Shobdomukur Reader Series: From Self-Restraint to Self-Realisation

 

Shobdomukur Reader Series: 

From Self-Restraint to Self-Realisation

A series of reader insights organised by Shobdomukur to mark the month of Ramadan, 1447 AH.

All insights have been gathered from the readers and enthusiasts of shobdomukur.com

Ramadan 28, 1447 AH

Aymaan Sheikh, Student, University of Edinburgh.

What Ramadan means to me is not reflecting on what we do, but on what we don’t do. We do a lot during Ramadan, we pray, we fast, we give, we celebrate. But this begs the question; why do we not do this always? Ramadan means to me a reflection on both the celebration of life, the celebration of sacrifice, the celebration of community, and the celebration of charity. We should reflect on why we do not celebrate life and charity and all of our blessings always. Ramadan means to me a reminder that we can always do more for others, to give during the months that are not Ramadan.

 

Ramadan 27, 1447 AH

Shahrazad Rahman, Public Health Consultant.

Ramadan is a month overflowing with mercy, reflection, and countless blessings. It beautifully illustrates the essence of Islam. During this sacred time, hearts soften, intentions are renewed, and we are reminded of the power of repentance and the vastness of Allah’s mercy.

It is a month to pause and reflect deeply: to reassess our priorities, realign our goals, and reconnect with our faith. Through fasting, prayer, charity, and self-restraint, we learn not only to control our desires but to nourish our souls. What we choose to focus on, and what we consciously set aside or limit, shapes our character and influences the path we continue to walk long after Ramadan ends.

Ultimately, Ramadan is a journey of returning to our most authentic selves: refining our character, strengthening our relationship with God, and striving to carry its light, discipline, and sincerity into the rest of the year.

Ramadan 26, 1447 AH

Mozaffar Hossain, Businessman.

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of our calendar. It is known throughout the Muslim world as the month of fasting. During this month, Muslims observe the fast by not eating or drinking and not doing anything bad from sunrise to sunset.

During Ramadan, Allah is happy when rich and poor people come together for breakfast and dinner. If we make things easier for poor people and workers this month, Allah will forgive the believer and protect them from Hell.

Ramadan is a time when I feel like a new person. It gives me the strength to avoid doing bad things, to fix my relationships with other people, and to ask for forgiveness from Allah. No matter how busy I am at other times of the year, during this month I promise to change. So Ramadan is more than just a month for me – it's a time for renewal.

Ramadan 25, 1447 AH

Fazle Rabbi, Student.

The holy month of Ramadan has arrived. I don't know what this month of Ramadan means to other people. For me, Ramadan isn't just about fasting. It's a time when I can rebuild myself. This month teaches me the meaning of patience, self-restraint, spiritual purification and self-control.

The month of Ramadan reminds me of how many people suffer and are hungry. It encourages people to get closer to Allah. This month is a special time to make changes and feel more positive. And at the end of this month, we have Eid al-Fitr, a festival of joy and togetherness.

 

Ramadan 24, 1447 AH

Tasmina Sikdar, Home-maker.

For me, Ramadan is more than just a religious ritual. It is a special time when I focus on spiritual purification, self-control and being more compassionate. From sunrise to sunset, this month reminds us that many people in the world go hungry. So, Ramadan makes us kinder and reminds us that we are all human. 

Ramadan is a time when people think about their lives and their beliefs. At other times of the year, we forget about our own needs because we are so busy. But during this month, through prayer, reading the Quran, charity, and silent prayer, we have the chance to deal with our mistakes, limits and weaknesses. The practice of restraint is not just about what you eat, but also about how you speak. It is also necessary in our words and thoughts.

Most importantly, Ramadan reminds me that I have responsibilities as a human being. Ramadan teaches us to stand up against injustice, to help people who need it and to try to overcome our own problems. So for me, Ramadan is a special time when I think about what is important in life.

Ramadan 23, 1447 AH

Advocate Kamrul Hasan Siam.

Ramadan is not just a month of fasting; it is a time for spiritual purification, teaching us about justice and self-restraint. As a lawyer, I believe that standing up for justice, truth, and humanity is our greatest responsibility. Ramadan reminds us that compassion for others, honesty, and speaking out against injustice are all part of true worship.I pray that this holy month grants us all the strength to stand firm against injustice and corruption, and to remain steadfast on the path of righteousness. My sincere greetings and prayers for the holy month of Ramadan to all.

