Self mastery is gained by:

 1)      Fasting

2)      Prayer

 Allah Most High says:

 “O believers fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those aforetime that you may gain taqwa…When my servants ask you concerning Me I am indeed close to them; I respond to the supplication of the supplicant when he calls on Me. They should listen to Me and believe in Me that they may tread the righteous path.” (2: 183-186)

The objective of fasting is to gain taqwa. Taqwa denotes: a) fear of Allah; b) self restraint; c) righteousness and good conduct.

Fasting is one of the most effective ways of gaining self mastery. It humbles us before our Lord. It is a type of prayer where we not only ask Him for help, but we demonstrate our intense desire by sacrificing our most basic needs of food, drink and sex.  

Fasting trains the will. We forego our most basic human needs thereby strengthening our will power. It delivers a fatal blow on the bestial nature of ourselves that is felt throughout the coming year.

Fasting is a most powerful force in gaining divine assistance. It unlocks powerful forces that aid the seeker in gaining self mastery.

The other connected theme in gaining self mastery which the verses above allude to is the importance of prayer. The goal of mastery is so hard that we cannot accomplish it alone without divine aid. Reaching high goals can only be achieved through the help of Allah Most High.

Both fasting and prayer combined elevate the act of abstinence from a mere mundane act to a nobler spiritual one where consciousness of Allah Most High is a central focus point.

Lord make this Ramadan a means of gaining Your Proximity and Pleasure. Ameen.

Shazad Khan