ASK MAULANA

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 one’s personality only when it is observed everyday for at least thirty days and only then it may continue for the rest of the year. Can you give us a modern equivalent understanding of fasting? Yes. Fasting is for personality and intellectual development. It could be best described as learning the art of desire management. In fact, not understanding Islamic teachings in an intellectual way and only using traditional explanations have led to practicing the religion only in its outer form with the spirit completely missing. This spiritless worship is the cause of the rise of a culture which is not the Islam as preached by the Prophet and as followed by him and his Companions. What advice would you give us, as until now we used to see the practices of people around us during this month and conclude that the month of Ramzaan was somehow connected to eating lavishly in the evenings after a full day of fast and shopping for the festival towards the last part of the month and throwing parties? These practices have nothing to do with Islam. Please do not judge Islam in the light of the behaviour of the Muslims but judge the behaviour of the Muslims in the light of Islam. If you wish to know what Islam actually preaches please refer to the original sources, the Quran and Prophet’s life. o NOTICE Subscribers are requested to inform us about non-receipt of their copies, latest by 15th of the month, providing their full name and address. SMS 8050202626 email: thecentreforpeace@gmail.com A fresh copy will be promptly despatched.