A MONTH OF BLESSINGS

ramazan

Ramazan holds a special place in the hearts of people throughout Pakistan. This sacred month, marked by fasting from dawn till dusk, fosters unity and devotion among the diverse population. With each prayer, fasters seek spiritual clarity, reflecting on gratitude and compassion. During Ramazan, we learn to be patient, kind, and thankful. Fasting isn’t just about staying hungry; it’s about avoiding negativity in our thoughts and actions. This special month encourages us to be more aware of how we behave. It also reminds us to include and appreciate people from different cultures and religions in our celebrations. This Ramazan, discover tips for a more spiritually fulfilling and mindful experience. Learn how to be conscious of your actions and words, making the month easier for yourself and those around you…

The essence of Ramazan

Throughout this month, our attention often centres on the abundance of extravagant food spread across the table, lavish iftar and sehri gatherings, and how quickly we can pass the time. As humans, it is natural to fixate on how hungry and lethargic we are but to only fixate on that would eradicate the purpose of the Holy month. It is for us to focus on how we could better ourselves spiritually, how strong we can become mentally and most important of all how we learn to not give in into our desires and to do more than just to think of our urges and wants. Fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink, it is so much more. It is fasting from ill-thoughts, it is abstaining from the any negative behaviour and for us to have control over the words we choose to speak.

The wealth of generosity

Charity is one of the pillars of Islam and the most charity portioned out is during this month. Spending on the poor and giving out money is one of the best helps one can provide to their community. Small acts of kindness and generosity are charity as well which are often overlooked. Helping your partner or mother in the kitchen, smiling at a stranger and helping people on the street-side physically are all acts of charity that are small yet big in their reward. Being mindful of people on motorcycles, not honking at them, providing shelter and food to animals out on the road are all small acts of empathy that are significant.

Community over culture

Ramazan always has emphasised the importance of family and friends, it always envelopes in a sense of community from sharing iftars with our neighbours to giving away drinks at the signal. The month is a communal celebration especially in Pakistan, where the majority is Muslim. However, it is incredibly important to include people from other religions and cultures during this month, whether it be for an iftar at your home or taking them to the Masjid.

Compassion through consideration

During this holy month, Muslims worldwide refrain from eating and drinking from dawn till dusk. However, it’s essential to be tolerant towards those with different beliefs. Whether they eat or drink during the day, it’s important not to judge but to support them comfortably and without questioning.

Overdoing is overkill

Most often than not during the pangs of hunger and thirst, we overestimate and order too much food or cook in abundance, and as soon we sit on the dastarkhuwan we overfill our plates, and overload our bodies with indulgent food. Actually, the purpose of Ramazan is to eat enough to sustain ourselves for the additional spiritual and religious worship. To sleep enough to feel rested but not to sleep the entire day to pass the time of fasting. This month encourages us to empathise with the less fortunate, fostering a sense of gratitude. It’s about exercising control over our desires and cravings, ensuring they don’t dominate us. Ramazan extends beyond the joy of iftars and sehris; it carries a deeper significance. In embracing the spirit of Ramazan, we strive not only to nourish our bodies but also to nurture our souls, cultivating a deeper connection with ourselves, our religion and the world around us.