The True Essence of Ramadan

Questions, The ultimate quest that leaves you finding answers. Sometimes, these answers bring a fountain of joy to your life; other times, they often lead to very terrible realizations, and then you figure out that not knowing them was probably best for you. Ramadan, a month typically associated with food, celebrations, and joy, led me to a quest to find answers to some very peculiar questions. Why do we stay hungry? Why does my dad give out more to people experiencing poverty than typical during the month? Why do people avoid backbiting and lying out of the many things they usually do during Ramadan? I found my answers, and these answers are what Ramadan SHOULD be associated with

Patience:

Staying hungry and thirsty while carrying out your daily tasks teaches you the most important lesson mankind can put into practice to achieve stability—patience. Patiently waiting for that meal, for that sip of water to hit your throat after a long 15-hour fasting window, teaches you to control your temptations, fight against bad desires, and, overall, become a mentally strong human being.

Empathy:

When was the last time you were thankful for the bread, meat, and dairy you consume daily? We take these small things for granted until we realize how billions of people, including children, sleep on a hungry stomach every day. The fast makes you go through what they go through every day, so the next time you see someone in need, you remember how you felt on that hungry stomach and dry throat, pushing you to help them in any way possible.

Humility and Kindness:

Did you know? Even looking at someone with the wrong intent can void your fast? Yes, you heard that right! Fasting is the ultimate test of your mannerism. You’re exhausted, hungry, and thirsty, and you still manage to look at everyone with a smile, greet them nicely, and wish them well? That’s the sign of a well-mannered human being! Treating fellow kin and animals, irrespective of their social status, beliefs, and sexuality, with extreme kindness and gratitude not only makes you a good citizen in society but also gets you loads of respect. When was the last time we heard someone backbite about a person who is friendly with everyone?

Conclusion:

While we enjoy our get-togethers over the iftar and indulge in celebration and gift-giving, it is essential to realize that Ramadan is more than staying hungry all day. The unspoken lessons we learn take us ahead the most as we naturally learn to adopt them in our daily lives. If more people around the world, especially world leaders, learn how to be patient, empathize with the poor, and practice kindness and humility, you best bet that most of the issues we face in society would be long gone, which is why Ramadan needs to catch the attention of more people!