"O, Believers! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may ward off evils", so says the Holy Quran concerning the significance of fasting in the month of Ramadan (Ramzan). Muslims in all over the world observe fast in the month of Ramadan with great solemnity, religious fervour and with zeal and zest. They express their immense joy with the advent of this holy month, which offers them blessings, repentance and salvation from Hellfire. Fortunate are those who witness this blessing-filled month. Even more fortunate are those who find this month, observe fast and make the most of it, keeping themselves absorbed in the meditation of God and shed tears in repentance to seek forgiveness from their Lord, Who is the most gracious and the most merciful.
Our beloved holy prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, "When Ramdan comes, the doors of paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are locked, and devils are chained."He also said, " In Paradise there is a gate called Al-Rayaan through which the people who fasted will enter on the day of Judgement, and no one else will enter along-side them".
Ramdan is more than just not eating and drinking. Muslims are called upon to re-
evaluate their lives in the light of Islamic guidance, purify the soul, refocus their attention on God and practice self-control. It goes without saying that we have been enmeshed in many social and ethical vices in this materialistic era. Many of us are drifting away from our religion.We prefer worldly affairs to our religious duties. The world is too much with us, making us oblivious of our real responsibilities and duties towards our Creator and our religion. Therefore, we must make the most of this holy month to have our sins forgiven and try our best to return to God with firm and renewed faith and pledge not to resort to sins in days to come.
This month brings another great opportunity to seek remission from sins in the greatest night, which falls any of the last ten odd days of Ramadan. This night is called Lailatul-Qadr--- The night of Decree. The Holy Quran says that this night is better than the thousands of nights. We are all supposed to spend this whole night in worship to win the pleasure of Allah and get our sins pardoned.
To conclude, every one of us must realize that every minute or moment of this holy month is precious. Let every second and minute of this month be source of virtue for us. Let us reap the benefits and blessings of Ramadan and renew our life to become of person whom Allah Almighty has favoured and showered upon his choicest blessings. We must redirect our heart away from world activities and try to cleanse our inner soul. We must learn the lesson of self-restraint, self-discipline, self-control and empathy for those who less fortunate.
May Allah help us resist the temptations of Satan and make our life from sins and vices to earn the pleasure of Him and His Apostle (Peace be upon him)!
