Ramadan August 2009
Honoring the Final Revelation To Humanity
Prior to his annunciation as a prophet, Muhammad would retreat to a cave outside the city limits of Mecca. In the cave he would devote thirty to forty days of prayer and meditation. It was during one such retreat that the angel Gabriel called to him and said, “Proclaim! in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created, Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood.” (Quran 96: 1-2)
With this Muhammad was given the mantle of prophet hood in the fortieth year of his life and humanity was given the final revelation from God.
The Quran stands as the final instruction to mankind as how a person should conduct his/herself while providing some clear and practical rituals for worshiping god. The month of Ramadan is an excellent time to hone good conduct skills as well as provide opportunity to be charitable.
The Final Revelation on Ramadan
The Quran itself states that “…this day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3) Thus in this final of holy books there exist the epitome of spiritual science and a complete system of morality and law.
These laws are designed in such a way that they supersede cultural and tribal practices and raise people above primitive observances.
Ritual of Fasting During Ramadan
One of the most important practices in Ramadan is the 30-day fast. From dawn till after sunset, the Muslim busies himself/herself with maintaining total control of desires. No food is eaten, no drink is consumed and Muslims will not take part in sexual activity.
Unlike any other religion, it is recommended that the Muslim partakes in reading a one-thirtieth of the Quran each day and therefore, he/she will have the entire holy book read by the end of Ramadan.
Muslim Conduct During Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims sharpen the positive aspects of their character while controlling the negative. Muslims are taught that Ramadan is the sacred month during which no aggressive actions are conducted against people, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.
Muslims are forbidden to act in an angry way towards people. Muslim conduct should be as if they are going through the day normally and one should convey no displeasure due to their fast.
Islamic worshipers believe that God has taught the Muslims practical applications that are well-balanced for worship and good will towards people. In short, the good characteristics that are learned during Ramadan should carry forward in the proceeding months.
Sources:
- Abdullah Yusef Ali. The Holy Quran: Translation with Arabic Text.
A Symbol for Retreat and Self Discovery
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