RAMADAN: FASTING.. AND WHAT ELSE?
Ramadan has arrived, the month of mercy and renewal.
The opportunity we have been waiting for all year to purify our souls, strengthen them and feed them.
We fast by giving up food and drink during certain hours of the day, that is, food for the body, in order to detoxify our body and eliminate harmful substances that harm it, such as toxic habits, or simply unbalanced eating habits.
Just like we cover those physical needs, during this holy month we also cover our spiritual needs, which are really the most important in Ramadan.
We fast to detoxify our souls, that is, refraining from bad deeds and bad thoughts, putting aside certain actions that damage our integrity or that can lead to a waste of time without providing any benefit, abandoning some habits, such as excessive consumption , spend unlimited time in front of screens, on social networks, etc. We get rid of certain acts seeking to disconnect, and thus leaving space for others that would fill our soul, such as the search for knowledge and good works.
This is a month where we try to exercise self-control and patience, increase our willpower, and ultimately a period where we practice self-discipline.
Feeding the soul begins by sitting down to reflect on ourselves, to evaluate and meditate, that is, to undertake a deep task of introspection, in order to get to know ourselves better and know where our faults are and where the deficit lies, in search of being able to correct it. and improve, elevating our souls, getting closer and strengthening our relationship with the Creator.
It is the ideal time to set new resolutions and spiritual objectives, as well as review our actions and the lists of resolutions that we have pending to achieve, such as improving our family relationships, or those things for which we have not yet dared to take the step. like, for example, putting on the Hijab. This month could be our opportunity.
In addition, it turns out to be a good time to try to control and eliminate from our hearts all those negative feelings towards others and towards ourselves, and an excellent occasion to forgive the faults and mistakes of others, just as we would like to be forgiven. thereby purifying the soul.
In Ramadan, the month in which the Qur'an was sent down, we find various sources from which we can nourish our souls, such as reading the verses of the Qur'an and living with their meanings, observing obligatory and voluntary prayers, going to the mosque on the nights of Qiyam (Taraweeh), the recitation of supplications (Adkar) in the morning and evening, the contemplation of the attributes of Allah, listening to talks and following programs that bring us benefits, gratitude for all blessings we are surrounded by putting ourselves in the shoes of those who do not have them, organize breaks of the fast (Iftar) and share, participate in voluntary work, perform acts of charity, meet with our family and friends to share worship...
In short, a special and irreplaceable occasion to renew both body and soul, and nourish ourselves both physically and spiritually, finding balance and inner peace.
Nourelhouda Boussaid