WASTE AND SLUDGE MANAGEMENT: HEALTH SCENARIO IN SOUTH ASIA- A CASE STUDY OF NEPAL

Health in a country is normally determined by the number of indicators showing the major health concerns of individuals. The major indicators include life expectancy, infant mortality, maternal mortality and the child mortality of age under 5. The government and non-government organizations (NGOs level) have developed plans after analyzing these basic indicators and the remedial measure in order to ensure good health service and improve the quality of living in Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Health is one of the significant basic issues in Nepal. Health in Nepal is affected by three major factors: the high rate of poverty, illiteracy, and lack of proper sanitation (waste management). In a survey conducted during period 2000-2013 that indicated that the life expectancy rate is low with a maximum of about 55 years; even the women' life expectancy is much lower than men that are alarming. It clearly shows that health care for men is given more priority than women. The highest risk group for poor health is of children having aged less than five years, and this again includes a higher rate of girls and other is females of maturity age. The mortality rate of female is higher than male by 24%.

Waste and Sludge Management

Nepal is, unfortunately, one of the least developed countries of the world, and 60 percent of their population lives below the poverty line along with a high level of illiteracy. The health and education are correlated. Health care measures, preventive health measures, control of communicable diseases and healthy nutritional programs all depend on the education level of people. They would better understand the importance of health and life through proper education. The control of these chronic diseases is also dependent on the availability of safe and pure drinking water, proper sanitation, sludge and waste management facilities. Many of the diseases are infectious, so it is important to design preventive measure by the proper development of the sewerage system, waste and sludge disposal that would result in a hygienic environment in Nepal. It is mentioned in a report that about 37% of the Nepal population (34% rural and 66% urban) have access to safe and clean drinking water and 6% have access to proper sanitation facilities.

In addition, the abundant use of septic tanks in urban areas and waste dumping give rise to sludge management problem. That generated sludge without treatment has become one of the most significant challenges in the context of waste management, in Nepal. The untreated disposals of sewage sludge generate significant amounts of greenhouse gases as well as posing health and other environmental problems. People of Nepal due to lack of education and proper understanding of how to dump their waste and sludge The waste includes kitchen and human solid waste, used water from kitchen and garbage. There is no proper sludge dumping mechanism and is thrown in a large big ground making the soil infertile. The sludge creates an ideal environment for nourishment of bacteria and virus. The standard practices of sludge disposal need to be exercised including composting and incineration. Composted sludge can be used for soil conditioner as green fertilizers in gardens and vegetation.

Proper waste bins are needed to be installed at least one in every group of 10 houses. It will help them to throw solid waste in those bins that can be then either burnt or dumped off by Government bodies or private bodies. A common practice is Nepal is to use human and animal excreta as a fertilizer in fields. They think this practice makes the soil fertile, but they do not know about associated serious diseases. That is again due to lack of education. Proper training mechanism must be ensured to educate rural people how to manage waste. There is no proper inflowing water for homes through proper pipelines. People are forced to drink this water and women also wash clothes on those streams, cleaning of their livestock is also done there along with bathing practice. Using same impure water for drinking is linked with many stomach and skin diseases.

The use of human waste as an agricultural fertilizer is common in Nepal. Many health risks are associated with this practice. Burning eyes, lung diseases, and skin rashes have been found in farmers and residents who use human waste as fertilizer. The geographic distribution of Nepal is another major obstacle in transporting proper health services to each and every part of the country. More than eighty percent of the populace lives in urban areas especially hilly areas that rely only on agriculture. Although there are many problems for the people living on hilly areas but the most serious concerns are due to lack of proper sanitation and waste management. That is the major causes of many health issues among the people living in these places. People normally cook insides of their wooden homes using natural resources for fire as animal waste. Due to the congested and less airy architecture of homes and the burning of animal waste that generates dangerous smoke is the cause of lung diseases among many villagers.

However, there are few NGOs active in designing plans to introduce techniques in rural areas that could improve the quality of living. Such techniques include the architecture change of home so that it becomes airier. Consequently, smoke could not be retained inside home, proper sewerage mechanism to discharge waste water in an efficient way, implement waste and sludge management plans and to highlight the importance of hygiene by designing techniques for sludge disposal. It is not the responsibility of the private sector alone. The government of Nepal must also play its role and support such efforts of NGOs to improve the living quality of the people 

SOLAR DESALINATION PLANT: EVERYWHERE AND ANYWHERE

Solar desalination plant, California, Source: Cole Mellino, EcoWatch

Solar desalination plant and technique is simply to convert any salty water to usable water by solar energy. The seawater and solar available for desalination which can be used for drinking or agriculture or for industrial uses where saltiest water cannot be used. The Great Aristotle told this method during 4 BC, by heating and evaporating the non-potable sale water and vapor collected as potable water. Alexander the Great used the same technique during the voyage in ships during 200 AD.

