Muslims will be celebrating the Holy month of Ramadan in September — the date depending on the sighting of the new moon, of course. This month is not merely about physical hunger and thirst, it is about self restraint and increased consciousness — God consciousness. It is about restraint from anger, physical pleasure, pettiness, general nastiness and about forgiveness, about learning to be grateful, being charitable towards those who are not as fortunate as us, striving to increase our spiritual qualities (which of course are inherent in human nature) — topping the list with self-discipline, hoping that we shall be trained to continue these spiritualities into the rest of the year.

For Muslims all over the world, this is a special month due to the belief that Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation from God during one of the last ten nights of this month. It was early in the seventh century on one of those blessed nights, in the City of Mecca, during one of Muhammad's meditational retreats that the angel Gabriel asked him to "Read (recite), in the name of thy Sustainer who has created man out of a germ cell. Read — for thy Sustainer is the Most Bountiful, who has taught the use of the pen, taught man what he did not know." Hence began the 23-year long collection of verses, finally gathered in a book form, believed by Muslims to be the direct words of God to Muhammad.

With these verses also began the journey of humans who are given the knowledge and ability to choose between obedience and disobedience to God Almighty. To make choices even to the extent of disobedience to God is a crucial point of test for us. Human nature, in all it's frailties and weaknesses, still has a chance to overcome those difficulties and choose a path to lead a good life of harmony and co-existence with everything around us, on this planet.

This month brings our dual nature into focus. It provides us with some time to practise the Spiritual Jihad. We are given a chance to train ourselves and overcome anger and all the 'qualities' mentioned above. Enhance our qualities that are more akin to those of the Divine. Believe me, it is not an easy task but worth the effort.

This month will hopefully see some improvements in our nature of spiritual well being. I wish all Muslims a very spiritual and happy Ramadan. May all our efforts be accepted and rewarded. May we celebrate with gratitude at the end of the month, with families, friends and neighbours. Peace and happiness for the coming month.

<@RBI>— Shaheen Ashraf, a Pointe Claire resident, is a member of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women.<@$P>