Ramadan beyond fasting 

It is day 1 of Ramadan, everybody has fresh spirits, renewed spiritual focus, some of us with a very serious and long list of duas, and some of us with strong hopes for the month to fix all our problems. We are determined to get the maximum out of it. We practice the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) like never before, being careful to not lose patience, to hold back our tongue, to mind our actions. And then, the initially steady flame of focus and determination slowly begins to flicker and we start losing attention from Ramadan’s teachings. This is a common experience of the majority of us. As the month progresses, some start to find themselves flaky and begin to let go. 

However, if we, for one second, forget Ramadan as just one month that will pass, and start imagining it to be something that is there to teach us lessons for all year round. How different would our approach be? A lot of us focus on just one aspect of Ramadan and that is fasting. But, upon deeper reflection, we realise that it is so much more than that. 

Ramadan shows us our potential and who we truly can be. Through abstaining from food and drink, we are given a chance to feel the struggles and pain of people who have very little to no means to get even the most basic food items. This opens our hearts, which makes us sympathise with them and makes us want to help them out. 

One of the most difficult things to do is practise patience. By holding back our tongue, not indulging in arguments, and letting go, we are given a chance to actively practise patience. But if it still feels difficult then try remembering this ayah from the Quran “O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:153). 

The various acts of worship such as performing namaz, reading/listening to the Quran, saying dhikr and giving charity are extremely important but these acts are expected from us in the month. What about the acts that are not expected or are not told to us explicitly? These acts include not lying, thinking good thoughts about others, forgiving because you want to be forgiven by Allah. These are also a form of ibadah because it shows one has Taqwa (God consciousness). 

While the month of Ramadan is nearing its end, we shouldn’t part ways with Ramadan teachings. Ramadan shows us the kind of discipline and determination we are capable of so why not make it a point to carry it throughout the year instead of just one month. After all, if there is a will, there is always a way.