RAMAZAN AND WARFARE

Taqwa, guarding oneself, is explained in a Hadith. Umar Farooq, the second Caliph once asked Ubayy ibn Kaab, a senior Companion to explain the meaning of taqwa. He replied, “O, Leader of the believers, have you ever taken a path flanked by thorny bushes?” Umar replied in the affirmative. Ubayy ibn Kaab wished to know how he protected himself. He said, “I gathered my clothes close to me and went on my way”. Ubayy ibn Kaab said, “It is this cautious attitude which is called taqwa.” (Al Qurtubi) Ramazan is the month of taqwa; it is the month of guarding oneself against ‘thorns’. It would be strange to think of Ramazan as the time for embroiling oneself in thorns, instead of guarding oneself from them! o Ramazan is the month of training in self-control; of refraining from being provoked in spite of provocation and striving to come closer to God. Wise Adjustment Always remember that it is not your intention or your desire that determines the course taken by the external world. It is a wise adjustment between your desires and external realities that leads to great success.