I
concur with the views of K. M. Zubair expressed in his article, “Blessings of
Ramadan” (KT, July 9, 2013). Fasting is not merely abstaining from food and
drink and cause a self-torture. Its essence lies in bringing one near to God.
When
we forcibly deny ourselves the food and drink, the mind invariably runs towards
the food and drink, thus causing physical and mental discomfort. In this
condition, we anxiously wait for the time to break the fast and over-indulge in
the eating soon thereafter, often resulting in stomach upset. Thus, we neither
enjoy the time of fasting nor the time thereafter.
We
are where our mind is. So, the key to a fruitful fasting is in the
mind-training. When the mind is tuned in the thoughts of divinity, it is automatically
disconnected from the physical needs and worldly pleasures. Watch a painter or
a singer absorbed in his/her act. They forget to take a break even for rest,
what to talk of food. Fasting simply happens to them. May the fasting open-up
inner doors of divine joys in all of us! Ramadan Kareem.
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