Ramadan Should Be a Time for Spiritual Discipline, Not a Competition of Consumption

The holy month of Ramadan is meant for spiritual discipline, self-control and reflection. However, in reality many people become more focused on food and luxury during this month.

Although Muslims fast during Ramadan, the spirit of spiritual practice is often overlooked. Instead of practicing moderation, many households increase their food consumption. In many cases, people eat more during Ramadan than in other months of the year. This growing culture of excessive consumption also contributes to higher prices of daily essentials in the market.

True spiritual discipline begins with controlling one's desires, especially the desire for taste and indulgence. Yet many people fail to practice such restraint. It is also important to reflect on whether the food we buy is earned through halal income, whether it is prepared in a healthy way, and whether it benefits our bodies.

One of the purposes of fasting is to help believers understand the suffering of the hungry and the poor. Those who experience hunger can better understand the pain of those who struggle to find daily meals.

Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam once questioned whether Eid truly reaches the homes of farmers and the poor who suffer hunger throughout the year. While many people fast only during Ramadan, countless poor families endure hunger almost every day.

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasize compassion and moderation. A well-known hadith warns that a person cannot truly be a believer if he eats to his fill while his neighbor remains hungry.

Islamic teachings encourage moderation in eating. According to hadith, the stomach should be divided into three parts: one for food, one for water and one left empty. This guidance is also discussed in the classical Islamic work Kimiyya-e-Saadat by Imam Al-Ghazali.

Sufi teachings similarly emphasize restraint. The famous Persian spiritual text Masnavi by Jalal ad-Din Rumi highlights that a believer should eat less, speak less and sleep less.

Modern medical science also supports moderation in eating. Studies show that obesity and related diseases—such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure—are closely linked to overeating.

Therefore, Ramadan should be a time to practice restraint, share food with those in need and focus on spiritual growth rather than excessive consumption.

Author: Mohammed Nurul Absar Taiyobi is a writer, researcher, and Islamic thinker. He is the Founder President of the Expatriate Journalists Association (PRASAS) based in Dubai, UAE. Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of the Islamic Research Center located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. For correspondence, he can be reached at: muntyping@gmail.com