Ramadhan---a cleansing of mind, body and spirit

The Holy month of Ramadhan signals the start of physical and spiritual renewal among Muslims around the world. It is a forty day journey which pious Muslims prepare for, both in mind, body and spirit. For those not familiar with Ramadhan, it is a time when Muslims observe a renewal of their bodies sacrificed for Allah Swt. Fasting is observed. Fasting is a form of cleansing the body of toxins taken in for the entire eleven months.

While the pious believer of Islam observes fasting, he likewise renews his ties with Allah Swt. During the day when the believer restrains himself from drinking even a drop of water, he remembers his vow before Allah swt to observe the five pillars of Islam, and walk like how the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) did when he was still on earth. Most of the pious ones use this occasion to re-read the Noble Qu'ran and imbibe the lessons written in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh).

This is also a period of re-discovering the joy you had when you first embraced Islam as a way of your life. Islam is a 180 degree turn around, from the sinning life to a holy one. It is not just a religion, but a lifestyle. It is when one wholly realizes the importance of treading the holy path. Living the Islamic life is likened to a life being prepared for paradise. Every single day is a struggle. Every day is an attestation of how God protects his pious ones from evil and sin.

For our fellow brothers and sisters in Islam, may Allah Swt caused you to observe Ramadhan in its entirety and remember its sgnificance in preparing you for a life in paradise, where you don't need the rays of the sun or food for sustenance.