Let’s not lose out on the true meaning

Prayers, fasting, and relief activities should be the main purpose of a true Muslim during the holy month of Ramzan. Those who have limited the holy month to just fasting and feasting will lose the true meaning of observing the month. It is not an exercise in fasting during the day, binge eating during the night and setting the clock to the wee hours for those inclined to rise for the pre-dawn meal.

The one who observes the month-long fasting in its true spirit will imbibe the lessons of patience and mercy. Ramzan is also known as the month to recite the holy text even more eagerly and with renewed dedication to completing the task. We are encouraged to complete the full recitation of the holy Koran at least once during the month.

It has also to be pointed out that fasting is a form of education to the whole society and the person will be in harmony with the society to which he or she belongs through worship, the unifying factor of the whole community. As Prophet said, those who truly fast for the sake of attaining to God, and not merely as a custom, should be absorbed in praise and glorification of God, and in meditating on His unity.

During the hectic schedule of official work, missing a day’s meal never becomes a problem for me. The month also gives me immense pleasure to remember the Almighty through his holy words.  What I have to tell my brothers and sisters is to set a mission and try to commit to it till the end of Ramzan.

(Kanathil Jameela is the Kozhikode district panchayat president/As told to Pooja Nair)