O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.(Holy Qur’an 2:183)
Once more the commencement of the holly month of Ramadan is abou to bring cheers to muslims and muslims across the world are about to start fasting from dawn to dusk for a whole month. All muslims know that the month of Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. It was in this month that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was appointed to be the final prophet and messenger of Almighty Allah, and it is the month in which the first revelation of the holy Quran took place. This is a time of great blessings and rewards, cherished by muslims across the world. Almighty Allah commanded in the holly Qur’an that all those who are healthy and able should fast, and those who cannot, for example due to illness or travelling, are exempt until they regain the ability to fast. “Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and measure. So every one of you who is present during this month should fast.” —(Qur’an – 2:185) .Fasting is not a new phenomenon, as it has been practised by believers throughout the ages. This year, Ramadan falls in mid June and concludes by mid July and coincides with some of the longest days (17 hours) of the calendar year in Jammu & Kashmir state and the rest of India. There are several recommendations on how to approach the challenge of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan . Muslims are encouraged to spend this month in different acts of worship and spiritual purification, so that they leave the month refreshed and with their faith strengthened in preparation for the coming year.
These acts include prayer and reading the holy Quran. Muslims believe there is no greater blessing for mankind than the holy Qur’an, a book filled with guidance, mercy and reassurance. Thus muslims are encouraged to spend much of their time in this month in contemplation of Allah’s words. This month offers great physical benefits also. Fasting allows the body to focus on the many other functions it has beside digestion, and has been proven to improve overall physical wellbeing. Social wellbeing and care for the community are also promoted in the holy of Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to look to the needy, and the giving of charity and the feeding of others is of great importance. We are also encouraged to share the blessings of this month with those around us. We invite people of all faiths to join in the blessings of this month, by participating in acts of fasting, charity and promoting community bonds. The aim is to help us take advantage of this time of the year and better appreciate and comprehend what is about to grace the Muslim Community from rewards and opportunity for betterment. The principle in Islam with this type of situation is what cannot be entirely reached, should not be entirely abandoned!
