A month of renewal and understanding real freedom
ALHAMDULILLAH. It is the time of the year when Muslims the world over prepare for the start this week of the holy month of Ramadan, of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual purification.
Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, more than 1,400 years ago. Throughout the month, observing Muslims fast before dawn right up to the start of dusk.
The markers are the fajr and maghrib prayers; the former a starting point while the latter is when the daily fast ends. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the profession of shahadah (Muslim declaration of faith), daily prayers, zakat (paying of alms) and performing the haj (pilgrimage) to Makkah if one is physically and financially capable.
Fasting is not merely physical abstention from food, drink and sexual intimacy. The intention behind such an act is to achieve taqwa, or consciousness of God. Although the guidelines behind fasting might be different, the aforementioned traditions highlight a common need to remove oneself from physical desires, so as to be closer to the Divine.
We have heard that fasting teaches us to understand what the poor go through on a daily basis. This is true, but it is not the only reason behind a willing abstention from physical pleasures.
As mentioned, the primary objective of fasting is for us to achieve taqwa. The remembrance of God acts as a catalyst to our cognisance of thoughts and actions. This state enables us to conduct ourselves with a greater sense of humility and sincerity.
Fasting also facilitates the process of being free. In our modern world, much has been made about the concept of freedom and how it ought to be upheld at both the individual and societal level.
However, the freedom that is touched upon here is of a much deeper resonance in that we learn to establish freedom against our own desires. Fasting teaches us that we are capable of resisting temptation and removing ourselves from inane chatter.
Although we might take it for granted, the guarding of one’s tongue is almost a herculean task. How often do we speak of others in a negative light, justifying such actions as normal gossip? How often do we inflate our egos by speaking of our achievements?
Ramadan is the time when we can take a step back, and say “I am in control of myself and my actions!” In terms of speech or lisan, we have to first ask ourselves if what we intend to say is true.
The veracity of such claims leads us to the second point: is it necessary? In understanding necessity, we ought to reflect if our words will benefit others, or cause harm.
In Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart ,a translation of Imam Al-Mawlud’s Matharat Al-Qulub by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, freedom is thought to be achieved when one realises the qualities of shame and humility, and empties him or herself from their opposites (shamelessness and arrogance).
Freedom has real meaning, for example, when temptation arises and one remains God-fearing, steadfast and in control of one’s actions.
This holds true even when the temptation produces flickers of desire in a person, who refrains from indulging in it.
Imam Mawlud added that there is no salvation “like the heart’s salvation given that all the limbs respond to its desires”.
If one’s heart is safe, then his or her limbs are safe too, for the limbs carry out deeds galvanised by the heart. On the contrary, the limbs of the corrupt become instruments through which corruption is spread.
At its most fundamental, fasting helps us attain a sound heart (though the process takes years, if not a lifetime).
In writing this, I am advising myself first and foremost. It is hoped that this Ramadan will open our hearts to carry out good deeds, as well as clear our minds from the hullabaloo of the 9 to 5.
Everything that is good comes from God Almighty, while all errors, flaws and mistakes are of my own doing. It would be wise to remember that we are all in this together.