The month of Ramadan is one of the most blessed and sacred times for the global Muslim community. It is currently upon us and will last until June 26th.
This year, Ramadan happens to fall at the start of summer, whereby able-bodied Muslims are obliged to fast, abstaining from all food and drink during the daylight hours.
According to the Qur’an, the singular purpose behind the fasting is to attain a reverent and deep awareness of God.
The aim of the fast lies beyond the physical aspects of sensing hunger and thirst, intensified due to the heat and the lengthening of the summer days. There are many elements related to the fast that are conducive to bringing about higher states of spiritual consciousness of one’s state of being.
For example, when one senses the pangs of hunger and thirst, this should bring about a sense of empathy toward others who are less fortunate and do not readily have access to a steady supply of sustenance. Not only should this provide an impetus to help the needy, but it should also direct us to the Giver of all sustenance, instilling a deeper sense of appreciation and gratitude toward God for all of the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us.
The fasting also can provide a sense of self-discipline and sacrifice.
Furthermore, when a Muslim fasts, they also should abstain from acts that would be considered sinful, such as a lustful gaze, backbiting, speaking lies or causing any form of harm toward others. This leads to a Muslim fasting not only by their stomachs, but by their other limbs and organs, including their eyesight, tongues and hearing, abstaining from all that which displeases God.
Taking it to another level, indeed, the highest grade of fasting is that of the heart whereby a person consciously abstains from overly thinking of anything other than God Almighty, remembering and thanking Him in every aspect of one’s existence.
This also represents the innermost core of the concept of reverent and deep awareness of God, the very purpose of performing the fast.
Abd Alfatah Twakkal is the imam and spiritual leader of the London Muslim Mosque.