Oman
Tariq Butt
Ramadan is every Muslim’s opportunity for spiritual renewal, said Tariq Butt in the Oman Daily Observer. During the holy month, Satan and his devils are locked away in hell, so any sin a person commits is his fault alone and can’t be blamed on demonic influence. Ramadan is a chance to prove how strong we can be for Allah. It is no accident that the primary obligation during Ramadan is to fast from sunup to sundown. Fasting is a private discipline. “In every other deed that man performs,” there is an element of showing off, performing devotions to win respect from others. Ostentatiously praying, for example, or giving alms to the poor could be done for Allah—or for personal glory. Fasting is different. “You have ample opportunity to eat, drink, or do whatever your heart desires when people are not watching, while the entire time you are pretending to fast.” So what prevents a Muslim from snacking in secret? Only faith. We know that Allah is “watching, always and everywhere, and that He even knows what is within our hearts and minds.” To refrain from food and drink, then, is to assert one’s belief in Allah. As the Koran says, “He is with you wheresoever you may be, and He sees whatsoever you do.”
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