Around the world, 125 countries are adopting solar desalination technology for drinking water and agricultural uses.

Middle East                                   53.5 %

North America                              17 %

Asian Countries                           10.7 %

Europe                                          10.1 %

Central and South America        02 %

Australia                                       0.5 %

Methods of Solar Desalination

The direct method, a distilling mechanism connected with a solar collector and in a simple cycle method, the salt water converted to usable water.

The second method, an array of solar collector consisting of photovoltaic and or fluid based thermal collectors and conventional separate desalination plant. The reverse osmosis [RO] and photovoltaic panels system available for commercial use from the year 2009 onwards. In the second method, water is cheaper when the production is increased. An average of 200 Liters water can filter in one square meter Photovoltaic panel processor in a day.  This method largely used for agriculture in arid countries and acute shortage of drinking groundwater countries. Around the world, 750 million people are not drinking or not using clean water at this stage. This may go up 1.9 billion in next 8 to 10 years.

Top Countries Using Solar Desalination

The top four countries using Solar Desalination drinking water around the world:

Largest Solar Powered Desalination Plant, Saudi Arabia, 

1.    Saudi Arabia – is the largest desalination water producer in the world and leader in this process for a long time. In Al Khafiji, the largest solar photovoltaic plant installed and working successfully in the Desert Nation. By 2019, Saudi Arabia wants to convert all its plant run by solar energy. In other words, shift towards solar desalination.

2.    Israel – the desert land is the pioneer in water conservation technology. The 80 to 85 % of the wastewater recycled in Israel. The country is planning to use recycled water minimum 55% for agriculture purpose. By installing, processing, and selling their solar desalination technology, 300 more companies earn nearly $ 2.5 Billion per annum.

3.    California – is one of the largest user and 17 plants installed in California. One of the largest independent water producers is WaterFX in California, making several initiatives and kind of researches to supply good water. California uses the water for agri-business and for commercial uses.

4.    South Asia – South India one of largest solar plant installed and produces 37 million cubic meters of water per annum in one plant, and the second plant produces 100 million liters of seawater. This is to mainly to take care of drinking and for commercial uses.

The initial cost is one of the worrying factors in these solar desalination processes. At the cost of USD 1.5 to 2.0 per cubic meter of water produced. The cost varies depending upon the technology used and output made. Israel’s Hadera plant make at a cost of USD 0.65 to 0.50.

Like Mobile towers, internet connection, the Solar Desalination Plants are inevitable in any country. Just planting one tree, one person, and one year will solve this problem. Green the earth and Green your life.                    

OVERVIEW OF FOSSIL FUEL AND FUTURE RESERVES

Fossil fuel is defined as fuel obtained from prehistoric organisms. It may be any fuel containing carbon that is derived from decomposed leftovers of plants and animals that have died thousands of years ago. Examples of fossil fuel include:

• ·         Coal,
• ·         Natural gas,
• ·         Petroleum,
• ·         Peat,

Crude oil (unrefined petroleum) has been the major source of oil over the years and being the major source of energy, it has been heavily exploited over the years. Crude oil is used as the source of fuel and energy for powering automobiles, machinery, residential homes and so forth.

The world’s reliance on crude oil comes with great cost. Primarily, oil is a hydrocarbon that contains high amount of carbon, thus when burnt, crude oil gives off carbon dioxide because its carbon content combines with oxygen and therefore, the resultant carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is a little heavier than air. Moreover, carbon dioxide causes global warming; it is a greenhouse gas. Global warming is one of the major issues faced by our planet and with the incessant burning of oil in automobiles and the projected increase, the world will likely face grave issue of global warming if nothing is done about it.

Furthermore, ozone depletion is a major issue caused by the burning of fossil fuel. The ozone layer is being gradually depleted, causing the amount of ultraviolet radiations reaching the earth to increase. These demerits are indeed grave, but no effective alternative to replacing crude oil has been developed. A lot of novel technologies are propping up as alternatives. However, these technologies are not yet mature to replace crude oil as a source of energy.

