Ramadan Kareem

Ramadan In Istanbul is like nothing i experienced before and just like everything else here its interesting.
The long fasting hours (almost 19 hours) , the option of having restaurents serving food and drinks dring the day time, the big tents that provide Iftar meals in the main squares, and the crowded mosques full of prayers, but away from that i would like to share some thoughts about the concept of Ramadan as some people still think its about just not eating or drinking in the day time.
Ramadan Is a very rich spiritual experience , Its a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice,
Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.
During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.
Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God..
Wish you all Ramadan Kareem.