Ramadan 22, 1447 AH

Mohd. Ashikuzzaman, Lecturer, Government Debendra College, Manikganj.

O Month of Ramadan, we make a call—

Let all condemned deeds be forsaken,

May the light of purity fill

The hearts and lives of humankind.

Ramadan 21, 1447 AH

Callum Morrison, Senior Lecturer, Coventry University, UK.

Numerous demands and deadlines dominate our daily lives, yet the vitality of our society cannot be solely counted as number of tasks, rather, it should measure in values, discipline, commitment and continuity. Every year, I am made aware of the vitality and values of my UK friends and associates' observance of Ramadan. I am admiring of Muslims, as celebration of their religion, is a serious commitment that absorbs much of their energies for 1/12th of the year, regardless of other demands being made on their lives. I believe that those of us who are not Muslims, can learn from Muslims' physical strength, personal discipline, and spiritual commitment. Indeed, I proud to be a friend and associate to those Muslims who maintain such a balance as part of our society.

 

Ramadan 20, 1447 AH

Luxi, Accountant, UK.

As a Hindu, I see Ramadan as a beautiful time of becoming closer to God and becoming more disciplined. It’s about showing gratitude for the things we often take for granted and taking time to better yourself spiritually and personally. Fasting, in general, feels like a way of cleansing the body and mind and helping you reach a calmer state. It’s also a time for forgiveness, praying for others, and spreading kindness. I really admire how Ramadan brings people together as a big community such as spending time with family and friends, sharing meals, and showing love and compassion for one another.

Ramadan 19, 1447 AH

Bourhane Ben Maatoug, Accountant, UK.

Ramadan to me is putting goals and desires we have daily on hold in order to reflect and consider things that really matter. It is a time of year to be selfless and appreciate what you really are rich in (health, spirit, family) which others may not be and remember why we are here.

Ramadan 18, 1447 AH

Chowdhury Salauddin Ahmed, Student, Dhaka.

Ramadan is a time when I try to be a better person and be more spiritual. This month is all about being patient, staying calm and being kind. Fasting teaches us to control our greed and ego. Praying, reading the Qur'an and asking for help from Allah can make your relationship with Him stronger. At the same time, people start to feel more inclined to give to the poor and empathise with their suffering. I think Ramadan is a special time to encourage love and peace in our families and communities.

Ramadan 17, 1447 AH

Sufian Sheikh, Student, UK.

Personally, Ramadan is nothing but an awakening to your senses, a lesson to be taught to those who have sinned - everyone - and Allah’s ways of reminding us that pleasure is short term. 

Take it for instance, you fast for 10 hours, yet you fill up in 10 minutes, pleasure will never be long-term. It isn’t a punishment, but a learning experience for all Muslims to find inner peace in themselves and with the Lord himself Allah!

Ramadan Mubarak to all.

Ramadan 16, 1447 AH

Banani Sarker, Teacher, London.

Ramadan is the most important month for Muslims.

We grew up in a Muslim environment, so we are also familiar with Islamic customs and culture. Just as we have to hear the Maghrib call to prayer and switch on the evening lights at night, so we have to break our fast with chickpeas to feel like our day in the month of Ramadan is complete. Dates? It seems to be used only during the month of Ramadan. Whether I fast or not, sitting on the ground with everyone to break my fast feels like part of my self-control.

I look forward to Eid. When I was a child, I used to get new clothes for Eid too. Now, my children get them from my friends. When I see the new moon or hear the song "Ramazaaner Oi Rojar Sesh" for the first time, I feel such great joy. To me, it is one of Nazrul's best songs.

This special feeling I have during Ramadan and Eid makes me think that, even though we have different religions and skin colours, we are all part of the same country.

Ramadan 15, 1447 AH

Jahid Hasan, Journalist, Ekhon TV.

The month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims try to do good deeds and be more religious. This month is known as the Guide to Spiritual Purification. This is the month to become more religious. Fasting is very important for Muslims.

