Ramadan is a month of asceticism, prayer and sharing, not bulimia
Islam is a communal and collectivist religion that is very concerned about the well-being of the individual within their social group, the homogeneity of society and its inclusiveness. It prescribes good relations between the members of society, because if the society is strong and healthy, theUmmah (Islamic nation) will undoubtedly do well. It also prescribes respect for other religions and cultures and the search for peace and the brotherhood of men throughout the world.
Love your neighbor: collective solidarity
One of the important values of the religion of Islam is beneficial cooperation and mutual understanding according to the following surah:
وَتَعَاوَنُوا ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَ لَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ ش َدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ …''
“…Help one another in good works and piety and do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah, for Allah is indeed severe in punishment! '” (Surah 5, Verse 2)
Thus, Allah commands all Muslims to help each other form a strong social structure in a community based on the values of solidarity, mutual support and concern for each other's well-being.
This is further emphasized in a Hadith of the Prophet Mohammed, (ﷺ):
المؤمن للمؤمن كالبنيان يشد بعضه بعضًا (Hadith reported by al-Bukhari)
Helping each other is undoubtedly a double-edged action:
– To take care : show interest in the other and provide support and help if necessary, and;
– Share : helping the needy and poor in society.
The values of kindness and sharing were sanctified by the Prophet (ﷺ) in his various hadiths, he spoke kindly of his neighbor to the point that the faithful thought that he was going to make him eligible for the inheritance of other people around him.
If the Prophet (ﷺ) makes the “neighbor” a very important member of society, this means that collective solidarity is the most important aspect of social Islam. Furthermore, the Prophet (ﷺ) did not specify that the “neighbor” must be Muslim, which means that good treatment of the people around you applies to everyone, regardless of their religion, color or social status.
In addition to sharing and kindness, Allah has instructed Muslims, to read the Quran during this holy month of Ramadan, not mechanically but rather intelligently to make its salient contours ring in the ear of the worshiper in order to bring out in his soul and its spirit values such as:
– Peace and brotherhood of all men;
– Respect for others and full acceptance of their “otherness”;
– Respect for seniority;
– Sharing and kindness;
– Empathy ;
– Mutual social responsibility;
– Forgiveness ;
– Equality and equity;
– Justice ;
– Manifestation of affection and love; etc.
Islam is not just about prayer, it is also about good relationships and treating others well:
الدين المعاملة
“Religion is good treatment of others”
The Quran states very clearly that the Night of Destiny (laylat al-Qadr) is preferred at 1000 months:
بِّسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَ يْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ 1
We certainly sent it down (the Quran) during the night of Al-Qadr.
2 وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ
And who will tell you what the night of Al-Qadr is?
3 لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.
4 تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّ ن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ
During this, the Angels and the Spirit descend, by permission of their Lord for all orders.
5 سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
She is peace and salvation until the appearance of dawn.
This value is immense. So much so that, in the Koran, an entire surah (quoted above) is dedicated to this night (Surah al-Qadr, No. 97). The Text says that this night is better than a thousand months. It is therefore more valuable than a life. Do the math and you'll see that it's been over eighty-three years. So it's a night of worship that's better than a life of worship
The month of Ramadan is the only month of the year mentioned in the Noble Quran when Allah, exalted be He, says (meaning of the verse):
“(These days are) the month of Ramadan during which the Quran was revealed (…)” (Surah 2, Verse 185).
(…)شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاس ِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ
The Prophet (ﷺ) reported the merit of this blessed month saying:
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and hoping for retribution from Allah, all his previous sins will be forgiven. » (Hadith reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This sacred month is believed to be the epitome of Islamic thought and philosophy revolving around noble values such as:
– Good relationships between people;
– Responsibility towards other members of society;
– Inner and outer peace;
– active solidarity, etc.
