knowledge we learned and believe in. Remember that the true rewards lie in the effort, the sincerity of our intention, and the spiritual transformation that we unfold.

Celebrating the holy month of Ramadan is not about impressing our colleagues or neighbors, it’s the one “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” golden chance to experience the journey of self-discovery and renewal.

It’s the time when millions or trillions of us around the world strive to be better individuals. And this Ramadan, whether you are observing it or simply just being curious about the why and what, consider it as a humble invitation from us to reflect on the power of change and the pursuit of inner peace together.

-This article has been edited by Maira Athirah

Words From The President: A Place for Changemakers

sc_writers — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 03:20:21 +0000

This article is written by: Rushdina

"That together, no matter how big or small our actions, we can create a wave of change that shifts lives for the better." - Syafiq Jamali-

We had the chance to interview the president of Small Changes MY himself, Mr. Syafiq Najmuddin Jamali. Scroll below to see what he have to say!

“I just hope it feels like home.”

What are your hopes for SC this term?

“I have the highest hopes that Small Changes becomes a space where our volunteers don’t just work hard and fulfill their responsibilities, but also build bonds that last a lifetime. And a place where they can have super fun! Some of us call Small Changes our second or third place. Others see it as their safest space. Whatever it is, I just hope it feels like home.”

“We are friends, sometimes closer than family”

What is one unique thing about Small Changes?

“At Small Changes, we don’t just volunteer together—we grow together. We are friends, sometimes closer than family. The connections we form are more than just about our work; they’re about real, deep bonds. Every term, we give 150% in everything we do, and we celebrate each step of the way. Some of these friendships even turn into something more 👀, but they all start from one thing: a shared commitment to each other and to making a difference.”

“We’re going to show the world what that looks like”

What is one goal you want SC to achieve this year?

“This year, I want ‘Small Changes’ to be a name that resonates far and wide—not just locally, but internationally. We are no longer starting from scratch. Our foundation is strong, and our changemakers are united by one powerful belief: that together, we have the power to create something bigger and stronger, and this year, we’re going to show the world what that looks like.”

“All made possible because of one shared belief”

Any words of encouragement for the team?

“In a world so divided by race, color, background, ideals, and beliefs, it’s easy to think that doing good has to be a solo journey. But look at us. Here we are, changemakers from every corner of life, mingling, working, coming together, going out for mee tarik with strangers-turned-friends you never thought you’d have.—turning strangers into lifelong friends. All made possible because of one shared belief—that together, no matter how big or small our actions, we can create a wave of change that shifts lives for the better.

What would you like to say to the new and returning committees?

“To the returning committees—thank you for your unwavering commitment and for coming back to this journey. And to those new to SC, get ready—one term will never be enough. You will discover something here that will pull you back, time and time again.”

“Small Changes is more than just an organization; it’s a place of refuge and renewal, where you can breathe, find peace, and be part of something bigger than yourself” -Syafiq Jamali-

Roots Of Resilience by Ong Ky-Reen

sc_writers — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:37:11 +0000

Mental health check-in! Anchor roots grow stubbornly deep, grounding their trees in resilience to weather unforgiving landscapes. Because life whips us about in whirlwinds, we too, need our own anchors within it.

“Mental health is a fickle issue: if focusing on the problem isn’t working, try something else.”

Popular cures prescribed for mental exhaustion are usually exercise, friends, or practicing mindfulness. Mental Health Awareness week just passed; perhaps you tried journaling, meditation or worse — convinced yourself that a run would take your mind off things (because an influencer swore by it). But sometimes, focusing on getting better does the exact opposite, and new “quick-fixes” usually never work. Especially if your handwriting bothers you; or if you end up with stitches because the last time you ran was during COVID. Yoga and meditation are overhyped anyway — find anchors true to you. So… what next? If directing more energy into “helping” yourself isn’t working, try directing it outwards!

“By giving, you gain”

The common denominator of your worries is: it’s centred around you. Worrying too much about your problems magnifies them, setting off mental spiralling. Volunteering gently snaps you out by offering a fresh perspective.

