Spirit of Ramadan

FASTING AND EID AL-FITR certain discipline, so that for the rest of the year, the person will have no difficulty in exercising the same control over all of their actions. Thoroughly imbued with the qualities of patience and piety during the month of Ramadan, one is able to maintain the same high standard of conduct through the rest of the year. The rationale behind fasting for a month is made clear by psychological studies. It tells us that for a habit to be inculcated, 30 days are required. It is not an overnight miracle but a lengthy process. The practice becomes a part of the personality only when it is observed every day for at least 30 days and it is only then that it may continue for at least a year. Fasting is a special training where one is being prepared to lead a principled life—not merely during the month of fasting, but, in fact, for the whole year round. FASTING AND EID AL-FITR Ramadan being a month to be trained in inculcating spirituality, every ritual connected to fasting has a spiritual aspect. Fasting is not just an annual custom. It is a living creative process. It is related to the entire life of a human being, the aim of which is to make man’s life a fasting-oriented life. Fasting puts a curb on desires. As food and drink are desires. So, the reality of fasting is to put a curb on desires. It can be referred to as ‘renouncing one’s desires.’ Food and water are essential needs of man. Sleep and rest are also requisites of man. During the month of fasting there are restrictions to these essential needs by compulsion. This training inculcates in man the capability to restrain his desires willingly so that he consciously leads a disciplined life.