Kuala lumpur: Muslims in the country have been urged to make the most of Ramadan as a 'madrasah tarbiyyah' to nurture the soul and strengthen piety, while practising moderation by avoiding food wastage. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a post on his Facebook page today, said Ramadan was a month to multiply acts of worship, increase repentance and abandon all wrongdoing.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the importance of using every moment of Ramadan to cleanse the heart, improve deeds, and strengthen relationships. He expressed hope that Ramadan would inspire Muslims to become more pious and steadfast in doing good, not only during the holy month but also after it has passed.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof also reminded Muslims that Ramadan was not merely about abstaining from food and drink, but an opportunity to improve oneself and draw closer to Allah with full humility. In his Facebook post, he urged Muslims to give alms to those in need, describing it as a deed that could cleanse the heart from miserliness and excessive love of material possessions.

Fadillah expressed concern over the trend of food wastage, which is reported to increase by 15 to 20 percent during Ramadan. He stressed the importance of purchasing breaking-of-fast meals according to necessity, not desire, to avoid wastage. He encouraged Muslims to welcome Ramadan with resolve and prayers, hoping that every deed would be accepted, every sin forgiven, and every step guided towards divine pleasure. He prayed for all Muslims to be granted strength and blessings throughout the fasting month.