Ramadan: Re-thinking for the Soul – By: Kashif Kaifee
Ramadan is a divine gift from the creator to his believers. It is indeed an opportunity for a moral rejuvenation and spiritual well-being. It is a golden opportunity to purify the soul having disconnected with the worldly miseries.
The conceptualization of Ramadan is beyond abstaining ourselves from the in-taking of food and beverages, rather it is a self-disciplinary course to elevate one’s character to another level.
The holy month acts as a purifier for the soul. It reminds us of recurring responsibilities towards our Lord as Quran says, “I have created humans in beautified manner.” (Surah Teen, Ayah-4). As a complex system of mechanism, human beings per Islamic view, should be thankful and obedient before the creator. This month, thus rings alarm to be thankful for being sophisticatedly mechanized.
Moreover, this month is an absolute forgiving month- for the Lord, from the Lord. The Quran says, “O, you who have believed decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al Baqarah, 2:183). This verse clears the purpose of fasting far beyond abstaining ourselves from mere edibles.
There are countless biological benefits of fasting. Medical science acknowledges many such benefits like it boosts metabolism, detoxifies toxins and strengthens immune system. It also reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity. The obligation improves mental well-being along with emotional well-being. Apart from the physical benefits, fasting is yet a complete detoxifier for cleansing the soul in its core value. It enhances the power of realization which leads to empathy, brotherhood, love, patience and fraternity. It is thus in a way, a connection between humans to recognize the creator.
The most amazing value of the holy month is to create a sense of humility and modesty in believers. It puts an end to arrogance. Famous Hadith says, “If a person has an iota of arrogance in his heart, he won’t enter paradise.” (Sahih Muslim, 91).
Ramadan is a sign to vanish human miseries in a possible way. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) also emphasized the ethical conducts during fasting. “Whoever does not give up false speech and evil deeds while fasting, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” (Sahi Bukhari, 1903). Our hearts should constrain us from envy and hatred during fasting.
Another worth-pondering notion of fasting is “self-control.” It is said that humans are reined by desires. It becomes a rarity that some of the believers take control of themselves over desires and lusts. Ramadan teaches us to master-up self-control over things we are desirous of. When we practice this, for a whole month, we become hegemon of our will. If and only Ramadan is observed truly, it becomes easy to shove maximum temptations off for the rest of eleven months. The condition is as said, fasting should be observed in more practical way. Such a condition brings sincerity to prayers, patience to hardships, thank-fullness to blessings and acceptance to variance.
Ramadan in sum-up, is the most life-changing motivation in the lives of Muslims. It creates a sense of harmony, strengthens peace, clasps unity, boosts fraternity, bonds brotherhood and spurs philanthropy. It is bliss from every dimension. It is an opportunity to get closer to God directly through spiritual practices. It leads us to God indirectly via His beings in a very deeply connected way. It is redemption, a gift and a chance to re-align with God. Practice it with heart. Let your soul be purified and live a peaceful life for the sake of an eternal success. Let yourself feel the pangs of others. Let yourself be pacifier for others. Let kindness abode you.
