Jeddah Dawah Center In the previous article we talked about some aspect of excellence in the blessed month of Ramadan. We talked about the psychological, spiritual excellence, and excellence in worship. Today we shall continue exploring some of these qualities. Third: Moral excellence Fasting in Ramadan has a positive effect on the behavior of the individual whose behavior is styled a morality style. It will reinforce self-control, soften the feelings, and calls for patience and forgiveness as indicated by the Prophet (peace be upon him) “If any day one of you is fasting, whoever insults or fights with him, let him say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting'.” (Narrated by Muslim) The Prophet (peace be upon him) shows that this act is not an addition rather it is necessary for everyone who wants to benefit from his fast. If it is neglected, one risks his fast rendered unacceptable or losing the full reward of his fast. He (peace be upon him): said “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting on it and ignorance, Allah is in no need that he forsakes food and drink.” (Bukhari) There are some people who violate the sanctity of the fast with bad behavior and harsh treatment with people and then invoke fasting to justify their actions. Those people are ignorant of the true essence of fasting, its wisdom and rewards, and know nothing but to refrain from food and drink for a period of time. Fasting, as the scholars say, is of various ranks the least of which is giving up food and drink. There is fasting of the heart for the sake of God Almighty. Fasting of the tongue protecting it from lying, backbiting, gossip and derision, etc., and keeping one's fast from falling into prohibited acts. If a person fasts and leaves his desires of this world, he will enjoy them tomorrow in Paradise. This is the moral excellence that we want in fasting in Ramadan. Fourth, social excellence There are many social aspects of excellence in the month of Ramadan, when one of the pious predecessors was asked: “Why fasting was prescribed?”, he said: “to let the rich taste hunger, so they do not forget the hungry ones.” Hence many from among the righteous predecessors used to share their breakfast meal or even giving it up totally to the needy and stay hungry. Ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) would not break his fast except with the needy and if a beggar knocked on the door while he was eating, he would take his own share and give it to him. The stories in this regard are many, and what is intended is that fasting reminds the Muslims of their hungry brothers, and letting them realize God's grace on them that they are capable of that of which a lot of the poor people were deprived. So they should be grateful for the blessings of God, at having been given wealth, and getting rid of selfishness, exhorting them to have mercy on thier brothers in need . In addition to these meanings that may be perceived by some whom God guides, and is not understood by others, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has left the ideal example in this social aspect. He (may peace be upon him) used to excel in this month in generosity and giving, so much so that his generosity was likened to the blowing wind. The Prophet (peace be upon him) urged people to give food in this month, he said: “Whoever provides breakfast meal to a fasting person, he will get reward like his own.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi and authenticated by Albani) Fifth: Educational excellence The fast of Ramadan is not incumbent until one reaches puberty. However, the Prophet's companions utilized the fasting in educating their children on the meaning of patience and endurance from an early age. Al-Rabie Bint Mu'awwidh (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Sahabah used to let their children fast, and they would make them toys out of wool, so if one of them cried for food they would give it to them to play to distract them until they completed their fast. Even though the narration is about fasting on Ashura, there is no doubt they were doing so in Ramadan as well since its fasting is more recommended. Sixth: Economic excellence The economic excellence is very clear and distinguishes the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of fasting. The most prominent manifestations of fasting is the abstinence from food and drink from dawn to sunset. Usually one eats three meals a day, while in Ramadan – it is reduced to two meals only. There is no doubt that saving a meal daily during this month, could save the Ummah millions that might have been spent paying for that meal. In principle, the main concern of Muslims in this noble month should be worship and this should have a positive economic impact. To the contrary there is an increase in spending in Ramadan than in any other month. Surprisingly the bulk of this overspending is in food, as if the month of Ramadan turns into a month to eat, drink and in the preparation of food and filling bellies, as the statistics prove that the people put on weight significantly in the month of Ramadan. In the upcoming article we should continue in our humble effort to search and understand some more aspects of excellence in the month of fasting. __
