Fasting in the month of Ramzan has got paramount importance in Islam. Koran descended on earth in the month of Ramzan. The fasting is a purification method to cleanse the inner and outer self of a person. Koran is not a religious text catering to Muslims only, but it addresses th e whole mankind, irrespective of any divide. It primarily appeals to know the Creator.
Not taking food even when a sumptuous menu and drinks are available is about adhering to the words of the creator. Fasting makes one completely conquer the desires and submit to the wishes of the Creator. This is called Taqwa. A man must have compassion and kindness towards others. The month of Ramzan teaches one to share the grief and sorrows of his or her brethren. Besides doing away with food, one must also keep away from loose talk, gossip mongering and bad habits.
The month should be observed in such a manner that it should lift one to the pinnacle of culture. Ramzan also embodies the commemoration of the battle of Badr. The battle of Badr’s message is to fight against the evils in the society. A society can survive only by checking the evils and promoting the good deeds. The fasting month invokes enlightenment to intervene when darkness has a sway over the society and it engulfs all values.
Islam doesn’t speak of a religious ritual which was confined in the four walls of a devotional place. A real devotee must shoulder the other’s burden and play his part in taking the society forward.
(M.I. Abdul Aziz is Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Kerala/ As told to Amiya Meethal)
