The month of Ramzan is that in which the Quran was revealed, guidance for mankind, proof of guidance and the criterion of right and wrong. It is the time of fasting for those who are present. It is said that since Allah does not desire hardship for his followers, the follower should complete the period of fasting and magnify Allah for having guided him and be thankful. Allah wanted people to understand the importance of empathy; empathy is to place oneself in another’s shoes. When we get food anytime we want, it is easy to become complacent and forget exactly how lucky we are to have food on our plate and shelter over our heads. The fasting of Ramadan teaches Muslims to be patient, unselfish, and kind; it gives them strength, makes them resilient and brings them together.
It teaches people to be thankful to God for providing them with everything they need as there are others who are not so lucky, that is why we feed the poor, giving them our share of food. Because, we have understood their hunger, their suffering, and their hearts to better understand ours. Besides we keep putting toxins in our body all year by eating all that junk food, fasting during the holy month purifies the body of bad things one may have eaten throughout the year. Going one step further, it is even said to purify our souls.
But where in the Quran is it mandated that the month of fasting be observed? For that we have to go back to the very beginning, when Prophet Muhammad was spoken to by Allah himself. The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in 610 AD on the occasion known as ‘Laylat al-Qadr’, also known as the ‘Night of Power’. Observance of Ramzan is mandated in the Quran Surah 2 Ayat 185, the month of Ramzan is that in which was revealed the Quran, guidance for the people and clear proof of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights the new moon of the month, let him fast and to honour this first revelation of our Quran by Allah to our prophets we fast. To this day sighting of the moon known as Eid Ka Chand marks the end of Ramzan every year, It is, therefore, a day of feasting and happiness. The festival is called Eid Ul Fitr and the customary greeting during it is Eid Mubarak. A blessed and holy Eid to all!
- Shiv Rajvanshi