“…talking to the beneficiaries and learning about them, how they live their day-to-day lives was a heartwarming experience. Connecting with emotionally intelligent kids showed me how resilient they became, growing up in the orphanage. Although they had different challenges in life, they all share the same thing: their love for knowledge. Their perseverance through hardships inspires me, so much so I told myself I should study harder.”

-Alani Safiyyah, Volunteer

We all face struggles and self-doubt. More often than not, it manifests as frustration, curt words seeping into our personal lives, inevitably straining relationships. Yet, like Alani, volunteering helps us shed light on perspective: in her case, reminding her it’s a privilege to learn. These are not new revelations; yet sometimes a fresh perspective is what it takes to remember to appreciate and spark introspection.

“Unlikely Third Place”

We don’t lack communication; we are starved of meaningful connection. We hardly stop from the monotone of daily life to ponder not what, but how to find meaning in our lives. You have to step out of your comfort zone to experience life and all it has to offer.

“I think volunteering indirectly helps us connect in a more authentic way. You form a bond through your shared compassion of wanting to help those around you. In the volunteering scene, we often meet people from various backgrounds but for some unworldly happenstance and reason, everybody is able to bond with those around them so seamlessly even after only spending a day together.

Most, if not all, of those who have volunteered with Small Changes would refer to it as their ‘Third Place’ — a place that brings them joy and a sense of balance in a world that is so fast-paced. Community allows us to slow down and take a step back from our immediate realities, putting things into perspective on what truly matters in the grand scheme of life. It promotes a culture of being willing to connect and open to those who are around you.”

-Maira Athirah, Committee

“A constant in life”

Daily life seems to get faster and faster, with consistency and routine losing out to the next best thing on social media. But that consistency is what we need to keep us anchored. Volunteering is not about how many lives you touch, but the depth and impact of each connection.

“I like the idea of revisiting the same houses. While we may not reach as many orphans, this approach fosters trust in connection. The most fulfilling reward is seeing our consistent efforts materialise in their growth.”

– Aliya Aina, Volunteer

“But I’m new and scared… where do I even start?”

“Growing alongside people who care deeply about the same things you do is life changing.

I’ve always wanted to volunteer but I was scared to take the first step because it sounded intimidating. Little did I know that leap of faith would change my life for the better: it allowed me to learn and discover new things about myself and my community, with newfound friendships that I truly cherish.”

– Maira, on why she believes others should give volunteering a try.

Moonlight Musings by Rushdina Sofea and Maira Athirah – Final Part

sc_writers — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 11:14:35 +0000

By Rushdina Sofea and Maira Athirah

In a blink of an eye, we are already at the finishing line of this blessed month. While waiting for each sunset and the serene sound of adhan, our borrowed time can feel as if it’s moving so sedately. Fasting for 30 days may have come across as something so grandeur but as we reflect on these past few weeks, it was actually a breeze seeing how far we’ve come. What seems like a tangible lesson may be overlooked; indeed abstaining from food and drink reminds us that these too are blessings from Allah s.w.t. that we take for granted.

I believe the most valuable outcome of observing Ramadan is to emerge from the holy month with new information of who we are, knowledge of ourselves that informs us of our shortcomings and areas for improvement. Evidently, we are able to discover good habits that we can practise and bad habits that are better left behind to make us better human beings and even better muslims. Here are 2 Ramadan Takeaways that we can bring with us in Shawwal :

Practising Mindfulness: When our five senses are given a vacation from thinking about our next meals, the other areas of our days are heightened with clarity. Suddenly, there is room for us to give more thought before we speak, act and how we spend our time. Our attention is zeroed in on these small but very important details. Unbeknownst to us, it suddenly becomes easier to practise mindfulness. This super power has always been inherently present but is often overshadowed by our other abilities, and in Ramadan it shines through to help us realise our true potential.
Good Deeds are a Form of Worship: That social courtesy you extend to a stranger by holding the lift when someone is about to enter, assisting your family by doing the dishes, and studying are all forms of worship when done for the sake of the Almighty. We sometimes get caught up in the idea that worship only comes in the form of praying and making dua, but when we perform good deeds in the path of Allah s.w.t that too is worship. This month reminds us that our act of kindness is an act of worship, a reflection of one of his names, The Most Generous (Al-Kareem).

