Article from 'The Hindu' Islam and the Holy month of Ramazan

[Guest guest]

Namaste:

 

This well written article provides insights on the reason for the

fasting observed during the month of Ramazan. Sankara's advaita

empahsizes the importance of removing our ignorance and here is an

opportunity for us to learn about Islam and the teachings of Quron.

 

regards,

 

Ram Chandran

 

 

Date:07/11/2002 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2002/11/07/stories/2002110700490900.htm

 

Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Holy month of Ramazan

 

CHENNAI NOV. 7. Islam is a religion, which cares for human

relationships and shares the sufferings of fellow beings. This is

evident also from the fact that after entering into its fold through

Kalima-e-Tayyiba, among the four fundamental tenets of Islam, two —

Fasting and Zakath — are dedicated to and concerned with the mankind.

Fasting is obligatory in the month of Ramazan, which draws its

holiness from the fact that the Holy Book of Quran — a source of

guide to the mankind — was descended on earth from Heaven in this

month through the Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon Him), the last

Prophet of Islam, from Allah, the Almighty. Fasting teaches not only

self-control over passions for evil desires, but also makes feel the

intensity of the hardship of the deprived for daily basic needs of

living. It develops sympathy for those, who are not able to meet

their two square meals.

 

Care for fellow beings is emphasised in the Holy Quran, which says

umpteen times "Establish Salath and pay out Zakath". One act is to

declare the superiority of the Almighty and another is to take care

of the people created by the Almighty. Rights of God and the rights

of the people must go together alongside. Quarrelling, backbiting,

telling lies are strictly prohibited during fasting, which deeply

hurt the feelings of the affected people. Though on other days too,

these evil practices are forbidden for any Muslim, fasting provides a

mode of training to eschew such evil habits. Fasting also promotes

the passion for patience, humbleness and sense of submission to the

Creator. Additional prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran and the

regular prayers are rewarded manifold. Care for the poor relatives,

neighbours and other deprived people are also ordained upon the haves

in the form of Zakath.

 

A small portion of wealth, left accumulated in the previous year, is

to be distributed among the deserving people, thus creating a sense

of gratitude among the rich and sense of gratefulness among the under-

privileged towards the Almighty. All those who have performed their

spiritual duties towards the Creator and the created in this month

and have accomplished the mission ordained upon them, have got every

right to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, as a day of successful culmination,

but of course, not before paying Fitra, another obligatory gesture of

kindness towards the poor.

 

K. Malikul Azeez,

 

Chennai.

 

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