Importance of Ramadan

He has also opined elsewhere that "Qur'anic literature is so voluminous that no single man can compass a perusal of the whole." So, we can easily realise and appreciate the unrivalled position of the Qur'an, and it was revealed unto our holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) on 21st Ramadan night, when he was exactly 40 years 6 months of age. The candid observations of the famous commentator clearly indicate the great importance and unique position of the holy month of Ramadan. In this connection we may recall here what Allah Gafur-ar-Rahim declares in Ayat (Verse) 185 of Sura (Chapter) Baqara (the Cow) of the Holy Qur'an. He says:

"Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So, every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill or on a journey the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you: He does not want you to put you to difficulty. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you, and perchance you shall be grateful."

Again, Benign Allah wants us to achieve success in our everyday life through self-restraint, that is, through observance of "Siam" (Fasting) for full 30 days from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramadan. And in this connection one may refer to two very important Qur'anic Ayats (Verses) of Sura Baqara in which Merciful Allah declares in clear and unambiguous terms:

Ayat: 183 "O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye (learn) self restraint",

Ayat 184 "(Fasting) for a fixed number of days: But if any one is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of that is indigent, but if he will give more of his own free will it is better for him. And it is better ye fast, if you only knew."

It is evident from the aforesaid Verses of the Qur'an that Allah is not only considerate, He is magnanimous also to those who can "fast with hardship." Islam is not only a scientific religion of Almighty Allah, it is also His chosen religion which he has perfected as clearly indicated in Ayat (Verse) 3 of Sura (Chapter) Maida (or the Table Spread) of the Holy Qur'an.

The literal meaning of the term 'Siam' as it appears in the Qur'an is "abstention," that is, abstention from food, drink and sex. But when considered from the point of view of Islamic terminology 'Siam' also ments abstention from all kinds of shameful deeds. Fasting, as ordained by Allah Rabbul Alameen, is not meant for self-torture. Allama Abdullah Yusuf Ali while commenting on Ayats 183 and 184 of Sura Baqara of the Qur'an, has observed, "The Muslim fast is not meant for self torture. Although it is stricter than other fasts it also provides alleviations for special circumstances. If it were merely a temporary abstention from food and drink it would be salutary for many people, who habitually eat and drink to excess. The instinct for food, drink and sex is strong in animal nature, and temporary restraint from all these enables the attention to be diverted to higher things. This is necessary through prayer, contemptation and acts of charity, not of the showy kind but by seeking out those really in need certain higher standards are prescribed. But much higher standards are prescribed."

It may be mentioned here that the people of Makkah claimed their descent from Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) through his son Prophet Hazrat Ismail (AS) and tradition states that their place of worship was still the Ka'bah or the House of Allah, but the chief objects of warship there were a number of idols "who were called daughters of Allah and intercessors." The few who felt disgust at this idolatry longed for the religion of Abraham and tried to find out what had been its teaching.

Such seekers of the truth were known as 'Hunafa' (sing. 'Hanif'). Mentionable, Muhammad (SM) was also a 'Hanif'. He had his own way of thinking and it was his usual practice to retire with his family to a cave called Hira in the Mount An-Noun which was only two miles from Makkah. As the holy prophet (pbuh) was a 'Hanif' he required a suitable time or period of the year for his deep and proper meditation, and that period was again certainly the holy month of Ramadan. So, Ramadan played an important role in the eventful life of our holy prophet also immediately before he was honoured with Prophethood by Almighty Allah.

The holy month of Ramadan is here once again. The whole Muslim world has been awaiting to hail it, and observe it with due solemnity. Muslims in Bangladesh should be conscious and mindful of observing this holy month. Let us also think of those unfortunate and indigent people who often experience sharp pinch of hunger and cannot meet both ends during this month of Ramadan. Let Ramadan be an excellent training period for all Muslims to be religious, pious and honest during the remaining eleven months of the year so that society will certainly be a better place to live in.

Kazi Aulad Hossain is a retired Govt official.