The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Ramadhan fasting

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 15, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Ramadhan fasting

Ramadhan, the ninth lunar month in Islamic Calendar, heralds the season of fasting, for the Muslims, the world over, who begin the fast, made obligatory by Almighty Allah, at the sight of Ramadhan New Moon, abstaining themselves from all foods and drink and sexual pleasures, but also shunning foul speech and actions. The Muslim fast is not meant for self torture. It would bring about a salutary effect on many people who habitually eat and drink to excess. It provides alleviations under special circumstances. The Almighty Allah says, "Whosoever amongst you is sick or upon a journey, is exempted but offer a redemption by feeding a poor (2:184)."

The Holy Qur'an says, "O ye, who believe Fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed before you that you may [learn] self-restraint" (2:183). It is an armour against all evil thoughts and deeds."

Prophet Muhammed institutionalised the fasting hours with the partaking of predawn food called Sehri wherein blessings lies and breaking it immediately after sunset called Iftar and it is a sight to see our non-Muslim brethren joining the Muslims in Iftar, a wholesome demonstration of brotherhood of man and Oneness of God. Fasting is not broken at random. It was during this sacred month that the first revelation of Holy Qur'an was made to Holy Prophet Muhammed, the last Messenger of God, as the guidance for mankind and for disciplining life and restoring its life stream to its pristine purity. The spiritual discipline enhances the doing of good to humanity.

Allah says "whosoever fasting during the month of Ramadhan, having faith in Me and seeking My pleasure (2:26), I reward him directly and bestow on him My pleasure and enrich his life and make him a Muthaqi (3:75) and assuring the good end for him (7:128). The fasting bridges the gulf between the rich and poor, as the rich experiences the pangs of hunger, his thoughts go to the poor and the deprived, developing a sense of brotherhood to alleviate their sufferings. The culmination of fasting is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty Allah, by offering prayers in open spaces and mosques in congregation before noon. It is incumbent on them that sadqa (charity ordained before Eid Prayer), is given to the poor and the needy, for them to join the celebration.

K.S. Ahmed Pahsa

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Miscellaneous

News Update

Stories in this Section

The Hindu Crossword 8139

Solution to puzzle 8138

Ramadhan fasting

dated November 15, 1954: Make India great: Nehru

dated November 15, 1954: Central rule for Andhra

dated November 15, 1954: Naguib dismissed

Weather