Bandar Seri Begawan - Muslims nationwide observed the first day of the holy month of Ramadhan yesterday with families waking up as early as three in the morning to prepare for a day of fasting.

At 6.35pm yesterday, Muslims in the Brunei-Muara district broke their fast by gathering at homes and mosques.

During Ramadhan, Muslims pay their month-long homage to Allah (SWT) and Islam by carrying out tarawih prayers, tadarus (reading of Quran) and abstaining from food, drink, cigarettes and sexual intercourse before breaking their fast at dusk.

Sulaiman Hj Ahmad, head of a family of four, said that he carries out his responsibilities as a loyal Muslim and a father by bringing his children to the mosque to pray every year.

He added that by teaching his children about the responsibilities of being a good Muslim at an early age, he can ensure that his children will be taken care of spiritually. He said that his children are enthusiastic when Ramadhan approaches, as they know it gets them closer to celebrating Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Hj Muhammad Hj Osman said that he looks forward to Ramadhan, as the rewards for praying are doubled during this month.

He added that he prefers to break fast at the mosque since it saves time to travel from home to the mosque for the Maghrib, Isya' and tarawih prayers.

It is also during the holy month where Muslims are encouraged to perform good deeds and friendly gestures such as exchanging food for the breaking of fast or cleaning their compounds to get more blessings for their good behaviour.

The fasting month is also a time to be cautious of overspending as a full day of fasting and refraining from temptation can play tricks on the mind, said Hj Aminor Hj Mahari, a father of three from Kg Salambigar.

He said that going to Ramadhan stalls to purchase food for breaking of fast usually turns out to be a wasteful trip as most food bought would be driven by temptation.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Bandar Seri Begawan - `Ahlan Wasahlan Marhaban Yaa Ramadhan' would be the perfect slogan to welcome the holy month of Ramadhan.

As our nation celebrates the fasting month, mosques and suraus nationwide are beginning to perform the obligatory nighttime Tarawikh prayers after completing the Isyak prayers.

One of the main mosques in Brunei is located at Perpindahan Lambak Kanan in Berakas. An overwhelming number of worshippers usually perform their prayers here during the month of Ramadhan.

The fardhu Isyak and sunnat Tarawikh prayers were led by the officer for Mosque Affairs, Awg Hj Mahrof Hj Chuchu.

After performing both prayers, a handful of jemaah will stay back for the tedarus ceremony.

It is also obligatory to read the Quranic verses during the fasting month. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Bandar Seri Begawan - A hot and dry day on the first day of the holy month of Ramadhan did not stop scores of people from thronging the stalls at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

Long before 2pm,families with young children came looking for food to break their fast.

The food choices included barbequed meat, fried noodles, nasi lemak, rambutan, durian and other fruits, and exotic but cheap food normally found during the holy month.

Some stall owners talked to the Bulletin on their experiences running their small but dynamic enterprises.

"We are proud to say this is a joint effort with my children. My fish with spicy sambal are certainly popular with the crowds, especially during Ramadhan.

I have been doing this business for a long time, more than 10 years," said Awang Durahim.

Hjh Roslina, who runs a kebab and grill stall, said she has been in the business for seven years. She is proud of the way her business has grown over the years.

"This is a first time for me at the Ramadhan stalls. I was doing street vending before, but I hope to do even better this time around," said Awang Iskandar. He sells rambutan, langsat and other fruits. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Tutong - In light of the first day of Ramadhan, tedarus al-Quran events were held concurrently at the mosques, suraus as well as residences of the Tutong District yesterday.

Tedarus al-Quran means reading the Quran in front of someone who can monitor every recitation.

This practice was the key focus of worship by Nabi Muhammad (pbuh) during the month of Ramadhan because the al-Quran was first delivered to him in this holy month.

It does not only increase our understanding of the meaning of alQuran verses but also helps us correct the mistakes in reading especially in terms of tajwid and makhraj. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin