Reflections on Ramadhan: A personal perspective from Usman Rasul JP
Usman Rasul JP shares his reflections on Ramadhan and how it aligns with his role as a magistrate.
What Ramadhan means to me
For every Muslim, Ramadhan is a deeply personal and individual journey. For me Ramadhan is a time to strengthen my awareness and my connection with God. As one of the five pillars (fundamentals) of Islam, fasting during Ramadhan is done by knowingly and wilfully abstaining from eating and drinking between dawn to dusk. Simply put, this month is about doing those actions which please God and refraining from those which displease God.
The month of Ramadhan has a different aura and atmosphere where hearts become more compassionate and we reflect on our responsibility to others, especially those going through hardship. While we can look forward to breaking our fast with a small feast, we are reminded of those who may be less fortunate. Ramadhan is a time for generosity and reflection where acts of charity and prayer and recitation of the Quran take on greater meaning.
How Ramadhan relates to my role as a magistrate
Islam places a significant emphasis on justice, fairness and respect for the rights of others.
This is where Ramadhan resonates with my role as a magistrate, where working with my fellow magistrates to ensure fair and just outcomes. The spiritual and reflective nature of the month reaffirms my duties as a magistrate in making decisions that are just and fair.
How the magistracy fosters an inclusive environment during religious observations such as Ramadhan
Day to day, one usually just gets on with court business. I take time to pray during the day and I am grateful to my colleagues and court staff who are supportive of this.
Ramadhan is a month which encourages personal growth, compassion and justice, values that are integral both in my faith and my work as a magistrate.