Ramadan: a reflection of comfort and discomfort

By Abubakar Mohammed Marzuq Azindoo, Coordinator of Students and University Relations, University of Applied Management (UAM), Germany – Ghana Campus, McCarthy Hill, Accra and Tamale

Email: azindoo200@gmail.com Tell: 0244755402

Introduction

COMFORT and DISCOMFORT are real in life and appropriate in the judgment of Almighty Allah. Both situations play critical roles in shaping humans and bringing them closer to their Maker. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is an Islamic ritual that practically reflects the amalgamation of COMFORT and DISCOMFORT for spiritual cleansing and societal wellbeing.

The dawn-to-dusk abstinence from worldly desires makes the rich appreciate hunger and remind them of the need to assist the poor. The abundance of food and drink after breaking the fast constitutes a period of common joy for all: the rich and the poor, the privileged and the under-privileged, the strong and the weak, the old and the young. Surely, on daily basis the one-month fast explains the beauty of good times and bad times. It brings to light the true meaning of the following repetitive Divine Words:

“Verily, along with every hardship is relief. Verily, along with every hardship is relief.” [Quran 94: 5-6].

Linguistic Analysis

The syntactic structure of the verses stated above deserves some analysis to enhance the understanding of the subject-matter of discussion. It is significant to observe that the verses contain certain grammatical and stylistic elements of emphasis. The word “Inna” which opens the verses is a preposition of emphasis in Arabic Grammar (Harf At-Tawkeed). Translated into English, this word switches Lexical Camps – from preposition to adverb – and therefore assumes the English meanings of “Verily”, “Surely”, “Certainly”, “Obviously”, “Definitely”, “Undoubtedly” among others. It is significant to note that all these adverbs are agents of emphasis in English Communication.

Stylistically, the verses are structured in line with the technique of inversion: reversing the normal order of a sentence. Let us restate one of the verses to illustrate the claim of inversion: “Verily, along with every hardship is relief.” The Normal order of this sentence is: “Verily, relief is along with every hardship” or “Relief is along with every hardship verily.” We may consider the structure of the following two simple sentences, which may maximize our understanding of the discussion: “The Literature book is on the table.” [Normal Order]. “On the table is the Literature book.” [Inverted Order or Inversion].

In English, as it is in Arabic, the technique of inversion is another tool of emphasis and other rhetorical effects. In the opinion of many scholars of Quranic Exegesis (commentary) including Ibn Kathir, the stylistic repetition of the verses under discussion implies that every hardship is followed by two reliefs from Allah, and that one hardship cannot overcome the two reliefs. It stands to reason, therefore, that, in quantitative terms, our COMFORT far outweighs our DISCOMFORT in all circumstances.

Observation

Naturally, it is easy to manage COMFORT; many people do not even see the need to manage it, since it is regarded as an epitome of success. Contrarily, management of DISCOMFORT is a common burden to almost all humans, for DISCOMFORT threatens survival and symbolizes failure. The most effective way of managing DISCOMFORT is optimism (hope) rationalized by trust in Allah, goodness of intention, and commitment to duty. Fortunately, this kind of hope has also been addressed in the Revealed Text. Remember the Quranic narration about Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) – a mixture of joy and melancholy. The most striking portion of the narration is the verse in which Prophet Ya’qub (Jacob), the father of Yusuf tells his children not to lose hope for the mercy of Allah in searching for Yusuf and his brother.

“O my sons! Go you and enquire about Yusuf (Joseph) and his brother, and never give up HOPE of Allah’s mercy. Certainly, no one despairs of Allah’s mercy, except the people who disbelieve.” [Quran 12: 87].

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters in Islam, the month of Ramadan is the best time we should ponder over COMFORT and DISCOMFORT in our stay in this transient world. We should understand that each of the situations could be exploited to increase our faith in Allah, love for society, and service to humanity. In our inadequate estimation, fellow humans, circumstances, and institutions are causative agents of COMFORT and DISCOMFORT. But in reality, from the Lord they originate, and to Him we must go for gratitude for COMFORT and solution to DISCOMFORT. Yaa Allah! Grant us the wisdom to understand COMFORT as an opportunity of service to humanity, and DISCOMFORT as the need to strengthen our faith in divinity. At-Takbiiiiiir!