ISLAM AND THE WEST - 36

 The first is that wise elders have said that how ironic is it that Muslims give up in Ramadan what is Halal (permissible) during the rest of the year, like eating and drinking, but do not always give up what is Haraam (unlawful) the whole year round, like backbiting (Gheebat), hurting or harming other people. If we look into our own hearts, how many of us try to give up during Ramadan everything we do that is not permitted in Shariah? If we are engaged in questionable business practices, do we try to ensure that at least in Ramadan all the income we earn is Halal? If we usually get excessively angry with our family members, do we try to refrain from doing so in Ramadan? Do we try to control our tongue so that at least for one month we do not engage in any sins we habitually commit with it, like hurting other people, telling lies, humiliating people, backbiting, or breaching people’s trust? If not, we need to reflect on whether we are achieving the real purpose of Ramadan which is to develop Taqwa.