The True Essence of Ramadan

[ummtaalib]

Many of us see Ramadan as an opportunity to gain some extra reward by fasting, reciting more Qur’an and offering night prayers in the form of tahajjud salat. But Ramadan holds a much deeper significance transcending mere rituals.  Allah Most High tells us:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ  O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may adopt taqwa. (Quran 2:183)

Here lies the key to understanding the true essence of Ramadan. Taqwa, often simplified to 'fear of Allah,' is a concept that encompasses far more than trepidation. It serves as the cornerstone of our faith, embodying self-discipline, heightened spiritual awareness, and profound reflection. But what does it truly mean to embody taqwa? In essence, taqwa is to carefully guard oneself against anything in speech or action that may lead to displeasure or punishment from Allah. It encompasses not only avoiding major sins but also steering clear of the 'grey' areas that may compromise or jeopardise our relationship with the Divine. It's about navigating the path of Shari'ah with caution, always choosing the safer option in matters of the Deen. Taqwa calls for a conscientious effort in every action and word, ensuring they align with the principles of righteousness and piety while fostering a deep awareness of Allah's presence in every moment of our lives. Now, how does Ramadan serve as a catalyst for attaining taqwa?  Firstly, by abstaining from permissible acts (eating, drinking and sexual intimacy) during the fasting window, we are able to take control of our nafs and desires. This rigorous training of abstinence for one month of the year not only builds our willpower but also bolsters our resilience against temptations, instilling within us the discipline necessary to resist the impermissible throughout the rest of the year. Willpower is like a muscle, the more you exercise it, the stronger and easier it becomes. Furthermore, Ramadan facilitates a profound realisation of our inherent weaknesses. As we experience hunger and thirst for just a few hours of the day, we become lethargic and cranky, humbling us before Allah the Supreme Power, the greatest, transcendent above any weaknesses. We realise our dependance on Allah and foster gratitude for the countless blessings He bestows on us without even being deserving of them. The happiness we experience while drinking a glass of water during iftar is incomparable to any other time of the year when we mindlessly quench our thirst. Through these spiritual exercises, Ramadan becomes a transformative journey towards eternal success by nurturing the essence of taqwa in our hearts and actions.

وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ  Be mindful of Allah so you may be successful. (Qur’an 2:189) فَمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ Those who are mindful of Allah and correct themselves will have no fear, nor will they grieve. (Qur’an 7:35)

May this Ramadan be a source of immense blessings and spiritual growth for us all. whitetreadpress