RAMADAN
AT
ALL OVER INDIA
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic
lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the
world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.
During the blessed month of Ramadan,
Muslims all over the world abstain from all food, drink, and other physical
needs during the daylight hours (such as smoking or sex). Ramadan is much more
than just not eating and drinking; it is a time to purify the soul,
refocus attention on God, and practice self-discipline and sacrifice.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is
considered one of the 5 Pillars of Islam -- five activities that shape a
Muslim's life. Prayer occurs on a daily basis; pilgrimage is done once in a
lifetime; charity and professing one's faith are both ongoing.
Fasting the month of Ramadan is an annual
observance; every year, Muslims take an entire month out of their lives to
observe this strict fast and rededicate themselves to worship and faith.
Muslims are
called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic
guidance.
We are to make peace with those who have
wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits --
essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings.
The
Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it
means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts,
and words.
The physical
effects of the fast are felt by Muslims as a reminder of those who suffer
throughout the year -- those who are poor, homeless, refugees -- and who cannot
meet their basic needs.
It reminds Muslims not to be wasteful and to
feel empathy for those who face hunger on a daily basis. We should feel
gratitude for the bounties of Allah: clean water, sufficient healthy food,
comfort of a home, health of our family members.
There are so
many in the world who must survive without these basic needs, and Ramadan is a
time for us to give thanks and reaffirm our commitment to helping those in
need.
During
Ramadan, every part of our bodies must be restrained. The tongue must be
restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from
looking at unlawful things.
The hand must
give in charity, and not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The
ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must
refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body
observes the fast.
Therefore, fasting is not merely physical,
but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit
of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse
the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God
and charity to mankind.
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