Spiritual Development in Ramadan
Ramadan Is a Path Toward Spiritual Awakening and Advancement
Aug 30, 2008
Ramadan (September 1st-30th, 2008) is the month of self reflection and sacrifice for countless Muslims around the world. Muslims during this time come together for a special 30-day celebration. The occasion is to celebrate the moment (over 1400 years ago to Prophet Muhammad) when God Almighty laid the foundation for humanity's spiritual advancement to its next stage in development by sending the holy book of Islam: The Qur’an. It is with this recognition of that moment that the fast is conducted. It is a time when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual activity during the daylight hours of the 30-day month of Ramadan.
Spiritual growth is advanced through the practice of self control. Muslims force themselves past the hunger, thirst, and desires. They conquer the craving to smoke, lethargy, caffeine headaches, and negative emotions. This dedication and self control gives the Muslim what others get through meditation: control of oneself.
O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint. (2:183 Qur’an)
Prayer a Key Component of Fasting
Such self restraint is further practiced by reciting extra prayers (Muslims pray a minimum of five times a day) and the recitation of a 30th of the Holy Quran each day. The Muslim accomplishes this all the while delving into their daily routine and fasting without complaint.
Fasting Brings the Needs of Others to the Muslim Mind
The needs of others are remembered as the fast continues. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are starving. These unfortunate people go without food entering their bellies for days. The Muslim who fasts gets a brief taste of the reality for those who have no means of livelihood. This develops the characteristic of giving in charity within the Muslim.
The alms (charity) are only for the poor and the needy, … and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and those in debt, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise. (9:60, Quran)
The Muslim Traveling Toward Spiritual Perfection
The sacrifice of Prophet Muhammad who received the revelation of Islam from God 1400 years ago is remembered. His endless striving for 23 years (well past the age of 40) to keep the message alive saw the death of numerous friends and family. On many occasions too numerous to count, his own life was sought. A life sought by those who would extinguish this light of Islam. Such a light gives the Muslim through the month of Ramadan the strength to move closer to their Lord through personal spiritual development.
O thou humanity! Verily thou art ever toiling on towards thy Lord- painfully toiling,- but thou shalt meet Him…So I do call to witness the ruddy glow of Sunset; The Night and its Homing; And the Moon in her fullness: Ye shall surely travel from stage to stage. 84: 6-19
These verses from the Qur’an instruct the Muslim in the belief that there is no growth without God. There is no growth without hardship. There is no growth without caring for others. There is no growth without love for humanity.
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