Ramadhan is a time for 'taqwa'

By Akhmad Rifai

This is the Book; In it is guidance, sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah. (The Holy Koran)

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Taqwa has a special place in the life of Moslems because it keeps them on constant guard against all forms of evil.

Taqwa is an Arabic word which signifies the fear of God. Men and women who fear God, both secretly and openly, are called muttaqiin. This fear of God is the basis which shapes the attitudes and actions of all who call themselves believers. The opening verses of the Koran's second sura (chapter) define who such people are and how to recognize them.

(They are those) who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what we have provided for them; and who believe in the revelation, sent to thee (Muhammad), and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the hereafter. They are on (true) guidance from their Lord and it is they who will prosper."

The knowledge that Allah (God) knows even one's hidden thoughts, and is at all times watching one, creates an awareness in the self that makes one less susceptible to go astray, to the path of sin. This heedfulness acts like a spiritual armor that protects a person from falling victim to the snares and pitfalls of Satan's ways.

That's why Allah has given special importance to men and women who fear Him and who know that one day they will be judged by Him. In almost every sura of the Koran, God-fearing people are promised "forgiveness and a great reward" for their firmness of faith and their steadfastness in doing good deeds.

Another oft-repeated similitude will serve to further clarify the meaning of taqwa. It has been defined as a trait that makes a person save himself/herself from sinful ways just like a person who, while traversing through a thicket of thorny bushes, protects himself/herself from harm and injury.

Even in the Old Testament (Proverbs), this fear of God and the resulting self-consciousness taqwa that leads one to perform deeds of righteousness, has been defined as the root of all wisdom. The quality has been accorded such significance that it shines out as the primary characteristic of all the prophets and those who followed them. From Prophet Noah to Prophets Abraham and Moses right up to Prophet Muhammad, the hallmark of all the messengers of God remains taqwa.

In the holy month of Ramadhan, which starts on Wednesday, Dec. 31, taqwa acquires more prominence because it receives special emphasis from all fasting Moslem men and women. That is why the Koran says: O, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may learn self-restraint.

This verse sheds light on two fundamental facts.

* It tells us that fasting is not something new. It has been in practice for centuries, kept alive by God-fearing men and women who believe in the hereafter. The Bible is full of examples which show that fasting was one of the means to seek God Almighty's grace and pleasure. So, Moslems are being told that fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you...

* The verse informs us of the underlying philosophy that forms the basis of fasting, so that you may learn self-restraint.

A little reflection on the meaning of the verse reveals that self-restraint is again a trait which only some men and women develop. In this world, where evil lurks at every step, the practice of self-restraint saves one from many problems.

For instance, it keeps one in total control of one's self, enabling one to wisely keep away from falling prey to mischief, quarrels or being led astray by those evil elements of society whose main aim is to create chaos and mayhem. Even psychologists acknowledge the superiority of a person who practices self- control and remains calm under all circumstances.

Thus, seen in its wider context, the practice of self- restraint strengthens one's being and makes one more resolved to avoid harmful thoughts and actions. And as one is obeying the command of Allah here, his fear naturally leads one's steps towards the path of righteousness. However, it should be understood that this self-restraint does not come about just by abstaining from food and drink.

In fact, keeping away from food and drink from dawn to sunset is only the first requirement. In addition, fasting men and women should regularly observe the daily five compulsory prayers. They should also avoid telling lies, slander, scandalmongering, backbiting, all forms of dishonest dealings, sexual relationship and indolent laziness. Also, they should be extremely patient when a quarrelsome person seeks to make mischief. All these requirements must be fulfilled by Moslems from dawn to sunset if their fasting is to be termed as successful. Otherwise, their fasting would be useless.

Prophet Muhammad said in one of his famous hadiths: "If one does not desist from wrong words and deeds, Allah is not interested in his giving up food and drink."

There is another hadith where the Prophet said: "Fasting is a shield." This means just like a shield protecting a soldier from the enemy's attacks. Fasting saves men and women from the main enemy of mankind -- Satan.

The practice of fasting for the 30 or 29 days of Ramadhan cleanses and refines the human body and soul and purifies both of previous faults and sins. The tempering of one's self and the supplication before Allah in doing fardh (obligatory), nawafil (optional) and taraweeh (done during Ramadhan) prayers creates an earnestness in the subconscious which inclines one's whole attention to become more heedful of one's thoughts, intentions and deeds.

In other words, the believer is more firmly resolved to march ahead on the path that will lead him/her to "forgiveness and a great reward". It is a promise of Allah, the Lord of all the world and a promise which is very true.

The writer is an associate member of researchers at Cairo Demographic Center based in Yogyakarta.