What has Ramadhan got to do with Sustainable Development?

Muslims all around the world will celebrate the holy month of Ramadhan by fasting all throughout the day for about 30 days. There are many benefits of fasting besides the natural detox process from abstaining the usual eating and drinking routine. Here is a good site to explain some of the benefits. http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/a/ram_benefits.htm

So what has Ramadhan got to do with Sustainable Development? I try to break it down from the 3 Ps dimensions i.e. People, Planet and Profit/Prosperity. 

In Malaysia, Ramadhan is the month that citizens of all religions and faiths truly celebrate by strengthening the community spirit. This can be typically observed at eating outlets during the breaking of fast. I even know some of my non muslim friends who will fast together with their fellow muslims to truly enjoy the delicacies when the dusk breaks. The less unfortunate groups such as the orphans and senior citizens are often invited by corporate organisations and wealthy individuals at such functions. The example given demonstrates that the annual Ramadhan month will provide the opportunity for the People from all walks of life to be closer together in a joyous occasion.

Also in Ramadhan, we hope to take care of the Planet by effectively reducing the waste from not consuming any food and water during the day. Indirectly, we will be able to consume less energy that is used in cooking and boiling water.

The last "P" that I want to explain is the Profit / Prosperity dimension. We will see many people take the opportunity to earn extra pocket money from selling food for breakfast to making cookies for the Hari Raya Celebration (this is the end of Ramadhan). But in this case, the meaning of prosperity should be in a deeper context for all those who truly appreciates the meaning of Ramadhan. When Ramadhan is embraced with sincerity, humility and generosity, God will hopefully reward us with more blessings and prosperity. Maximising of this P in Malay term is what I call earning more Pahala. We might not see the rewards immediately but we also need to do our "savings" for the afterlife :)

SD Malaysia would like to take the opportunity to wish all Malaysians a good Ramadhan !