Day 1: The Defining Declaration

"Allah does not regard your body and looks, but (He) looks at your hearts." (Muslim)

It is another year and another month of Ramadan. Today (Wednesday August 11, 2010) marks the beginning of Ramadan for Muslims all over the world. It is a spiritual month, but with lots of physical activities. The danger with monotonous physical activity is lacklustre automation. Many have fallen into this trap!

Yet, Ramadan starts with a solemn declaration from the deep core of the heart through a clarification by way of intention to fast not for the mere physical and mechanical rudiments, not for the public show (riya) and entertainment, not for the bandwagon effect (every one is fasting so am I), nor the hypocritical mask (of pretension). This intention also declare that fasting is not for the sake of parents or cultural cum traditional practices, nor is one forced to undertake the act. The fasting person should declare in his heart that this act of fasting which he or she is about to undertake “is intended for Allah alone so that my thoughts, actions, heart and soul can be purified – a return to the natural fitrah” (our uncorrupted conscience or nature).

This is the implication of the “niyyah” (intention). Therefore, "he who does not resolve to fast (by declaring his or her intention) before it is fajr, then there is no fast for him." (Hadith: Abu Dawud).

This declaration of intention addresses “the nature of our being” and focuses on the sincerity of our devotion. It challenges our deep-rooted mis-devotion and our corrupted piety, hence the declaration is convened in the heart and this determines whether or not his actions are appropriate or misappropriated, as the Rasul (peace be upon him) said: "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended." (Hadith: Bukhari)

The site of this declaration is the engine-room of the human anatomy and no one else is privy to this unique activity but Allah and the subconsciousness of the declarer. Thus God says in the Qur'an: "Say: Whether you hide what is in your hearts or reveal it Allah knows it all. He knows what is in the heavens and what is on earth. And Allah has power over all things." (Qur'an 3 verse 29)

Therefore, your actions throughout Ramadan are hinged on the intention you make. Bring this intention to your every action, so that the problem of monotony, of pretence, of hypocrisy, of stone-cold hearts, of ‘Ramadan-Come-Ramadan-Go-You-Remain-Unchanged,’ and the added problem of lack of self-refining conscience, will all become minimised if not eradicated.

The purpose of Ramadan is to re-format your system. Please allow it. Remember, your task is easy because the instructions are simple and straightforward: you have been “…commanded no more than this: to worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in Faith)…" (Qur'an 98 verse 5).”

- Contributed by Shamsideen AbuSuad, UK.