THE FORM AND SPIRIT OF RAMAZAN
Spiritual Training
RAMAZAN is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. Muslims are enjoined to observe fasting from daybreak to sunset during this month. Fasting is an annual worship in the Islamic faith and one of the five spiritual pillars of Islam.
What is the purpose of this annual practice? The answer can be had from the Quran. “The month of Ramazan is the month when the Quran was sent down as guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and the criterion by which to distinguish right from wrong.” (2: 185)
The Arabic word for fasting is ‘sawm’ meaning abstinence, restraint from desires. That is, saving oneself from all kinds of distraction, including basic needs, for a temporary period of time. The main purpose of fasting is going through the Quran with complete focus and dedication. This is a very serious study. So, believers are required to keep away from all other activities, and concentrate their minds totally on the study of the Quran.
In terms of spirit, the month of Ramazan is a month of selftraining. Muslims are required to observe the month of Ramazan as a month of introspection in the light of Quranic teachings.
In terms of form, the month of Ramazan is the month of fasting. But, in terms of spirit, the month of Ramazan is a month of self-training. Muslims are required to observe the month of Ramazan 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 Muslims can see their true face. They can identify the mistakes they have made in the past in order that they may mend their ways.
This annual practice enables Muslims to reassess and re-examine their past. And, by knowing this they can plan for their future on better lines. To illustrate this point, here are some examples from the Quran.
A believer prepares himself and starts reading the Quran with an open mind. Then he reads this Quranic verse: “Whatever misfortune befalls you is of your own doing.” (42: 30). If the reader is sincere he will apply it to his own life and to the life of the Muslim ummah. By doing so he will discover that anything which Muslims have suffered in the past was not due to anti-Muslim forces, rather it was entirely Muslims’ own mistakes. This discovery will lead to brainstorming and he will decide with complete determination to convey this fact to the entire Muslim ummah.
Fasting in the month of Ramazan is like a spiritual rehearsal for every Muslim. If this annual practice is done in the true spirit, it is bound to revolutionize the condition of Muslims, both individually and collectively.
Then during the study of the Quran, the believer comes across this verse: “God does not change the condition of a people's lot, unless they change what is in their hearts.” (13: 11).If the believer is sincere in the true sense of the word, this Quranic verse is bound to make a deep impression on his mind. He will find the proper line of action for the future. He will realize that one has to completely abandon the language of complaint and protest against others because, according to the divine law, that will not work. He will decide to bring about reform in his own life. Thus our own reform is the precondition enshrined in the Quran. If we fulfil this condition, we will be able to receive divine help, and divine help is a guarantee of all kinds of success.
Fasting in the month of Ramazan is like a spiritual rehearsal for every Muslim. If this annual practice is done in the true spirit, it is bound to revolutionize the condition of Muslims, both individually and collectively.
A wise man is one who deliberately
forgets the unpleasant memories of the
past and does not let his mind become
a jungle of bitter thoughts.