AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): In the second televised speech broadcast on Channel One of IRIB on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated that the most blessed moment for a fasting person is the time of iftar. “At the time of iftar, the supplication of a fasting person is answered. Insha’Allah, all those who are fasting should make supplications at this moment. Some may be ill and unable to fast, but the rewards of fasting are so immense that they can still attain divine blessings.”
He further referred to Hikmah (Wisdom) 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, one of the wise sayings of Imam Ali (a.s.) regarding his believer brother, and said, “In the previous session, I explained the first part of this wisdom. In the second part, Imam Ali (a.s.) said: ‘وَ کَانَ خَارِجاً مِنْ سُلْطَانِ بَطْنِهِ، فَلَا یَشْتَهِی مَا لَا یَجِدُ وَ لَا یُکْثِرُ إِذَا وَجَدَ’ (He was free from the dominion of his stomach, so he did not crave what he did not have, nor did he consume excessively when he had it). Imam Ali (a.s.) describes his faithful brother as one who had control over his stomach rather than being controlled by it. He was neither gluttonous nor indulgent in eating. This is one of the critical lessons we must heed.”
Referring to the concept of a Quranic human being based on the teachings of Nahj al-Balagha, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly emphasized, “A person must pay attention to all aspects of his being. We must be mindful of our body parts, including our tongue, eyes, ears, hands, feet, and stomach, and manage them properly. According to the late Imam Khomeini (r.a.), these are worldly troops that we must control. The tongue, eyes, ears, hands, and feet should be managed correctly so that they reflect human dignity. In Wisdom 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s.) introduces his faithful brother as a Quranic human being—one adorned with the qualities of the Quran and a manifestation of its teachings.”
Elaborating on the teachings of Wisdom 289, Ayatollah Ramazani stressed that a person must maintain balance regarding food and eating habits. “This does not mean abstaining from food to the point of harming one’s health and becoming ill, nor does it mean indulging in excessive eating that leads to various diseases. If a person becomes preoccupied with food, drink, and sleep to the point of excess, it will hinder his ability to comprehend and reflect (on divine and spiritual matters).”
Ayatollah Ramazani stated that the second characteristic of a faithful brother, as mentioned in Hikmah 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, pertains to his relationship with his stomach. “Imam Ali (a.s.), in this wisdom, describes his faithful brother as one who has control over his stomach. He mentions two key traits in this regard and says, ‘When he does not have something, he does not crave it.’ This means he disciplines himself so that when something is not available, he does not develop an attachment to it. The second trait that Imam Ali (a.s.) attributes to his faithful brother is: ‘My faithful brother, at times, possesses something but does not indulge in excessive consumption.’ Some people, when they sit at a table filled with various foods or have access to abundant provisions, overindulge in eating and drinking. A Quranic person, one who follows the path of the Quran and seeks to remain committed to religious truths and teachings, is not greedy or excessive.”
Ayatollah Ramazani emphasized that the holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for people to recognize their shortcomings and discipline themselves. “During the month of Ramadan, one can attain many spiritual and moral virtues. The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) said: ‘صُومُوا تَصِحُّوا’ (Fast, and you will attain good health). Fasting brings countless benefits, both in this world and the Hereafter, as well as at the individual and societal levels, as highlighted in Quranic verses and Hadiths. Through fasting, one can achieve deeper knowledge, understanding, and special divine love, which will reflect in their interactions, with himself, God, and others in society.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly concluded, “In Hikmah 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s.) stresses that his faithful brother is not enslaved by his stomach, meaning he only utilizes divine blessings to the extent necessary for servitude to God. In Dua Kumayl, it is also stated: ‘قوّ علی خدمتک جوارحی و اشدد علی العزیمة جوانحی’ (Strengthen my body for Your service and fortify my determination). This means that a person must control and regulate himself, benefiting from divine blessings in a way that aligns with servitude to God. By doing so, one can attain closeness to the God, which is the ultimate goal of human existence.”
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