PUTRAJAYA – The fasting month of Ramadan is not just the month for Muslims to abstain themselves from eating and drinking during the day, but also to train themselves to have self-discipline and self-control over their evil nafs or desires, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
Addressing the Prime Minister’s Department staff at their monthly assembly on the first day of Ramadan this year, the premier said those capable of controlling their evil desires were usually trusted in doing things and getting every task done.
“With the trust, we will also get the opportunities to do more.
“(But) those who are weak (in fighting their evil desires) will not succeed, only those who are strong will, those who are strong in fighting their evil desires,” he said.
The 94-year-old premier also expressed his gratitude for still being able to fast during Ramadan this year and described the act of fighting the nafs as a life-long training.
Dr Mahathir said following the path of the nafs would also lead a person to disaster.
“Maybe we will succeed in achieving something, but at the end, it will bring us more harm than good,” he said.
He said if all Malaysians were to fight their evil desires, he was confident that Malaysia would be more trusted and respected by the world.
As for the non-Muslims, he said they would definitely understand the reasons why Muslims had to fast during this month of Ramadan as they too have been practising some form of fasting according to their religion.
“However, the main objective remains the same, that is to control oneself from sinful behaviour,” he added.
-BERNAMA
