Ramadaan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The Muslim Ummah follows a complete mental, moral, psychological and spiritual discipline structured perfectly by the Unique Creator of the universe. The Qur’anic term “Sawm” means abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset.
We are fully aware that the most dominating force in the life of man is hunger, thirst and carnal desires. It becomes almost inevitable for man to fight them. But during the sacred month Ramadaan man of Islamic confession enters in such a training ground where he learns to resist the pressures of his instinct and carnal desires night and days consecutively without any pause. He proves the rest of the world that he is at the height of status as the most sublime of all creatures.
Whatsoever may be the situation, as the most outstanding creature he demonstrates that he is at the height to master his hunger, his thirst and the temptation of sexual magnetism. The utmost tasteful meal, the coolest and sweetest drink and the most powerful attraction of his instinct cannot defeat him when he stands in the presence of his Creator.
It really amazing to observe a man working under the heat of the sun for hours, more often in scorching deserts, he is parching with thirst, his throat is burning, his instinct is pressing him to surrender on that extreme and unbearable condition, but he resist by exercising his god-gifted powers, efficiencies and enormous faculties. He gets a perfect training how to bring his desires, lust and ambitions under control for thirty days consecutively at bay.
It is a process of self-control which brings man to toe the line. Fasting is wonderful act of devotion that lead man at such a level that he defies external devilish elements from trespassing the property of his inner self. He commands his thirst, hunger and lust to wait until the Divine Commands arrive, and that is the time of breaking his fast at the sunset.
Being a religion based on Islamic principle, it covers the entire realm of the material world from the least atom to the most transparent invisible world of spirit. Thus, it has set up provisions to fulfil the obligation of fasting in all the perspective of life.
Man follows an intense training how to safeguard his Nafs “soul” against the appetite of the stomach and from the gratification of sexual impulse.
{According to the Qur’anic terminology Soul are of three different levels. “Nafs-ul- Ammarah”(the commanding Soul), “Nafsul-Lawwaamah” (the self-accusing Soul), “Nafs-ul-Mutma-innah” (the Soul at Peace).}
The “commanding Soul” is a term used the Holy Qur’aan for lowest stage in the spiritual growth of man; here the carnal desires rule his mind and he is subjected to succumb to his lust which leads him to evils. (Surah 12 v 53)
The “self-accusing Soul” is the second stage in the spiritual development of man. Here the slightest departure from the path of righteousness and brings pricks of conscience. (Surah 75 v 2)
The “Soul at Peace” is the spiritual stage where man is rewarded by Allah with an utter peace of mind, soul and spirit in connection with his perfectly guided righteousness life. (Surah 89 v 27)
At the first stage he should prevent evils from trespassing his five common senses. Nothing should reach his stomach through his mouth and nose. No devilish stuffs should make any impression in his inner faculties through his eyes and through the sense of touch or lust.
These five common senses should be rigorously protected against all evil thoughts and actions. Fasting does not allow us the right to cast evil glance upon opposite sex. The same apply to the ears as well as other senses which have to be freed from sins. It means see no evils, talk no evils and no formulation of evils in the mind.
The heart of people who observe fasting in the true sense is fully purified. A piece of flesh embedded in the stomach. It is believed to be the Divine Treasure where Light dwells. The purity of the heart is similar to a transparent glass safe from dust and sins.
The brightness of the inner self depends on the purity which he attains from the nearness of the Divine Courts. If the heart is not sound, the black clouds of sins overshadows it and the rays of the splendid Divine Light cannot illuminate it.
A looking glass which is covered with dust and fog, cannot be selected for the observation of beauty as it will fail to reflect the features. Only a well-glistened and clear heart filled with piety can reflect the Divine Eternal Beauties. Such sound heart is found only through the connection of the inward with the Divine Kingdom in order to absorb the Brightness of Eternal Light.
The Truth begins to shine and adorns the spirit with Glory and enjoys His grace. Someone has aptly said: “Fasting is to refrain from seeing otherness. My breaking the fast is to return to you O Allah”.
He who buries his nose-bag full of food cannot hope to venture in the invisible world. Even he keeps his stomach empty he will not be able to remove the veil and visualize the invisible world, unless he clears his mind and heart from everything beside his Lord. He feels himself in the presence of Mighty and Majestic. That’s the real meaning of “Taqwaa” piety.
Lovers of the material world and worshippers of wealth should not boast by fooling pious people with their cunning method of make-believe policy. Faith swindlers should refrain from playing the dirty game by brandishing their influences with the support of their monetary power to trap weaker folks in their nest. Expression of the so-called religiosity badly damages the social structure and cannot be recalled.
A man of Islamic faith never dream eternal bliss by exposing external deceitful appearances, this certainly diverts him towards the catastrophic end.