Muslims around the world observe the obligatory fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan. It is a time of heightened devotion. The daily fast starts from the first flush of dawn and ends with the sunset. During this period, one is expected to abstain from all food and drink completely. It is not just physical hunger and thirst that constitute the Muslim fast, but the nights prior to the beginning of the fast acquire a far more important character and play a central role in the institution of fasting. The Muslims wake up many hours before dawn for individual prayer and the remembrance of God. Also, the Holy Quran is recited in every Muslim house much more than in ordinary days. A greater part of the night is thus spent in spiritual exercises which make up the very essence of fasting.
During the day, apart from restraining from food and water, all Muslims are particularly exhorted to refrain from vain talk, quarrels, and fights, or from any such occupation as is below the dignity of a true believer. No indulgence in carnal pleasure is allowed.
In Islam, almsgiving, and care for the destitute is so highly emphasised that it becomes part of a Muslim’s daily life. However, when it comes to Ramadan, the month of fasting, Muslims are required to redouble their efforts in this field.
The institution of fasting is extremely important because it cultivates the believer in almost every area of his spiritual life. Among other things, he learns through personal experience about what hunger, poverty, loneliness, and discomforts mean to the less fortunate sections of society. Abstention from even such practices during the month of Ramadan as are permissible in everyday life plays a constructive role in refining the human character.
The marked devotion of the believers for one full month earns them a day of festivity at the end of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the two annual Muslim Feasts and it falls on the very first day of the month following Ramadan. Ramadan teaches Muslims that their true joy lies in winning the pleasure of their Lord and Creator, Almighty God. Thus, the Eid day starts on the same note of devotion to the Almighty through a special Prayer Service that attracts worshippers in large numbers. Following the Eid Prayers, Muslims of all ages spend time in festivity; meeting friends and relatives and eating specially prepared food. In all these celebrations they are reminded not to forget those around them who experience deprivation and to share with them the bounties and provisions. No doubt bringing joy and relief to others highlights the true spirit of Muslim Eid. -Shafiq ur Rehman, Imam at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque in Auckland