Monday, 27, October, 2003 (01, Ramadhan, 1424)


Capturing the True Spirit of Ramadan
Khaled Al-Maeena —


Today is the first of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the month in which Allah “sent down the Criterion to His
servant, that it might be an admonition to all worlds”. Allah said, “When
My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them); I respond
to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me; let them also, with
a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me; that they may walk in the
right way.”

I hope and pray that this Ramadan will be a time when He responds to our
prayers and we listen to His call.

“Oh ye who believe, fasting is prescribed to you just as it was prescribed
to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint. (Fasting) for a
fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the
prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do
it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But
he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better for him and it
is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.

“Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an as a guide to
mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and
wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month
should spend it in fasting. But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the
prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every
facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants
you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has
guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.”

These Qur’anic verses (Surah Al-Baqarah: 183-185) refer to the importance
of Ramadan and emphasize the spiritual aspects of fasting — a month devoted
to worship, but not one in which the believer renounces the world or runs
away from his responsibilities. He abstains from food and drink for a
limited period. The stress is on self-discipline.

Fasting is not meant to punish the body but to strengthen the mind,
directing it to higher things. Scientists agree that machines require a
rest period due to “metal fatigue”. Allah created us and knows that we are
weak in body and spirit; we are in need of occasions to boost and
revitalize our weak iman (faith) so that we may adhere to the commands of
Allah in the way shown to us by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

During Ramadan, mosques are full of worshipers, and acts of charity
increase, ties of brotherhood are strengthened, tempers are controlled and
an atmosphere of peace prevails. According to psychologists, these are
several of the beneficial aspects of conscientious fasting.

We should also resolve to be steadfast in the good habits acquired during
the holy month of fasting. Let us all once again pledge to follow the
example of the Prophet, who was the most active during the month of fasting.

It is saddening to see that many people view Ramadan as a time for sleep,
laziness and, therefore, of decreased productivity. If you go to an office
and ask for someone, you are often told to come back later or the next day.
If someone loses his temper, you are told he is edgy because he is fasting.

Many of us forget that fasting itself is an exercise in discipline. It is a
total act of worship. You cannot fast and at the same time cause trouble to
others. This is what we must realize.

Employees who deal with the public should know that this is not a month to
delay matters that are important to other people’s lives and interests.
Students should realize, or be told by their parents, that this is a great
month to read about religion and to understand it. They should not spend
the day sleeping or sitting around and the night watching television,
strolling in shopping malls or driving aimlessly about the city.

I think it is high time that the media as well as the family emphasized
that Ramadan is a month of worship and active work, and that by adjusting
our lifestyles properly we can do both and also be more productive. The
turning away from Islamic precepts and teachings has brought a host of
problems for us. And turning night into day defeats the whole purpose of
the fast.

Indeed, the month of Ramadan should be used to reflect and to question
whether we Muslims are really on the true path. An honest answer will show
how far we are from the teachings of Islam.

Muslims should be bold enough to admit that they have created many of their
problems themselves. To admit this is the first step toward solving the
problems facing the Muslim Ummah. We, as Muslims, are obliged to follow the
teachings of the Qur’an and the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The only
solution to our present difficulties is to read, understand and follow the
teachings of the Qur’an in its proper perspective. If we do that, we will
realize that those of us who see dark conspiracies behind our ills are way
off the mark.

The Qur’an says: “Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people
until they change it themselves.” Others do not hatch the conspiracy that
is destroying us; it is we ourselves who do that. Or it is a conspiracy of
inaction.

So let us put an end to this habit of blaming others for our shortcomings
and inertia. Our enemies, real and imagined, can harm us only to the extent
we remain lacking in initiative and outmoded in our thinking and way of
doing things. What is needed is some soul-searching and a readiness to
think and act differently.

Let us also remember, on this day and in all the days ahead, that our faith
demands that our concerns go beyond our own selves and families to our
brethren in faith and brothers in humanity.

In a world that has become a global village with a free market and a free
economy, an increasing number of people are falling victim to wars, hunger,
incurable diseases, internal strife, and genocide and human rights abuses.

Yesterday’s rocket attack on Baghdad’s Rashid hotel shows the near
anarchical situation prevailing in Iraq. Afghanistan is far from at peace
with itself, though things may appear calm on the surface. Palestine is
going through one of the worst crises in its tragic history. Palestinians
are still denied the basic dignity that is the right of all human beings.
Chechnya remains in turmoil. Let us hope that the recent elections will
lead to peace and security for the Chechens. The rising tension in the
Indian Subcontinent should concern the whole world because the rivals,
India and Pakistan, are now armed with nuclear weapons. Let us pray for
peace and security for the whole world.

Our heart goes out to all those who suffer on account of their faith,
occupation or simply because they find themselves on the wrong side of a
border or are pawns in a game played by big powers for geopolitical
objectives.

Let the families of those who lost their near and dear ones in terrorist
attacks in the US, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Bali and elsewhere have the
fortitude to bear their suffering with dignity. But it is not enough to
pray for the victims of terrorist fury. We should make a determined effort
to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the face of the Earth. Nothing we
do or say should even remotely encourage the purveyors of hatred. We should
teach our children the virtues of tolerance and sympathy to fellow human
beings. Those of us living in affluent countries and affluent societies
should never forget that there are vast numbers of people living in poverty
and without basic amenities of life.

Let us once again pray that this Ramadan all Muslims will make a sincere
effort to come closer together and closer to Allah through fasting,
prayers, zakah and charity. And, through hard work, let us make this a
better world for us and our children. While doing our duty by our fellow
men, our families and our community, let us pray as Abraham and Ismail did,
while raising the foundation of the House (Holy Kaaba): “Our Lord, accept
from us, for Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing; Our Lord, make us
Muslims, bowing to Thy Will.”

If I have only one prayer, it will be to see no children anywhere in the
world with fear in their eyes — the fear of losing their parents, of their
homes being demolished because of man’s inhumanity toward man, and fear of
the unknown.

We know that all major battles in Islamic history were fought and won
during the month of Ramadan. There are still battles to be fought and won —
against poverty, intolerance, prejudice, racism and terror.






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