Fasting in Ramadan, like other religious practices in Islam, is an occasion for pursuing moral excellence, that can also be translated into excellence in social organization and interaction.

Ramadan is the holy month, when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet (Pbuh). It is a time when whatever good we do, we are given much reward for our efforts.

As Ramadan helps us to develop our moral discipline, it also reminds us of the plight of those who live in constant hunger and deprivation. We are reminded time and again by the revealed book that religiosity is meaningless and pointless if it does not lead people to care and share: “Have you seen one who belies judgment; it is the one who repulses the orphan, and does not insist on feeding the needy. So woe to those who pray, but are neglectful of their prayers. Those who are guilty of duplicity and refuse to provide for the ones in need.” (Qur’an 107:1-7).

Fasting in Ramadan, like other religious practices in Islam, is an occasion for pursuing moral excellence that can also be translated into excellence in social organization and interaction.

The essence of fasting in Ramadan and its goal is summed up in the Qur’an in one word: “Taqwa”. “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may attain Taqwa.” (2:183).

Taqwa’s meaning is fear, clinging to obedience to Allah and abandoning disobedience to Him. It is the sum of all good. Taqwa is incomplete unless one takes care of those who need our help.

Even if many Muslims do not do volunteer work throughout the year, they just start in Ramadan. They might find that it becomes a habit - a good habit and something that will continue throughout the coming year. Surely, they have the chance in Ramadan to create good habits for themselves.

Nasreen Farooque, house wife, intends to befriend an old lonely relative so that she can help them in Ramadan. She plans to allocate some time to do this activity. Why old lonely relatives? “Because they are the most vulnerable and deserve some attention”, said Nasreen.

Dr Safi Baig, a general practitioner makes it a point to visit orphanages every Ramadan and provide free medical check up to them. “Every Ramadan I visit orphanages and devote two hours everyday. I, along with my colleagues also visit slums and offer our services totally free”, said Dr Safi.

Rehman Noor, a Java programmer, and afflicted with polio from childhood makes it a point to serve and offer something to the handicapped people. “Just talking to them and giving them some attention is really appreciated. This is something that Allah loves. I teach them basic skills so that they also become self-reliant”, said, Rehman.

Every year, couple of days before Ramadan, Rehman, arranges to take disabled people on a trip so that the knowledge about Ramadan in particular and Islam in general can be imparted to them.

During Ramadan, Rehman also does something for blind people. He helps them by writing their books and also helps them record their books with his voice so that it will be a reminder for them always.

Amin Patel, human resource manager with a multinational company spends substantial time in Ramadan with non-Muslims explaining to them the significance of Ramadan. Amin Patel believes that doing good deeds and helping others are common values to people all over the world. “People usually respect those who try to develop themselves spiritually and become more kind and wise. Such behavior and characteristics are the outcome of a successful Ramadan” he said. “If we approach non-Muslim people with these ideas, I think, Inshallah, they will understand the beauty of this month. Remind them of the words of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) who said that the most beloved people to Allah are those who are helpful.

We all like to be thanked and acknowledged for the good we try to do, but to seek that praise means our intentions are not sincere for Allah. First, we have to work on purifying our hearts, then learn about the things Allah wants us to do. It is so important to be kind, generous, helpful and to reach out to the orphan, the needy, the lonely, the sick, these are actions that are most often overlooked by people and hence the reward for doing them.

Ramadan is different than any other month because of the mercy of Allah and that people are all busy in worship and they come closer to each other through breaking their fast together and praying together. This contact should help us to know each other and each other’s needs, so we can try to help.

It is also easier in Ramadan to do good work because the Shaytaan and his helpers are imprisoned, so all we have to deal with is our own desires. May Allah grant us the ability to overcome our weaknesses and to use our abilities to spread goodness and joy wherever we are in the world.

(The writer can be reached at mhl@rediffmail.com)

Muslim Perspective - Ramadan