| During the
blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain
from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight
hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God,
and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just
not eating and drinking.
Muslims are called upon to use this month to
re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are
to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties
with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially
to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The
Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means
"to refrain" - and it means not only refraining
from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and
words.
During Ramadan, every part of the body must
be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting
and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking
at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything
that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening
to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from
going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body
observes the fast.
Therefore, fasting is not merely physical,
but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and
soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice
self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities
and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.
Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity
and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world. While
major holidays of other faiths have largely become commercialized
events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning.
The word "Ramadan" comes from the
Arabic root word for "parched thirst" and "sun-baked
ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt
by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other
holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature
a time of sacrifice.
|
- Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst,
and sympathizes with those in the world who have little
to eat every day.
- Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their
Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life
is a blessing from Him.
- Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of
generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is never
diminished by charity."
- Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners,
good speech, and good habits.
- Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish
more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards
to diet and smoking.
- Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen
the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities
and throughout the world.
Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings
and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the
year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that
they may "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an 2:183).
This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan,
but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitudes
stay with us during our "normal" lives. That is
the true goal and test of Ramadan.
May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide
us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during
Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy,
and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.
|
Photograph : fatih yazar
|
