Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed byMuslims around the world. While major holidays of other faiths have largely become commercialized events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning.
The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst" and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.
Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.
Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.
Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
" Wealth does not diminish by giving Sadaqah (charity). Allah raises the honour of one who forgives; and one who serves another (displaying humility) seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah will exalt him in ranks.” #993300]Muslim]
Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.
Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.
Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.
Again and again Remember that Sawm or Fasting is to abstain from physical component of the fasting: all food, drink, use of tobacco, and conjugal relations over the period from dawnthrough sunset. And also to gain the spiritual aspects of the fasting (Sawm) which are:
* Refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character.
* A fasting person's aim is to attain purity of thought and action.
* The act of fasting redirects the hearts away from worldly mundane activities, towards Allah - the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth.
* Performing prayer, recitating the Qur'an, doing Zikr (sup·pli·cating), employing and carrying out endurance and self-discipline.
* Sawm is a good occasion of training - training the soul and body - to be able to exercise self-restraint.
* Fasting helps to overcome bad habits either gradually for some of us or immediately for those with a stronger will power.
Fasting has the following benefits that:
* Showing obedience to Allah(God) and tendency to be closer to Allah (God) mercy and forgiveness.
* Gaining spiritual self purification and full submission to Allah (God).
* Gaining motivation not to approach what is prohibited to be done by religion. If you are used, during fasting, to forbid yourself from eating food, drinking, doing sex with your partner of marriage(things that are allowed out of fasting) then you will be used to forbid yourself from doing what is prohibited to be done as drinking Alcohol, gambling, prostitution, cheating, etc...
More and More to remember : Ramadan. A once in a year opportunity of soul cleansing. Amonth in which we are self deprived from food from dawn to evening, in order to be one with the poor, and the hungry. A month in which we enrich ourselves with religiousness and rid ourselves of the world’s poorness. Not material poorness. In fact, inner poorness is far more perilous than material poorness. It is the unavailability of compassion, sensitivity, tolerance,acceptance, patience, and most importantly, love in our hearts. Poorness of the soul is caused by greed, selfishness and the love of money.
الثلاثاء يونيو 18, 2013 9:38 am