Ramadan: A Month of Spiritual Training

RAMADAN A MONTH OF SPIRITUAL TRAINING x Prophet Muhammad called the month of Ramadan a month of patience. (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 20323). The Quran states that fasting during this month has been prescribed so that man may become God-fearing. (2:183) The qualities of patience and piety or God-consciousness (fear of God) are required of us every month of the year. In the month of Ramadan, however, special stress has been laid on this so that these two attributes become an integral part of one’s character. Fasting during Ramadan does not aim at mere abstinence from food and water but is to reinforce the virtue of patience and not to blindly follow one’s desires. God has given man a free will to test if he can use his freedom properly. One needs to tie oneself willingly with the rope of God’s laws. Thus, one who fasts, imposes self-discipline and