Time for introspection and reform

Ramadan is a month of blessing and compassion. As far as Muslims are concerned, the month is for fasting, praying and supplications that help them ordain their lives in a pious and humble manner. The intention is to purify the soul, and seek the blessings of Almighty. It helps the believer to indulge in some deep introspection and do some soul-searching. Fasting is a means to an end. It helps a person understand the pain and sorrows of fellow human beings who struggle to make their ends meet, and especially those who live a life of distress and are not so economically well off. 
Thirst and hunger is one of the most appropriate means to not only seek inner consolation for the bounties and blessings that the Almighty has bestowed, but also to feel for those who lack them. This is why the religion of peace, Islam, teaches its followers to care for others, and humbly join other believers in sharing food, other necessities of life, and moments of thanksgiving during Iftar (break of fast). It creates a unique sense of oneness, compassion, care, brotherhood and commonality. This is what Islam wants from its followers, and this sense of unanimity surpasses all boundaries of religion, faith and belief because Islam calls for embracing the whole humanity in sharing the blessings of Almighty, whether it is in the form of happiness, food, charity or benevolence. 
Ramadan, at the same time, is the month of devotional prayers to seek Almighty's forgiveness. The reason is that the Almighty has promised multiple rewards in return for good deeds and prayers offered in this holy month. This is why it is said that fasting without obligatory prayers takes away the soul of fasting and, in fact, amounts to starvation.
There is also a philosophical reason to it. Repentance is sure to win forgiveness. Just a repentant tear - with a resolve to be no longer negligent - are enough to get the past misdeeds written off. Thus, Almighty Allah warns us, never in any circumstance, to lose hope of His mercy (39:53). 
The Holy Quran was revealed during Ramadan, and is widely known as a month of recompense. It is a month wherein a believer can reassess his/her lifestyle, and make a resolve to change it for a better tomorrow; wherein a person can pledge to never indulge in any of the immoral and wrongful acts that he/she had committed in any aspect, intentionally or unintentionally. This aspect of introspection makes the month of Ramadan stand out as a beacon of light for all those who want to reform and live an ordained humane life.
Though the ritual of fasting is not new, it had been in practice for time immemorial. Islam gave new meaning and concept to the ritual alongside moral and physical discipline. The Almighty through fasting has inculcated a special kind of spiritual discipline that aims at attaining nearness to Him. It awakens renewed consciousness and underscored the need for a process of trial and rectification.
The social dynamics of fasting are remarkable in essence. It prepares the ground for a mass movement towards equality, and wants believers to erect a social order that is humanity-oriented. Islam wants to do away with class, caste and creed, and gives no edge to any race or nation over the other. In the eyes of Almighty all humanity is sanctified and no one has the right to undermine the other fellow human being. The notion of fasting, sharing smiles and being considerate in the holy month, despite the odds of life, is what brings people of various backgrounds and mentality on one platform. The lesson is to start believing in the universality of Almighty's sovereignty. 
In other words, Islam through fasting, supplications and humility in the holy month negates the sense of otherness prevalent among our midst. This is the beauty, essence and fragrance of love, brotherhood, and understanding, which should be carried on throughout our lives. 
All religions have taught respect for human life and denounced inordinate indulgence in pleasures. Life is not about frivolity. Islam recommends regulation rather than suppression. It allows the natural urges - love of wealth and pleasure - to have a guarded approach in life. This is why fasting and submission to the commandants of Almighty re-evaluates the purpose of life here and hereafter. It is all about moral laws and the ingrained aspect of self-correctness that Ramadan brings with it every year. It is an opportunity in disguise to bow down in humility and rise to new excellence in life, once again.
mehkri@khaleejtimes.com 

• Ramadan 2021