“When we see how capable we are of controlling our natural desires and pushing ourselves to higher limits in Ramadan, we realize the strength we possess to achieve our highest ambitions in life.”
The month of Ramadan is intended to be a complete program for reformation of the mind, body, and soul. It includes a number of obligatory, recommended, and prohibited acts, all seeking to improve man’s character and relationship with God. When we see Ramadan as a program for purification, we see attitudinal changes developing within ourselves. We will no longer see it as a difficult obligation whereby God is simply testing our ability to obey him, but rather as a unique opportunity to achieve a state of peace, spiritual and physical health, love for God, and realize our full potential in life. When we see how capable we are of controlling our natural desires and pushing ourselves to higher limits in Ramadan, we realize the strength we possess to achieve our highest ambitions in life. When we seek to improve our physical health, we know we need to change our diet and exercise routine. We may consult a number of nutritionists and fitness experts to put together a program that will help us achieve our goals. These programs often define essential foods that should be eaten and others that must be avoided, and exercises that must be performed daily or weekly. For example, a particular program may mandate eating a particular amount of proteins, limiting the amount of saturated fats, performing a defined number of push-ups and sit-ups, and running in the morning or evening. Interestingly, we find new programs every year, whether it be the latest diet fad or exercise routine. Some of these turn out to be of value, and people continuously invest their time and money in these fitness and health programs. God has similarly given us the program of Ramadan, although its ambitions extend beyond mere physical health, and the Designer of the program possesses infinite knowledge. Ramadan is an intensive program designed by the Creator of mankind, who knows best how His creation should live and knows best what is beneficial to them.
“The first few days, or weeks, of dieting and exercise can be extremely painful as one gets used to limiting his food intake, stressing his muscles, and dealing with the burn and soreness of working out. However, once he gets used to the program, he begins to notice improvements in his health and his body becomes accustomed to the new regiment.”
For this reason, we welcome Ramadan as an annual retreat and perfectly designed program; we recognize its ability to purify, reform, and improve ourselves through the acts that God has legislated for our benefit. It is thus the ultimate prescription and program for taqwa, the most noble goal and aim in life. By achieving this state of consciousness, we protect ourselves from harm in this life and the next. An important point to be understood is that a particular program or medication doesn’t always feel or taste good immediately. The first few days, or weeks, of dieting and exercise can be extremely painful as one gets used to limiting his food intake, stressing his muscles, and dealing with the burn and soreness of working out. However, once he gets used to the program, he begins to notice improvements in his health and his body becomes accustomed to the new regiment. Another example of this initial discomfort is when a sick patient is given medication. The taste of the medication or food eaten may be bitter or sour, but the patient continues to take it knowing it is of extreme benefit. The reality may even be that the food or medicine prescribed is sweet, but due to his sickness everything tastes bland or bitter. Likewise, the initial adjustment period to fasting and the Ramadan program may be tiring and difficult, but we should always keep in mind that as we get used to it we will both enjoy it and tremendously benefit from it if performed properly.