This is the month to pray to Allah the Almighty. The Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'Allah the Almighty frees many people from the Fire every day and night during the month of Ramadan, and accepts the prayer of every believer.'

Ramadan al-Mubarak is the season of forgiveness. This month, Allah Ta'ala makes it possible for His servants to be forgiven. Even animals like fish in the water, ants in their holes, and birds in the sky are praying for the forgiveness of the people who are not eating. This month is clearly a time to be patient. There are restrictions on all kinds of desires and biological needs during this time. You cannot satisfy any of them between Suhoor (the meal you eat before sunrise) and Iftar (the meal you eat when the fast begins). You also have to be patient with things that don't matter and people who talk too much.One is specifically instructed to avoid lying, slandering others, feeling envious, being arrogant and gossiping.

The month of Ramadan is also the  time for showing compassion. Ramadan teaches us to be tolerant and merciful. This month, you will receive many times more rewards for doing good things than you would at other times. It is said in the Hadith, a collection of the Prophet's teachings, that the ocean of the Prophet's charity was already turbulent throughout the year. But during the blessed month of Ramadan, his generosity was like a gale-force wind, and he would give even more to anyone who came to him. That's why we're also taught to give more charity this month. You won't have any regrets if you give this month.

During Ramadan, worshipping is rewarded more than usual. This month, an Umrah is the same as a Hajj. Ramadan is the month of intercession. This fast and the Qur'an will not help you on the Day of Judgement. They will help you when you are in great danger.  Fasting and the Qur'an will help the servant. Fasting will say, 'O my Lord! I have kept him away from food and drink during the day, so please accept my help on his behalf.'

The first important battle of Islam was the Battle of Badr. It was a very important battle between what was true and what was false, and between Muslims and non-Muslims. It happened in the second year of the Hijra, on the 17th of Ramadan. This month is all about celebrating victory.

To a Muslim, the month of Ramadan is better than a thousand months. Every moment of this month is very important. Fasting makes us a better person. It makes you think more clearly and feel healthier. Ramadan helps us to avoid doing bad things.

Ramadan 14, 1447 AH

Laboni Rahman, Teacher in London.

Sawm or Siyam means abstinence. Ramadan is a month of abstinence. Fasting is about more than just not eating. Instead, it is the honourable practice of self-purification.  Other people may do things for other people, but when you fast, you do it just for Allah. Fasting teaches us patience, restraint and self-control. Hunger and thirst make us aware of poverty and awaken compassion in our hearts. Fasting helps us to avoid doing things that are wrong. I think that fasting is a way for us to think about ourselves. During this time, we think about the mistakes we have made, say sorry for them, and try to be better people. This act of worship makes the soul pure and helps one to get close to Allah.

Ramadan 13, 1447 AH

Jholok Gop Pulok, Poet.

For me, Ramadan is a special time when people learn more. This month, I have realised that being spiritual and kind can make society better. The month of Ramadan is a time when people try to be patient and disciplined. I think this makes people more compassionate. It's really touching to see family and neighbours coming together for iftar, and all the charity work for those less fortunate. 

Ramadan reminds me that while religions may differ, the most important values are the same for everyone. The lessons of empathy, understanding your limits, and being able to forgive and be tolerant are universal. 

I believe that if we can all embrace this spirit of Ramadan in our own lives, no matter what our faith is, our society will become kinder, more peaceful and better behaved. So for me, Ramadan is about more than religion; it shows what people can do when we all come together.

 

Ramadan 12, 1447 AH 

Thirthankar Pandit, Student.

The Month of Ramadan. The two words are used to mean the month of Ramadan. The word 'Ramadan' comes from the Arabic word 'Ramadh', which literally means to scorch or to burn. Ramadan is a month when Muslims try to be good people.

The month of Ramadan is also called the month of sacrifice and self-denial, or of fasting. The word "Siyam" literally means to abstain (which is commonly known as fasting). Fasting during Ramadan helps people feel closer to God. Ramadan is a time when Muslims are encouraged to avoid doing anything bad.

If you understand what Ramadan is really about, you will never do anything wrong. Another important message of Ramadan is to be kind and not to lose control. Ramadan teaches us to control ourselves and to do what is good for everyone. These days, we can't even stay calm about small things.

