We are already more than half way through the month of Ramadhan. Fasting in one form or the other does exist in almost all religions. We have “Navaratra Fasting” for nine days among Hindus.What I have been observing over the years is that there is lack of understanding among people from different religions about the essence behind such fastings and we are carried away more by the festivities and rituals. In the process we lose the essence behind these mandatory religious fastings. It is, therefore, necessary that we highlight the essence of fasting to help people understand and appreciate such practices. This write- up on Ramadhan is a modest step in that direction.
ESSENCE OF RAMADHAN FASTING
The Ramadhan Fasting or Roza as practised for Muslims is an elaborate process stretching over a period of one lunar month every year. Basically, it provides an opportunity for believers to reinforce their faith in Almighty through the process of self-purification. The Holy Qur’ān says,“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that yemay (learn) self-restraint.”
It implies that fasting is prescribed to strengthen Self-restraint/Self-control. Perhaps one needs to experience Ramadhan to understand it.As Michael Wolfe in his column “Armouring the Heart” says– “My first Ramadhan fasting taught me self-control and empathy.” Perhaps he rightly experienced the virtues of Ramadhan and expressed them in following words, “From feelings deprived, you come to feel empowered by your ability to shake off the promptings of appetite. From thinking how slowly the time is passing, you move along, as the fast progresses to not watching the clock.You may take a larger interest in the minutes right around sunset, but the rest of the day drifts along, once you are in the swing and time as a social habit loses some of its importance.Indeed, Ramadhan stands time on its head.”
It also instils moral courage and guides the seat of our emotions on moral issues. Since fasting helps in conditioning the heart, soul and body, it leads to tranquillity and calmness in the face of adversity. This helps one become patient. Patience is the pinnacle of discipline and spiritual suppleness. Jalaluddin Rumi said: “Have patience, for that is true worship.”
RAMADHAN – A PROCESS OF SELF-PURIFICATION
One of the objectives of ‘Ramadhan Fasting’ is to facilitate its followers to undergo an elaborate process of self-purification.This month long fasting is expected to mould the behaviour and pattern of life of its practitioners in such a way that they turn out to be ideal human beings.It essentially means that a person observing fast will not only abstinence from eating and drinking but will get into a sublime state of mind in order to develop positive feelings.In order to achieve this one has to restrain oneself from listening, speaking, hearing or thinking bad about others.The expectation is that if one passes through this process of self-purification for a period of one month, its impact will at least last for the remaining 11 months, when this process will be again repeated.Unfortunately, we take it as physical fasting only and do not achieve what is expected of this process of purification.
A human being consists ofphysical, emotional, biological and spiritual aspects. A balanced mix of these can lead to spiritual harmony and healthy life. The Ramadhan fastingorients the observer to the art of balancing the spiritual essentials with other aspects of life.
Sociologically speaking, fasting is an expression of solidarity with the poor. It is manifested through the concept of charity, neighbourhood and hospitality. Fasting should make one remember the hunger and starvation of the poor and develop empathy for the deprived people. It is an opportunity to experience hunger so that people will understand the pain of the hungry and will go forward to help them. Ramadhan fasting is also an exercise in self-discipline. For those who are chain smokers or who nibble food constantly, or drink coffee every hour, it is a good way to break the habit.
The fasting during the month of Ramadhan helps curb the animalistic tendencies originating from the stomach, in full. It is an effective tool for sobering of a mind and reconstruction of our spiritual faculties.
One of the greatest advantages of fasting is that “Its true observance is expected toinculcate in a person a habit of speaking the truth”.The Prophet ﷺ said: “Say what is True, although it may be bitter or displeasing to people.”If a person speaks the truth, practices the concept of hospitality and neighbourhood and gives charity as prescribed, he/she will not only become an ideal human being, but will certainly be also entitled for God’s blessings and protection which all of us so desperately need in these turbulent times.
[Prof. Aslam is Former Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU, New Delhi. He is a Member of the Collegium of Eminent Social Scientists constituted by the ICSSR; Fellow EDI of the World Bank;Distinguished Fellow, AGRASRI, Tirupati, A.P. He can be reached at [email protected]]