Ramadan without a resolution is a mere ritual

Published : Thursday, 17 May, 2018 at 12:00 AM Count : 561

I was thinking about writing this piece for quite some years. The opportunity was always there, there was no short of time, the message was right at the back of my mind but it was my inevitable laziness which always won over.

However, this time, although at the eleventh hour, this writer sat before the keyboard and typed. After all enough is enough, and the holy month of Ramadan is about to commence. In fact the piece should have had appeared at least another 48 hours back but as the old saying goes -- better late than never. The saying is perhaps my biggest relief this time.

Like many times before, Ramadan had come many times in my life, it had been observed with due diligence buttressed by a strong spiritual obligation. And after having fulfilled that obligation for some twenty years the million dollar questions popped up -- how much impact did the previous Ramadan had in my spiritual life? Am I better Muslim today than before? Most importantly, had the previous Ramadans strengthen my faith?

Frankly speaking, there are many 'Yes' and many 'No' to my series of queries. However, the biggest accomplishment for this writer this year -- he has begun his soul-searching at long last. And in that quest for self-discovery, he asks his readers to ask themselves -- what has been the impact of this single month on their lives for the rest of the year?

On this writer's case, for many years the impact has been limited. He fasted, refrained himself from smoking and drinking for a specific timeframe, had read the Quran almost daily and said his prayers on time, that's it. Once the month was over he went back to his old routine. But for the past five years the exception has been, despite all odds, he memorized at least one new Sura knowing their meaning which added more value and enjoyment to his spiritual life.

He had begun to observe the optional fasts after Ramadan had ended. The practice hugely helped in not getting completely detached from the basic lessons of Ramadan. On top of all, reading of Bangla and English translations became a regular habit. These changes were only possible since there was a personal resolution or pledge that he had made to himself. Quite often he had slipped away from that resolution but never had abandoned it.

The point behind the detailed explanation, many scholars and the Ulema often says that the holy month is 'self transforming' in terms of becoming spiritual. Google is galore with scholarly articles and related topics. However, this average believer would suggest one remedial -- develop your personal Ramadan resolution to make the month self transformative for the rest of the year.

To cut a long story short, your engagement may be limited but be in regular touch with the Quran. Listen, read and reflect more on the core teachings of the holy book. Act upon the specified Quranic instructions as much possible and the rest is assured. Rituals, be it shorter or longer, are definitely important for short-term changes, but a purely ritualistic Muslim is nothing more than a programmed robot. He or she is also incapable of thinking independently and bring about long-term transformation.

That said -- one of the unique features of the Quran is that it has clearly stated the limitations of a human being (Man is created weak 4: 28).
On one hand it offers the unending scope for the believer to return back to his lord and continually strive for self-transformation , while on the other it also presents the room to never change since he has been created week. Which path you would follow is up to you?

Ramadan is undeniably a tough month for the practicing Muslim - except for the angels' and jinn's. We are meant to tolerate and also refrain from a series of specified common practices, however, that never crosses the limit of thirty days. And it's right here where the massive importance of a personal commitment matters the most for attaining Taqwa or God consciousness.

If my reader is a Muslim, the resolution must be based on Quranic teachings. For people of other faiths, please choose what's best for you. And for the atheists -- they are free from undertaking all the troubles since they don't believe in divine revelations.

Please don't irritate me by asking about the sceptics and anti-theists since I have run out of patience and word space. I have no problem being born weak, but until I undertake my struggle, I won't receive God's help. I believe it's applicable for all believing people. Remember that exceptional verse of Sura Raa'd "Verily, Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves".

That change occurs at a broader level by executing smaller schemes effectively for lasting results, it doesn't happen overnight. The point, however, if you decide to change for thirty days, you are a ritualistic Muslim and if you aim for long lasting results, you are on the process of life-transformation, no matter how small that transformation is. This holy month is the best to decide the nature of that transformation by what resolution you adopt.

My resolution for this year is simple -- talk less, listen, read more about the Quran and clarify all ambiguities. Foremost, reflect upon the knowledge acquired.
What's yours?

The writer is Assistant Editor,
The Daily Observer