THE literal meaning of the Arabic word “Saum” is to be at rest, and that implies, abstinence.

The word, “Ramadan” is derived from the word “Ramz” which means “ to burn” and here it applies to burning of selfish desires. It is important to remember that abstinence is from all that is legal and acceptable in ordinary days but not so during the period of Ramadan; and burning of desires is also an all encompassing concept. Ramadan is meant to be a month of patience. Every Muslim during the course of the Holy month is expected to observe exemplary patience against all provocations. The institution of Fasting has an inbuilt two dimensional objective/ motive, firstly the spiritual experience, its benefits and secondly, moral discipline that leads to a better society. The ultimate objective is to seek Divine Pleasure.

Fasting is meant to attain Righteousness, patience in adversity, steadfastness in deprivation and to create bulwark against temptations of all types and formats. Since the rich and the poor are on the same pedestal, they are meant to equally experience the pangs of hunger and privation to an equal degree. The reality check is in the form of the price escalation of all products, particularly associated with Fasting. The corruptive practices instead of seeing a reduction, increase manifolds. The balance is titled in favour of the seller. We as a Nation haven’t learnt the art of breaking these tendencies by adoption of either a complete boycott of the product or to observe “ abstinence........

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