Spread compassion this Ramzan

All devout Muslims are again blessed with an opportunity to seek forgiveness as they usher in the holiest month in the Islamic culture, Ramzan. During Ramzan, our souls brim with devotion and love for the Almighty. But unfortunately, most of us concentrate on fasting and feasting.
It’s time to introspect and realize that we have wasted a significance of this blessed month by not adhering to other essential aspects like refraining from ill talk, charity, reciting and following the divine words of the Holy Quran. Let us understand that not eating the entire day is just one of the crucial aspects of Ramzan and not the only requirement. This month of spiritual renewal and personal growth requires our total submission. Let us quickly assess our mistakes of the previous Ramzan and pledge not to repeat them this year. Without much ado, as we brace our souls for a time of spiritual reflection, let us focus on the most important yet neglected aspects, namely, time management and feeling of oneness towards our fellow beings.
To most, words like time management may sound technical. But if followed strictly, proper time management can reap even bigger rewards for the souls harbouring the desperate desire to seek forgiveness. While managing our time or making a schedule, we must be enthusiastic, self-driven, and responsible. Don’t forget to take the lead and be inclusive while planning a program for Ramzan. Remember, Ramzan is also a time for community and togetherness. We must not forget that the Holy Quran was revealed as a guide for the entire human race during this time of the year.
With the help of the Holy Quran, the Prophet propagated compassion and love. Unfortunately, most of us overlook these golden virtues and either hurt others unintentionally or carry the grudges of past enmity. Sample this; it’s a common sight during Ramzan where people break traffic signals as they want to be on time for iftar. In their life-risking endeavour, these careless souls violate the traffic rule and the divine rule of valuing other lives. We must try to refrain from the slightest evil this Ramzan. Remember, good and bad can never be the same. Before seeking your Lord’s forgiveness, you must learn to forgive others around you.
Vengeful violence is the natural tendency of human nature; the non-violence that can even love one’s enemies requires divine empowerment. This divine gift is bestowed on people who maintain patience in every adversity, as narrated in the 34th and 35th verses of chapter 41 of the Holy Quran: “Good and Evil, Negative and Positive cannot be equal. Repel evil with something that is better. Then he, between whom and you, prevailing enmity and hatred will transform into intimate friendship. And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint with persevering high morale”.
This Ramzan, let us embark on a blissful journey of seeking forgiveness by forgiving others and striving to become better human beings with virtues like self-control, compassion, and patience.
(The writer is regional secretary, Society for Communal Harmony, New Delhi)