October 19, 2006

Ramazan is a training period, a time to reflect and learn to differentiate between the lifestyle we are actually living and the actual way of life we should be adopting for the whole year, writes Shabnum Nasir

As Ramazan is now in its last week, human nature has adapted itself quickly to the challenging physical routines that fasting demands. While there are endless sermons on the true message of Ramazan in print and electronic media and what we should learn from this month of self-discipline and abstinence, the question of how much spiritual satisfaction one achieves depends on different people.

Ramazan is a training period, a time to reflect and learn to differentiate between the lifestyle we are actually living and the actual way of life we should be adopting for the whole year. Many people see it as a month of redemption and absolution of sins –– praying for forgiveness in this blessed month. However, the point is when it is over why are we easily tempted to indulge in all the habits that we seek forgiveness for?

Whilst shopping during Ramazan, it is so common to hear shopkeepers and customers saying, “Look here, I’m not lying because I’m fasting.” What kind of a statement are people actually making –- only believe what I say in this month as I hardly ever speak the truth the rest of the year? It should be part of our characteristic as Muslims to refrain from telling lies and this is what our religion has taught us.

It is also very common to see tolerance, frustration and anger levels raised significantly during this holy month. I have been witness to many street fights that have involved slight traffic violations that otherwise happen all the year round on daily basis –– so if people are fasting and finding it impossible to curb their rage that inevitably leads to extreme displays of anger then something is wrong somewhere.

As a nation we need to undergo an extreme makeover –– something like a scenario where we can witness a ‘before and after’ situation. It is sort of those cases where in goes an unattractive, unkempt person, and after the makeover an attractive and well groomed person, who feels good about him/herself, comes out. Except here, we are not talking about the exterior looks of a person.

We must work to enhance the inner beauty of our souls and spirits, carrying the lessons we learn from Ramazan with us the whole year. In this way every Ramazan would work as a permanent enhancement towards our goal to become better Muslims and persons.

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