adminAnwar Khan
RAMADAN refers to the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and lasts for 30 days. Ramadan means to burn all sins and make sincere repentance through fasting from sunrise to sunset. A science of inner spiritual development, Muslims are obligated to abstain from eating, drinking and physical intimacy between sunrise and sunset. Fasting inculcates patience, humility and spiritual cleansing of body, mind and soul.
It teaches one to feel the pangs of the hunger experienced by the poor and destitute and encourages giving out to charity in all forms cash or kind.
It was during the month of Ramadan that the first verse of the Holy Quran, the holy book was revealed to the final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (P. b.u.h) via the mediation of Arch Angel Gabriel (Peace be upon him) in the Cave of Hira while in meditation.
The cave is situated a few miles away from the holy Kaabah in Saudi Arabia.
During these nights of Ramadan, Muslims also attend the night prayer where the holy Quraan is recited in mosques all over the world until completion within the 30 days.
Regarded as the most blessed month, any good deeds done or charity given are rewarded by multiple folds.
To provide a fasting person with just one date or a glass of milk can gain the reward of paradise.
God forgives those who give their fasting workers and servants less work as well.
To show kindness is a blessing.
The 30 days of fasting, controlling our five senses remembering our Creator should be a kick-start for the rest of the year.
We should continue by controlling our eyes from watching evil, our tongues from lying, slandering and back-biting, our hands and feet from going astray, our mind from evil thoughts and whisperings and our hearts from hypocrisy.
The benefit of fasting also cures a range of illnesses, a training ground to become healthy, cleansing the body and mind. It enhances the feeling of peace and contentment.
The abstinence of lawful appetites’ leads one to appreciate the bounties of Almighty God, which are usually taken for granted throughout the year.
I take this opportunity to wish all the Muslims to have a wonderful Eid Celebration that ends this weekend.
The writer is the vice-chairman of Wildlife Manicaland Zimbabwe
Online Reporter