Ramadan
practices strengthen self-character
Asad
Raza
The
month of Ramadan has dawned upon us,
and Muslims all around the world have
begun fasting from sunrise to sunset
for 30 grueling days. The Holy month
of Ramadan marks an important time in
the lives of devout Muslims. Fasting
(called sawn in Arabic), is one of the
five pillars of Islam each Muslim must
uphold in order to be considered pious.
In accordance with the ordainments from God through the Holy Quran and through
the word from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), I sleep early, wake
up early, have my early morning meal known as Suhoor in Arabic, perform the
Fajr prayer, read the Holy Book of Quran, and commence my daily activities
normally. It is requisite of us to follow this lifestyle during other days
as well, but a fast is only accepted by God if this way of life is adopted
through the entire day. Whilst fasting, I refrain from consuming all kinds
of foods and drinks; I try to control my tongue, ears and mind. Anger, slandering,
cursing, sarcasm and any type of sexual activity, are all strictly prohibited
in Ramadan. Fasting is a test of tolerance, discipline, patience and faith.
I personally believe, once all five attributes have been implemented in to
my life, I am destined to succeed in this life and the life after.
Quite often, I am questioned about why I put myself through this enduring task,
and if I am forced by others to starve myself. In all honestly, fasting for
me is a pleasure, because through fasting, my will becomes rock solid. In addition,
when I refrain from eating or drinking for such a lengthy period, I learn the
importance of food and water, and hence think twice before wasting either.
Instead of forming resolutions at the beginning of each year, when the will
is at the weakest after excessive indulgence in mundane celebrations; I prefer
to craft my resolutions at a time when my will power and tolerance are at their
zenith.
Through fasting, I learn to contain my eating habits, my use of foul
language and, most importantly, my temperament. The prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
said, “A strong man is not he who defeats his adversary by wrestling,
but a strong man is he who controls himself at the time of anger.”
Ramadan culminates with a festival of joy called Eid. Eid is an event of jubilation,
commemorating the end of the holy month of fasting.
During Eid, Muslims perform an early morning congregational prayer in a Masjid
(Mosque”– a place of worship for Muslims), exchange gifts, wear
new clothes, visit each other, and pay a small amount of money to the younger
ones – in short, display our unity.
I generally begin my Eid day by praying
alongside other Muslims in the Masjid. As the sun goes down, Muslims get together
for dinner, or spend the rest of the night driving around and dropping by at
different places depending on the outcome of a unanimous vote.
The month of
Ramadan has come to an end, and in several months, I will be just as excited
about the beginning of Ramadan as I was this year. It is a month of spirituality,
conscience building, morality, and learning the importance of the minutest
things we take for granted.
Asad Raza is a senior, electrical engineer.
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