THE INNER REALITY OF FASTING

feelings and have the urge to do the utmost to assist their fellowmen in distress. In this way, fasting for the month of Ramazan produces a general awareness of the necessity to extend a helping hand to others. This consciousness lasts for many months until, on the completion of the year, another month of Ramazan is before us once again to renew and refresh our humane inclinations. The rationale behind fasting for a month is made clear by psychological studies. It tells us that for a habit to be inculcated, thirty 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 thirty days; and it is only then, that it may continue for rest of the year. Fasting is, therefore, a form of training to create the capacity in a man to become the most devoted worshipper. It makes him most grateful to God creating in him a fear of displeasing God. The very hardship of fasting carries a man from the material world to the plain of spirituality. Leading a life of restraint for a whole month produces a transformation in one’s thinking. It enables one to offer a positive response even to another’s negative behaviour. Therefore, Ramazan is a month of spiritual activism when devotees try to awaken their spirituality. It is a scheme to improve human beings. Fasting is for personality and intellectual development. This is done by desire management, experiencing helplessness, and connecting to God with true prayers. Fasting produces an atmosphere of generosity, well-wishing and compassion—an atmosphere in which people’s needs in society may be happily fulfilled. It is a means by which society may be turned into a truly human brotherhood. This eventually becomes a way of life for the whole year. Keep secrets Disclosure of other's faults or secrets shows a mindless callousness which breeds nothing but ill-will.