First Day of Ramadan: Fasting is Obligatory

Ramadan: A Time for Spiritual Reflection and Positive Change

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, holds great significance in Islam. It is a time for spiritual reflection, self-restraint, and positive change. The obligation to fast during Ramadan was revealed in the first year of Hijrah, when the Prophet Muhammad migrated to Madinah. The Quran, in Chapter 2 verse 183, states: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-consciousness.”

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food and drink. This act of fasting is more than just refraining from physical nourishment; it is a spiritual exercise aimed at purifying the soul and drawing closer to Allah. It is a time to focus on inner self-improvement, refraining from materialistic pleasures, and nurturing positive thoughts and actions.

Fasting is a fundamental pillar of Islam, emphasizing self-reform and self-restraint. It is a reminder to avoid sins, immorality, corruption, backbiting, oppression, and other harmful behaviors. If we can discipline ourselves to abstain from food and drink, we should also strive to avoid negative actions and behaviors that harm others.

Let us use this blessed month of Ramadan to rejuvenate ourselves with virtues such as love, justice, kindness, honesty, tolerance, dedication, and patriotism. These virtues can replace pain with comfort, restore peace and unity in our families, communities, and nation. Ramadan offers us an opportunity to bring about positive change, both within ourselves and in our country.

As we embark on this spiritual journey, let us embrace the essence of Ramadan and strive to make it a time of personal growth and societal betterment. Ramadan Mubarak!