Under the present turbulent situations that prevail in most parts of the world Islam has remained a less understood religion. But the real essences of Islam are universal brotherhood and love and compassion for others. To justify this the month of Ramadan is a great example.

The two important institutions of Ramadan are fasting for the required no of days (29-30) and distribution of Zakath (Islamic alms fee)

Fasting is the act of abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, voluntary vomiting; sex etc from sun rise to sunset. The significance of fasting lies in the habit of self control that it fosters and develops. It therefore enables one to save oneself from being an easy victim of temptation and make the practice of virtue easier. Fasting also trains oneself for enduring thirst and hunger and this in turn makes him realize the distress of the starving poor and empathize with them.

However fasting is not really useful to body if the mind does not cooperate with it and then fasting becomes a shame. Fasting is obligatory to all except men and women that are too old and feeble or those who are sick or travelling or mothers who are suckling a child.

Now what is Zakat? It is the act of distributing 2.5% of wealth in their possession for one complete year. It is obligatory for all Muslims to distribute their excessive wealth among the poor and needy to relieve their distress.

Along with these two obligatory activities, there is one more charity that Islam emphasizes. On the last day of Ramzan, a Muslim has to pay for himself or herself and for his minor children around 3 kgs of rice or wheat [depending on their staple diet] or equivalent value per head to the needy. Thus Ramdan encourages giving as much charity as possible.

Finally to mark the conclusion of Ramadan Id-ul Fitr is celebrated. Id, an Arabic word denotes ‘festivity’ and ‘Fitr’ means breaking the fast. The festivity includes a small congregational prayer, greeting each other and merry making. As the basic concept is to show gratitude to God, unity and universal brotherhood, it encourages people on this day to forgive and forget differences and animosities with others

As these two institutions convey to all to be loving and compassionate to fellow beings, why not we follow it for a slightly better world?

Article Posted By : aneesha  On July 31, 2012lView All Articles

Article Source :

http://www.veethi.com/articles/the-essence-of-ramadan-article-902.htm

Keywords :
peace , ramzan , zakat