For Body and Soul

Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, the month when the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). It is a month of prayer and reflection, fasting and abstinence. And trying for self-improvement?!

I am not very religious but Ramadan is one time I do feel spiritually inclined and I think this has a lot to do with fasting. Keeping fasts is not just about physically showing your devotion, but serves to purify the soul and remind us of the people who are not so well off. Giving us a chance to appreciate the blessing bestowed on us. Fasting demands a lot of self-control and discipline so one has to make a few changes in daily routine. Just giving up food from dawn to dusk is only one aspect but trying to modify our behavior, thought and action for the better is the other and one does have to make a conscious effort, and ideally, continue with this even after the month is over.

The other benefits of fasting are that it is supposed to detoxify the body, get rid of extra fat, keep blood pressure normal and maintain a good cholesterol level. These health benefits are a real bonus.

The other requirements of Ramadan are Taraweeh and Zakat (charity). By donating to Charity and good causes it is a timely opportunity to spread happiness and joy to those who are in need.

One starts the fast at Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). After a light meal this is the best time for praying or reciting the Quran. (I must mention I am reading the English translation which I can understand, because earlier I used to read it in Arabic without understanding a word. Now I even go online often for the Arabic simultaneous recitation and translation http://tanzil.info/). This is my favourite time. The world outside is still and having just woken up, your mind is clear and in best shape for some meditation. This is the time one is truly alone with oneself. This time after the Fajr prayer is a truly enriching experience, setting the tone for the day.

Iftar (evening meal, after sunset) is time to be with family and friends. I prefer to stay at home and eat and relax. This year one has not attended many Iftar parties. Food is the highlight of many Iftars. A variety of dishes are made so there is a tendency to over-eat, but here again the key is to show some control. Nowadays with lavish parties, feasting, watching movies all night, the essence of Ramadan is lost. It is meant to be an austere month and such lavishness has no place in religion. These are recent fads, probably more by people who can manage to sleep this off during the day.

Ramadan is about to end. The last one-third of the month is very significant, during this part of Ramadan extra prayers are recommended, and the "Laylat ul Qadr" (The Night of Power, when the Quran was revealed) is said to be on one of the odd-numbered days in the last 10 days.

Many prayers are said all over the world during this period. The thought itself is inspiring. I hope whatever good comes out of this month is carried forward for the rest of the year.

I pray for more tolerance in our lives, peace everywhere, and especially for the people and children affected by the floods in Pakistan.