Ramadan, a
time of introspection.
Md. Mainul
Islam
Like
the seasonal rain, every year the glorious month of Ramadan comes for a while
to the thirsty believers` exhausted hearts, as if they can soak their dry heart
with water, and cleans their mind through this spiritual rain`s drops. Ramadan,
a sacred month in Islamic culture, was also part of ancient Arabs` calendars.
The meaning of the word Ramadan stems from the Arabic root “ramida” or
“ar-ramad” which means “burning, and scorching heat. This month is known as Ramadan since
all preceding massive and tiny sinful acts are burned through spiritual acts
during Ramadan. Even though all pertaining minuscule
misdeeds (Sagira Gunah) are also forgiven, “if a person fasts in the month of
Ramadan, truthfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's reward then his past
and future sins are forgiven;” (Ibn Majah, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmizi). What a great moment and big scope it
is! Do you ever imagine this? This is
like a cashback bonus offer!
Aside
from this, Azazil and evil Jinns, the imperceptible enemies of human beings,
are put up in the chain the entire month since when a new crescent moon appears
on Ramadan. That's not only! Also, the gates of paradise are opened up and
fires` gates are shut down. So man can attain taqwa easily and perform
righteous activities without hindrance. It is narrated in a Hadith by Hazrat
Abu Huraira (RA); "When there
appears the first night of Ramadan, the doors of Jannah are firmly opened and
the doors of the fire are firmly closed and the devils and evil jinn are
chained up”. (al-Bukhari and Muslim)
However, Throughout this sacred month, Muslims around the world
fast between sunrise and sunset, meaning they abstain from eating, drinking, or
engaging in sexual relations for the duration of their fast. It is not only
upon the followers of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) fasting is made
compulsory. Rather it was made compulsory for the followers of all the
preceding Prophets and Messengers. The holy book of Allah “Al-Quran '' has
mentioned; “O you who believe! Fasting has been made compulsory (Farj) upon you
as it was done upon those who preceded you so that you can attain ‘Taqwa’.
(Surah Al- Baqarah;183)
Why fasting has been made compulsory for believers is to attain
‘Taqwa’ (fear of Allah). The essence of fasting is not simply to refrain from
food or drink, as part of the pursuit of the treater ‘Taqwa.’ The Arabic word
`Taqwa` stands for "fear and abstinence, forbearance”. Some descriptions of
the term from Islamic sources include: “fear of Allah, love for Allah,
self-restraint, and Allah`s consciousness piousness.” is mentioned the word ‘Taqwa’
many times in the holy Quran and attached no end of importance to it.
While fasting, Muslims are not only forbidden from eating and
drinking during daylight hours but also they strive to preserve all organs of
the body for better performance of fasting. Such as tongue, eyes, ears, hands,
legs, etc. from all sorts of sinful use. Because not controlling these organs
will harm the fast. Hazrat Abu Huraira (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of
Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever does not give up false talk and
action according to it, there is no need of Allah that he should give up food
and drink."(Bukhari). So, this habit of keeping away from sinful acts
helps attain taqwa.
Therefore, these two words ‘Fasting’ and ‘Taqwa' are very
closely interconnected in terms of the same meaning. The meaning of both is ‘to
abstain from something.' Throughout the month-long observing fasting from dawn
till dusk in Ramadan, a fasting person abstains from eating, drinking,
and sexual pleasure. Even though they protect all body parts including the mind
from all sorts of heinous activities and thoughts. Especially when a person
observes fasting, s/he does not take any food, or drink in a secret place
though s/he has the chance of taking those inside any locked room. Nobody
except Allah knows about the secret act of eating or drinking. These types of
practices lead a man to earn ‘Taqwa’. One adopting Taqwa is called Muttaqi.
So, fasting trains a man
to hold the lifestyle of a Muttaqi. Fasting also plays a vital role in
establishing sympathy, amity, and brotherhood among all, including affinity
with the rich and poor across the world. It softens the heart, making it more receptive
and humble. Perhaps this is the wisdom that links together ‘Fasting’ and
‘Qiyamullail’-two glorious acts of worship that symbolize this glorious month.
Many scientific studies have shown that fasting provides several health
benefits and forms of intermittent fasting have been incorporated into several
diets.
In particular, it was during Ramadan when the Holy book
`Al-Quran` was revealed. In the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan, there
is a powerful night that is better than a thousand months called “Lailatul Qadr
'' which was the first incident of revolution of the Holy Quran in the history
of the world. Therefore, this is logically proven an indivisible link between
the Quran and Ramadan. Allah Almighty has clarified the Quran by saying- The
month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, guidance for mankind and
clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And
whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
So, It is the month of reading and understanding the Al-Quran and
gaining many rewards. The Quran is not just a book to be read; it is a source
for human beings of guidance, and inspiration, of course, it must be understood
and realized in our real life. Reading the holy Quran during Ramadan provides a
unique scope to develop spirituality and reflect on faith. Reading the holy
Quran also helps to be closer to Allah.
In conclusion, this sacred month is considered for deep
introspection. It is also a unique opportunity of getting closer to Allah and a
time of gaining ‘Taqwa’ through a focus on observing fast, offering prayer
(Tarawih and Tahajjud), giving charity, and religious devotion. As we`ve
already entered the holy month of Ramadan, we must realize the sanctity and
significance of this month and reflect it in our personal and social lives, not
only during Ramadan but also during the rest of the months of the year. On the
other hand, a person will get horrible punishment because of neglecting fast
during Ramadan. So, let's be inspired by the teaching of this glorious month
and earn Rahmat (mercy), Magfirat (forgiveness), and Nazath (salvation).
Writer: Islamic Thinker and Teacher, Islamic Studies, Daffodil
International School, Dhaka.
E-mail:mdmibd97@gmail.com
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