A surge of tolerance, peace and kindness
The month of Ramadan is definitely a month of sharing and solidarity. Part of the five pillars of Islam, this month represents four weeks of charity, frugality and piety during which Muslims must demonstrate self-sacrifice and support for those most in need.
This outpouring of solidarity is shared by Muslims and non-Muslims, reflecting the values of tolerance, kindness and peace that bring them together. On this occasion, several operations are launched in favor of families in need so that when the fast is broken, festive meals bring together all the families.
This message of humanity is further proof that the values of respect prevail between different religions. Whether in the form of financial aid or the distribution of baskets, benefactors can afford to help those who are in need or who are far from their families. In this approach, no part of the population is excluded, particularly the elderly. The latter also participate in activities organized by associations in their favor.
Welcoming a religious fervor of great intensity, seeking repentance and forgiveness, but also preparing the faithful for what we could call social altruism, these seem to be some of the challenges of the fasting times of Ramadan.
The true meaning of Ramadan
The month of Ramadan is the 9thth month of the Muslim calendar. This month marks the beginning of the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed (ﷺ). Also, Ramadan is the month of fasting par excellence. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the ritual obligations of Islam and also one of the five pillars of the Muslim religion. Month of spirituality and solidarity, each year more than a billion and a half Muslims celebrate it with joy and sharing.
Voluntary deprivation of food is a reminder of hunger, suffering and poverty in the world. From Tangier to Jakarta, from Nouakchott to Kabul, Muslims discover on a daily basis the true meaning of universal values, those of humanity, respect and mutual aid to strengthen social bonds.
By fasting, the rich understand what the disadvantaged experience on a daily basis, and they take advantage of the surrounding generosity to eat well during this month. Popular social activities include food aid operations aimed at helping poor people break their fast by distributing food parcels or offering hot meals. These operations are often organized by associations, companies or simply families.
It was reported that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said :
“The best charity is that which is given during the month of Ramadan (Hadith Narrated by Tirmidhi). And the Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of men.
Ramadan is not bulimia
Much like Christmas in the Western world, Ramadan has sadly become a month of binge eating, when in reality Islam deprives people of food, water and other carnal pleasures during the day to awaken in individuals the values of solidarity and empathy.
The poor suffer from lack of food all day, every day, a good Muslim experiencing this suffering for a whole month can experience the pains of lack. The pain of hunger is intended to be an educational approach to make them aware of the difficult situation of others in order to care about them throughout the year and not just for a few days or a few weeks.
Ramadan also means refraining from eating too much and stuffing yourself endlessly in the evening.
Ramadan is supposed to activate in the good Muslim the values of empathy and generosity: sharing food, time, love and respect with the needy on a daily basis, throughout the year.
Fasting is also a healthy personal endeavor; it helps the body eliminate toxins present in different foods and drinks throughout the year.
The month of alms and good
Alms sadaqah, whether obligatory or optional, is a fundamental institution of solidarity. It is important to note that Quranic and prophetic texts do not exclude non-Muslims from humanitarian aid. If a Muslim (sick, pregnant, traveler, etc.) cannot fast during the month of Ramadan, he or she is asked to feed a poor person every day. Thus, the rite of fasting siyâm can be replaced by the rite of alms sadaqah. In other words, the social act (almsgiving) equals and replaces at the same time the spiritual act (the fast of Ramadan).
This is the time of acceptance and goodness; the door of good is open to him who desires it, and the devil is chained; according to Abu Huraira the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said :
“ When the month of Ramadan comes, the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained)” (Hadith reported by Al-Bukhari and Mouslim).
And he also said that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said :
“When the eve of the month of Ramadan arrives, the devils and the disobedient (evil) genies are chained, the gates of hell are closed and none of its doors will be opened, and the doors of Paradise are open and none of its doors will be opened. doors will not be closed, and they call: “O You who desire good, come! And O You who desire evil, stop! ; And Allah frees people from hell every night (during the month of Ramadan)” (Hadith reported by Ibn Maajah).
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