Ramadan: A month of moral training

We are in the last leg of Ramadan, the holy month of bounties, spirituality, peace and mercy.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It has been ordered to believers that they start fasting by sighting the moon of Ramadan and end it by sighting the moon of Shawwal (10th month).

Allah says in the Qur'an, "Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. So everyone of you who is present (at their home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him." (al-Baqarah: 185)

During the fast, one has to abstain from food, drink, and sex from dawn until sunset. When a person abstains from what is allowed-food, drink and sex with their legal partners-during the fast, they will surely abstain in other circumstances from what is forbidden by God. Fasting makes them self-restraint.

Fasting also inculcates the spirit of giving. When a person voluntarily keeps himself thirsty and hungry, they experience the hardships the destitute lots suffer daily. It urges them to help those in need.

Most of the Muslims give their Zakat in this holy month. Zakat is obligatory on Muslims who have 85 grams of gold or 613 grams of silver or equal amount of money at least from a year. These eligible must pay 2.5% of the wealth to the needy.

The Prophet was always generous. But in Ramadan, his philanthropy would reach the zenith. Ramadan is the month of intense moral training so that an individual can lead his life beautifully, staying away from all major and minor sins in remaining 11 months.

The entire Ramadan atmosphere provides the driving force for a positive change in humans' life.