The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE holy month of Ramzan 1429(H) has begun today with promises of blessings, forgiveness and salvation from Allah. This month of revelation to earth of the holy Quran, and of attaining spiritual excellence and self-purification in personal and social life through fasting, self-restraint and other religious rituals. Fasting is the third pillar of Islam and compulsory for all physically able and mentally sound adult Muslims. Devotees refrain from food, drink, smoke and all sorts of physical gratification during day hours. It was on Lailat-ul-Qadr in this month that the holy Quran was revealed to guide man along the right path.

Fasting is not just to keep away from eating and drinking. It is also meant for gaining freedom from the bondage of beastliness. It is the measure of ascendancy to one's spiritual nature, which is a means to coming closer to Almighty Allah. Muslims devote to worship and recitation of verses from the holy Quran. But spiritual attainment is likely to remain unachievable without honesty and sincerity in worldly dealings. Fasting has got social implications. It is a guard against evils. Through fasting, rich and affluent sections of the Muslims pass the test of taking agonies of hunger for the forgiveness of God.

The teachings of the holy month of Ramzan bring some specific social responsibilities of all for the poorer section of the people. In many Muslim countries of the world, prices of essentials come down during Ramzan because of subsidy on the one hand and sincerity and honesty of the traders on the other. Unscrupulous sections of traders here tend to take advantage of high demand to make exorbitant profits against the spirit of Ramzan. May the holy month make all to exercise self-restraint and seek divine blessings by working for welfare of all.