Natural gas is also an excellent source of energy, and there is even a higher deposit of natural gas than petroleum, but petroleum is still the dominant source of energy for several reasons. Crude oil accounts for more than 30% of the total energy needs of the world. This figure is above that of natural gas and coal. Crude oil can be refined into various forms such as diesel fuel, gasoline, kerosene and these sources of fuel are quite indispensable in the world today. Studies show that the global reliance on crude oil is not likely to change in the next 30 years.

We the habitats of this word need to think about our environment, future generations and natural blessings of God.

DEVELOPMENT OF SUPPORT SYSTEM MODEL FOR EFFECTIVE DECISION MAKING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

There is increased concern regarding global food safety in the present modern era. Irish pork incident that happened in 2008 caused the country-wide destruction of pork products and resulted in a fright of food borne illnesses throughout the northern global hemisphere. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 76 million cases in which people suffered food borne disease every year. About 300,000 were hospitalized while about 5000 people died in the year 2009. The US Department of Agriculture has divined a continual increase in food-related diseases in the future. Therefore, it is vital for processed foods manufacturer to take mitigation strategies and framework during production and supply chain. Moreover, it is necessary to communicate the consumers or customers well in time to prevent them from diseases.

Many manufacturers forced to modify the entire production run of a particular product due to safety concerns. For instance, Peanut Corporation of America faced safety issues for their peanut butter by the year 2009. In the recent past, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States reported many incidents ranging from labeling to packaging errors having serious health hazards.

Effective management of processed food products in the context of safety has a great challenge for the industry as well as governments. Unhygienic and contaminated food products can make a potential threat for public health. This is imperative to evaluate existing safety challenges that may generate food borne diseases. The reliable knowledge management can facilitate decision-making during manufacturing of processed food. This all is possible by employing reliability engineering that is based on both qualitative and quantitative characteristics. The measurements of reliability is important for consumer requirements compliance that demands a state of art design in reliability to attain the goals. Reliability engineering emphasizes the significance of moral engineering principles to ensure the product reliability. Identification of possible causes of failure and eradication can help to improve product reliability.

In conclusion, the processed food industry has its unique set of hazards. It is overwhelmed by a long history of fatality and disease occurrence. The study emphasizes the importance of reliability engineering including knowledge management model within the supply chain of the food industry, effective communication and identification of steps to facilitate the industry. In addition, decision management model will enable the industry to overcome the product safety issues and incidents as well as rebuild trust among their customers.

CLIMATE CHANGE CLOSING THE GENDER GAP FOR VALERIAN PLANTS

Valerian plants are likely to grow in hot and cold mountain slopes depending on their sex. The growth of male’s valerian plants depends on heat and resultantly, global warming boosting their growth in the mountains of Colorado’s Rocky. The ratio of male to female plants changes with elevation because of males and females like dry and warm as well as cold and wet conditions, respectively. The female’s plants may probably account 80% in few upland sites, but the weather is becoming warmer on up slopes of the mountain due to climate change. Subsequently, more male’s plants are growing compared to females that is an indication of climate change

According to research conducted in the Rocky Mountains forty years ago, the number of males was one third compared to females which is on the increase with the passage of time. This shows that the warmer climate is lessening the females upside the mountains. The rate of change in male to female plants share has been changing equivalent to the magnitude of climate change since the late 1970s. The upslope area is going to dry due to the melting of snow and summers are becoming warmer. Resultantly, rainfalls and moisture of soil have been moving on the upside of the slope by 133m and 195m in every decade, respectively. Subsequently, the sex ratios of valerian plants and climate have become interlinked. Hence, the researchers can use this trend as a fingerprint to predict future scenario of the species’ population.Moreover, in 2011, the researchers observed a drastic increase in the share of males to females compared to the period of 1978-1980. This may eliminate flowers by destructing female’s plants in lower altitude. In short, the scientists have the opinion that migration due to climate change may set the geographical limits for only one sex of the plants.

ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY ANALYSIS OF CAMBODIA IN PERSPECTIVE OF POPULATION DYNAMICS

1. Introduction

Cambodia has used the huge natural base asset to enjoy in building up the entire economic breakthrough but at the same time deteriorated the said resources at a greater rate of utilization. This reflects the lack of sustainability of the resources available in the state as compared to the levels of its population. Lack of proper management of the natural resources often results in the compromising of the long period economic threshold as well as conquering the poverty epidemic ("Global forest resources," 2010).

