Wednesday, Nov 26, 2003
Wednesday, Nov 26, 2003 |
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Religion
Fasting that has been prescribed in Islam is similar to that previously observed by others, in the number of days, the time, and the manner and the principle of self-denial is not new. Fasting in Islam is not for self-torture. Although it is stricter, the temporary abstention from food and drink does have a salutary effect on the people who habitually eat and drink in excess. The restraint on the instincts for food, drink and sex enables one to direct attention towards higher goals through prayer, contemplation and acts of charity. According to the standards prescribed for fasting, every adult Muslim, be he a king or a beggar, has to perform the duty of observance of fasting during the entire month of Ramzan from dawn to dusk. However, the aged or persons specially circumstanced are altogether exempted but they ought to compensate an equal number of days later when they can. It is also enjoined on people to feed a poor person during this month if they can afford. Fasting enables one to acquire self-control, makes will power stronger, teaches to abstain from vice, elevates spirituality and helps the economy. According to empirical data, the Holy Quran had its revelation to Prophet Mohammed (Sal) for the first time through Angel Gabriel on the Night of Power. Hazrath Ali (AS) the vicegerent of Prophet (Sal), the great role model who was born in Ka'ba and assassinated in the mosque in the holy month of Ramzan says: "The best means to seek the nearness of Allah, the Glorified, the Exalted is by payment of Zakath (Islamic tax), for it is compulsory obligation, by fasting in the month of Ramzan, for it is the shield against Chastisement... ". Thus, by fasting and payment of Zakath, both earnings and spending are regulated to provide an impetus to the economic uplift of the community. The day of Id is the climax signalling the end of fasting and the devout legions converge towards the mosque for congregated prayers. Before the Id prayer, it is enjoined on every Muslim to give 3 kg of staple food or its value as "Fithra" and this has been prescribed as a measure of abundant precaution to ensure that no Muslim — man, woman or child — is hungry on this festive occasion. Mir Mazher Hussain, Chennai.
Chennai.
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