With the holy month of Ramadan just round the corner, most media outlets have started airing advertisements showing the spirit of the month. In those ads, we see people generously helping each other without any discrimination. I personally like viewing these ads but these commercials fill me with remorse and shame. The very idea behind this month is to prepare Muslims for the remaining 11 months. Unfortunately, our generosity and kindness is only limited to this month. This is utter selfishness because we act differently during Ramadan in the hope for greater rewards in the Hereafter. I have nothing against this approach but we should realize the true philosophy behind all acts of worship. We should not treat these acts as mere rituals. It is a comprehensive training program targeting various aspects of a believer’s life and his/her dealings with fellow human beings.

If we understand the true spirit and meanings of Ramadan, the environment that is created during this month could easily be sustained throughout the year. We should start thinking beyond rewards and benefits.

If each one of us starts supporting one person in our circle even in our limited possible way, we could prove to be instrumental in fighting many social ills.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan teaches us self-control, which should not be confined to 30 or so days. Self-control is very important in a person’s life. Similarly, the idea behind five daily prayers is to instill in a believer the strong feeling that Allah is watching him/her. Once we start thinking this way, we would think twice before committing mistakes. This mindset helps a person in his/her dealings with others. It is sad that we pray five times daily and as soon as we come out of the mosque, we forget that we are being constantly watched. Religious scholars should try to teach believers the true concept of worship.