Ramadhan Brings Out The Best Of Traits
By M K Anwar

Bandar Seri Begawan - Now Bruneians are celebrating Syawal or Hari Raya after 30 days of fasting during the Puasa or Ramadhan month.

The fasting month was the best of times for some and for others, even better. Because it had seen the best of Bruneian traits and reinforced the local culture deep in the minds of everyone.

Religious activities were observed throughout the holy Ramadhan month. There were nightly terawikh prayers at every mosque or prayer hall. Attendance was full. The young and old raced to the mosques or suraus after, breaking their fast.

That the old led the young to the mosques undeniably ensured that religious duties and lessons would continue from one generation to another.

Added to this is the tedarus or the recitation of al-Quran at home, at the mosques and even in offices. The Ministry of Religious Affairs had its `Safari Ramadhan' while the Ministry of Home Affairs went from one mosque to another and held tedarus and other religious activities.

Even the 'ulu' areas were reached to further spread the importance of these religious activities.

The tedarus events had been noted and highlighted in the media almost everyday throughout the holy month.

Another of Brunei's best traits was seen after the recent Ramadhan fires that destroyed the dwellings of some locals.

Barely 24 hours after disaster struck, donations poured in to help the fire victims and lessen their suffering. Through relevant authorities or private parties, people tried their best to ensure the victims' welfare was taken care of. Their efforts were expedited like clockwork and they never failed to deliver.

The needy and the orphans were never forgotten as individuals and private companies, small or big, donated money to cheer up the Raya mood.

The Islamic Religious Council revealed that for this year, the sum of $9,830,440 was distributed to 16,534 poor and needy recipients who represented 3,856 heads of family.

Every head of family received $1,300 while his or her dependent received $380 each. This amount came from zakat or tithe paid by the locals.

As Ramadhan reached its conclusion, the dearly-departed were remembered as people thronged' to the Muslim cemeteries and offered prayers for their loved ones.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year definitely is being celebrated with greater joy by most Bruneians. The haze, which returned even before the first day of Ramadhan, is now gone. The 24-hour Pollutant Standard Index

(PSI) reading dropped to I 1 (good) on the first day of Hari Raya. The long-hoped for and much awaited salary increment for government workers was delivered and the hike in pension rates have been a cause for celebration like the completion of fasting during Puasa.

People were on a buying spree towards the end of Ramadhan as their pockets were replenished by the advanced payment of salaries and wages, retailers said.

Despite the salary increments, however, shoppers have been prudent in their spending, retailers said.

Families are now more careful and controlled with their spending habits, observers noted. This has not stopped retailers from engaging in massive marketing campaigns with attractive offers and conducting midnight sales.

Last year, the Ministry of Finance put a cap on the amount of loan that a 'customer can apply from banks.

With Bruneians owing over $3 billion in 2003, with about 65 per cent of debts coming from unsecured lending such as credit cards and personal loans, the capping of loans generally was seen to curb the spiraling debt figure.

Due to the resulting loan directives last year, the situation was different compared to previous years, a retailer said. This year seems to replicate the situation even though there is an increase in income.

There are traffic jams at shopping centres everywhere but shoppers generally have been buying only the basic necessities to welcome guests during the Hari Raya celebration.

Are the government initiatives bearing fruits and are we saving more? "The answer is still unclear and it might take some more years to comprehend," one financial observer said.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam gave a simple yet the best advice in his Hari Raya titah: "Save the money for the future of our families."  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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