THE MONTH OF SHARING, CARING AND GOOD DEEDS
As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, let us get the blessings from the Almighty Allah and spread the message of giving and sharing. “Ramadan to me is a month to practice and strengthen the art of submission towards the Almighty Allah,” says Mohammed Junaid, a resident of Oman.
“The spiritual strength obtained during this month must continue throughout the year. The days and nights of this month should be devoted and pledged only towards spiritual activities, and we must ask for forgiveness for any unwanted and unacceptable deeds that we have knowingly or unknowingly indulged in.
“Ramadan is a month to brush off the rust, if at all it has covered up the glitter of spirituality and the human values and morality of our mind, body and soul,” he added.
Highlighting the significance of the Holy Month, Mohammed Mirza says: “The month derives its name from the root ‘Ramdh’, which has several meanings, all of which go in line with the spiritual benefits and the functionality of this month. Ramdh, according to the scholars means ‘burning agent.
“The connotative meanings derived by them say that this is the month that burns out all of the sinful deeds, if they fast obeying all the rules and fulfilling all demands. This is one of the most authentic meanings of Ramadan.”
Living the right way
Another resident, Sabia Khan, shares similar thoughts on the Holy Month.
“Ramadan is a month of blessings. The Holy Month comes to us so that we can fast. Fasting doesn’t just mean remaining hungry only. It is the month of good deeds, giving and spreading love and practising patience and tolerance. It is a month for everyone to receive blessing by living our lives the right way,” she says.
“Ramadan is a time to cleanse our souls,” says David Lawrence. “It is a chance to forgive those people who hurt you and at the same time forgive ourselves for the sins we’ve done. It is a chance to start our lives once again and to live the right way. It is a time to make our beliefs more stronger, as I believe our faith in something should be stronger than anything else.”
Dinesh Shetty adds, “Ramadan according to me means the act of giving. Fasting is a sign of respect and a sign of gratitude to God for giving us everything.
“The act of charity, which is highly predominant in this period is an act of giving. It is a sign of brotherhood and respect. Ramadan shows people how to respect others.”