The states rural development is not as proportional comparing the public goods to the state of livelihoods as there is a decreased access and low quality that affects the poor population dearly. The people surviving below the poverty line are more prone to the frustrations of inadequacy of ownership of assets, life opportunities and are left to compromise with the changing and ever fluctuating climatic conditions of the state of Cambodia.

2. Overview of Current Challenges and Opportunities

The environment and climate change has come to be a priority concern of the government of Cambodia in the recent past, and it has been incorporated in the development schemes of the state's affairs. The studies and observations regarding the current situation showed that the government is committing itself in improving. He is addressing matters pertaining the environment and its conservation, demographic study and governance, human rights and the entire public education (Cambodia - European Community 2007; PSDA 2013).

The understanding of the environmental helps in shaping up an organism's life in the ecology. The parameters for coping in unstable areas are at stake because the survival rate depends on striving to survive as a result of improper provision of all what it takes to be an outstanding conqueror in the long run.

2.1 Environmental Concerns and Biodiversity

The most outstanding environment related security issues trending around the state of Cambodia includes the destruction and deterioration of the entire ecosystems, breakdown of the food supply chains, access to water supply, inadequate land use and poor government policies. Moreover, the issues are pertaining to the safeguarding of all the natural resources such as lack of the ability to utilize natural based products from the ecosystems and the outputs generated from the ecosystems such as forests and fisheries. There exist irresolvable disputes and high interests over resources that are scarce with the given high and rising population in the state of Cambodia. Lack of natural capital, pollution effects and the existence of conflicts over resources will be remained a newsmaker for the current situation.It may continue until proper guidelines on the empowerment of the unemployed and safeguarding of the natural resources are concerned (Dasgupta, Uwe, Craig & David, 2003. "Global forest resources," 2010).

3.0 Population Dynamics

The study of the interaction of mankind population change over a given period is known as population dynamics. It is a study that incapacitates all factors revolving around the human life including, age, birth and death rates, immigration and number of immigrants (Solbu, Engen & Diserud , 2013). Population dynamics is linked with social, economic and environment parameters that are integral for sustainable development. Figure 1 shows a graphical presentation of these parameters and their association with population dynamics. In this context, the human population trends are alarming in the state of Cambodia as they are increasing with a rapid growth rate and the available resources within the environment are constant. The entire population is of importance to the environment on both the positive and negative impacts that will be felt and seen later. The rising population in the Cambodia state is un-proportionally increasing the demands of the natural resources such as land adequacy, water availability and energy sourcing and supply.

                       

Figure1: Links between population dynamic and Sustainable development parameters

Source adopted: PSDA,2013

Population dynamics exists in the context of persistent inequalities and a major influencing factor in the development process. This also incorporates the balance of growth and associated effects that would be seen in the coming years by the future generation.

3.1 Environmental Concerns & Population Dynamics

Key environmental issues related to population dynamics in the state includes land degradation, loss of biodiversity ecosystem, deforestation, scarcity and pollution of water, natural hazards as well as disaster and change in the climatic conditions. These environmental problems have effects on the vulnerability and poverty issues, economic development and public health (Cambodia - European Community 2007; Solbu, Engen & Diserud, 2013)..

4. Population Dynamics and Biodiversity

Implications and degradation of loss of biodiversity and services offered by the ecosystem are currently being felt on the ground by the residents. It is endowed with various natural resources, regimes of hydrology, and this diversified ecosystem provides resources and source of livelihood to the major part of the entire population. There lies a fishing viability in the course of rivers and lakes in the country, and the population of the country is dependent on it. Due to this increase in population, there is a decreased levels of productivity of the fisheries industry in regards of illegal and overfishing as well as the downgrading of the critical forest covers and exhaustion of the wetlands (Cambodia - European Community 2007). The fishery sector is not only on the lead for over-exploitation of the resources in Cambodia. There is a substantial lack of proper management with regards to matters of food security, the rights of humans and the basic social, economic needs which have a significant role to play in the country.