As we part ways with the holy month and embrace Eid Al-Fitr, there’s a bittersweet feeling that accompanies the goodbye. However, it is just as important to welcome the month with open arms as Eid Al-Fitr is a gift given by Allah s.w.t. to reward Muslims for the fruits of their labour after a month of self discipline and perseverance.

We are also given the opportunity to expand our good deeds in this month as the Prophet PBUH said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six [days] from Shawwal, it’s as if they have fasted a year” [Sahih Muslim]. This act serves as the cherry on top for a well received Ramadan for those of us who observed it to the fullest.

Moonlight Musings by Rushdina Sofea and Maira Athirah – Part Three

sc_writers — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:53:32 +0000

By Rushdina Sofea and Maira Athirah

Prophet Muhammad SAW is the best example for our ummah in seeking a life of barakah through practices which are both wajib (obligatory) and Sunnah (highly recommended practices in the life and teachings of Prophet SAW). Prophet SAW said, “Whoever revives my Sunnah then, he has loved me. And whoever loved me, he shall be with me in Paradise.” (Al-Tirmidhi).

In this article, I will share six sunnah habits of Prophet Muhammad SAW that we might follow to reap benefits this Ramadan. May these routines strengthen our faith, motivation, and understanding of the month’s significance as we strive to join the Prophet SAW in akhirah:

Eating sahur: For the mind, body, and soul, eating sahur is very good for you. Some people find it hard to get up early, especially if they have young children. However, it is important to feed our bodies with foods that will make our service easier. To keep your “sleepy stomachs” from being shocked, you might want to eat smaller amounts at sahur. You could also eat healthy Sunnah superfoods like dates, almond milk, cereals with honey, and wheat goods to get the energy you need and keep you going all day.
Take part in congregational prayers: Prophet Muhammad SAW would go to the mosque to lead the group subuh prayers after finishing his sahur. For many reasons, doing the communal solat subuh is better than going back to sleep after sahur. Additionally, we are invited to say the Terawih congregational prayers this month. If someone prays with a group instead of by themselves, they will be paid seven times more, according to a hadith by Iman Al-Bulkhari and Muslim.
Engage in sadaqah: No one was more kind than the Prophet SAW, especially during the month of Ramadan. Some people say that on the day of Qiyamah, Allah SWT would hide the person whose left hand gave so much in charity that his right hand didn’t know what the left hand had given. As you help your brothers and sisters who are less wealthy by donating, contributing, and paying your required zakat, you will get a lot of rewards.
Aspire to khatam Al-Quran: The Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadan, and the Prophet SAW and his companions would often recite the entire Quran in a single night. Decided to improve the frequency and regularity of Quran recitations. Prior to Syawal, start by creating the intention to khatam Quran; establish small, attainable goals, such as finishing a few pages each day; arrange your recitation schedule and try to fit it in during your lunch break, during your commute, and in between meetings and appointments.
Do not delay iftar: Prophet Muhammad SAW told his companions not to wait to eat iftar because it shows that the sun has gone down and we should enjoy the kindness of Allah SWT’s rezeki. One thing that makes our ummah different from other faiths is that we break our iftar. Also, be kind to the person who fasted and give him more motivation and strength to keep doing the ibadah. Also, don’t forget that it is also sunnah to break your fast with water and one, three, or seven dates.
Make abundance of supplications (Doa): The Prophet SAW and his companions used to wait all year for Ramadan to attain its special blessings. They devoted themselves solely to worship and meditation, for the Prophet SAW said,” A tasbih in Ramadan is better than a thousand tasbihs in other than it.” (Al-Tirmidhi). Praying for other people is one of the best ways to get something. A beautiful and easy way to find peace is to make doa for other people. It makes your heart softer and lessens any bad thoughts you might have about other people. It is also ibadah, and Allah SWT loves people who ask him for help.

