SPIRITUAL TRAINING DURING RAMADAN
Ramadan is a month of supplication, contemplation, sympathy and training in humility. How does fasting lead us towards these virtues?
Fasting, by its very nature, is an act of patience. Patience and forbearance are what lead a person to the state of the heart which enables him to experience the feeling of nearness to God. It is only then that words worthy of divine acceptance come to one’s lips. Patience is the ground on which the blessed tree of supplication or dua is grown. It is not just a verbal act. In its essence, it is an act of the heart.
This shows the relation between fasting and supplication. Fasting increases the spiritual capability of a man’s heart and when this capability increases, the words which ensue are genuine, heartfelt and more precious. Real fasting is that which induces real dua.
During Ramadan, a dramatic change comes over the believers. They are seen sitting inside mosques, reciting the Quran, immersed in prayer and in remembrance of God. They become more detached and contemplative. This detachment and staying away from distractions create a good environment for moral rectification. It paves the way for introspection and self-correction.
Humility refers to man acknowledging his helplessness vis-à-vis God’s greatness. The feeling of helplessness is not simply a feeling but rather the greatest motivational force in the life of a person. It relates to God, but when this feeling is produced in man in the real sense, it finds expression in human relations. One who becomes truly modest before God finds this same spirit making him modest before human beings.
The height of spirituality is a person’s realization of his own helplessness and the supreme power of God. The biggest obstacle to a person’s spiritual growth is his own ego and false pride which lead to his being distanced from God. The sole concern of a spiritually pure person is earning God’s pleasure.
According to a tradition, the Prophet Muhammad observed: “The month of fasting is the month of compassion.” (Shu’abul Iman by Al-Bayhaqi, Hadith No. 3608) This explains that fasting teaches sympathy that is to teach man what the basic human requirements are. It makes him aware of hunger and thirst. This understanding makes him aware of the difficulties of his fellow beings and inculcates in him a sense of sympathy thereby making him share his bounties with those who are in need. This sharing will not just be in the form of giving away a portion of what he has but in being sensitive towards safeguarding himself from usurping others’ rightful share directly or indirectly and in the conservation of natural resources.
Ramadan is thus a process of spiritual rejuvenation of a believer. He can look forward to applying the lessons learnt during Ramadan to everyday life. A person who fasts in the true spirit can count on drawing upon the reservoir of fortitude that he has built up and on the power of supplication. He responds with patience and gratefulness, humility and sympathy towards his fellow beings when he is faced with challenging situations.