5. Population Dynamics and Pollution Effects on Environment

The forests cover of the land of Cambodia serves as a major source of many lives and ecosystem opportunities that entail climate control and regulation, water and air purification (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). The forests are also in charge in the regulation of water flow to river basins such as the Mekong basins in the land of Cambodia. The rate of forest clearing and deforestation is still high as the total forest cover has decreased by over 15 % annually. Loss of forest cover downgrades the flexibility of the entire ecosystem to calamities as droughts, diseases and increased effects of climate change (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). The accelerating factors to the decline in the forests cover in Cambodia is attributed to rising population and the need of resources such as sources of energy, shelters and settlement as well as infrastructural development. The increase in demographic pressure is in course as the residents are in need of more land for cultivation and pursuing their agricultural expansion. The poor planning and management of the current land allocation, as well as land grabbing by corrupt persons and officials in the departments of forestry and conservation, are also cause of concern. The state has a record of being one of the worst in the rates of deforestation (Dasgupta et al. 2003: PSDA 2013).

Deposition of silt, use of manure and fertilizer and practice of good agricultural practices are the surviving tactics of the Cambodia agricultural ventures. This is because the land of Cambodia is of low nutritional composition and fertility for crops to thrive. Low quantity and quality production of food crops have been attributed to the infertility of the soil (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009). Demographics or population dynamics has a direct and indirect cause to this issue at stake. For instance, land degradation is hugely influenced by soil erosion that is caused by deforestation and clearing of the soil cover thus leaching off all the soil constituents to the water- ways. This poses a huge problem to the entire population as the low yield in productivity raises the concern of food security, health of the entire population and adverse effects on land and water pollution (Yusuf & Francisco, 2009).

Pollution of water bodies is much attributed to the growing and high level of the population of residents. A good example is the Tonle Sap great lake where human settlement took course long ago, and they are now reclaiming parts of the shores to add more structures. This poses a huge risk to the entire population and the aquatic life such as fish. With increasing demand for processed products for the entire population, Cambodia has experienced an increased number of the industrial establishment which has had a great impact on the state’s economic (ADB, 2007: PSDA 2013).  On the contrary, there is inadequate control over the wastes produced by the manufacturers and processors. Most of the waste eventually discharged into the water bodies, and it poses a risk to the aquatic life. Discharge of waste water into water bodies is against the conduct of good business practice. In addition, lack of management and corruption of heads of such departments should be revoked off their working permits as they are helping in no way either man or the animal life in the water (Cambodia - European Community, 2007).

As the population scales to higher levels, there is the lack of income generating activities and this leads the people of Cambodia on the move to seek other applicable alternatives elsewhere that can facilitate them to acquire sustainability. This has brought about seasonal migration to and fro the neighboring countries for specific periods of time (ADB, 2007; PSDA 2013).

The environmental concerns in the country downgrade the value and access of the available resources and in the long run generates other health problems where the most affected are the poor persons. This increases the vulnerability and complications in the economic development and the fights against poverty. The present number of persons living below the poverty line is approximately 35%. (ADB, 2007: PSDA 2013). Even though, the standards of living have improved in the recent past but there is a continued widened gap between the rich and the poor. In Cambodia, because of the high population, poverty is not only inclined to the rural areas but also in the urban (Biddulph, 2012; Wingqvist, 2009). Urban poverty is on the rise with the increasing urban population. Agriculture, forests and fisheries in Cambodia serve as an income generating activity as well as assurances and provision of food security during the hard time. The poor Cambodians depend entirely on forestry, agricultural and fishery products for their daily living (Cambodia - European Community 2007).

5.1 Population Dynamics and Natural Calamities

Increased frequency of floods, rise in the level of sea water and widespread of common vector-borne illnesses is an impact of the changes in climate in the state of Cambodia. The major population makes all things impractical and impossible in combating various issues as fighting against diseases and protection against natural calamities like floods and drought. The institutions set aside by the government to fight against such risks, and natural forces remain limited and ineffective in their ability (Biddulph, 2012). The fishing communities of Cambodia are more vulnerable to the effects and impacts of the climatic changes. This is due to low possibilities of other income generating sources as there is no land available. In the case of availability, the high prices may not suit the demand by the poor as compared to the rich (Biddulph, 2012; Wingqvist, 2009).

In addressing the impacts and effects that come up with the population dynamics in ways that protect both the rights of mankind and at the same time protecting the natural environmental resources, various frameworks and formulation have to be set to address this issues. This demands to include involvement of all stakeholders in addressing and monitoring mechanisms to look into inequalities existing in Cambodia (ADB, 2007; PSDA 2013).

Securing resources to do planning and the utilization of the available data of the entire population will help a lot in the forms of allocation of resources by the government, foreign aids and other forms of dissemination that requires the availability of data at hand.

