Mahbubur Rahman
Every act of Islamic worship has a beauty which is either clearly mentioned in the Qura'n and Sunnah, or can be easily explored by anyone with a sincere intention and following the proper methodology. Every mandatory task in Islam has superior virtues, and trying to understand those are like a magnificent journey. Among all the mandatory tasks, fasting in Ramadan is very special, and iUs significance, virtues and rewards canft be compared with any other acts.
The Qura'nic Commandment about Ramadan is absolutely clear that fasting in this month has been prescribed for a definite purpose:"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed upon those who were before you in order that you may attain taqwah (God consciousness).( 2:183) It's hoped that by abstaining from eating, drinking and certain other things during the prescribed time (dawn to dusk), the believers will develop the strength and quality of piety and self restraint so that other time this ability will drive them to remain steadfast and obedient to the commandments of Allah (SWT). In other words, Ramadan fasting should be observed in a way that it develops spiritual strength and discipline in the hearts of the people "so that human temptations may not become so wild and uncontrollable as to flout the commands of the Great Master." Since this moral and spiritual training is obtained through fasting in a better way, fasting had been made a part of divine guidance at every stage of human history.
It is, however, a fact that external aspects like abstaining from eating and drinking alone can't produce those qualities in a person. To make it happen, a fasting person has to avoid everything that is evil and try to participate in all other virtuous deeds. Those who fast but do not avoid haram and evil acts such as lying, cheating, backbiting, obscenity, causing fitnah (mischief) and doing injustice to the people, should know that the. holy prophet (peace be upon him) has cautioned by saying: IWhoever does not stop speaking falsehood and acting in accordance with it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food or drink.i(Bukhari) The Prophet (p) has also warned that: 'It may be that a fasting person gets' nothing from his fast except hunger."( Ibn Majah, 1/539)
The above warnings and exhortations should work as an eye opener for all of us, and make us aware that to benefit from fasting, one has to go not merely by the outward form and ritual, a believer must search for substance and acquire the desired virtues in his/her person. Ramadan is a necessary means for cleansing the heart and the whole being of an individual, and it needs to be taken and observed in that way. Self-evaluation of our individual and collective life situations and responsibilities, seeking forgiveness for the past mistakes and misdeeds, renewal of the faith and commitment to our Almighty Creator and Sustainer, coming closer to the Qura'n, enjoining right and forbidding the evil, more and more charitable deeds like additional prayer and spending money for the needy and helpless humanity should become the part of our 'Ramadan resolutions'
We also must not forget that fasting is prescribed for a particular time, but its spirits and teachings need to be inculcated and observed all the times. Only then, Ramadan will make us the true servants of Allah - virtuous human beings on the earth and the companions of the blessed souls in the hereafter. Let's work for it!
Br. Mahbubur Rahman is the Editorin Chief of the Message International.
No comments:
Post a Comment