As the whole world celebrates Ramadan by fasting, praying and spreading empathy and warmth, M-town’s popular celebrities also take this opportunity to slow down and reflect on their values and to introspect on their spiritual, emotional and physical growth. Here, some of them reveal their thoughts on the holy month.
Actor Rahman is someone who strictly observes all rituals during Ramadan. “These 30 days are much more than just restraining from eating and drinking, it is a time for self-reflection, spiritual and physical recharging. We purify our soul by practising self-sacrifice, controlling our temptations and empowering ourselves by enhancing our willpower. We will feel grounded by the end of the month and it also gives us an understanding of another’s hunger, so we become generous and selfless.”
Being the elder at home, Rahman says that it is his responsibility to be a role model for his kids. “I clearly tell them that we are all human beings and all are one. Since we are born as Muslim, we are obliged to follow our rituals and culture and when we follow it, we should be honest to it. Ramadan is a month that turns everybody to a simple human being with a compassionate heart that knows only to love, care and support others,” he says.
Busy with the shooting of Ranjith’s film, Loham, at Bangalore, actor Irshad says be it rain or shine, he does not stay away from fasting. Though many believe that fasting is a ritual for God, he follows it as it is an opportunity to rejuvenate his whole self. “Fasting cleanses my body and soul much like how we service our vehicles after driving it around for a year. Our desires are curbed and this increases our inner strength so that we will be able to overcome and ignore all the temptations that surround us.”
No matter whether Shamna Kasim is in a film shoot or dance practice, she makes sure to observe fasting. The actress says that it is more about being close to her Allah than physical and emotional renewal. “I believe in its sanctity and I never miss any of the rituals that is said in Holy Quran. It gives me the strength and energy to live my life better. Every year when Ramadan comes, I embrace it with happiness and excitement as I know that it helps me to be a better human with amazing dedication and determination.”
Every year, Ramadan reminds singer Najim Arshad about self-denial and piety and persuades him to empathise more with the needy and underprivileged. “Through fasting we taste, to some extent, the pain and suffering of those who are poor and destitute. Fasting teaches compassion and empathy, and it takes away some of our selfishness and self-centeredness. We are purified and the one month will inspire us to live spiritually, peacefully and happily for the rest of the year. Since I stay alone, all I do when I am free is take my car and go for a drive to see if anyone is wandering around hungry and needy. I also do not believe in going for Iftar parties to break the fast as I feel we should keep things simple. I go to the mosque nearby and do my namaz and have what is offered there.”
Music composer Afsal Yusaf believes that fasting is not merely physical but is rather a total commitment of the person’s body and soul to the spirit of the fast. “During Ramadan, every part of our body should be restrained. We should not harm or hurt or even think bad even through our gaze. In Arabic, fasting is sawm that means ‘to refrain’ and it means refraining ourselves from not only food but also from evil actions, thoughts and words. Coming from a very religious family, it has become a habit to offer prayers and observe fasting during Ramadan.”
Fasting is a complete revitalisation process for Sajid Yahiya. “During this month, by sincerely observing fasting and whatever has been taught to us, we detoxify our mind and body. It is essential to clean up our lives, our thoughts, our feelings and our body.” Actor Fawaz Zayani finds it as an amazing opportunity to re-purify his soul and body. “It is time to cleanse my body and mind from impurities and re-focus on the positivity of life.”