6. Conclusion

Population dynamics refers to the interaction of change in population change over a given period and is dependent on various factors including age, birth and death rates and so forth. Sustainability of a country's population is based on the available resources. Proper control and mitigation strategy regarding the planning and allocation of resources especially among a growing population becomes hectic for everyone. However for effective conservation and maintaining of the country's heritage, strict laws and regulations should be enforced to guard and protect it. The protection of forests and water bodies is also a significant advantage for the future generation.

7. References

ADB, (2007). Country strategy and program midterm review. Cambodia 2005–2009,1-44.

Biddulph., R.  2012.  REDD and Poverty in Cambodia, Focali Report No  2012:03,

Gothenburg, Retrieved September 21,2014 from http://www.focali.se/filer/ Focali%20report%20nr.2012.03-%20REDD%20and%20 Poverty%20in%20Cambodia_final.pdf

Cambodia - European Community (2007).Strategy Paper for the period 2007- 2013,Retreived September 21,2014 from http://eeas.europa.eu/cambodia/csp/07_13_en.pdf.

Dasgupta, S, Uwe, D, Craig M, and David W, 2003. The poverty and environment news in Cambodia and Lao people’s democratic, World Bank policy research working paper, 2003, Retrieved September 21, 2014 from: http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2003/01/2128867/povertyenvironment-nexus-cambodia-lao-peoples-democratic-republic

Forestry Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2010).Global forest resources assessment 2010: Country report, Cambodia (FRA2010/034 ). Retrieved from website: http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/al470E/al470E.pdf

PSDA (2013.) Population Dynamics, Reproductive Health and Sustainable Development: Critical Links and Opportunities Forrest-2015, Retrieved September 21, 2014 from http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/getWSDoc.php?id=2753

Solbu,E.B. Engen,S. & Diserud O.H.(2013). Changing environments causing time delays in population dynamics, Mathematical Biosciences, 244, 213–223

Wingqvist,G.O.(2009). Cambodia Environmental and Climate Change Policy Brief, Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg.

Yusuf,A.A. &  Francisco,H.A.(2009). Climate change vulnerability mapping for south East Asia. Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA) Retrieved September 21,2014 from http://www.idrc.ca/uploads/user-S/12324196651Mapping_Report.pdf

THE BLESSINGS OF FASTING AND HOLY RAMADAN (RAMAZAN)

Holy Ramadan (Ramazan) is a religious practice involving fasting and separation unto God usually held on the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. During the season, Allah expects the Muslims to demonstrate piety and this is achieved through fasting. It is ceremonially practiced among Muslims across the world. The beautiful thing about the Holy Ramadan is not just because it is an act of obedience to Allah but it carries with it a lot of benefits which faithful Muslims believe to obtain on fasting. Obviously, a lot of people would see fasting as futile efforts but it is obviously not. Holy Ramadan is obviously not a waste of time or energy; below are some of the interesting blessings you would obtain on fasting in Holy Ramadan.

-          Protection:

Muslims across the world rely on Allah for protection. Fasting in this holy season is one of the ways to obtain such blessing from Allah. This blessing comes with a number of packages including avoiding immorality, avoiding uproar, anger, avoiding stupidity and avoiding haram.

-          Taqwa:

Taqwa is one of the blessings a faithful Muslim should receive from Allah. It is not just a blessing but it encompasses a number of other blessings. Taqwa includes blessings like the fear of Allah, acceptance of little things that one has achieved, practice of the revelations from Allah, self-control, self-discipline, self-restraints, self-education and self-evaluation.

-          The revelation of the Holy Qur’an

Muslims across the world believe that the Holy Qur’an is an embodiment of a lot of blessings. Fasting in Holy Ramadan is an interesting avenue to obtain revelation.

Moreover, great joy comes from fasting.

-          The blessings of Sahoor:

Sahoor is a practice in Islam that has great significance. It implies late night meal and the meal is an avenue for Muslims to gain a number of blessings from Allah. Such blessings include Zikr, night prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, remembrance and contemplation, Dua of Fajr and the Fajr Salat.

-          Itikaf which is translated “retreat” comes at the tail end of the Holy Ramadan. During the last ten days of the Holy season, Muslims are encouraged to hold retreat which allows them to enjoy a number of blessings from Allah. This includes untold blessings and rewards, contemplation, becoming better citizens of a country and peace of mind.

It is necessary to understand what fasting stands for in Islamism. Fasting comes from the Arabic word “sawn” which means “to refrain”. Thus, the Holy Ramadan is a season where Muslims refrain themselves from things that defile and keep themselves pure before Allah.