People are arguing a lot over small, unimportant things. Right now, we need to work together to build our nation. In this situation, we can look at Ramadan as an example of how to deal with this kind of disagreement. Just as you cannot do anything wrong when you are observing Ramadan, if we never think about harming anyone, the country will not become unstable.

If we can make this special quality of Ramadan an ideal for secularism, then I hope there will always be peace in the country.

Ramadan 11, 1447 AH 

Layla Arjuman Banu, Senior Teacher, Milestone School & College.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a special and holy time for Muslims. It is a month for spiritual cleansing, self-control and religious devotion. Ramadan is when the fast, or sawm, is observed. In our country, this is known as "Roja". The word "Roja" means self-restraint, through which a person can overcome greed and anger. 

Fasting is when you don't eat or drink anything, and you pray to make your soul pure. Fasting teaches us patience, helps us to control ourselves, and makes us stronger in the face of temptation. Allah Ta'ala (God Almighty) has made fasting obligatory so that people can become more pious and live better lives.Ramadan brings us physical, mental and spiritual peace. This month is all about brotherhood, compassion and generosity. So for me, Ramadan is a special time when I can focus on my personal development.

Ramadan 10, 1447 AH 

Shubrodeb Ray Chowdhury, Doctor

The month of Ramadan is a holy religious month for Muslims. It is a time for them to show the deepest form of humanity. I am a Hindu, but I often see my Muslim friends being very kind and giving to others more than usual during this month. When they are fasting, they do not just feel hungry and thirsty. They also try to feel pure inside and they try to understand how other people feel when they are suffering. At iftar, people of all faiths and backgrounds come together and forget their differences. The way they are so warm and get along so well when they are eating together makes me happy every Ramadan and teaches me a lot.

But I'm also worried about something else. Sometimes, people who are not Muslims or who have a particular reason for eating before iftar are misunderstood. Sometimes, when we're feeling angry, we might say things we later regret.

Sometimes, this can lead to aggressive behaviour. But the most important lessons of Ramadan are to control yourself, be patient and forgive. I think people on both sides need to be tolerant and calm.

For me, Ramadan is a time for inner purity and respect. If we really take on board what this month teaches us, we will be patient, kind and giving. I believe that this will make Ramadan more than just a religious ritual. It will become a wonderful celebration of humanity.

Ramadan 9, 1447 AH

Moniruzzaman Monir, HR, Sharif Metal

Ramadan is a special time for Muslims when they fast and pray to show their devotion to God. It is a time when they try to be good people and not do anything wrong. It is not just about fasting, but a month to purify the soul by not lying, being obscene, or being unkind. The best month to get close to Allah. It is not just about not eating or drinking, but about learning to be patient and kind. This month is the month of the revelation of the Holy Qur'an. This is a time for mercy, blessings and forgiveness. People are more likely to show empathy and patience.

Ramadan is a special gift from Allah that helps believers change their lives and find salvation in the afterlife.

Ramadan 8, 1447 AH

Fatema Hossain, Home-maker

The price of goods may go up during Ramadan because demand goes up. Hopefully, the government and the people who make the rules for the market will stop prices going up too high. This will help normal shoppers to have enough money to buy what they need and to enjoy their fast without worrying.

  

Ramadan 7, 1447 AH

Mozaffar Hossain, Poet

Ramadan is a special month of the year. It is the month of Ramadan. The holy month of Ramadan is called Mah-e-Ramadan. It is also called Ramad or Ramza. Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of our calendar. It is known throughout the Muslim world as the month of fasting.

During this month, from sunrise to sunset, they don't eat or drink and try not to do anything wrong to observe the fast. The word Ramadan comes from a root that means 'to burn, consume or reduce to ashes'. This month, Muslims fast to purify their conscience of wrongdoing, injustice, oppression and tyranny. By doing so, they become closer to God and seek Allah's forgiveness.

The month of Ramadan is divided into three parts: Rahmat (mercy), Maghfirat (forgiveness) and Najat (salvation). Ramadan is the month of patience and self-contentment, and if you fast and pray, you will be rewarded with paradise. Allah is very proud when he sees people doing good deeds during Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world recite the Qur'an in a state of purity more than at any other time. This is why this month is called the springtime of Qur'anic recitation.

