There is no doubt that the two features of
fasting in Ramadan are mental and practical
exercise. Many think the feelings of the pangs
of hunger is more like a punishment to oneself,
but even medical experts have confirmed the
benefits of fasting to the body.
We are not going to be talking about medicine,
but to explore the mercies of allah through
Ramadan fasting. The mental and practical
exercise of fasting are like the wings of a bird
on which man flies through the heavenly space
of spirituality in the month of Ramadan. This is
not only our mental ability to decipher what is
good and also recognise what is bad but also
to deplore this mental abilities into use. Good
enough, the Holy Quran which was also
revealed in the month of Ramadan is a guide
to mankind.
This means that in the month of Ramadan, one
should get to know the Holy Quran better and,
through the clearance of guidance, take a
broader view of what is right and wrong. The
Holy Quran says: “O you who believe! Fasting
is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for
those before you, so that you may be guided.
(against evil).” (2:183)
In this month, human beings are the guests of
Allah and He has abundant blessings waiting to
be dispersed to whoever seek Him in truth. The
blessings are there but we have to be eligible
for this divine honour. The Holy Quran says:
“We purified him so that he could be
saved.” (91:9)
Aside of the fact that Allah has given man the
power and insight to choose his course in life
with some choosing the right path and some
choosing the wrong path based on the extent
and degree of their knowledge, yet, there is
salvation for man. For salvation, man needs
the purification of his soul in addition to
knowledge and insight. Such purification is
obtained by seeking forgiveness of Allah and
turning away from bad deed. This is one of
the things we stand to achieve during this
Ramadan.
Man should not be a prisoner of his soul by
enjoining himself unto evil. You should strive
to come closer to Allah by avoiding worldly
pleasures and strive to get nearer to Allah and
Fasting is something that enhances this
nearness. Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)
said: “Fasting is prescribed for man to purify
his soul.” In Ramadan, the month of fasting,
you become the guest of Allah, ready to
receive His mercy. Do praise Him with
devotion, He will answer all your prayers in
this month. Fasting is the glad tidings of
Allah’s all-embracing mercy.
Prayer
“O Allah, on this day, grant me a share from
Your mercy which is wide, guide me towards
Your shining proofs, lead me to Your all
encompassing pleasure, by Your love, O the
hope of the desirous.” Ramadan Kareem.