Ramadan is no excuse not to improve!Ramadan is no excuse!
Our mind is the most powerful weapon. The impossible can be accomplished when our minds are centered in accomplishing it. But when our minds say the opposite, everything is unachievable, everything is hopeless.
The same concept is applied in fasting. Many pessimistic views bombard that Muslims are weak during Ramadan because fasting leads to fatigue, headaches and dehydration. But over history, Muslims have accomplished the impossible.
It is true that lethargy is felt during Ramadan, but will it be a fence obstructing us from advancing? Impeding us from progressing? Hindering us from being jubilant?
Even though Ramadan encompasses more than fasting but this article focuses on the significance of fasting in Ramadan.
The Spring of Ramadan
Like the “spring of youth” or “Arab Spring”, the invariant meaning of “spring,” according to Semanticists is “an accelerated movement.”
Therefore, the Spring of Ramadan means “Ramadan acts as a catalyst, intensifying and accelerating the movement of Muslims to be more energetic not lethargic.”
From the hadith reported by Bukhari:
“Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven .”
For one to be exonerated from all his past sins, he must energetically and synergistically unite his mind, body and soul to observe fasting with full of sincerity and center his hope only for Allah.
Fasting is not a symbol of weakness. Fasting is not an excuse to be sleeping all day long. Fasting is not an impediment not to exercise. Fasting is no reason to submit assignments late. Fasting is not the reason of our underperformance in any competition. Even if a brewing war is about to take place, fasting is no barricade!
Throughout history, Muslims have proved that the exhaustion due to fasting would not slow down their performance. The battle of Badr was a great example recorded by history where 313 Muslims rivaled and soon prevailed in the encounter with the Quraishi people three times greater than them.
All this happened during the month of Ramadan where Muslims are believed to be so called “weak.” But these “weak” people never disregarded their duty and proved that Ramadan is not an excuse whatsoever.
Ibtihaj Muhammad and Fasting
One might argue that the battle of Badr was prevalent because of the prophet Muhammad was still alive and constantly available to provide motivation.
It is undeniable that the prophet’s presence alone was one important factor to keep the spiritual strength burning but even though he is not with us psychically, he is still living with us as long as the Quran and Sunnah are followed.
But a contemporary persona, Ibtihaj Muhammad, a female American-Muslim fencer confirmed the impossible as possible. If she qualifies for the Olympics this year, set in middle of July this month, she will be competing and undergoing the training regime while fasting.
She told EPSN last year “Fasting is not meant to be easy, but I don’t think my struggle is different from anyone else’s.”
“If I were blessed and fortunate enough to qualify for the Games, there would be no reason not to fast,” she said.
Conclusion: I’m possible
Nothing is impossible and impossible is nothing. Even from the word “Impossible” it can be interpreted as “I am possible.”
Fasting is never the reason for the unproductivity of our daily endeavors. The unproductivity is rooted from our habit of worshipping our weaknesses.
When weakness is worshiped, it becomes a barricade, a blockage, hindering us from immersing in productivity.
Productivity begins at the end of your comfort zone.
For the upcoming Ramadan, prepare for the worst and hope for the best!
credit to : langitilahi
kalam elya : Salam Ramadhan Kareem ya zalamih..moga tahun ini bakal menjadi lebih baik dari tahun-tahun sebelumnya..rebut peluang,jangan siakan..kerana kita telahpun diizinkan Ilahi untuk berada dalam bulan barokah ni..give thanks to Allah dear sahabat-sahabatfiLlah..alhamduliLlah.. :)
