Just as we aim to fight toxic polarization in our blessed country, Ramadan is a month in which Muslims aim to fight the toxic polarization in the self. Through recitation of the Quran, deep reflection over its verses and reacting to the commandment of God, we fast during the day from sunrise till sunset and stand in prayer during the nightly vigils. Similar to Easter and Passover, Ramadan is determined by the ancient lunar calendar, beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon that ushers in the ninth and most sacred islamic month of the year.
We start our journey, for thirty days, fasting daily to discipline the body through self-restraint and focusing on rebuilding our relationship with our creator as we limit, both, our interaction and dependency on the creation of God. As the sun sets, we engage in prayer to find peace within ourselves leading to peace around the world. We break our fast with family and friends, rejoicing over the countless blessings we have and to be mindful of the less fortunate.
The spirit of Ramadan allows us to seek the light of God by purifying our souls through self-restraint, avoiding distractions, preferring others over ourselves, developing empathy, and learning to control our assumptions and judgment of others.
Let us continue to fight toxic polarization together by finding more spiritually motivating ways, like Ramadan, to combat the toxicity that exists within us first.
Ibad
Shaykh Ibad Wali is the Senior Muslim Advisor at the One America Movement
This is very well written and provides a great view on what fasting really is for and how we can be the change we want to see in the world.