Working with a loving devotion

AS WE approach the end of Ramadhan, it's business as usual for Mohammed Abrar, who works at S Naaz Enterprise, a hair-cutting salon. Mohammed Shoaib is also busy running his laundry shop. In fact, his workload has increased as Hari Raya approaches. Meanwhile, Mohammed Rashid, a tailor, is burning the midnight oil to deliver orders on time.

Although the three of them may have different vocations, one thing they have in common is that all of them are fasting. Being devout Muslims they have never missed fasting during Ramadhan as far as they can remember.

The expatriate trio is not alone. There many in Brunei locals and expats whose jobs involve odd working hours, but that does not stop them from performing their religious obligations.

So, what is the magic mantra that keeps them going, without bothering about the hunger pangs and the fatigue? What is it that makes them take all the hardships in their stride and fulfil their duties and religious obligations?

All of them have a simple answer: It is their devotion to Allah (SWT) that gives them inner strength and the willpower to endure all the hardships with smile.

Moreover, it is the spiritual attainment that takes precedence over the long working hours.

Abrar, who came to Brunei about 10 years ago, says it has become a part of his life, a habit of sorts.

"While fasting, I never think about such things. In fact, such thoughts never come to my mind as most people around are also fasting. I have a religious duty to perform and I'm grateful to Allah (SWT) that I'm able to do that."

Back in the laundry shop, Shoaib, says, "Being a Muslim, one knows that one day all of us have to face Judgment Day and we'll be judged by our deeds, prayers and worship. This fear keeps me going.

"I am following the command of Allah (SWT) and He is helping me overcome all the problems I face while fasting."

However, all of them agree that the Islamic environment in the Sultanate makes things easy for him. The religious fervour also motivates people not to be left behind.

Abrar says, "Many people who had never observed fasting join us willingly as they don't want to miss this opportunity. Secondly, sometimes it is embarrassing for the person to eat in front of his colleagues who are fasting."

Tailor Rashid, whose work has increased considerably in the runup to Hari Raya, is full of praise and affection for local Bruneians, who make sure that expats are not left out.

Shoaib agrees. He says most of his customers enquire whether they have received kurma (dates) distributed by His Majesty to all Muslims.

"Although for 25 years I have been regularly receiving the dates, it feels good when Bruneians ask about it to make sure that I have got my share.

"Some even say, 'If you have not got it, we will arrange for you'. It makes you feel part of one big family."

Abrar says receiving kurma from His Majesty every Ramadhan shows how much the Sultan cares about the people living in the Sultanate, irrespective of their nationalities.

"I feel overwhelmed by this gesture of His Majesty. It makes me feel that there is someone who is concerned about my welfare.

"This gesture strikes a chord in every heart," he says.

To some these may be small gestures, but for these expats, who are living far away from their families and loved ones, it means a lot.

The Brunei Times