Ramadan fast goes beyond abstinence
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- Category: Philosofaith
- Written by M. U. Ndagi
- Hits: 843
As we progress in the observance of this year’s Ramadan fast, it is pertinent to remind ourselves of those things we need to refrain from in order to get closer to Allah (SWT). Ramadan is a month that should actually create some difference in the life of Muslims. Therefore, the fasting of a Muslim whose Ramadan fast fails to impact positively on his moral life should have a big question mark.
Ramadan fast is a unique pillar of Islam that occupies a special position (among other pillars) in the sight of Allah (SWT). Abu Hurayrah (RA) relates from the Prophet (SAW) that Allah (SWT) said, “Every act of worship (Ibadah) observed by man (Ibn Adam) is for his own advantage except fasting which is for me and I alone give the reward for it”. Similarly, Abu Hurayrah (RA) relates that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever observes the Ramadan fast faithfully and sincerely in anticipation of the reward (promised by Allah) shall be forgiven all his past sins”. Further on the significance of fasting, all the six authentic collectors of hadith report on the authority of Sahl bn Sa’di that the Prophet (SAW) said, “There is an entrance in Heaven called Rayyan; it is exclusively reserved for those who remain diligent in the observance of their fast. The door will be closed as soon as they pass through it and no one else will be allowed, after them, to enter (Heaven) through it”.
If Allah, the Most High, would accord such an exceptional recognition to fasting (sawm) by taking it upon His exalted Self to personally reward believing men and women for their fast, leaving other acts of ibadah including prayer (salat), poor rate (zakkat), and pilgrimage (hajj) for the angels to reward accordingly, it only indicates how negligent and thoughtless one would appear for refusing to give fasting the necessary reverence and attention it deserves. Accordingly, all that Allah (SWT) has promised His devoted servants, of Heaven and of exclusive entrance in to it, is only for those who observe their fast in the most virtuous manner by safeguarding it from anything (of words and actions) that could undermine the essence and quality of the fast.
There are many things that, though, may be considered trivial, but yet, have consequential effects upon the quality of our fast. Of course, fasting goes beyond physical abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking and conjugal relationships throughout the daytime of Ramadan. A believer, while fasting, is expected to keep all the sensory organs of his body under the strict surveillance of a mind that is alert, cautious and vigilant so that his eyes, ears, nose, tongue, hands and legs would not fall in to the delicate traps set by the devil (Satan) to undermine or destroy the purity and worth of his Ramadan fast.
It is against the background of preserving the integrity of their fast that believers are advised to refrain from telling lies, gossiping, defaming or satirizing others, and from uttering any such offensive statements. Apparently, the fast of any believer who indulges in these profane deeds shall be without reward. The person may have only succeeded in starving himself of food and drink but gains nothing of reward from Allah (SWT) because the Prophet (SAW) had said, “Allah has no need in the fasting of those who do not stop telling lies”. It is therefore virtuous that we speak and talk less in Ramadan unless we are sure that what we are going to say would be good. We are enjoined by the sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) to say “I am fasting”, if anyone should abuse, defame or satirize us. We must not in reaction to such indulge in same. After all, the Prophet (SAW) as related by Abu Hurayrah (RA) mentioned in the fifteenth hadith of Annawawi’s collection of forty traditions that “whoever believes in Allah and the last day should either speak well or remain silent…”
Another area that requires vigilance with a view to safeguarding our Ramadan fast is the watching of programmes on television channels especially the cable or satellite channels some of which may not completely be devoid of obscene pictures that are likely to jeopardize the quality of our fast. We therefore advise Muslims to be selective in the programmes they watch on television channels. This demands that they should know the particular time programmes of religious advantage are presented by specific stations so that they can confidently tune to them for the spiritual benefits they provide.
Ramadan is a virtuous month during which all forms of unrighteousness must be avoided. We must restrain ourselves from very heated debates or unnecessary arguments. The unfortunate political state of the nation occasioned by incompetent and inexperience leadership has turned many Nigerians into political analysts. For now and for the benefit of the sacred period we are in, let us refrain from such argumentative sessions especially of the kinds that take place in the corridors of political science departments in the Universities and motor-parks which in many cases are not without the use of vituperative or abusive language. Let us, instead, devote our time to true and sincere worship of our creator, Allah (SWT). It is important for those of us, particularly the youth, who spend so much time on the internet to consider reducing the number of hours spent on face book, twitter and other social networks on the internet. We are in a holy month which requires us to be holy in our words, thoughts and actions. Let us allow the recitation of the holy Qur’an to take the place of face book in our lives, at least, during this sacred month of Ramadan.
In the piece that featured in this column last week, we observed that the rains have been irregular for sometimes and thus asked readers to pray to Allah (SWT) for rains. Glory be to Allah (SWT) for listening and accepting our prayers for rain in the past one week. We urge us to continue throughout this period of Ramadan to repent from our sins and ask Allah to grant us a season that is blessed with bumper harvest. May Allah (SWT) accept our fast and other forms of worship in this holy month of Ramadan, amin.
