Time to kick the habit
Time to kick the habit
From Media Indonesia
These days many people are becoming aware of the dangers of smoking. The problem is that it is not very easy to stop the habit. Some people wish to get rid of this bad habit but no effective way has yet been found. A noted ulema in Jember has been very successful in using the month of Ramadhan as an auspicious moment to stop smoking. According the ulema, to stop smoking is a matter of limiting the chances of doing so. When we have little chance for smoking, then we will automatically stop smoking.
During the month of Ramadhan, Moslems refrain from taking food and drink and smoking during daylight, for about 15 hours from pre-dawn to sunset. If we have a four-hour sleep during the night, the remaining five hours serve as a chance for smoking. This short period of time must be used to do other activities besides smoking.
The Jember ulema, having finished the meal to break the fast (buka puasa), immediately performs sholat Magrib or the sunset prayer, and then recites the Koran until Isya prayer time until about 8.25 p.m. After this, he does not return home but continues to recite the Koran until 9.30 p.m. Returning home, he goes to bed earlier in order to feel fresh the following day. By doing so he hardly has time for smoking. He continues this practice even after Ramadhan has passed. He gets rid of the habit of smoking completely.
Smokers are advised to take these steps:
* If you run out of cigarettes don't haste to buy new ones. Postpone the time of obtaining cigarettes gradually from 15, 30, 60 minutes and so on.
* Find opportunities to be among non-smokers and respect them by refraining from smoking.
* Limit the space for smoking in your home so that you save other family members from the hazardous effects of smoking.
* Refrain from smoking in public places.
Through strong will and determination you will be able to get rid of the bad habit of smoking, and you will live a much healthier life ever after.
BURHANUDDIN
Jember, East Java