We are already two weeks (almost) into Ramadhan, and the irony of it, I have not felt the Ramadhan spirit yet. It seemed so different these years, now that I am much older. I remember it was not as sombre as this when I was back in primary school or secondary school for that matter. It was much more grandeur and special back then, in which you could feel the joyous spirit and the incredible aura that was spread across the Muslim community.
This year, it feels like I am forced to fast. Like I fast because everyone else is doing it, like the meaning of this pristine month is lost in the wilderness of this modern era. I read up a few articles on Ramadhan, dating back to when it first began, on the reasons why we Muslims should adhere to the one pillars of Islam, it seemed rather intriguing.
As a Virgo, I would always want to find the logical meaning behind every action and so that was why I embarked on this unprecedented journey to find the most logical reasoning.
"O who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you;perchance you will guard yourselves....The month of Ramadan is the monthin which the Koran was sent down,a guidance for the people,and clear verses of guidance andcriterion. [Quran: Chapter 2, 183] "
In this article, it was cited that Fasting is, among other things, the best way to learn how to attain piety.
I believe Fasting has its unspoken perks, from what I understand, this is the month when we get much closer to GOD and his supremacy, observe closely at the great wonders of the universe and its creations. Pray and listen to his teachings, because we as His humble creatures are the ones who are going to reap the benefits eventually. We are abstained from doing things that are not condoned in his teachings.
But then again, the ultimate motive of reading through the article is to find the logic in fasting.
And i could not find any.
What logic is there starving ourselves from dawn to dusk?
I dont think its much of dieting because in the end, you tend to overeat(mind is saying "you didnt eat the whole day so this is the time for you to feast on good food").
What logic is there when you are specifically instructed to fast because its one of the pillars of Islam?
Because i believe praying 5 times a day is also another pillar that makes you true a Muslim(but how often do you see people religously doing it without complaining of not having the capacity to set aside 5 minutes of his/her time)
What logic is there, contrary to poular belief, that fasting helps you to save money?
You can save money on any other day on any other month. Fasting just prevents you from buying lunch. Then what about the break of fast?
I could not find a good enough logic on why we should really fast. Maybe those who have found them may like to share with me and I am happy enough to listen.
Needless to say, I am not against my own religion or frown upon the act of fasting. In fact I, without any doubt, love this month of Ramadhan. I can boastfully say that its my favourite month out of any other islamic month. I love the spirit and the camaraderie that is established in this month. Knowing that the Muslims across the region break fast at the same time upon hearing the 'azan' (call of prayer), it makes me feel like I belong to the world, like I belong to Allah.
It is my belief and faith in Islam that I fast. It is this faith that supersedes all logical reasons, commands beyond considerable doubts, that I fast year after year since I was about nine.
And without questions i shall continue to fast because as it is,
I live To obey Allah's injunction.
P.S: I will obey the second pillar (praying 5 times a day) when i have it in my heart to fight the demon within me.
:)
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