Spirit of Ramadan

Self-discipline, in helping one to evolve as a developed personality, is the key to all kinds of success. It saves man from provocation, anger and unnecessary involvement. It is a master formula by which he can manage all the affairs of his life. Without self-discipline, man is like an animal; whereas with self-discipline he becomes a human being in the complete sense of the word. Self-discipline, in setting bounds to man’s freedom, helps him to manage his desires and checks him from going astray. Self-discipline is an act of the present, but it brings one great benefit in the future. Self-discipline is the best formula for future building. It saves one from saying: “Alas, I missed the bus!” FASTING: A TRAINING IN HUMILITY The Quran tells us that fasting is prescribed for you so that you may fear God. (The Quran, 2:183) What does it mean to fear God, taqwa? Taqwa or fearing God means that man should acknowledge his helplessness vis-a-vis God’s greatness. When one fasts one realizes one’s own helplessness vis-àvis God’s greatness. The truth is that the acknowledgement of one’s helplessness is the beginning of imaan. When a person realizes God, at that point, he is overwhelmed by the feeling of his helplessness, termed as ijz. Belief in God is, in fact, to discover this boundless greatness of God. And one who discovers this boundless greatness will be overwhelmed with the feeling of helplessness. Imaan is another name for the realization of God—the realization of the God who is the Creator and Sustainer of the infinite universe, who is controlling the infinite universe with astonishing power,