Moonlight Musings by Rushdina Sofea and Maira Athirah – Part Two

sc_writers — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:33:11 +0000

By Rushdina Sofea and Maira Athirah

Our days never look the same as the people around us although we have the same 24 hours. Some of us attend classes in the mornings and afternoons because we’re students, some are busy working their corporate jobs and some might be running errands for their families.

Even so, when Ramadan comes around we all share a routine of fasting from dawn to dusk because it’s one of the obligatory acts of worship that we practice in order to uphold one of the five pillars of Islam.

This holy month is where Muslims race to do as many good deeds as possible to reap the rewards that Allah s.w.t. has promised us alongside fasting. It can be a challenge to find time to do extra prayers in the daily schedule that we have been so accustomed to. However, it is also important to remind ourselves that the arrival of Ramadan is not meant to burden us but to provide us with ease.

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab said that he heard the Prophet PBUH say; “Innamal A’malu Binniyat” (Sahih Bukhari), which means actions are dependent upon their intentions. One of the best reminders I receive in Ramadan is that the Almighty is The Most Generous and he will reward us for our intentions as he looks upon our sincerity.

We can look at this month as a reset button for those of us who have been too caught up with the hustle and bustle of today’s culture. Here are 3 ways to make Ramadan easy for you:

Have focused goals.
In goal setting, the most important element is for it to be personalized and meaningful to you and your spiritual journey. Inspired by Dr. Omar Suleiman’s recent video, here are a few things he suggests we do to refine these goals. There are two that have stuck with me: creating a “to not do list” and a “to do list”. It is more important for us to focus on the former list because we need to remove the barricades that are in the path of His guidance
Do what works for you.
A little goes a long way, so the best thing we can do for ourselves is make it simple for us to participate in acts of worship that fit seamlessly into our busy lives. Listen to your body; if you feel you can do more in the evening, take a power nap during the day to reenergize yourself. For example, if you want to take a nap, set the intention of resting so that you are able to power up and perform 8 rakats of taraweeh. Setting your intentions and realizing you’re doing it for Allah s.w.t. is a simple example of transforming an activity into an act of worship.
Press the restart button.
You can restart at any time. Your day may look different from others and that is completely fine. If you feel you have fallen behind in your Ramadan goals, give yourself permission to press the restart button tomorrow. It doesn’t make you less of a muslim if you fall short on a few goals. Be gentle with yourself. This month is a spiritual journey that is a secret between us and our creator.

I hope this Ramadan will help us to restore balance and tranquility in the spiritual aspect of our lives. With the days that remain, we can work on our routines and make Ramadan easier for all of us by tailoring the good deeds that best suit our needs.

Moonlight Musings by Rushdina Sofea and Maira Athirah – Part One

sc_writers — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:35:13 +0000

By Rushdina Sofea and Maira Athirah

Muslims all over the world celebrate Ramadan as a holy month. It is a special time to grow spiritually and personally. Rather than just not eating or drinking during this month, everything we do is a chance to grow closer to our faith and become more religious.

It’s important to do things that keep us busy but also feed our souls and make our spiritual resolve stronger. I will talk about ten good things we can do during Ramadan to make it more enjoyable and help us remember to enjoy this special time. Let’s explore activities that will not only make our Ramadan more meaningful but also have an impact on our lives after the holy month is over!

