The Bitter Realities of Ramadan

Scholars of religion agree that the month of Ramadan is the month of the descent of the Quran. Indeed, the Quran states that it was revealed during the month of Ramadan. The Quran is a code of conduct that clearly states that merely believing in it is not enough; rather, salvation from hell can be attained by adhering to its commandments. Therefore, during the month of Ramadan, it is prescribed to fast during the day and dedicate a portion of the night to the recitation of the Quran. The purpose is to make Muslims living examples of the Quran. With the beginning of Ramadan, preachers and scholars start giving instructions. Every Ramadan, Muslims are taught that this month is a month of training so that they spend the rest of the year following the same guidance and code of conduct. The Quran was not revealed merely for recitation; reading any book just to recite it is not the purpose. If it were so, the honorable Arabs would never have opposed it. The Quran is called the book of guidance, and guidance is not a matter of words, but it has a direct relationship with practical life. It is mentioned at the beginning of the Quran that it shows the straight path, from which it is clear that by walking on the straight path, one can reach the desired destination. No other path leads to the real destination; instead, such paths lead people astray. It is evident that this is the path to walk on and prove. Only then can success be achieved. The relationship between Ramadan and the Quran is that it directs Muslims to action. Muslims are to demonstrate obedience to Allah’s commandments by their actions. Only then can the original mission of the Quran be accomplished. Mere reading or memorization will never achieve the real purpose. The corruption found within Muslim societies is because the Quran has been limited to its letters and verses. Although Ramadan and the Quran are linked with a great purpose, unfortunately, today’s Muslims lack the essence of piety. Piety has been confined, and the Quran and fasting have been associated with it. The month of fasting limits thirty chapters and reduces the Quran to mere recitation. This has become its real purpose. However, Allah’s important things are not these; the real thing is piety. Piety does not seem to be present among Muslims. During Ramadan, people undoubtedly rush towards goodness. It is pleasing that the number of worshippers in mosques increases. Hotels and restaurants are closed or curtains are drawn on their entrances. Openly eating and drinking in respect of the fast is stopped. These signs are significant, and these things are viewed with respect. Despite this, the bitter reality exists that actual matters are not improving. Despite reading the Quran and observing fasts, the life that was supposed to flourish does not. The enthusiasm for piety and honesty that should be within them is not evident. Someone rightly said that walking one mile inside a mosque attracts the sight of many mosques. But even after walking twenty or twenty-five miles, you cannot find a medicine vendor who sends real medicines. In every street, there are now memorizers and reciters. However, despite searching in several streets, one cannot find an honest worker. There is a preacher sitting in every locality. However, even after knocking down twenty or twenty-five localities, you cannot find an honest carpenter. Previously, only petrol was adulterated. Now, pure water is also not available anywhere. Here, even during Ramadan, people are not ready to give up fraud and dishonesty. This is the reality of Ramadan that if one does not walk cautiously, one will have to face thieves even during this month. Even those fasting fear step by step. At every step, dishonesty and thieves are visible. It is necessary to face these bitter realities step by step. These are the bitter realities of Ramadan that even during this month, people are cheated and dishonesty prevails. These are the bitter realities of Ramadan that people’s donations and alms are also stolen. The culprits are not outsiders but are fasting themselves. They are the people who give lectures on the importance of fasting and the benefits of the Quran for hours. In one hand, they hold a rosary, in the other hand, a toothbrush, and in the pocket, the Quran. All these things are used to deceive people. This is why piety is not achieved through these things but the blood of the poor is shed. This is why we attain piety through the Quran and not just the fasts of Ramadan. These are the bitter realities of Ramadan, which must be accepted without denial.