SPIRIT OF ISLAM JUNE 2O18

44 Spirit of Islam Issue 66 June 2018 money” but the mindset of a believer should be “more and more wisdom from the Quran.” In other words if you dedicate the month of Ramazan to the study of Quran, you shall discover newer meanings. For instance the following verse of the Quran opens a whole new meaning to the reader: “Believers, fasting has been prescribed for you, just as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard yourselves against evil.” (2:183) This verse highlights that fasting is a universal practice and was a common element across religions. And ever since man inhabited earth, prophets were sent to guide him and they enjoined their community to observe fasts. When man observes a fast today, he gets connected to a long history. I was gripped by the realization of this thrilling idea that those who observe fasts in the month of Ramazan become a part of that divine chain which begins from the first pious person and ends with the last man of history! The realization that you have got connected with the list of those pious and God-fearing men who led a rightly guided life is an overwhelming experience. Fasting thus prepares a person for the study of the Quran. And when a person studies the Quran with a well-prepared mind, he can understand the teachings of the Quran in greater depth. Many people overeat before the beginning of their fast so that they do not feel hungry during the fasting period. Also they eat elaborately at the time of breaking of their fast. What do you have to say about this trend? The Quran has laid out detailed commandments pertaining to fasting in the month of Ramazan. The following verse signifies the unique relationship between Quran and fasting: “The month of Ramazan is the month when the Quran was sent down as guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and the criterion by which to distinguish right from wrong. Therefore, whoever of you is present in that month, let him fast.” (2:185) According to another verse: “Believers, fasting has been prescribed for you, just as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard yourselves against evil.” (2:183) Ramazan is the month of heightened God-consciousness, of attaining piety (taqwa ). As I deliberated upon the verses above, I realized that taqwa actually, refers to sensitivity. Fasting by its very nature is an act of patience and restraint. It helps a person to attain a state of mind, which makes him a more sensitive person. In fact, those who indulge