The spirit of Ramzan

Aug 27, 2010, 12.00am IST
M Aslam,

Fasting during the month of Ramzan not only serves as annual training for body and soul -- which helps in renewal of life and encourages the spirit of sharing and giving -- but also contains all possible attributes which can promote spirituality and human excellence .

The first wisdom to be gained in fasting is taqwa or self-restraint. The Quran states: '"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may (learn) self restraint." 2:183.

It becomes evident to those who sincerely observe fast that fasting instills the essence of consciousness of the Creator in the devotee's heart. It also instills moral courage and guides the seat of our emotions on moral issues. Since fasting helps in conditioning the heart, soul and body, it simply leads to tranquility and calmness in the face of adversity. This helps one become patient. Patience is the pinnacle of discipline and spiritual suppleness. Jalalluddin Rumi said: 'Have patience, for that is true worship'.


We acquire habits. Some of these are good habits and some are bad. Take smoking, for instance. It is difficult to kick the habit. But during Ramzan, the roza helps control the urge to smoke. Fasting provides the observer an opportunity in helping control or change his habit, as smoking is prohibited during fasting. I was a chain smoker 12 years ago and it was fasting that created in me the necessary level of determination, enabling me to kick the habit forever.

The Ramzan fasting is a sentinel against common prevalent diseases such as obesity, and blood pressure , provided the person fasting follows the strict dietary rule: eat during fast-breaking time and avoiding over-eating. God states: "...Eat and drink, but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not wasters." (Qur`an 7:31) My blood pressure levels remain absolutely normal during the month of fasting.

Sociologically speaking fasting is an expression of solidarity with the poor by giving generously, with family, friends and society by bonding, praying, fasting and eating together. During Ramzan the family eats together twice a day for a month.


Tajuddin B Shu`aib in 'Essentials of Ramadan, The Fasting Month' summarises the essence of fasting as a tool for reconstruction of our spiritual faculties: "Fasting is a unique form of worship prescribed as part of an overall system of Islam. Its uniqueness mirrors the uniqueness of the human being... a creature of physical and spiritual parts whose excellence depends on the right proportion of these two parts. Too much of the physical material will ruin man, and too much of the spiritual will, too. Fasting orients the observer to the art of balancing the spiritual essentials with physical needs, a vivid proof that there is in all of us the will power, a pivotal element that controls our actions. This will be needed to help us curb the animalistic tendencies originating from the stomach, in full. It makes us forget about our beginning, it awakens the mind and kindles clear thinking and consciousness of Allah. Fasting is the sobering of a mind and reconstruction of our spiritual faculties." I pray that our spiritual faculties get awakened during this month of fasting and we are able to balance the spiritual essentials with our physical needs.

The writer, a sociologist, is currently director, School of Continuing Education at IGNOU, New Delhi.
maslammir@yahoo.co.in