Articles
Ramadan fast goes beyond abstinence
Category: Philosofaith Written by M. U. Ndagi Hits: 843
As we progress in the observance of this year’s Ramadan fast, it is pertinent to remind ourselves of those things we need to refrain from in order to get closer to Allah (SWT). Ramadan is a month that should actually create some difference in the life of Muslims. Therefore, the fasting of a Muslim whose Ramadan fast fails to impact positively on his moral life should have a big question mark.
Ramadan fast is a unique pillar of Islam that occupies a special position (among other pillars) in the sight of Allah (SWT). Abu Hurayrah (RA) relates from the Prophet (SAW) that Allah (SWT) said, “Every act of worship (Ibadah) observed by man (Ibn Adam) is for his own advantage except fasting which is for me and I alone give the reward for it”. Similarly, Abu Hurayrah (RA) relates that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever observes the Ramadan fast faithfully and sincerely in anticipation of the reward (promised by Allah) shall be forgiven all his past sins”. Further on the significance of fasting, all the six authentic collectors of hadith report on the authority of Sahl bn Sa’di that the Prophet (SAW) said, “There is an entrance in Heaven called Rayyan; it is exclusively reserved for those who remain diligent in the observance of their fast. The door will be closed as soon as they pass through it and no one else will be allowed, after them, to enter (Heaven) through it”.
If Allah, the Most High, would accord such an exceptional recognition to fasting (sawm) by taking it upon His exalted Self to personally reward believing men and women for their fast, leaving other acts of ibadah including prayer (salat), poor rate (zakkat), and pilgrimage (hajj) for the angels to reward accordingly, it only indicates how negligent and thoughtless one would appear for refusing to give fasting the necessary reverence and attention it deserves. Accordingly, all that Allah (SWT) has promised His devoted servants, of Heaven and of exclusive entrance in to it, is only for those who observe their fast in the most virtuous manner by safeguarding it from anything (of words and actions) that could undermine the essence and quality of the fast.
There are many things that, though, may be considered trivial, but yet, have consequential effects upon the quality of our fast. Of course, fasting goes beyond physical abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking and conjugal relationships throughout the daytime of Ramadan. A believer, while fasting, is expected to keep all the sensory organs of his body under the strict surveillance of a mind that is alert, cautious and vigilant so that his eyes, ears, nose, tongue, hands and legs would not fall in to the delicate traps set by the devil (Satan) to undermine or destroy the purity and worth of his Ramadan fast.
It is against the background of preserving the integrity of their fast that believers are advised to refrain from telling lies, gossiping, defaming or satirizing others, and from uttering any such offensive statements. Apparently, the fast of any believer who indulges in these profane deeds shall be without reward. The person may have only succeeded in starving himself of food and drink but gains nothing of reward from Allah (SWT) because the Prophet (SAW) had said, “Allah has no need in the fasting of those who do not stop telling lies”. It is therefore virtuous that we speak and talk less in Ramadan unless we are sure that what we are going to say would be good. We are enjoined by the sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) to say “I am fasting”, if anyone should abuse, defame or satirize us. We must not in reaction to such indulge in same. After all, the Prophet (SAW) as related by Abu Hurayrah (RA) mentioned in the fifteenth hadith of Annawawi’s collection of forty traditions that “whoever believes in Allah and the last day should either speak well or remain silent…”
Another area that requires vigilance with a view to safeguarding our Ramadan fast is the watching of programmes on television channels especially the cable or satellite channels some of which may not completely be devoid of obscene pictures that are likely to jeopardize the quality of our fast. We therefore advise Muslims to be selective in the programmes they watch on television channels. This demands that they should know the particular time programmes of religious advantage are presented by specific stations so that they can confidently tune to them for the spiritual benefits they provide.
Ramadan is a virtuous month during which all forms of unrighteousness must be avoided. We must restrain ourselves from very heated debates or unnecessary arguments. The unfortunate political state of the nation occasioned by incompetent and inexperience leadership has turned many Nigerians into political analysts. For now and for the benefit of the sacred period we are in, let us refrain from such argumentative sessions especially of the kinds that take place in the corridors of political science departments in the Universities and motor-parks which in many cases are not without the use of vituperative or abusive language. Let us, instead, devote our time to true and sincere worship of our creator, Allah (SWT). It is important for those of us, particularly the youth, who spend so much time on the internet to consider reducing the number of hours spent on face book, twitter and other social networks on the internet. We are in a holy month which requires us to be holy in our words, thoughts and actions. Let us allow the recitation of the holy Qur’an to take the place of face book in our lives, at least, during this sacred month of Ramadan.
In the piece that featured in this column last week, we observed that the rains have been irregular for sometimes and thus asked readers to pray to Allah (SWT) for rains. Glory be to Allah (SWT) for listening and accepting our prayers for rain in the past one week. We urge us to continue throughout this period of Ramadan to repent from our sins and ask Allah to grant us a season that is blessed with bumper harvest. May Allah (SWT) accept our fast and other forms of worship in this holy month of Ramadan, amin.