Cooking and Meal Planning: Use the time during non-fasting hours to experiment with new recipes, plan elaborate iftar (breaking fast) meals, or prepare special treats for family and friends.
Exercise: Engage in light physical activities such as walking, yoga, or stretching to keep your body active during the fasting period. It can also be refreshing to go for a walk after iftar to aid digestion.
Journaling: Take some time to write down your ideas and experiences during Ramadan. Write about your goals for improving your relationship with Allah, your desires for personal growth, and your thoughts on the advantages of fasting. To improve the quality of your journal entries, try adding prayers and passages from the Quran, or thoughts on Islamic principles.
Reading: Take advantage of your leisure time by focusing on spiritual growth and finishing up your reading list. Whether you’re reading religious texts, books about Islamic history and beliefs, or literary works that promote faith and reflection, reading can be a peaceful way to learn more about Islam and strengthen your relationship with Allah.
Learning: Learning can be a rewarding method to increase your knowledge and comprehension of your faith, whether you’re studying the Quran, exploring the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), or learning about the fundamentals of Islamic ethics and morality. Establish spiritual objectives for your educational path, such as learning the Quran by heart or developing virtues like tolerance and kindness. Seek guidance and blessings from Allah along the road as you approach your study with an open heart and a commitment to improve spiritually.
Gardening: If you have a garden or even just a few pots on a balcony, spend time nurturing your plants. Gardening can be a meditative activity and a way to connect with nature.
Art and Craft: Get creative with art projects or crafts. Whether it’s painting, drawing, knitting, or crafting homemade decorations for Eid, engaging in artistic pursuits can be both relaxing and fulfilling.
Organizing and Decluttering: Use the downtime during fasting hours to declutter and organize your living space. This can be a productive way to spend your time and create a more peaceful environment.
Listening to Podcasts or Audiobooks: Tune in to podcasts or audiobooks on topics of interest while you go about your daily tasks. It’s a great way to learn something new or stay entertained while fasting.
Volunteering: Make the most of your Ramadan by helping others and showing goodwill to others. Help out at a neighbourhood iftar, volunteer at a local charity, or offer assistance to needy neighbours. Serving others enhances not only the lives of those around you but also your feelings of gratitude, empathy, and compassion.

Take advantage of these occasions to consider how important generosity and selflessness are in Islam, and make an effort to live up to these principles during Ramadan and beyond.

World Youth Skills Day 2023

sc_writers — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 08:59:34 +0000

When the government threw the MCO blanket over Malaysia in 2020, it did not only help in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but also created a new growing trend. Instead of idly whiling away time, Malaysians explored and learnt new skills. Youth who never once stepped into the kitchen were experimenting with cooking, picking up new instruments, attending online courses and the list went on. Conversations about these new skills blossomed and people came to see how there was so much more to be learnt outside the classroom.

When the United Nations General Assembly coined 15 July as World Youth Skills Day in 2014, it was to highlight the significance of youth being adept in “skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship”.

Fast forward to today, it provides a timely reminder that youth and students are to be prepared for life beyond pen-on-paper examinations. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing people in various industries to upskill and retrain, it is now more important than ever to equip youth with relevant skills to navigate challenges in the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world of the 21st century.

This year’s World Youth Skills Day carries the theme of “Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future”. With the wealth of experience and knowledge that educators harbor, they form an important bridge between youths and the workforce. By enlightening and inspiring, educators become the beacon of light for youths to take on the world with essential skills. Indeed, it takes both the empowering and the empowered to build a nation where youths are equipped with the right mindset and skills to overcome obstacles.

The constant change in workforce dynamics today favours those equipped with agility and adaptability. As the UN claims, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) reduces access barriers to the labour market by imparting relevant skill sets that are recognised and certified.

In Malaysia, TVET is gaining traction with its increased prominence in the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plan, an outline of our government’s development policies and strategies. Students can look into institutions like polytechnics, vocational colleges and technical institutes for TVET programmes to master practical skills and knowledge.

In fulfilling the skilled manpower needs in our nation’s industry, training youths play an irreplaceable role. Equipped with youthful zeal and relevant skills, our country’s young people would be able to flourish despite impending hurdles. It is therefore vital to teach young people the ways of life, the skills for survival and the techniques to thrive, for a transformative future.

Written by: Jeslyn Chng
Designed by: Sabrina

Ramadan Tips by Kartini Jasmin

sc_writers — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 10:41:33 +0000

Another year, another Ramadan greets us in the most blissful and gentle way. It is a month meant for us to pause from worldly activities and reconnect with the deepest part of our souls. It is a month spent to Allah SWT, for Allah SWT and with Allah SWT.

As muslims all around the world observe fasting this month as it is one of the five pillars in Islam, it is understandable that struggles may come together with fasting. But fret not! Small Changes Malaysia is here to share with you several Ramadan Tips that you would find useful to practise not only in this holy month, but the months that come after.

