## Significance of Ramadan ##

[Fairy]

Like other injunctions of Islam, the benefits of Ramadan are not limited purely to either “spiritual” or “temporal” elements of life. In Islam, the spiritual, social, economic, political and psychological all intermingle in a consistent and cohesive whole. For convenience of presentation, however the significance of Si'yam is discussed under four subheadings, spiritual and moral, psychological, and physical and medical.

Spiritual and moral elements:
Fasting above all is an act of obedience and submission to Allah. This submission and commitment is based upon the love of Allah and the earnest effort to gain His pleasure and to avoid His displeasure. If this is the only reason for fasting, it surely suffices.

Fasting is an act of acknowledgement of Allah (SWT) as the Only Master and Sustainer of the Universe. It is only through His bounties that we derive our existence and our sustenance.

Fasting is an act of atonement for our errors and mistakes. As the Prophet (PBUH) says: "Whoever fasts (the month of) Ramadan on the basis of Iman and seeking (the Pleasure of Allah), his past errors are forgiven." (Ahmad)

Fasting trains the believer in Taqwa (God consciousness). If one volunteers to refrain from lawful food and sex, he/she will be in better position to avoid the unlawful things and acts.

Fasting trains the believer in sincerity. Unlike other acts of "worship" it is entirely based on self-restraint. Others can never know for sure if the person is fasting or if he/she broke the fast in secret. It is this self-restraint which requires a high degree of sincerity and faithfulness.

Fasting teaches other virtues. Fasting does not exclusively mean refraining from food and drink. Essentially, it means refraining from all vice and evils. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "If one does not abandon falsehood in words and deeds, Allah has no need for his abandoning of his food and drink." (al-Bukhari)

The spirit of Ramadan with its nightly voluntary prayer (called Salat-ul-Qiyam or Salat-ut-Taraweeh) and frequent recitation and study of the Quran provides a chance for spiritual revival (a kind of annual spiritual overhaul).

Fasting is a form of Jihad (Struggling in the path of Allah). It teaches self-discipline and enhances one's ability to master his/her needs and desires rather than being enslaved by them.

Psychological elements:
It enhances the feelings of inner peace, contentment, and optimism. These feelings result from the realization of Allah's pleasure.

It teaches patience and perseverance and enhances the feeling of moral accomplishment.

Voluntary abstinence of lawful appetites leads one to appreciate the bounties of Allah, which are usually taken for granted (until they are missed!).

For a whole month every year, Muslims go through a different and exciting experience, which breaks the normal routine of life. Not only can this be refreshing, it also teaches the person to adapt to varying conditions and circumstances in his/her life.

Social elements:
Fasting promotes the spirit of unity and belonging within the Muslim Ummah. Millions of Muslims all over the World fast during the same month following the same rules and observances.

Fasting promotes the spirit of human equality before Allah (S.W.T.). All the Muslims, male and female, rich and poor from all ethnic backgrounds go through the same experience of deprivation with no special privileges or favors for any group or class.

Fasting promotes the spirit of charity and sympathy towards the poor and needy. A rich person may be able to "imagine" the suffering of the poor or "think" about hunger. Yet, one cannot hilly appreciate suffering or hunger until he/she actually "experiences" or "feels" them. This may explain, in part, why Ramadan is also known as the month of charity and generosity.

Fasting promotes Islamic sociability. Muslims are urged to invite others to break the fast with them at sunset and to gather for Quranic study, prayer and visitations. This provides a better chance for socialization in a brotherly and spiritual atmosphere.

Physical and medical elements:
A great deal has been written about the medical and health benefits of fasting, both by Muslim and non-Muslim scientists. These benefits include the elimination of harmful fatty substances from the blood, helping the cure of certain types of intestinal and stomach ailments and the renewal of body tissues. Needless to say that some ailments may be aggravated by fasting in which case the person is exempted from fasting. For those who may be engaged in Islamically (and medically) undesirable habits such as overeating or smoking, the self-control and discipline exercised in Ramadan provide an excellent beginning to “kick out” these bad habits. In a sense, fasting is an annual physical overhaul of the body.

It should be reiterated, however, that the main motive behind fasting is to obey Allah (SWT) and to seek His pleasure.

[NInA]

Wicked post....Alhumdulilah....thanks for sharing Appi! :hug1:

[Sporadic]

Nice post Fairy
Thanx for Sharing

[Endurer]

Jazak Allah

thanks for sharing Aapi

[Eternity]

thanks for sharing :giveflower;

[Zaheer]

good post

[zeeast]

nice sharing fairy..

[Fairy]

Thanx all :giveflower;