SPIRIT OF ISLAM MAY 2O18

27 Spirit of Islam Issue 65 May 2018 THE SPIRIT OF RAMAZAN Spiritual Training R AMAZAN is a month of supplication, contemplation, sympathy and training in humility. How does fasting lead us towards these virtues? Fasting, by its very nature, is an act of patience. Patience and forbearance are what lead a person to the state of the heart which enables him to experience the feeling of nearness to God. It is only then that words worthy of divine acceptance come to one’s lips. Patience is the ground on which the blessed tree of supplication or dua is grown. It is not just a verbal act. In its essence, it is an act of the heart. This shows the relation between fasting and supplication. Fasting increases the spiritual capability of a man’s heart and when this capability increases, the words which ensue are genuine, heartfelt and more precious. Real fasting is that which induces real dua . During Ramazan, a dramatic change comes over the believers. They are seen sitting inside mosques, reciting the Quran, immersed in prayer and the remembrance of God. They become more detached and contemplative. This detachment and staying away from distractions creates a good environment for moral rectification. It paves the way for introspection and self-correction. Humility refers to man acknowledging his helplessness vis-à-vis God’s greatness. The feeling of helplessness is not simply a feeling but rather the greatest motivational force in the life of a person. It relates to God, but when this feeling is produced in man in the real sense, it finds expression in human relations. One who becomes truly modest before God finds this same spirit making him modest before human beings. The height of spirituality is a person’s realization of his own helplessness and the supreme power of God. The biggest obstacle to a person’s spiritual growth is his own ego and false pride which lead to his being distanced from God. The sole concern of a spiritually pure person is earning God’s pleasure. As far as sympathy is concerned, fasting teaches a man what basic human requirements are. It makes him aware of hunger and thirst. Patience and forbearance are what lead a person to the state of the heart which enables him to experience the feeling of nearness to God.