Ramadan: A month like no other

By sunset today, one-fifth of this year’s Ramadan would have gone by. Allahu Akbar! Allah alone knows those that will live to see the end of it. Let us strive to take good advantage of all the lessons and gains that come with Ramadan including empathy, patience and perseverance. When a Muslim fasts, the pains of physical deprivation is felt but patiently endured. This deprivation and endurance, though temporary, makes the individual to be conscious of the effects of such pains suffered by many others, who perhaps live in penury with limited access to the basic necessities of life.
The essence of this month, which is unique in the Islamic calendar, requires Muslims to exercise moderation in whatever they are engaged. They are encouraged not to gorge themselves on meals so much that it becomes impossible for them to wake up and spend the night in prayers and supplications. Ramadan isan opportunity that comes once in twelve months. Let us imagine as if it were the last Ramadan to be observed in our lifetime. We must therefore never waste or misuse this great opportunity.
On every night of the month of Ramadan, Allah (SWT) commands: ‘Where are those asking for my forgiveness? I’ve forgiven them; where are those who have repented? I’ve pardoned them; and for those who have demands, I’ve granted their requests’. Ramadan is always full of virtuous occasions. It is a period for believers to purify themselves and seek divine intervention in matters that trouble their peace and wellbeing. Ramadan is a month of mercy during which prayers of devotees are specially answered. Allah (SWT) in Qur’an 2:186 affirms,‘When my servants ask thee concerning me, I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every supplicant when he calls on me: let them also with a will, listen to my call and believe in me: that they may walk in the right way’.
Ramadan is a special month. It provides opportunity for the exercise of self-discipline, self-restraint, and self-evaluation. It guides a worshipper against all forms of immorality. A  Muslim is forgiven the sins he committed between two Ramadans if he observed each Ramadanfast with genuine faith. During Ramadan, Muslims enjoy the benefit of their prayers being answered when breaking the fast at sunset. The early morning meal (Sahur) taken at dawn keeps a devouteeawake and thus provides opportunity to engage in diverse acts of worship including standing in prayers at night (tahajjud) as well as observing the obligatory prayer of Subhi in congregation.
There are several other benefits, spiritual and medical, that make Ramadan a month like no other.The physiological benefits of fasting includelowering of blood sugarand cholesterol.Medical experts say Ramadan fast could be an idealrecommendation for the treatment of mild tomoderate non-insulin diabetes and obesity. While certain groups of Muslims due to some health reasons are exempted from Ramadan fast including ulcer patients and pregnant women, fasting has in no way been noted to harmthe condition of a healthy person.Although we do not observe prayers for exercise, mild movement of the joints during long hours oftarawih or tahajjud prayers could be a form of physical drill that helps to keep body fit.
The psychological benefits of Ramadan fastinclude peace and tranquility for those who observe it. Hostility is forestalled as Muslims are advised by the Prophet (SAW) to say‘I am fasting’ when provoked by another person’s words or actions.Fasting also guides a Muslim to remain pure and righteous during Ramadan as he abstains from telling lies. The Prophet Mohammad (SAW) has warned, ‘If one does not give up falsehoods in words and actions, Allah has no need of his giving up food and drink (i.e. fasting)’.
Fasting promotes detoxification. The liver, kidneys and other organs in the body help in discharging toxins. Fat is substantially burnt during fasting especially when it is over a period of time as in Ramadan. During fasting, the digestive organs also rest;helping to maintain balance of fluids in the body. Fasting is equally said to reduce blood sugar.
Fasting promotes healthy diet. It reduces the rate of craving for processed foods. It promotes desire for natural foods, especially water and fruits. This is one way by which fasting promotes healthy lifestyle.When individuals take fruits to break a fast, they increase the body’s store of essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E are good antioxidants that are readily available in fruits, which help to boost immunity.
Ramadan fast in Islamis different from fasting under medical instructions because in Ramadan, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. Ramadan fast is not a prescription from a physician. Moreover, the types of food taken during Ramadan do not have any selectivedietarycriteria such as restricting a devoutee to go on protein only or fruit only. In Ramadan, everything that is permissible (halal)is taken by Muslims but in moderate quantities.
Ramadan fast may also help addicts to overcome their bad habits which may include addiction to cigarette smoking, drugs, alcohol, caffeine and other health threatening substances. Although there could be other routines required to resolve addictions, fasting can yet play a significant role.
Muslims are enjoined to use the Ramadan period to practice and exhibit the virtues of tolerance, hospitality, charity and kindness, especially to the indigent members of the society. They are encouraged to give alms, feed the poor and invite others, including non-Muslims to break the fast with them at the end of the day. May Allah (SWT) put us among those to be forgiven their sins, big and small, in this sacred month of Ramadan, amin.