Ramadan’s ennobling spirit benefits us all

It is a time for renewing faith and purifying the heart and soul in one’s quest to be a better individual

Ramadan is here and its ennobling spirit enables millions around the world to enter the hallowed space filled with selfreflection, generosity, humility, empathy and gratitude. The holy month is a deeply spiritual experience that reiterates the virtues that enable a Muslim to be fully cognizant of his duties and responsibilities towards himself and others. It is a time for renewing faith and purifying the heart and soul in one’s journey towards becoming a better individual.

The discipline of fasting during Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam, is meant to make oneself humble, help increase one’s moral discipline as well as serve as a reminder of the plight of those who are less fortunate and in the observation of this discipline, Ramadan serves to enlighten and inform even those who are not Muslims to its deeply edifying essence. Beyond the larger lessons that this period provides, there are also nuanced aspects that Ramadan emphasises such as sobriety of manner, gentleness of thought and action and compassion-driven outreach at all times that can be carried out in the way one works, behaves and interacts.

For Muslims as well as non-Muslims, these are enduring virtues to follow as every aspect of behaviour at work, home or in a collective context is modulated by this spirit of sharing, caring and a prayerful disposition. The discipline of looking after one’s health, having proper eating habits, not abandoning the exercise routine at the physical level are also important aspects to aspire for.

Together, these practices during Ramadan lead to an enriched and heightened awareness that offers the highest clarity to an individual’s overall perspective on life.