Uplifting Our Moral Character

Al-Aleem (The All-Knowing)

Acrylic piece on Canvas

Inscription below reads "...not a leaf falls without him knowing..."

Excepts of an Essay by Marwa Afifi

During the sacred month of Ramadan, believers strive to purify body and soul and increase their taqwa, god-consciousness. This purification of body and soul harmonizes between the inner and outer spheres of an individual.
Muslims aim to improve their body by reducing food intake and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Over indulgence in food is discouraged and eating enough to silence the pain of hunger is encouraged. Muslims should be active, tending to all their commitments and never falling short of any duty.
On a moral level, believers strive to attain the most virtuous characteristics and apply them to their daily situations. They try to show compassion and mercy to others, exercise patience, and control their anger. In essence, Muslims are trying to improve their moral character and cultivate good habits.
Morality is perfected on three levels: individual, communal, cosmic. On an individual level, a Muslim strives to adopt honesty, justness and compassion with him or herself. Being honest is important as it separates truth from falsehood and gives the Muslim a clear direction and or focus in life.
On a communal level, a Muslim strives to positively interact with other members of society, treating them with kindness and sincerity. A positive contribution should also be made to benefit the general public.
On the cosmic level, encompassing the earth, the heavens, and the Almighty Creator, the Muslim attempts to increase his God-consciousness and his or her understanding that he or she is accountable for every action. This creates a love/fear relationship which drives a Muslim to obey Allah, through love of Allah, and never to invoke Allah's wrath, for fear of Allah.

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As we undertake the physical and spiritual responsibilities of fasting, we should reflect on the words of our beloved Prophet, sala Allahu alahi wa sallam. He referred to Ramadan as a blessed month in which Allah has made fasting obligatory on those who are able; whosoever denies himself of the benefits of that month denies himself many virtues.

Salaams to you all.

The full essay can be read on http://www.ramadan.co.uk/

Ramadan is fast slipping away. This month is a time of reflection and evaluation. It is already the 16th fast and we need to evaluate what we have gained from this month so far. How have we changed as individuals. How have we watered the seeds of eemaan in our selves or our offspring.

How have we nurtured our souls and enlightened our hearts and minds. The next couple of weeks will soon go in a flash and we do not want to look back and think I should have done more.

Lets use our time wisely and collect as many rewards as we can for a fuller life in the Aakhirat.

May Allah SWA guide our souls on the righteous path giving us increased Taqwa and eemaan and may He accept all our prayers Insha-Allah. Ameen

Peace and salaams to all

'Till the next time

Umm Aisha