The virtues of Ramadan

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— Md Sabir Nishat
Ramadan, the ninth lunar month in Islamic Calendar, heralds the season of fasting, for the Muslims, the world over, who begin the fast, made obligatory by Almighty Allah, at the sight of Ramadan (New Moon) abstaining themselves from all foodi and drink and sexual pleasures, but also shunning foul speech and actions. The Muslim fast is not meant for self torture. It would bring about a salutary effect on many people who habitually eat and drink to excess. It provides alleviations under special circumstances. The Almighty Allah says, “Whosoever amongst you is sick or upon a journey, is exempted but offer a redemption by feeding a poor The Holy Quran says, “0 ye, who believe Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed before you that you may [learn] self-restraint”. It is an armour against all evil thoughts and deeds.” Prophet Muhammed institutionalised the fasting hours with the partaking of predawn food called Sehri wherein blessings lies and breaking it immediately after sunset called Iftar. It was during this sacred month that the first revelation of Holy Quran was made to Prophet Muhammed, the last Messenger of God, as the guidance for mankind and for disciplining life and restoring its life stream to its pristine purity. The spiritual discipline enhances the doing of good to humanity.Allah says “whosoever fasting during the month of Ramadan, having faith in Me and seeking My pleasure, I reward him directly and bestow on him My pleasure and enrich his life and make him a Muthaqi and assuring the good end for him. The fasting bridges the gulf between the rich and poor, as the rich experiences the pangs of hunger, his thoughts go to the poor and the deprived, developing a sense of brotherhood to alleviate their sufferings. The culmination of fasting is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty Allah, by offering prayers in open spaces and mosques in congregation before noon. It is incumbent on them that sadqa (charity ordained before Eid Prayer), is given to the poor and the needy, for them to join the celebration.The two sahihes record the hadith in which the prophet said: “Islam is built upon five: that you worship Allah and reject the worship of anything else, to establish the prayer, the giving of Zakat, performing pilgrimage to the house and Fasting in the month of Ramadan.”Fasting carries with it a number of benefits, amongst which are: the elevation to one’s rank, the expiation of sins, the breaking of one’s desire and lusts, the increase of charity, the multiplication of actions of obedience to Allah, giving thanks to the one who knows the hidden matters, and preventing oneself from even contemplating the committing of sin. There are numerous spiritual benefits of fasting. Fasting is extremely efficient for the acquisition of taqwaa (piety), without which a Muslim cannot gain closeness to Allah. The prime benefit in the pursuit of taqwaa is the suppression of the erratic desires and demands of nafs (carnal desires), which is always working in collusion with devils, to spiritually and morally ruin the believer. Therefore, it is essential that the nafs be restrained. Fasting greatly aids towards pursuing this objective. By fasting, a Muslim learns to suppress his lowly desires. Thus the ability of inculcating taqwaa is created. Further, fasting purifies the soul, and creates gratification in worship, making the heart conducive for worship. The bond with Allah is also strengthened.Another outstanding feature of fasting is that it lifts man above the level of beasts and animals - who eat, drink and copulate at will, whenever the urge comes - and takes him to the parallel of the angels. Since the latter do not eat or drink, they are devoid and free of evil inclinations and all things base. Man, by reducing his worldly relations and emotional desires, moves himself to the realms of the angels.As well as the many spiritual benefits of fasting, there are physical benefits and advantages of fasting too. Notably, feeling for the poor and hungry is engendered. Man becomes more aware and conscious of his less fortunate brethren and their deprivation, which in turn teaches him to sacrifice his wealth and assist others in need. Thus feeling for humanity is generated and inculcated in man. For the acquisition of the numerous virtues and benefits of fasting, there is however, one essential condition: a person takes extra precaution in making sure he abstains from sin and futility. A person should spend much of his time in the recitation of the Quran and also engage himself in the constant remembrance of Allah. If one does not abstain from sin and futility then his fasting will merely be staying hungry and thirsty, without any reward or spiritual upliftment. In short, a person should try to refrain from all kinds of sins - protecting his ears, eyes, tongue and all other organs from indulging in unlawful activities.Ramadan is meant for our moral and spiritual training and for the purification of our bodies, minds and souls. This is an annual training program for all believers. It is a special time to get closer to Allah and to seek His blessings and bounties. It is a time to learn piety, self-discipline and patience. It is a time to give more charity and become more generous. It is a time to seek Allah’s forgiveness and to forgive each other. It is a time to be thankful to Allah for His gifts and bounties bestowed on us aplenty during the holy month of Ramadan. Source: Assam Tribune Editorial