Holy Ramadan may bring self-purification for all

The holy month of Ramadan has come again to the life of Muslims. The divine month brings the messages of mercy, forgiveness and salvation.

Following the order of Allah, the Muslims start fasting for 30 days. The almighty makes it obligatory to abstain dawn-to-dusk eating or drinking for each adult Muslims in this month. In Surah Al-Baqarah 183, Allah says, "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous".

Fasting or Siyam during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Siyam is the best way to check the bad-instinct. Ramadan teaches us to be moderate. The main target of Siyam or Ramadan is to gain Taqwa and fear of Allah. The main appeal of Taqwa is to keep happy the almighty through maintaining the order and directions thoroughly. Fasting during Ramadan does not just consist of refraining from eating and drinking, but keeps away from misuse of tongue of voice. We have to keep distance from all kinds of falsehood and mischief.

The significance and value of the month of Ramadan is immense. The holy al-Quran descended in this month. The Quran, the Holy Book of God, provides the complete code for the Muslims to live a good, chaste, abundant and rewarding life in obedience to Allah. Allah has made Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree/Power) in this month, which is better than a thousand months. In this month, Allah opens the gates of Paradise and closes the gates of Hell, and chains up the devils. In Ramadan the reward for a good deed is multiplied by 70 times.

Siyam plays an important role rule in establishing mutual understanding, harmony and brotherhood among all including rich and poor. The teaching of Ramadan is self-restrained. The almighty directed his followers to demonstrate sacrifice, patience, kindness and honesty in this month. However, some of us are totally indifferent in our society in this case. The price of necessity commodities goes high in Ramadan. The demand of some foods increases in Ramadan. Businessmen become active to earn more following the demand in this month. Making artificial crisis, they increase the price rate of goods. This kind of practice is against the message of holy Ramadan.

On the other hand, a group of rich or moneyed men misuse wealth during Ramadan. Helping poor or distressed people is the message of Ramadan. So, the understanding through Siyam would reflect in our personal, family and social life bringing peace and discipline.

According to a Hadith, there are two occasions of joy for a fasting person: one when he breaks his fast through iftar and another joy when he will meet Allah in Akhirat (Belief in afterlife). The Siyam is only for Allah. There is no scope to show off. Allah Himself will award the person who maintains fasting. We pray that our life would be purified through maintaining one month Siyam. May Almighty bless us so that, we can understand and follow the teaching of holy Ramadan.

risingbd/Dhaka/May 7, 2019/Ali Nowsher/Mukul