THE MONTH OF RAMADAN

The day of Eid is a day of glad tidings, and its true spirit is to promote spiritual values among people and create a peaceful environment in society. thereby cleansing him of feelings of pride and ego which lead to his being distanced from God. The above aspects of the month of fasting were fully observed by the Prophet and his Companions. Today, if we compare the culture followed in society during the month of Ramadan what do we see? One cannot deny that there are individuals who observe this worship in full earnestness in its spirit. However, the general tendency is more towards lavish food at Iftar and Sehri time. Spending more time in shopping centres, purchasing material gifts for others and for oneself. More people begging on the streets, excessive sleeping during the day and continuous activity during the night without taking into consideration the needs of the sick, elderly, children, and people of other communities. Then how about the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr and the day of Eid itself? A portion of a Hadith pertaining to the day before Eid is as follows: During the last night of Ramadan, the sins of all the believers who have been fasting are forgiven. It was asked, "O Prophet of God, is this night the one known as the night of power?" The Prophet replied, "No, but as soon as the deed is done, the reward for the deed is immediately bestowed." According to this Hadith, on the last night of Ramadan, those amongst the followers of the Prophet who have fasted in the true spirit will be rewarded for their deeds, and this will be noted in their records. This night of Ramadan is referred to in other Hadith literature as the ‘night of reward’ (Al-Bayhaqi). God rewards His believers for every good deed. Due to the special significance of worship during Ramadan, this reward has been specifically mentioned by the Prophet. It is so unfortunate that the night before Eid is spent by most people in careless indulgence and entertainment. They throng shopping centres and marketplaces. The above Hadith is a warning against all such frivolities. Another Hadith regarding the day of Eid-ul-Fitr is reported as: When the day of Eid-ul-Fitr dawns on them, then God is pleased and proclaims to the angels. ‘O my angels, what is the reward for the doer who has completed his deed, The angels reply, ‘Our Lord, such a person should be given the complete reward for the deed done.’