– Uzma Ausaf
New Delhi, Mar. 7: There has been a general feeling in a large section of people that only Muslims observe fasting. For 30 days every year, in the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from pre-dawn to dusk, avoiding even a drop of water. The reality is fasting is prescribed in every religion. The Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, everyone observes fasts according to specific religious doctrines. Realizing this, a national interfaith seminar on ‘The Role of Fasting and Spirituality in Women’s Empowerment’ was organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s Women’s Department at Scholar School here Sunday. The seminar witnessed the participation of scholars from different faiths and had an interesting exchange of ideas and facts.
Ms. Shaista Rafat, National Secretary, JIH, in her presidential address, said, fasting should serve as a training for self and a tool for empowerment. “Women can be empowered through fasting and can contribute to the welfare of society. It’s the duty of every religious leader to bring to the public domain the virtues and objectives of fasting. To end the separation, these types of programs are to be organised by all religious organisations and leaders,” she concluded.
Also at the seminar was veteran scholar Ms. Rahamathunnissa A, National Secretary, JIH. Inaugurating the seminar, Ms. Rahmathunnissa said fasting is prescribed for every community as has been mentioned in the Qur’an. “It helps in developing God-consciousness (Taqwa) which would in turn develop a sense of security and it automatically strengthens and empowers the believer’s mind and body leading to self-repair and empowerment.” She informed that the seminar also aims at understanding each other and foster communal harmony.
The objective of the programme was to understand the concept of fasting in different religions and cultures and to explore how fasting catalyzes personal growth, resilience, and self-discipline among women. It was aimed to delve into the mental and physical health benefits of fasting”, noted the convener of the program Ms. Meenaz Banu.
Ms. Arefa Parveen, National Assistant Secretary of JIH, explored the concept of fasting in Islam and said the Qur’an and Sunnah don’t want people to remain hungry if they are not ready to abandon bad habits and evil deeds, words and thoughts.
Ms Salma Francis, founder president VOWS and social activist said fasting should be applied for all the five senses in order to get complete benefit out of it. “It will lead to purity of thoughts. Women as homemakers are already empowered right from birth. They only need to polish it,” Ms. Francis commented.
The seminar had a Sikh representative in the form of Dr. Jagjit Kaur who shared her opinion with reference to Sikhism. She felt everyone should work for the welfare of humanity and the personality of every individual should be prepared for that.
Mrs Sushma Thakral from Gayatri Parivar, Haridwar emphasised the health benefits of fasting and advised on purification in thinking, regular exercise and proper diet. Also adding her weight of knowledge and wisdom was Brahma Kumari Hussain who opined that the direct connection of the soul with the Creator is important in empowering individuals. She shared that we, human beings, have come into this world as a soul, and we are accountable for what we do throughout our life. “Om Shanti Om means I am a peaceful soul,” she claimed.
All the speakers expounded on the virtues of fasting. The difference in approaches was well respected by the audience numbering around 150.
