But have you ever wondered what this month is REALLY about? Perhaps you are new to Qatar? And have never lived in the Gulf Region to experience such an auspicious month? Or maybe you are a native to this season and need a little time to ponder, reflect and dare I say, implement?
A Deeper Connection
Beyond the manicured image of decadence, Ramadan is so much more than abstaining from food. It’s a spiritual (re)connection, to the One Creator. It’s a month where the Muslims take an almost absolute break from the world and its desires, worries and concerns, and flee back to the Worship of Allah, in a way that is most pleasing to Him (rather than how we think He should be worshiped).
Ramadan is the 4th Pillar of Islam. There are five basic acts in Islam, which are mandatory and are the foundation of a Muslims life. Ramadan is one of those acts. The end goal is to attain Paradise, wherein lies eternal bliss and no fatigue! Now who wouldn’t want that as their ultimate prize?!
A Strategic Plan
It goes without saying, that this end goal, like ALL goals, requires hard work, determination, and focus. It consists both the good days of mini accomplishments to the bad days of none! Either way, a winning goal necessitates getting back up after a fall. We keep our eye on the prize and persist in moving forward -- diligently.
As any motivational guru will tell you, every goal requires a strategic plan, it calls for a firm practice, which entails implementation. They will also tell you that each goal requires a new set of habits to be established over a 30-day programme before they can become part of a person’s daily agenda. The blessed month of Ramadan offers those very thirty days.
The Methodology
In Islam and especially in the months leading up to Ramadan, these practices are known as the methodology of tasfiyah wa taribiyah (purification and correction and education and cultivation). In basic terms, Ramadan (and the months leading upto it) is the season to prepare oneself for a strict training programme. It is a time for those who want to make permanent changes in order to become a better person and a devout worshipper. It is a great opportunity to make momentous lifestyle changes especially in Qatar, where nearly everyone is observing Ramadan!
And whilst it may appear to be difficult to abstain from food, it really isn’t. As with all ‘programmes’, hard work and effort are prerequisites. We only need to look at the latest diet fads or a ‘kick-the-habit’ intensive. What about an Army Boot Camp? Personally, I choose to fast!
So what exactly does this tasfiyah wa taribiyah mean? It is the implementation of beneficial knowledge coupled with establishing righteous and correct actions. It includes the correct education followed by cultivation of Quranic Laws and Prophet Practices. And whilst the heart of this programme is spiritual, it doesn’t stop there. Rather, it extends to one’s intentions, desires, speech and actions. This methodology demands that, for the one observing Ramadan, must do so to please Allah alone. The observer must first affirm that He, Allah, is the only Creator and Sustainer, and that all acts of worship are solely done for and to Him. Only then will it become easier for the Muslim to abstain from eating food as well as avoiding carnal desires, vain/foul speech and immoral actions. It will be easier for the worshipper to curb his/her negative traits, keeping the character in check. Consequently, the observer withdraws into a mode of reflection.Recognising that his hunger is for a higher purpose, s/he is able to assess his personality, his situation and where he wants to be in life and in the Hereafter. S/he is then open to tasfiyah wa taribiyah -- the implementation of beneficial knowledge coupled with establishing righteous and correct actions.
Manifold Reward
In a Prophetic narration, the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, that "Allah said: The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from Hell) and there are two pleasures for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah's Sight than the smell of musk." [Saheeh Al Bukhari, Hadith No. 128, Vol. 3]
This narration illustrates the great virtue of fasting and its great merit in comparison with the other deeds. Allah, the Mighty and the Majestic has singled out fasting for Himself, and because all deeds are for His Sake alone then He is the One Who rewards for them. Furthermore He is the One Who knows the extent of the reward and how much the Worshipper’s good deeds will be multiplied. The narration also demonstrates sincerity as fasting is a secret between a person and his Lord, which no one can see except Allah, The All Knowing. The fasting person may be in a place with no other people around, and could quite easily eat or drink that which Allah has forbidden for him, but he does not, because he knows that his Lord is watching. He forsakes it for the sake of Allah and fearing His punishment and seeking His reward.This established Practice, the way Muslims operate in this sacred month, is not only for one particular nation to the exclusion of others, nor for any one particular era to the exclusion of others. It is a one glove fits all methodology. It is a holistic programme that purifies and corrects the heart so that ones speech and actions are educated and cultivated. Ramadan truly is THE ultimate in self development and self enhancement. It's a Boot camp in which, if observed with a level of excellence, will reap a huge personal return and a life of abundance...inshallah!
This guest post was exclusively contributed to Rush360' by Umm Aasiyah who is a freelance copy writer in Doha. Her specialties include preparing workshop content and featuring articles for emagazines.
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