Muslim throughout the world are observing the Holy month of Ramadan. The first ten days of Ramadan aims to teach a person patience, humility and sacrifice, to set aside time to ask forgiveness, practice self-restraint, and pray for guidance in the future.
Ramadan aims to bring happiness and feeling of unity among the Muslims all over the world. This year too, the month of Ramadan has come with a message of spreading peace, kindness and love. The first ten days of Ramadan are the most difficult ones. Muslims have to abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking. Hunger pangs and thirst test the patience and self control of a Muslim and if you are a tea drinker then one experience headaches also.
In Ramadan, God’s mercy shows itself not in a supernatural way; it shows itself in the most natural of ways with the internal resolve and ability for inner strength inherent in all people.
During Ramadan the Muslim is required to be merciful to those around him. His friends and families deserve kindness and respect on such occasions. At work, Muslim should refrains from creating an atmosphere that will spark negative emotions and confrontational situations.
According to the Holy Qur’an, fasting was made obligatory by God not only for the followers of the Prophet Muhammad but also for the followers of all the Prophets who preceded him (including prophets Moses and Jesus): “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those who preceded you; that perhaps you will be mindful of God,” (Qur’an 2:183).
According to Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, Ramadan burns the sins and faults, just as the fire burns the wood.” The importance of this divine month was reiterated by the Prophet (PBUH) when he said, “The Month of Ramadan is the month of Allah (God), bringing His Mercy and Forgiveness.”
The most important mercy for a Muslim to develop is mercy towards oneself. Forgiving oneself for the harm one has caused to others is a tremendous psychological boundary for a person to overcome life.
Forgiveness and kindness from those Muslims who were harmed and making amends to those who have been injured are part of mercy toward one’s self.