💪🏻 Physically

Take your fibres in the morning	Muslims in Malaysia typically fast for about 13 hours a day. That is, in fact, a very long time to last without *both* food and water. To prevent yourselves from catching any sudden stomach issues (like gastric, ehem ehem), do make it a habit to eat some fruits or vegetables during *suhoor* hours. My personal favourite would be a piece of banana.
Move your body	Just because you are fasting, that does not give you the free pass to stay in bed all day and do nothing. You do not have to force yourself to do a full-blown workout but walking, even in the vicinity of your home, would help your blood circulate better and make you feel freshened-up.
Keep your breath fresh	This is also another personal favourite. Brushing your teeth or using mouthwash is definitely permissible when fasting, as long as you don’t end up swallowing them. They also help with making your mouth feel better, removing any unwanted taste left from *suhoor*.
Eat modestly	Did you know that every Ramadan, Malaysia would have an extra 75,000 tonnes of food waste. That is *a lot. So eat modestly if you can. I know that going to the Ramadan Bazaar* would make your eyes go haywire with all of the variety of food and drinks, but it’s best to plan what you want to buy to avoid wastage. There is also this saying that says: “Fasting for the entire day and being full after 5 minutes of iftar* is a prime example of how temporary the pleasure of this deceptional world is.”* It’s something for all of you readers to ponder about. Be mindful when eating!
Have a good night’s rest	The month of Ramadan is supposed to be spent on nightly prayers, but that does not mean that you do not have to get a good night’s sleep. Prepare yourselves by sleeping early, and reward yourself by waking up early. There are so many things you can do after *suhoor* and *Fajr* prayers, so do not worry if you think that you are missing out a lot by sleeping early. Secure that 6-7 hours of sleep, if possible.

🧠 Spiritually & Mentally

Make lots and lots of *dua*	*Dua* is just another way of talking to Allah SWT. Sadness, troubles, and struggles can happen to anyone. When you do, sometimes you feel alone, and backed in a corner where you can’t run any more. During these times, you would feel so alone in this world. But no, for God would always be there to stand by you. So lift your hands up and *dua, for He will always* listen.
Decorate your “worship corner”	This might come off as menial or unimportant, but I definitely think that how your room looks would motivate you to perform your prayers, Quran recitations, *duas* and whatnot. Go crazy! Decorate it with things you love, a scented candle, maybe even a comfy carpet that has long been left in the store. Make it cosy so that you are more motivated to turn to Allah SWT.
Make plans with friends or loved ones for *iftar*	One of the ways to get your Ramadan mood on is by making plans with people you love to break fast with. Ramadan is not all about fancy buffets, and lavish food, but going out once or twice or even thrice with a friend and catching up over the meal would definitely lighten up your mood. And if you both have the time – you can even catch the *taraweeh* prayers together at the mosque or your home.
Volunteer with organisations or mosques	Volunteering is a form of charity, or also known as *sadaqah. Any form of charity is more than welcomed to be conducted especially during Ramadan. By joining such communities, you are able to make a change no matter how small and who knows, once fasting month is over, this might also become a new habit that you are passionate about. You can start volunteering now with organisations such as Small Changes*, and even the local mosques around you.
Forgive people	Personally, I think that this is the most important one on the list. Forgiving people who have hurt you or “wronged” you in some way is never easy. It’s hard to be a human, isn’t it? You have all these complex feelings inside of you, but at the end of the day, you do not owe each other anything. The one and only entity that has the power to judge all humans is Allah SWT. So forgive people, for forgiveness is a trait in which Allah SWT loves so much in a human.

So that’s that, – my tips on how to survive this Ramadan. Take one day at a time, and don’t rush into things so much. Life is, indeed, filled with competition but whatever ibadah that you get done during Ramadan is definitely not one. Everyone’s fasting journey is different, and comparing one’s journey to another is not feasible to yourself.

