Benefits of Ramadan

The lessons learned during Ramadan should last throughout the whole year…

By Huda, About.com

Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world. While major holidays of other faiths have largely become commercialized events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning.

The word “Ramadan” comes from the Arabic root word for “parched thirst” and “sun-baked ground.” It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.

• Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.
• Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.
• Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, “A man’s wealth is never diminished by charity.”
• Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.
• Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits — particularly with regards to diet and smoking.
• Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur’an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may “learn self-restraint” (Qur’an 2:183). This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitudes stay with us during our “normal” lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.

May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.

source: http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/a/ram_benefits.htm

Kabar Nasional Ledakan JW Marriot Mengancam Kedatangan MU

Jakarta, (tvOne)

Kedatangan Manchester United ke Indonesia terancam batal. Ledakan terjadi di dua hotel, Hotel Ritz-Carlton dan JW Marriot, yang akan digunakan sebagai tempat menginap tim MU dan Indonesia All Star.

Menurut rencana, tim Manchester United akan menggunakan Hotel Ritz-Carlton sebagi tempat beristirahatnya sebelum laga kontra Indonesia All Star. Sedangkan tim Indonesia All Star akan menggunakan JW Marriot sebagai tempat menginap.

Ledakan hebat melanda kedua hotel mewah di kawasan Mega Kuningan itu pada Jumat, 17 Juli 2009, sekitar pukul 07.40 WIB. Peristiwa terjadi hampir bersamaan dengan selisih waktu sekitar dua menit. Ledakan keras bermula dari kedua basement hotel.

Namun menurut Koordinator Bidang Komersial Panitia Lokal, Herman Ago, hingga saat ini pihaknya belum bisa memberikan keterangan secara detail.

“Kita belum bisa memberikan keterangan, kami masih menunggu kabar sebenarnya,” ujar Herman Ago saat dikonfirmasi VIVAnews.

Manchester United akan berhadapan dengan Indonesia All Star, di Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan, Jakarta, Senin, 20 Juli 2009. Pertandingan ini masuk dalam rangkaian tur MU ke Asia tahun ini.(VIVAnews.com)

Barack Obama writes to Michael Jackson’s family

President Barack Obama has written to the family of Michael Jackson to express his feelings over the singer’s death, one of his key aides said today.

Senior White House adviser David Axelrod told NBC’s Meet the Press programme that Mr Obama thought the pop star was an “important and magnificent” performer.

The US president has not made any public comment following Jackson’s death on Thursday, but Mr Axelrod sad he had shared his feelings with the Jackson family.

He told NBC: “The president obviously believes that Michael Jackson was an important and magnificent performer and obviously he led a sad life in many ways as well but his impact is undeniable.”

Mr Axelrod added: “The president has written to the family and has shared his feelings with the family and he felt that was the appropriate way to go.”

The White House did not issue a statement following Thursday’s announcement.

But on Friday, during the daily White House briefing, Mr Obama’s press secretary Robert Gibbs said the president sent his condolences to the late singer’s family and fans.

Mr Gibbs added that Mr Obama saw Jackson as a spectacular performer and music icon.

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source: Telegraph.co.uk (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5675766/Barack-Obama-writes-to-Michael-Jacksons-family.html)