Ramadhan, the Month of God (13)

Welcome to the 13th episode of Ramadhan, the Month of God. First we present you the special supplication to God Almighty of the 13th of Ramadhan.

"O Allah, cleanse me of all impurities and foul practices, give me the strength to bear all the events ordained by You; guide me towards piety and the company of the good-doers through Your sustenance. O the Comforter of the eyes of the destitute!"

The blessed month of Ramadhan is the month of piety, friendship with God and self-building. The doors of Divine Mercy are flung open and God looks at His servants with mercy. The faithful strive to obey God's commandments and abstain from whatever He has prohibited. Islamic teachings stress that fasting is not limited to mere abstinence from eating and drinking, but that all bodily organs should shun certain things. In the blessed month of Ramadhan, the fasting people have been invited to the Divine Banquet. Therefore, they need to have pure hearts. Muslims exercise patience and forbearance in this month. This will make them strong in the face of hardships.

Dr. Majid Abhari, a behavioral expert, opines that, "The spiritual climate of the blessed month of Ramadhan is an appropriate time for distancing from evils because when a person endures several hours of hunger and thirst for the sake of God's pleasure, he will have no tendency toward violation of moral values. Thus, crimes decrease remarkably and, during the spiritual climate of Ramadhan, people who have the means are more inclined to support the needy and to help the poor.

During the blessed month of Ramadhan, not only those who fast are committed to do certain deeds, but there is a change in most people. Kindness, good temperament, altruism, selflessness and similar virtues are highlighted in Ramadhan.

Due to enhancement of the bond between man and God in Ramadhan, people strive for spiritual values, and give less time to material pursuits. The special conditions of Ramadhan reinforce spirituality in society, greatly diminishing rash and impolite behavious.

Many petty crimes that are committed because of momentary anger, hysteria and ignorance, become negligible or greatly decrease in Ramadhan. Theft, quarrel, and even driving offences occur less in Ramadhan compared to the rest of the year. The atmosphere of Ramadhan is conducive to improvement of behaviour as well as self and social reform.

Moreover, scientific studies have proven that fasting has positive effect on the psychological health of persons, since it reduces the scale of stress, loneliness, depression, suicide and so on. University lecturer, Dr. Abbas Islami, maintains that fasting is the cause of solidarity in society as people fast together in a given period for specific hours and usually take part in collective acts of worships like congregational prayers. This behaviour is seldom seen in non-Muslim societies.

These gatherings culminate in the Eid al-Fitr congregational prayer.

Religious principles create specific conditions for the betterment of the society as they spring from people's genuine beliefs.

Human beings need internal and external motive for both good and evil deeds. In contrast to spiritual motives for doing good and fulfilling obligations by refraining from forbidden acts, there are devilish motives that drive human beings toward committing crimes and sins. These motives include fury, selfishness, love of material wealth, love of position and so on. Experts of social affairs believe that emphasis on adherence to moral values reduces social deviations remarkably in Ramadhan.

God Almighty says in ayah 183 of Surah Baqara that fasting in Ramadhan has been ordained for the believers to make them Godwary. Godwariness means abstinence from sin and undesirable acts. Muslim scholars of moralities are of the opinion that most sins are the result of anger and pursuit of carnal desires. These two instincts are notably weakened by fasting in Ramadhan. Hence, corruption and deviation are decreased. 

Ramadhan is thus the season for strengthening our soul and spirit, along with proper nutrition for the body. The nutrition for the soul and spirit is piety. This is obvious. Pious persons enjoy good characteristics which distinguish them from others. Fulfillment of promise, cheerful countenance and good temper towards others are among these good characteristics that reflect inner piety. These good characteristics are reflected both in a person's words and deeds. Certainly having a good temper and cheerful countenance has positive effects on the society as well as the atmosphere at home. The importance of this characteristic is to the extent that a statement from Prophet Mohammad (blessings of God upon him and his progeny), says the reward of the one who has a good temper is like that of a fasting and praying person. Sometime a kind look and a kind word can gladden the hearts of others. The Prophet says: Among the best acts in the Divine Court is to gladden the faithful.

The Prophet of Islam was the embodiment of the Best of Morals. As we read ayah 4 of Surah Qalam, God says regarding the excellent manners of the Prophet:

"And indeed you possess excellent character.

That was all for today. Tune in again tomorrow for the 14^th of episode of “Ramadhan, the Month of God”. Until then farewell and God bless you.” 

AS/ME