Questions and Answers

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Ramadan is, therefore, a process of rejuvenation of a believer. He can look forward to applying the lessons learnt during Ramadan to everyday life. A person who has fasted in the true spirit can count on drawing upon the reservoir of fortitude that he has built up, on the power of dua, of patience and gratefulness when he is faced with any trying situation. How does fasting train in humility? The Quran (2:183) tells us that fasting is prescribed for you so that you may fear God. What does it mean to fear God? Fearing God means that man should acknowledge his helplessness vis-a-vis God’s greatness. The feeling of helplessness is not simply a feeling but is rather the greatest motivational force in the life of a person. The feeling of helplessness relates to God, but when this feeling is produced in man in the real sense, it finds expression in human relations. It trains one in humility. One who becomes truly modest before God finds this same spirit making him modest before human beings. This will ensure positive relations in society. The height of spirituality is a person’s realization of his own helplessness and the supreme power of God. The biggest obstacle to a person’s spiritual growth is his own ego and false pride which lead to his being distanced from God. The sole concern of a spiritually pure person is earning God’s pleasure. How does fasting help us to develop strength of character? Fasting helps us to build strength of character within ourselves by learning self-discipline. Through self-discipline one is able to develop such a character in oneself to live a life of self-denial, inculcating patience, fortitude and forbearance so that one is able to tread the path of righteousness for the rest of the year.