It is written in a holy book that every Ramadan, the Messenger of God (peace be upon him). He would recite one complete copy of the Qur'an to Hazrat Jibril (peace be upon him). Another hadith says that the fast of Ramadan is like fasting for ten months. Allah is happy when people of all backgrounds come together for suhur and iftar during Ramadan. One must give regularly and help one's poor neighbours.

During Ramadan, Allah forgives the faithful and takes the burden off those who are poor and hardworking.  Finally, in the month of Ramadan, we observe fasting. We should do these things to make Allah happy. The five pillars of Islam—restraint, spiritual purification, worship, recitation of the Qur'an and fasting—are seen as a month of self-discipline for the satisfaction of Allah.

 

Ramadan 6, 1447 AH

Amit Hasan, Student

Animals and birds are important for the environment. Their protection means preserving the balance of Allah's creation.

Ramadan teaches us to be patient, kind and fair. So, just as we help people during this month, we should also look after animals and birds.

 

Ramadan 5, 1447 AH 

Anamika Mandal, former student, The Institute of Nutrition & Food Science, University of Dhaka

The word 'Ramadan' comes from the Arabic word 'Ramadh'. "Ramadh" means "to burn". As Rabindranath Tagore said, "Let the earth be purified by fire". The month of Ramadan is when many Muslims start to control their desires, like greed and hatred, and try to become better people.

Everyone thinks and believes differently. Everyone should be free to believe what they want. This doesn't mean that people with different beliefs are wrong. In my opinion, the month of Ramadan is a time to stop thinking the way we always do and to respect everyone's thoughts and beliefs. We should also be patient and tolerant of those with different opinions.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is not just about not eating and drinking; it is a month of controlling both body and mind. I believe that if everyone could understand how important fasting is, there would be harmony in our country and across the world.

Ramadan 4, 1447 AH 

Ali Naser Khan, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Dhaka

My biggest goal is to strengthen my faith, to avoid sin, and to keep making this change even after Ramadan. Ramadan encourages us to make changes in our personal lives and in society. As a Muslim, I hope that after the election, we can create a society where justice, mercy and honesty are important.

Ramadan 3, 1447 AH 

Riyad Hasan, Entrepreneur

Ramadan is more than just a religious ritual; it teaches us to control ourselves, purify our spirits and be kind to others. It's not just about not eating; it's about not doing anything that is wrong. Fasting teaches us to be patient, control ourselves and be disciplined.

Hunger and thirst teach us to feel the suffering of the poor, and this makes us more likely to be kind and generous. Family bonds are strengthened during iftar and suhoor. You can find inner peace through reading the Qur'an, praying, and thinking about your life. Ramadan makes our lives better. It makes them moral, peaceful, and meaningful.

Ramadan 2, 1447 AH

Asif Rahman Saikat, writer, translator and activist for the film society

Ramadan teaches us to be patient, tolerant, and to feel for the suffering of others. Ramadan teaches us to be kind. This month teaches us that we are all creations of the same Creator, and so we should see one another in that light.

Our job is to love and serve Allah's creation. If we can't do that, we must at least make sure that we don't hurt anyone and that no one suffers because of us. Ramadan is a time for thinking about how we should treat other people and the world around us. This is only possible when we all understand that the true purpose of Ramadan is to control our instincts. I hope that Ramadan brings good things to everyone.

Ameen.

Ramadan 1, 1447 AH

Sumaiya Hasi, Student, Eden Women's College, Dhaka.

Ramadan teaches us compassion, brotherhood, and self-sacrifice. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is not just a month, it is a golden opportunity for self-purification and to attain the nearness of Allah.

The primary act of worship during Ramadan is fasting. From dawn until sunset, a Muslim abstains from food and drink, and from indulgence and sinful acts, in an effort to attain the blessings of Allah. Fasting is not merely about enduring hunger and thirst; it is a unique discipline for self-control and character building.

This month contains a night of great honour — Laylatul Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. During Ramadan, Muslims devote themselves to increased prayer, recitation of the Qur'an, charity, and worship. The importance of paying Zakat and Fitrah to help the poor and needy is also particularly emphasised during this month.