I feel that it is also important to remember that since we live in the beautiful multiracial country of Malaysia, both muslims and non muslims exist under one state. The act of fasting is not exclusively meant for muslims only, it is not only for us to partake. Everyone and anyone is welcomed to do so, as there has been plenty of academic research showcasing the benefits of fasting to one’s body.

Instead of praying like muslims do, our non muslim friends can instead fill in their time while fasting by doing mindful activities for your mind, – such as journaling and meditation. Overall, Ramadan is a month all communities in Malaysia can share, from the Ramadan Bazaars to tranquil and peaceful nights that this month will offer.

Life is short and we are never promised for another Ramadan, so live this one like it’s your last. Love a lot, be kind, and do your best everyday to be closer to Him, for Allah SWT is always listening, and He will always grant you the things you need at the perfect time.

Glossary:

Suhoor

The meal eaten before dawn during Ramadan, after which people fast until after sunset.

Iftar

The meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan, after muslims break their fast.

Dua

An act of supplication, asking for something earnestly or humbly from God.

Taraweeh

A special prayer muslims perform only in the month of Ramadan. It is not compulsory as Muslims can opt to not do it.

Sadaqah

Charity.

Ibadah

Different types of worship muslims do to appease God.

International Women’s Month: An Interview with Aliaa Marizan

sc_writers — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:39:35 +0000

With the 48th anniversary of the UN’s International Women’s Day, last March saw politicians, advocates, women and girls around the world celebrating female identity.

This year’s IWD theme was DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality, with the hashtag campaign #EmbraceEquity.

Here at Small Changes, we too value the uniqueness of women, pushing for and celebrating the progress towards gender equity.

We interviewed Co-Founder and Advisor of Small Changes, Aliaa Marizan, on her views of being a woman.

A businesswoman and the CEO of MN Fuel Solutions Sdn Bhd, Aliaa describes herself as a “petite tudung lady” heading a manufacturing company in the oil and gas industry, a typically male dominated industry. Having her voice taken seriously, by clients, industry players and bankers, was therefore not an easy task. She then realised that the only way to change this narrative was through mastering the technical knowledge of her product and the industry as a whole, while practising effective communication skills.

“Only then can I gain the attention and respect from the people I deal with.’

“It is double the hard work just to be heard and it is not easy. But, it is what it is and it needs to be done,” says Aliaa.

Aliaa believes that men and women were both created with their own strengths and weaknesses, which should be acknowledged and celebrated. However, women have always shouldered the unseen mental load of nurturing a society. At the same time, women are also expected to take a backseat in terms of opportunities, due to societal norms. The basic human rights that women have today, like voting or being in a position of leadership, are due to the gender equity fight that was sparked by inspirational women centuries ago. While it is important to celebrate women of determination, Aliaa said, “It is also important to celebrate those whose strength and determination are not seen prima facie, as well.” She asserts that no matter the paths a woman chooses to take, “she should be celebrated for making the right choice for herself.”

Aliaa is also proud of the women and girls she has come across. Citing the students she met through her work with Small Changes, she is “proud of their courage to come out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves during the camps”. She is also proud to see women participation in tertiary education and to see women “making the right choice for themselves”.

Although Malaysia is still far from the targeted 30% women participation in Parliament, Aliaa believes that “Malaysia is going in the right direction when it comes to gender equity”. We had our first women Chief of Justice, Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat, and there are currently 30 women Members of Parliament (13.5%). Having women in the right ministries making policies that take into consideration women’s needs gives the right support system for women to flourish and is, as Aliaa puts it, “necessary for the future generation of Malaysia”.

To all Malaysian young women, Aliaa has this to say to you:

“Have hope and faith, the world is your oyster and help is there if you seek it. Make the right choices for yourself, as only you can determine your future.”

“Have fun while you’re at it!”

International Women’s Day is significant to celebrate the achievements of women and the progress towards gender equity. However, the real hard work is still happening every day. In the uphill climb towards gender equity, there is no room for rest. It is an arduous journey of advocacy, getting women’s voices heard and proving women’s worth.

We are not at the peak of the hill yet, but we are getting there and we will get there, hand in hand.

Written by: Jeslyn Chng
Designed by: Siti Asmah