The importance of Ramadan is not in being merelyritualistic—the ritual of fasting, it is much beyond that. By fasting on fixednumber of days for specified timings (dawn to dusk) the feeling of hunger andthirst dawns on the privileged sections of the society, thereby appreciation ofunder-privileged and dispossessed sections of the society prompts them to shareresources. Besides, Ramadan is the month, when Quranic revelations started. TheHoly Quran is the Divine lesson in value judgment between right and wrong, asenshrined:
”Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an,as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Betweenright and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during thatmonth should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, theprescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. God intends every facilityfor you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to completethe prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; andperchance ye shall be grateful.” (2:185)
Ramadan, the month in which revelation of the Quran beganshows all the humanity the clear path leading to its ultimate goal, revealingthose permanent values whereby one can distinguish truth from falsehood. Thatis why Quran is also called Furqan-ul-Hamid, the gentle pointer to make adistinction between right and wrong. The Holy Book is programmed to keepindividuals, the society as well, in a state of preparedness for upholdinglofty principles. The coincidence of Quranic revelations with the holy month ofRamadan is meant to augment the principles laid down, that is patience in theface of adversity, forbearance in whatever may tax the physique and strain themind. Ramadan in its essence, nourishes potentialities.