Ramadhan - A Yearly Reminder

“When you are fasting, abuse not anybody nor quarrel with any; and if any person quarrels with you, turn away from him, saying, ‘I cannot quarrel with you, for I am observing a fast’.” This is the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him). The month of Ramadan has very little to do with the the abstaining of food, and has more to do with a self-realization of what aspects of a Muslim's daily life may be being neglected and need to be further incorporated. There is obviously the fasting from dawn to sunset, which excludes any form of food whatsoever, but there are many other activities which require an individual and collective effort, in the hopes that they will garner the blessings and forgiveness we hope to benefit from individually and as a collective of like-minded people. We are encouraged to refrain from false words, and false actions. We are encouraged to spend as much time in prayer as we can, and the ten days are separated into different Ashras, or different subgroups according to what actions, deeds, and prayers should be carried out during that time.

All throughout Ramadan though, Muslims are encouraged to read as much of the Quran as possible, for this is the month when the Quran was first revealed. The other important aspect of Ramadan is charity. People are encouraged to give even more charity than they normally would during this month, to ease the burden of those less fortunate, and to garner collective blessings on Muslims worldwide. The last ten days are used for Itikaaf, or a secluded worship during which a certain level of asceticism is required- there is to be no talking, minimal eating and sleeping. The main goal of Itikaaf is to be able to witness the Night of Decree. During this night one is sent a message by God in some form, that their prayers have been accepted and they have reached a new level of spirituality and are now expected to live at this higher level at all costs; their supplications and prayers have been accepted, they have been forgiven by God, and they are showered by God's mercy, blessings, and protection. This is the penultimate achievement everyone hopes for, during month of Ramadan.

The Night of Decree can occur more than once in a lifetime, but for most people even once would be a welcome opportunity. After this, one is expected to not revert back to the habits and behaviors that they held before, and by the time they may become lax due to nature or with the passing of time, if they are fortunate, the next Ramadan will happen upon them!