THE MONTH OF RAMADAN
For Introspection
RAMADAN—the month of fasting, is a special and blessed month for Muslims. It is a month of restraint and worship; of caring and thanksgiving; of repentance and piety. The multitude of benefits of this month inspired the Prophet to exclaim: “Welcome to the one that purifies!”
It is a month of spiritual activism when believers endeavour to awaken their spirituality. It is a scheme to improve human beings; to weaken man’s dependence on material things and strengthen his spiritual resolve, so that he may enter the higher realms of piety. The month which encourages all to ask for higher things from God; to ask for His forgiveness; for His blessings and for success in the Hereafter.
The month of Ramadan is a month of self-training. Muslims are required to observe the month of Ramadan as a month of introspection in the light of Quranic teachings. The Quran is a divine criterion; it helps us examine our deeds and differentiate the right from the wrong. The Quran is like a divine mirror, in which we can see our true face. We can identify the mistakes we have made in the past in order that we may mend our ways. This annual practice enables the believers to reassess and re-examine their past. And, by knowing this they can plan for their future in a better way. Unlike other months this month provides more time and a congenial atmosphere to help the believer to contemplate on the meaning of the Quran. Therefore, it is also known as the month of contemplation. Believers turn away from many activities and spend time in peace and tranquillity which creates an environment for moral rectification.
Ramadan is the month of patience. One has to have patience to live a life of restraint and be self-controlled. The most important thing required to lead an Islamic life in this world is patience. The month of Ramadan serves as a training course in humility. Humility refers to fear of God which means realization of a person’s helplessness vis-a-vis God’s greatness. This ensures the spiritual growth of a person thereby cleansing him of feelings of pride and ego which lead to his being distanced from God.
The above aspects of the month of fasting were fully observed by the Prophet and his Companions. Today, if we compare the culture followed in society during the month of Ramadan what do we see? One cannot deny that there are individuals who observe this worship in full earnestness in its spirit. However, the general tendency is more towards lavish food at Iftar and Sehri time. Spending more time in shopping centres, purchasing material gifts for others and for oneself. More people begging on the streets, excessive sleeping during the day and continuous activity during the night without taking into consideration the needs of the sick, elderly, children, and people of other communities.
Then how about the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr and the day of Eid itself? A portion of a Hadith pertaining to the day before Eid is as follows: During the last night of Ramadan, the sins of all the believers who have been fasting are forgiven. It was asked, "O Prophet of God, is this night the one known as the night of power?" The Prophet replied, "No, but as soon as the deed is done, the reward for the deed is immediately bestowed." According to this Hadith, on the last night of Ramadan, those amongst the followers of the Prophet who have fasted in the true spirit will be rewarded for their deeds, and this will be noted in their records. This night of Ramadan is referred to in other Hadith literature as the ‘night of reward’ (Al-Bayhaqi). God rewards His believers for every good deed. Due to the special significance of worship during Ramadan, this reward has been specifically mentioned by the Prophet.
It is so unfortunate that the night before Eid is spent by most people in careless indulgence and entertainment. They throng shopping centres and marketplaces. The above Hadith is a warning against all such frivolities.
Another Hadith regarding the day of Eid-ul-Fitr is reported as: When the day of Eid-ul-Fitr dawns on them, then God is pleased and proclaims to the angels. ‘O my angels, what is the reward for the doer who has completed his deed, The angels reply, ‘Our Lord, such a person should be given the complete reward for the deed done.’
The day of Eid is a day of glad tidings, and its true spirit is to promote spiritual values among people and create a peaceful environment in society. This day should be celebrated with praises of God, thankfulness, while refraining from causing any kind of inconvenience to fellow citizens irrespective of what inconveniences one faces during celebrations by others in society.
