Faizan Bhatt
Every person in this world has a life that is an epic story, full of joys and sadness, challenges and opportunities, and ‘defining moments’-moments in which a person comes to a realization a deep awareness about himself, and decides to change inside. Such moments are when persons make an intense resolve from their heart; they make a commitment, an oath to themselves, and “turn a new leaf” and their life becomes very different than it was before by Gods leave.
We find that Allah gives us ample opportunities in our lives for the moments-Ramadan is one among them, and perhaps even best of them. A Muslim has to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relation(with his spouse) from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramadan-9th month of Islamic calendar.
The Quran says:
“O! You who have attained to Faith/Fasting are ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might remain conscious of God.”
Fasting unfold both physical as well as spiritual benefits for man as it rejuvenates the multidimensional facilities of human being. The purpose of fasting is that the spirit of man is released from the clutches of desire, and moderation prevailed in his carnal self and through it, he realized the goal of purification and everlasting felicity. Fasting is the bridle of the God fearing, the shield of the crusaders and the discipline of vitreous. It is beneficial for health and most helpful in leading a life of piety and good doing.
Fasting in one way or the other is prevalent among the followers of other religions of the world but Islam gave it a perfect shape and developed it into an effective discipline. The divine selection of the month of Ramadan for fasting has a special significance, as it was during this holy month that the final message of God to mankind through the final prophet of God, Mohammad (P.B.U.H) started coming in 610 A.D.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is incumbent on all adult healthy Muslims, male or female. But there are exemptions in certain cases based on Quranic doctrine.
“God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer hardship”.
Special exemptions from Ramadan fasting has been granted to old and feeble persons; persons suffering from incurable diseases. Such people have been advised to feed the poor instead. Some people have been temporarily exempted from Ramadan fasting and are granted to the sick, person on a journey, a woman during menstruation period, advanced pregnancy or one nursing a new born and the person who is ill, or on a journey shall fast instead for the same number of other days after Ramadan.
We welcome you Ramadan-The Month of Blessing/month of opportunity and hope.
(The Author Is pursuing Chemical Engineering from N.I.T Srinagar)