Ramadan is a time of rules and regulations, but they don't dull the fulfillment, joy and benefits of this holiest of months!
It's a time for practicing self-restraint; piety and sobriety with fewer fleshy pleasures than ordinarily enjoyed. Because if you can freely refrain from lawful fun for God's sake, it will be easier for you to turn away from what is unlawful and forbidden.
The Quran prescribes fasting as a teaching tool to learn piety and righteousness. “Fasting provides us with motivation, self-control and firm will to give up bad manners and habits,” said Imam of Al Faruq Masjid Shaikh Mohammed Al Arabi.
Fasting goes beyond self-denial of food and drink. One Muslim scholar described it like this, "I mean his tongue should fast, he should not backbite or lie, for example. His eyes should not look at what Allah obligates as forbidden. His legs should not walk to places where such a person would commit a sin. When a person fasts from dawn to sunset, he/she abstains from food and drink, along with sexual intercourse if he/she is married."
Al Bawaba brings you some basic Ramadan intel, adding some creative ideas for how you can 'get it right' this Holy Month, and better understand and support your neighbors who are.
Reminder of Ramadan terms:
Iftar: The meal taken to break the fast at sun-down.
Suhoor: The traditionally light meal taken late night or early hours before starting the fast, from dawn.
Collected by: Rayhanul Islam, Lecturer in Accounting
