Night of peace.

Byline: Nikhat Sattar

EVEN as the world battles a virus that has gripped the human race in its tentacles, Muslims observe the month of fasting with fervour and hope. Covid-19, in fact, should be taken as an opportunity for those who pray, because they can now do so in isolation and away from temptations of social gatherings. This is the time for deep introspection and developing and strengthening one's bonds with the Creator, with no one watching.

Ramazan is very special for Muslims for many reasons. It is one of the main ways God prescribes for them to work towards developing piety and righteousness, the beautiful word 'taqwa' which has been variously translated. 'O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint' (2:183). It enables us to bring our nafs under control, purify our physical system and, through prayer and Quran reading, cleanse our souls. Indeed, if we do not control tendencies to anger, abuse, lying, cheating, committing other small or big sins, our fasts will be merely acts of starvation.

One fact often missed by Muslims is that they had already accepted God as their Creator before coming to this world. This life is a period during which they overcome their tribulations and control their desires so as to return to their natural selves, fitrah. Ramazan is an amazing gift from God to His servants, to be relished day to day, each day bringing more promise of fulfilment and reward. The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said: 'Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramazan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain God's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven'(Bukhari and Muslim). However, people who are ill or travelling or unable to fast for other reasons can also benefit equally.

Ramazan is an amazing gift from God to His servants.

The main reason for the special place occupied by Ramazan in the hearts of Muslims is that the Quran was first revealed during this month. This is stated in the Quran itself (2:185).

The night during which this revelation first came to the Prophet through angel Gabriel is the one every practising Muslim aspires to search for and find. It is the blessed night during which every matter is decreed (44:1-5). It is the night in which, through prayer, sins are forgiven, supplications are accepted and mercy and blessings surround the persons engaged in prayer. It has been variously called the Night of Power, Decree...