Ramadan also helps you to develop a good personality inwardly and outwardly. The religious activities including the consciously discharged iba'dah (worships), the personal meditation and reflection on the Qur'an, the discreet charitable deeds, the deliberate abandonment of sins, the purposeful aspiration to be better, all combined to change you from within (internally). This is an important condition for reformation. Allah says: “…Verily, God does not change men's condition unless they change their inner selves…” Qur'an 13 verse 11
In addition, the genuine way you related with people, the sincere offers you made to others and the kind gestures you received without ill-thoughts, all these encouraged by Ramadan, help to strengthen social bond within the community. The selflessness is highlighted and encouraged and the show-off and selfishness are discouraged and minimised.
A polished manner and a truthful nature are results of a successful Ramadan experience. “Fasting is not merely giving up food and drink, but abstaining from ignorant and indecent speeches…” (Haakim) It is stated that the Rasul (peace be upon him) also said, “Whosoever does not give up falsehood in words and action, then Allah has no need for his giving up foods and drinks.” (Bukhari). Those who are not transformed by Ramadan are obviously losers. The Rasul said of such, “It may be that a fasting person receives nothing from his fast but hunger and thirst.” (Ibn Majah)
Another benefit of this month is ‘patience.’ Over a period of a month your patience is tested severally. Combined with determination and strong will, patience sees you through the many difficult experiences of Ramadan. Patience quietens the hostility; cools the temper and curbs the tongue. Patience halts the gratification of instant personal desires in exchange for an aspiration for a more fulfilling long term goal.
Patience is synonymous with the month of Ramadan, hence the blessed Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The Month of Patience and the three days of every month are times for fasting.” (Ahmad & Nasa’i) “The meaning of ‘the Month of Patience’ is the month of Ramadan. …Fasting is called patience because it restrains the soul from eating, drinking, conjugal relations and desires” as explained by Al-Hafidh Ibn Abdul-Barr (d.464AH) in the book At-Tamhid.
Patience is to bear or tolerate; it is to accept and persevere; to condone or excuse. Patience under pressure is ensuring calmness even in difficult circumstances. Patience is to be able to accept Allah’s Will, Tests and Trials. Patience to endure injustice and abuse, even oppression particularly from the position of weakness (as the Prophet experienced in Makkah for 13 years until Allah opened for him the door of Hijrah).
Such patience combined with prayers and spiced with tawakkul (trusting in Allah) is a recipe for Allah’s support. “Seek (Allah's) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit.” Qur'an 2 verse 45 (also verse 153) The month of Ramadan is for patience at obedience and in character keeping in mind that “…Victory comes with Patience; relief with affliction and ease with hardship.” (Ahmad & Tabarani)
Allahu Akbar
ReplyDeleteMany of us are enjoying reading these articles jazak'Allahu khairan -you should print a book of these Ramadhan pearls of wisdom as they are timeless and something people can always reach out to and read. I'd treasure this on my bookshelf.
One of the names of Allah SWT is As-Sabur - the Most Patient. Who can even grasp the patience of the Most Mighty Allah SWT? Living in this day and age, especially in the modern world we have been indoctrinated not to be patient. To have everything instant - instant answers, instant google, food, internet, satisfaction etc. It is contrary to the way of Allah SWT and His commands. Such things impact on our behaviours and mentality in ways we may not know hence we get impatient when we have trials and do not appreciate somethings are for our good.
Indeed our best source of help is in sabr and salaah.
Jummah Kareem.
Swordsmen: Thanks for your regular additional comments as well as for your consistency. Its really appreciated.
ReplyDeleteMay Allah make our paths easy for us all, Amin.