Connecting Personality and Spiritual Productivity: A Vital Purpose of Ramadan, the month of Self-reflection

 

“Think of your personality traits like seeds that remain in the soil, waiting for the rain of revelation and the light of faith to nourish them, so that they can become beneficial crops.”

When the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) at the Mountain of Light (Jabal an-Noor), he (ﷺ) was in a state of fasting. He (ﷺ) went to fast from the temptations of the world, which on top of his honest compassionate character and resilient physical abilities took him to a heightened state of receptivity, making him the perfect person for receiving and carrying the divine revelation. To celebrate this event, Allah(ﷻ) assigned us a month-long training program of self-reflection! But could it be just a cultural ritual to follow? Or something way deeper?

Sawm (“self-restraint”) or fasting is a journey of self-mastery, through physical, emotional, and spiritual detoxification. Just as we empty our stomachs of food, we’re called to empty all our senses from distractions that hinder our connection with Allah(ﷻ). While ‘Ramadan’, rooted in the word Ramdh/رمض (‘intensely hot’ or ‘burning’), calls us to burn the sins that veil us from our all-encompassing Creator.

It's a time for recalibration, and strengthening our willpower in the face of temptation. To use the polish of prayer, the chisel of fasting, and the cleanser of charity as tools, both as individuals and as a community, for breaking the barriers to infinite barakah (the divine blessings) gifted by Allah(ﷻ). To liberate ourselves from the clutches of ego and desire, which blind us from perceiving deeper meaning beneath the surface. Ramadan teaches us how discipline and boundaries don’t restrict our freedom, but are the very framework for true liberation. As it pushes us to make smarter choices with a sense of purpose and responsibility, and avoid the draining effects of trivialities and timewasters. We find ourselves grateful; floating peacefully upon the divine decree. In the end, nurturing God-consciousness is the foundation for embracing and comprehending divine guidance, whether it be through the Qur’an or the unfolding events of our lives. 🎞️

Wondering what thought process Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to have under such pressure test? We’re all born with different spiritual dispositions, and Allah(ﷻ) has endowed each of us with a unique set of personality traits. How we cultivate our talents or temptations is up to us! He (ﷺ) surely was always looking forward to helping others, always trying to make people happy, even by sharing half of a fruit, even with just a smile!

Hence, Ramadan isn’t about short-term behavior modification; the purpose of Ramadan is to reset our thought patterns and create new possibilities. Since as humans we are forgetful, a month of deep introspection acts as a potent reminder of what truly matters in life. It's a divine opportunity Allah(ﷻ) gives us, to strengthen our faith and habits to the point where we can live from a place of higher consciousness— not for a single month, but for our entire lives. ⏳

The real test of a successful Ramadan is not just in the activities— but in who you are the week after Ramadan is finished. Passing the training program with an effort to fulfill its core objectives surely has unimaginable rewards in both lives, guaranteed by Allah(ﷻ):

وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good. [Al Qur’an 29:69]

Let us harness the remaining gems to the fullest with all we got! 💎

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Abbr.

Allah(ﷻ):
الله جَلَّ جَلَالُهٌ (Allah Jalla Jalāluhu): “Allah the Most Exalted”
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):

صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam): “peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”

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Inspired by

• Ramadan Series: ‘Why Me?’ by Yaqeen Institute
• Ramadan: The Holy Month of Fasting (Ch9, Secrets of Divine Love by A. Helwa)
• Ramadan and Productivity (Ch8, The Productive Muslim by Mohammed Faris)