By N.U. Abdul Razzak Udayar

Muslims all over the world are warmly welcoming the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, which is full of blessings and mercy.

“In Ramadan, Gates of paradise are opened, Gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up.”— Sahihal Bukhari.

Every Muslim or for that matter non-Muslim gets this rare opportunity to turn a new leaf to get success in this world and the Hereafter.

Ramadan is the ideal occasion when a Muslim can easily display proper behavior, positive attitude and the ideal actions that are promoted by Islam encouraging unity in diversity.

Fasting is the fourth obligatory duty for Muslims. It is not a mere ritual when we refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. It is an act of worship done with dedication and spirit.

Let us make use of every moment of this great month with good deeds ranging from reciting the Holy Quran to giving charity to the poor and the needy.

Today Muslims in many parts of the world encounter various challenges and hardship in the form of conflict, war, racial discrimination poverty etc. There are thousands of hapless Muslims languishing in refugee camps or confined to a limited area due to hostilities and unwanted wars. The plight of the Palestinians for their legitimate rights and the statehood, the woes of the displaced Rohingiya Muslims in Myanmar and Bangladesh and the untold hardship of Muslims in war torn nations such as Syria, Yemen, Libya and the like cannot be easily forgotten.

Therefore, it is our duty to make plans and take some meaningful measures to wipe away the tears of our brethren.

The main purpose of fasting is to instill taqwa (piety) so that every person leads a life doing good deeds and avoiding vices.

Ramadan is not an excuse to ignore our chores, daily duties and other essential activities at home or work.

The blessings of Allah are numerous and cannot be forgotten easily without mentioning the Night of Power that comes in the latter part of Ramadan. Indeed, it is the greatest night that witnessed the revelation of the Holy Quran that is the clear guidance to mankind. Can any of us miss out on this glorious night without getting engaged in good deeds such as the recitation of the Holy Quran, offering of prayers, making supplication and seeking repentance and forgiveness?

Ramadan is a time for the preparation of the entire life. It helps us control our desires and actions. It teaches us the importance of the qualities of humility, patience, cooperation, friendship, honesty, love etc.

Every Muslim is expected to get the training and continue the good life that is filled with noble deeds.