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Ramadan begins with the sighting of the
new moon
The holy Islamic month of Ramadan is upon us once again. It is a month cherished by Muslims and is the one month every year in which fasting is prescribed for all Muslims who are in good health worldwide. Ramadan is significant to Muslims for many reasons, most notably for being the month in which the Holy Qur’an first began to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
But is Ramadan merely a month in which Muslims starve themselves? Is that all they accomplish? What else does a Muslim do during this month? And what (if anything) does a Muslim learn or take away from this month? These are all valid questions that can be posed by those who are not Muslim and also by those Muslims who have not been able to truly grasp the significance of this month in the life of a Muslim.
While Muslims carry on during their normal routine this month, more emphasis and concentration must be put upon intensifying moral and spiritual values. The focus is on becoming a better person and improving on any weaknesses. It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said: “He who abstains from food and drink during the period of the fast but does not restrain himself from uttering a falsehood starves himself to no purpose.” This clearly explains that the point of Ramadan is not merely to stay away from food.
One of the obligations of a Muslim during this month is to make a more concerted effort to help the less privileged members of society. During the month of Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is known to have intensified his own concern for and care of the poor, the needy, the sick and the orphan.
By staying away from all food and drink during the hours of the day, one becomes a target of hunger. And as one feels the pangs of hunger, they begin to understand what it feels like to live everyday in hunger. As a result, one learns through personal experience about what hunger, thirst, poverty and discomfort mean to the less fortunate sections of society. This is meant to inculcate more sympathy towards those who have no choice but to be hungry everyday. The realization that a large number of their fellow beings have to go hungry most of the time is sharpened and there is great eagerness to help them.
In Islam, alms-giving and care for the destitute is so highly emphasized that it becomes part of a Muslim’s daily life. However when it comes to Ramadan, Muslims are required to amplify their efforts in this field. It is so highly emphasized that there is no period during the year that Muslims engage in such philanthropic purposes as they do during the month of Ramadan.
Thus does Islam inculcate a culture of care for those living in poverty and in need of assistance. Islam does not allow this sector of society to be forgotten. It is the obligation of a Muslim to help these people, regardless of their religion. Islam’s true message is love for all people , independent of their religion or social standing. To achieve this true love is to have truly embraced Islam.
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