Ramadan, a time to transform

Dubai - Renowned scholar Dr Mohammed Ashmawy said fasting has not been prescribed to make people feel hungry or thirsty, though it is also important to feel and share the suffering of the poor and the needy.

Is it over? No more fasting, praying, reciting the Holy Quran, and giving for charity? Some people may take the holy month of Ramadan this way.
But, this is actually not the end, it is rather the beginning of a new chapter of life following an intensive training on an array of worships. Renowned scholar Dr Mohammed Ashmawy said fasting has not been prescribed to make people feel hungry or thirsty, though it is also important to feel and share the suffering of the poor and the needy.
"The holy month of Ramadan is an intensive course Muslims go through to receive training once a year on all types of worship and good deeds which they have to observe for 11 months."
According to Shaikh Mohammed Yunus, a Quran teacher, some may believe that they have to fast and recite the Quran only during Ramadan. "This does not sound reasonable as the God they worship in the holy month is the same of all months."
Shaikh Moheb Abdulghani, an Arabic and Islamic studies teacher, urged every Muslim to mull over his deeds during the month. "One should hold himself accountable for his deeds and sayings, and do a check list to know if he did well during the holy month or not. He should also continue to maintain the same spiritually that ends in paradise in the Hereafter."
Shaikh Mohammed Muntaser, imam of Rahma mosque, said Ramadan is a school of faith where one recharges his spiritual battery to remain steadfast the rest of the year. "These blessed days are a true school of transformation during which Muslims change their manners, actions and habits in accordance with the teachings of Islam."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ramadan 2021
• Dubai