Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, charity and piety. It is an opportunity for Muslims to deepen their faith. The spirit of the holy month brings families together and builds better relations among people. It is a time to worship, seek forgiveness and share the blessings. True fasting is self-purification and spiritual values of mercy, kindness, empathy, forgiveness, generosity and patience. Sharing and caring is the true spirit of Ramadan. A Muslim is meant to come out of fasting a better human being in society. In Ramadan, every capable Muslim is obliged to give charity and do good deeds to relieve the sufferings and pain of the weak and the vulnerable. During the fast, one does not think of the hunger and thirst, but rather of the poor, the needy and the deprived. Fasting teaches self-discipline, self-control and self-restraint. The fast is not complete without avoiding immoral behavior, controlling one's temper and rage and refraining from all sins and actions that are harmful to mankind. The following is one of the repeated prayers of the faithful seeking forgiveness, mercy and protection: “Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord! Do not lay on us a burden as Thou didst lay on those before us. Our Lord! Impose not on us (afflictions) which we have not the strength to bear. And pardon us! And grant us protection! And have mercy on us! Thou art our Patron, so grant us victory over the disbelieving people”. The Holy Qur'an was revealed during Ramadan and Muslims celebrate the month with increased prayers and the recitation of the Holy Qur'an. They spend the night in prayers because all doors of Heaven are open and Allah answers the prayers of those who call on Him. When Muslims are faced with misfortune or danger they instinctively pray to Allah for comfort and strength. These prayers enrich a person with spirituality and help him or her to live in peace with themselves and in harmony with those around them at all times and on most occasions.
Unfortunately, today many Muslims live in uncertainty and fear of the unknown and they need prayers to overcome their anxieties and fears. May it give them the extra strength to persevere when their own strength fails them. When they find it difficult to get through the agonies and tensions of conflicts and wars, may their prayers and the faith in Allah help them overcome the sufferings and the pain. Muslims continue to have full faith in Allah's Mercy. The Holy Qur'an says: “None despairs of his Lord's Mercy, except the strayers.” Muslim scholars have failed as spiritual leaders and have not been able to offer guidance or the proper Islamic principles to address the current deviant terrorist ideology that is preying on the vulnerable minds of innocent youth from around the world. May Allah protect them and have mercy on them. “Our Lord! Make not our hearts to deviate after Thou hast guided us aright and grant us mercy from Thee; surely Thou art the most liberal Giver.” “Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the unjust people. And deliver us by Thy mercy from the disbelieving people”. “Our Lord! Decide between us and our people with truth; and Thou art the Best of Deciders” May the Lord accept the fasting and prayers of the faithful and shower His blessings on all people, purify their souls, make them better people and bring them glad tidings of peace and prosperity. Amen — Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
