TODAY marks the third week of Ramadan when Muslims all over the world are observing a strict routine from dawn till dusk.
This is the month when they limit their food intake, control their emotions and even restrict their thoughts to only good ones.
Yes, these are challenging tasks even for the pious. And especially this year where the challenges are doubled with the Movement Control Order (MCO) in place.
Now that the Conditional MCO (CMCO) is on, many people will be using the opportunity to do some Hari Raya shopping as well.
Looking at some viral pictures on social media, I’m worried that CMCO rules are being bent.
Many people have been spotted waiting for malls to open. Social distancing has obviously been ignored.
So what has gone wrong? I put it down to our inability to look at priorities.
It’s very likely that this year’s Hari Raya will be a low-key affair. Movements between states are prohibited, hence no balik kampung exodus.
It also means that families will be spending the time in their respective homes.
There’s very little need to buy new things. In addition to the uncertain economy, the health risk alone should be enough to continue staying at home.
Going out should really be reserved for emergencies and buying essential groceries. Purchasing clothes and household items should be put off for the foreseeable future.
PAIN OF REGRET
As the first wave of Covid-19 has shown, it takes only one person to infect many others.
While the CMCO is good to rejuvenate the economy, it doesn’t mean that it’s free for all.
We don’t want any more new clusters that can put us back into another MCO.
Social discipline is key in fighting what’s left of the virus but sadly, many are not following the SOP provided by the government. The lure of Hari Raya is too strong to resist.
Jim Rohn, an American author, once said, “We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment.”
As parents, we must take this opportunity to educate our children about the importance of being disciplined, especially in times of crisis.
We must also remember that our own behaviour is the best teacher for them.
Children may not remember what we say but they will do what we do.
As such, ensure that we’re showing a good example by following the SOP and respecting the CMCO. Only go out when it’s absolutely necessary. And Raya shopping isn’t one.
Otherwise, we may have to endure the pain of regret. Let’s pray that it’s not going to happen.
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