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Reflections: Now that Ramadan Is over - 3
By Azher Quader
Chicago, IL
This is the concluding part of the 3-part series “Now that Ramadan is over”. Part 1 dealt with the impact of Ramadan on our physical health and wellbeing. In Part 2 we discussed some major themes of the Holy Qur’an and their possible influence on the development of Muslim character. In part 3 we will look at the role of Ramadan in helping us understand the basis of spirituality and its practice as a desired life goal for every Muslim to pursue.
Spiritual Lessons
Finally, the “soul” the centerpiece of our spiritual life. Its evolution is a function of our beliefs, our deeply held convictions, actions and behaviors, relationships, our responses to life experiences, mature understanding of our emotions, remembrance of God, contemplation on Truth, connection to Divine wisdom and much more. The Qur’an refers to this process as “tazkieh” or “purification”.
The path to travel in our journey to God is a steep climb, it is the struggle to give not take, to fight not flee, to challenge a system that benefits the rich and powerful and deprives the poor and the marginalized.
…We have created man for toil and trial. (90: 4)
Yet he has not attempted the steep path. What will explain to you what the steep path is? It is to free a slave, to feed at a time of hunger an orphaned relative or a poor person in distress, and to be one of those who believe and urge one another to steadfastness and compassion. (90:11-17)
And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in Allah (deen) altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do. (From “The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an — `Abdullah Yusuf `Ali, published by Amana Corporation, 1994 Edition, 8:39)
The annals of Muslim history are filled with examples from the lives of exceptional people who showed us the true meaning of being spiritual.
When the Prophet (PBUH) returned from Taif bloodied in body and wounded in spirit, he was not despairing but full of hope that someday the promise of Allah will come true and his mission will succeed.
That is spiritual.
When the woman who used to throw garbage in his way every day to show her hatred for him, falls sick, and he notices her absence he is concerned for her welfare and goes to visit her. That is spiritual.
When barely in Medina as refugees for a year, battered and exhausted with little training or resources, three hundred new Muslims were asked to make their ultimate sacrifice and fight in the defense of their belief, they go out to Badr in a state of fasting for the very first time and defeat an army one thousand strong. That is spiritual.
When after years of hostile treatment and brutal battles he returns to Mecca triumphant, his mortal enemies expect revenge but he is not vengeful and forgives them all, unconditionally. That is spiritual.
During the famine of Arabia in Hazrat Umar’s caliphate when food was being brought in from Egypt and Syria to feed the locals, Hazrat Umar would not eat anything else but what was available to the poorest of Muslims. At night he would carry bags of grains on his back to give to those who could not come to pick the food from the state granary. That is spiritual.
When the vanquished warrior spat on Hazrat Ali’s (RA) face, when he was ready to kill him in the heat of battle, he put his sword back in its sheath and walked away, explaining that if he killed him then it would be from anger and not for the sake of Allah anymore. That is spiritual.
To be spiritual is ultimately an act of passionate love. It is the “Holy Grail” of all religious experiences. It is transformational for our lives when self-love gives way to selfless love.
I quote below six verses from Allama Iqbal which I believe, best express what it means to be spiritual:
Character/ Humility
Mera Tareeq Ameeri Nahin, Faqeeri Hai, Khudi Na Baich, Ghareebi Mein Naam Paida Kar
My way is to live humbly with gratitude for what I have and not crave for riches of the world
Sell not your soul but earn the respect and admiration of others even though your life is spent in poverty.
Passion & Commitment
Khirad Ne Keh Bhi Diya ‘La Ilaha’ To Kya Hasil Dil-o-Nigah Musalman Nahin To Kuch Bhi nahin
Our allegiance to our faith through verbal declarations, does it really matter? If our hearts are not committed to the practice of the faith nothing really matters.
Service
“Mita de apni hasthy ko agar kuch marthaba chahe
Ke daana khak mein milkar gul o gulzaar hota hai”
Spend yourself in the service of others if you desire a high place in the eye of the Creator. Like the seed which loses itself in the lowly soil to become a beautiful garden above.
Submission to Divine Guidance
Ye Aik Sajda Jise Tu Garan Samajhta Hai Hazar Sajde Se Deta Hai Admi Ko Nijat !
Prostration ’fore God you presume as irksome, tedious, burden great; But mind, this homage sets you free from thousand other submissions to men, and vain desires.
Belief Action and Love
“Yaqeen Mohkam, Amal Peham, Mohabbat Faateh-E-Alam Jahad-E-Zindagani Mein Hain Ye Mardon Ki Shamsheerain”
Unwavering belief, constant action, boundless love that conquers the world— These are the swords of men in the battlefield of life.
Courage / Speaking for truth
Agarche buth hain jama’at ki astinoun mein Mujhe hai hukm e azan la ilaha illallah
Though many idols are still in the sleeves of the faithful I have been ordained to announce with courage that there is no god but Allah (whose guidance only needs to be followed).
May Allah guide us to be engaged fully with our minds, bodies and souls in the pursuit of His Will.)
