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Is fasting to do with not eating and drinking for a few hours during the day and then eating as one desires past the restricted hours?

Fasting does not simply amount to observing hunger for a temporary period of time. In fact, it symbolizes a lifelong culture of dedication. The Arabic equivalent of fasting is sawm, which means abstinence. Abstinence is the gist of fasting. Abstinence from food and water for a limited period is symbolic training. Fasting reminds a faithful person that if the acts of abstinence were to reach the extent of refraining from food and water for a temporary period, then he would be ready to do so for a higher purpose. Although this training is for a temporary period it enables one to lead one’s whole life in accordance with this spirit. Fasting is not a set of rituals. It is the adoption of the well-known principle—simple living, high thinking. Simplicity in one’s food habits will be an integral part of a believer’s life. One of the teachings of the Prophet is ‘simplicity is a part of faith’. Extravagance of any kind will not be the way of a true follower of the Prophet.

Is it true that during Ramazan Muslims are encouraged by their religion to call people for Iftar parties and are supposed to give sumptuous food?

Iftar is an Arabic word, which literally means ‘to break’. In the Islamic context, it means to break the fast, to eat and drink in the evening after the daylong fast. Iftar is not simply a matter of having dinner. It has great significance. It is a combination of spiritual and physical food. According to the Islamic teachings, iftar should be a simple meal and not a lavish affair. Simplicity saves us from distraction and will make us concentrate on the spiritual aspect of fasting. On the other hand, if the iftar takes the form of a lavish affair, all attention will be focused on the taste and the physical aspects, and the spiritual benefits will be lost. These days, organizing iftar parties has become a tradition. But this party should not be like any other party. Such a party should give us an opportunity for spiritual exchange, turning our individual experiences into a social experience.

Is the blessed night observed on the 26th of Ramazan by Muslims, a night where everyone gets whatever they ask for from God? Is it to be searched for during the last ten nights of the holy month?

This night is known as Lailatul Qadr in Arabic and its English equivalent is the Night of Destiny. Common belief is that the Night of Destiny can be found in the final phase of Ramazan. However similar to scientific discoveries, finding it is the result of a long and arduous process of seeking. A scientist spends years studying the subject and researching it, and after a long, gruelling effort, he makes that one discovery. Similarly, finding the Night of Destiny involves years of effort and supplication.

A believer is required to spend a lifetime so that a prepared mind which realizes the supreme greatness of God and one's own humility comes into being, only then can he be hopeful of finding this night and his prayer being accepted by God.

What are the rituals to be observed by Muslims in this night. Is it to be observed collectively or individually?

There are no rituals as such. One has to spend the whole night in prayer and supplication. It could be done in the mosque or in the privacy of one’s home. It should be observed in all seriousness and sincerity. Anything serious is not connected to any kind of loud behaviour. Every aspect of such an activity will be sombre and solemn. Each one will be wishing for solitude, peace and quiet to supplicate to God. Seeking forgiveness from God cannot be a public or a loud affair. One can understand the kind of atmosphere one needs to be able to do such worship.

Is there any particular qualification to receive the blessings of this night?

To answer this question it is important to understand the following incident from the Prophet’s life. During the month of Ramazan the Prophet was in seclusion (etikaf) practised in the final phase of Ramazan. Then he came out of the mosque but went back in again. He later told his Companions that an angel had come to pass on the knowledge about the Night of Destiny. When the Prophet came out to inform the believers, he saw two of his people quarrelling with each other. Instantly, the knowledge of the Night was taken away from the Prophet’s mind. This incident has a great lesson for the believers. The quarrel was not an armed battle: the two believers were merely arguing, but even a verbal fight is enough to have the divine knowledge taken away. Those who adopt the path of violence can never become the recipients of divine blessings.

To receive the blessings or knowledge from God, a believer must be a positive personality in the ultimate sense of the word. Else the blessings may be showered, but not on him! Positivity is the most important trait that makes a man worthy of receiving God’s blessings. A positive mind will not engage in conflicts and would remain free of revenge, hatred, lust and negative thoughts. (Sahih-al Bukhari) Kindly suggest a book where I can get the understanding of other aspects of Islam.

You may read the magazine Spirit of Islam which publishes articles about various topics. There is a search option on the home page of the website www.spiritofislam.co.in from where you can read articles of your interest.