The etiquette of Ramadan [Archives:2006/988/Opinion]
Abdul Aziz Ahmed
Islam calls to the divine; in all its aspects, it guides human beings on the path to perfection and excellence. Fasting is one of the main pillars that Islam is built upon. It helps the individual conquer his lowly desires, to redefine his basic self needs, to refine his perception and tune in his spirit with the creator of existence.
When Muslims fast Ramadan they not only abstain from basic human desires and pleasures such as eating, drinking, and intimate relations from dusk till dawn, but they also develop elegant qualities and lofty inward meanings that are formulated in the hearts that go through the experience, leading to refined spiritual growth. Fasting establishes a complete and balanced human being, one that realizes the divine and noble essential role he plays in life, it encourages the practice of good character traits and moral discipline, it also reminds us of the difficulties of those who live in constant hunger and deprivation. Those who stop at the physical aspects of fasting miss its essence.
'Among the most important etiquettes of fasting', speaks the great Imam Al-haddad of Hadramaut (Died 1132 AH), 'is to protect one's tongue from lies, backbiting and falling into that which does not concern you. Speak truthfully and honor commitments and your promises. Beware of arguments and wrangling, for they cast rancor into the breasts of men, alienate hearts and lead to enmity and hatred. If anyone argues against you and has right on his side, accept what he says for truth must always be followed.
Renounce all joking, if very occasionally you do joke to assuage someone's heart, then speak only the truth. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said: “Neither argue with your brother nor quarrel, and do not make him a promise and then break it.”
He also said
