The Ultimate Purpose Of Fasting In Islam Is The Attainment Of Righteousness Or God-Consciousness (Taqwa) And Divine Pleasure

Ramazan, The Quran, Righteousness, Interfaith Relations and Repentance Highlights: 1. The ultimate purpose of fasting in Islam is the attainment of righteousness or God-consciousness (taqwa) and divine pleasure. 2. The most paramount importance attached to Ramazan is due to the the Holy Quran being sent down to Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) during this sacred Islamic month. 3. Keeping fasts during Ramazan is actually aimed at training and preparing the believers for Taqwa (Righteousness). 4. We must be careful lest Ramazan passes by without our repentance, utilizing the season in seeking Allah's forgiveness. ----- By Kaniz Fatima, New Age Islam 19 April 2022 The Holy Quran clearly states: "And your fasting is better for you if you understand". (2:184) From the various verses of the holy Quran related to fasting, it is patently clear that the ultimate purpose of fasting in Islam is the attainment of righteousness or God-consciousness (Taqwa) and divine pleasure. Merely abstaining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset is not the true essence of fasting. It is rather focused on inner reflection, selfless devotion, self-restraint and ego-training to be a better and more humane person. Therefore, the believers are required to carry on with an inclusive spirit of Siyam (fasting) throughout the year, not just during the sacred month of Ramazan. Here are the four different aspects of Ramazan that we may keep in view to gainfully benefit from the harvest of this holy month: 1. Ramazan and The Quran Ramazan and the Quran are closely connected. The most paramount importance attached to Ramazan is due to the the Holy Quran being sent down to Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) during this sacred Islamic month. The Quran was revealed as a divine communication from the Almighty Allah to all mankind, not just the people of Arabia. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also Read: The Quranic Concept of Interfaith Harmony and Universal Brotherhood -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Therefore, billions of believers all over the world, who believe in the divinity of the Quran, share great joy and festivity in celebrating this occasion. They reduce their mundane affairs to the minimum during this month and proactively engage in the acts of worship, particularly recitation (Tilawat) of the holy Quran. 2. Ramazan and Righteousness Keeping fasts during Ramazan is actually aimed at training and preparing the believers for Taqwa (Righteousness). It brings an abundant opportunity to spiritually gear up to live a life full of God-consciousness. This is extremely important to bear in mind for the spiritual beneficiaries of Ramazan. One can only achieve it by exploring the ultimate objective of fasting as stated in the Quran: "O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for the people before you so that you may become righteous". (2:183) 3. Ramazan and Interfaith Relations Significantly, it has been a rich tradition of Muslims in India to observe the month of Ramazan not only as a sacred Islamic month, but also as a social and intercommunity occasion. It is their tradition during Ramazan that they invite one another as well as friends from other faith traditions to break the fast together by sharing their food, and thus communicating around the table of interfaith friendship and dialogue. The interfaith Iftar is usually held consecutively on every marked day of Ramazan, particularly every Friday. Thus, this month is deeply cultural and beautifully communitarian experience, too. 4. Ramazan and Repentance The sacred month of Ramazan bring the believers feelings of both elation and caution. On one hand, we become eager to rejoice in Allah's attributes of Rahmat and Maghfirat (divine grace and infinite mercy and forgiveness) throughout the month, but on the other, we also need to be more careful of passing the divine exams by way of repentance and return to Allah. Repentance in Ramazan is a great opportunity. We must be careful lest Ramazan passes by without our repentance, utilizing the season in seeking Allah's forgiveness. The holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “May Allah humble the one who lives long enough to witness Ramazan and passes the month without being forgiven.” (At-Tirmidi) ------ Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/fasting-righteousness-god-consciousness-taqwa/d/126821 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism