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The last days of Ramadan

CCTV.com

07-05-2016 12:56 BJT

With just one day to go until the end of Ramadan, our reporter Guan Yang visited Kashgar, the cultural capital of Muslim Uyghurs in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, to find out how they make the most of the final days of fasting.

Muhammad is running a little late for the afternoon prayers. It is the busiest time of the year for building contractors like him after a long winter break in Kashgar. But he said that during this year's Ramadan, no matter how full his schedule was, he was never absent from prayers. For him, the immediate change that came through fasting was losing almost 5 kilograms.

"I feel more energetic now (after losing weight)... I've been fasting during Ramadan for over 30 years. I've got used to it. It's a part of my life," Muhammad said.

After prayers, he usually takes a walk to the nearby bazaar and buys groceries for the evening iftar meal. Some people might think Ramadan is a chance to indulge in favorite food which they deserve after a day of fasting, but Muhammad and his family choose to break their fast in a healthy way.

"The Iftar meal should be rich in nutritions and hydration. You can see the wide variety of foods here. We tend to avoid fried and high-fat foods, and save them for the fast breaking festival," Muhammad said.

It's often been said that fasting for Ramadan makes people understand the plight of the poor better as going not eating for a month gives Muslims a glimpse at what starvation feels like. Hence the festival cultivates qualities of gratitude, generosity and empathy.

Although all of Ramadan is full of blessings and rewards, the last ten days hold a special status reflected in the teachings and practices of the Messenger of Allah and his companions. It is believed to help people erase sins and establish a greater connection with God.

"The last ten days of Ramadan are crucial for Muslims to maximize the significance of erasing their sins and asking for forgiveness. It can greatly help to build self-discipline. It was in this month that Muslims believe God revealed the Quran to the prophet Muhammad," Abudoukadier Sawuti, deputy Khatib of ID Kah Mosque in Kashgar, said.

By adopting the virtues from the heart of Islam and demonstrating the true meaning behind them in daily life, Muslims in China can ensure peace and prosperity within their communities and the wider society around them.

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