SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMADHAN
By. Dr. Abul Hayat Ashraf
The blessed month of Ramadhan has come. Ramadhan takes us from the fast-paced life around us to make us aware of our spiritual roots; it teaches us that what makes us truly human is not our material possessions, passions or physical cravings, but our spiritual and moral essence. The Spiritual regimen of fasting, vigils, recitations and devotions, is meant to inculcate in us a true sense of spiritual identity.
Ramadhan is the month of heightened consciousness, of attaining taqwa (piety) of training ourselves to be a model of good behaviour. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadhan) with a single good deed from the deeds of (voluntary) goodness, he is like the one who performs an obligatory act at other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like the one who performed seventy obligatory acts at other times”.
It is the month of hard work, patience, discipline, worship, soul searching, repentances and a time to change. There is no reformation for mankind or peace of mind and comfort or security or discipline except by following the teachings of the Holy Quran. Fasting is primarily an institution for spiritual discipline and self control. It embodies several benefits like: expiation of sins, suppression of one’s desires, increase of charity, multiplication of actions of obedience to Allah, giving thanks to the One who knows the hidden matters, and preventing oneself from even contemplating sin.
Our spiritual disciplines in Ramadhan teach us how to keep the thought of Allah and the Last Day always in our mind, whatever activities we are engaged in. A Muslim who is re-charged during Ramadhan is ever conscious of his standing before the Lord. Such a true believer can not take any life which Allah has declared as sacrosanct; he cannot rob others of what they possess; and he cannot but treat everyone as he himself would like to be treated.
The other most important lesson of Ramadhan is to be compassionate and caring. Ramadhan exposes us to hunger and thirst. After feeling the panges of hunger and thirst, we become more empathetic to the plight of millions of less fortunate people around the globe. A true Muslim can never be apathetic to the suffering of others. To put this into practice, we as Muslims must take responsibility and get resolved in real projects that are aimed at fighting poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Unfortunately, such problems do exist in every corner of the world. We have religious and civic obligation to help and make the whole world a better place for all of Allah’s Creation.
Fasting is also a time for deep reflection that forces believers to renew their goals and their priorities. This reflection is both at the individual and collective level. It also helps to train the will of the individual and enables him to stand firm in the face of challenges in his life. Patience is one of the most important signs of a believers sincerety and efforts to draw near to Allah. As the Holy Quran Says:
“Nay, seek (Allah’s) help with patient perseverance and prayer. It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit” (Surah Al-Baqrah, 45)
Ramadhan provides an opportunity for Muslims around the world to rejuvenate their spirits, heal wounded hearts and strengthen weakened souls. It enables us to live a life in harmony with the command of our Creator.
Unfortunately, today another scene seems to be dominant in some parts of India. Here, Ramadhan is the month of celebrations, shopping, fancy iftars and unwarranted noise during suhoor.
Another important lesson of Ramadhan is the collective responsibility for building a more ethical and moral society. This can only be done if we stand together and become united on ideals and values we cherish.
Today Muslims are misunderstood. We can not blame others for our predicament. We and we alone must take responsibility for changing our condition.
There is no denying fact that there are many in the media, think tanks and governments who are busy creating the image of Muslims as “The Other” in order to promote their own agendas of imperialism, greed, hate and colonialism.
As Muslims we have a responsibility to tell the world what we stand for and what we are against. We are for peace, justice, pluralism and tolerance. We are against terrorism, injustice and imperialism. We must stand and speak up against the discourse of hate, intolerance, selfishness and bigotry that are increasingly raising their heads among some Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
In order to get this message across, we must come out of our cocoons and realize the crucial nature of the challenges facing us as a people. It is high time that we focused on developing a new generation of Muslims who can shoulder the responsibilities of carrying the message of mercy reflected in Islam as intelligently and responsibly as possible.
In the Holy month of Ramadhan, we should continue our relationship with the Almighty Allah, should be consistent in the remembrance of Allah and continue our relationship with the Book of Allah, by reciting it, reflecting on its verses and acting upon it. We should be more charitable and generous as well as break our bad habits and acquire new good habits. We must fear Allah and avoid what Allah and His Apostle have prohibited us. We must be upright in our obedience in Ramadhan and throughout the rest of the year. We should call one another to this and by doing so attain the success and salvation that this month promises us.
Let us pray for those who have passed away, both the male and female, the young and the old; may the beneficent Lord shower them with His mercy. Let us remember that the Lord of the worlds will hear our prayers and will come to our help in His Own time. Let us pray that may Allah grant us and our countrymen peace, felicity, and success”. A’meen.