Ramadan: Beauty, Blessings And Breaking Bad Habits

In the Holy Qur’an, in Chapter 2 Verse 183, it reads “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil.”

That’s beautiful! Fasting is likened unto medicine because it’s a physical, moral and spiritual healing to the human being. Fasting is practiced in all religions.

When I converted to Islam, I was taught that it is not a religion but it is actually a way of life. Therefore, like all religions, we have rituals, but those rituals are seeded with meanings that guide us towards a higher reflection of that which we say we believe in. Islam means to enter into a state of peace through submission to Allah (God).

During Ramadan we put a halt to many things such as cursing, arguing, lying, gossiping, complaining and even step away from personal addictions such as TV, the Internet, sugar or video games. Even the grumpiest of us become all of a sudden pleasant. Many clear the dust off of their Qur’ans that was placed at the highest point in their homes to start reading it. We take the time to pray more than ever. The list goes on.

I love taking this time to reflect on how I need to be more dutiful to Allah (God) and His Cause. I love reading the beautiful words of the Qur’an and hearing the recitation. I love waking up to join Muslims every morning on theTsunami Prayer Line. I love breaking fast with family, fellow Believers and friends at my home and theirs. I smile brightly every time I get a text message from my Christian friends and family who had just completed one of the days of fasting with us. We’re all in a spirit of love!