Resisting Temptation

Yesterday marked the first of the month of Ramadan in the Islamic Calendar. During this month, Muslims fast from sun up to sun down, with no food or water intake during that time. I really consider this month to be one of enlightenment, a way to be closer to God, to practice the art of self-restraint, and to purify the soul. On the whole, I think this one month out of the whole year, puts things into perspective for me, like a smack across the head reminding me to stop taking things for granted, and to start appreciating the little things in life.

Temptation is perhaps our greatest weakness as humans. We are always tempted to do one thing or another, knowing that we shouldn't, but unable to resist. As Oscar Wilde once said:

"I can resist everything except temptation."

I think fasting allows us to resist that temptation, to practice self-control, and perhaps to give our minds a fresh start. But I think what we all fail to understand this self control is not meant for only that one day of fasting, but rather the whole year. The patience, serenity, and purity that you immerse yourself into this month should continue on in the following ones and become a sort of principle in life.

Now, ask me in a year's time, if I have gained even an ounce of patience in my impatient mind, heart, and soul.