Voice of British Muslim Women

Rameen Masood Leicester

A simple Google search, drawing from Oxford Languages, defines self-discipline as ‘the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses.’ [1] That describes the shell of the word, but the pearl within reaches further to making ourselves do something even if it may be difficult. In an age saturated with tools promising instant transformation, where productivity is codified into apps, it’s tempting to believe that discipline can be externally imbued. Yet, whilst such tools may assist in certain circumstances, every year the month of Ramadan teaches us to look towards internal discipline which forges deeper, remains longer, and hammers the first fracture in the wall of inertia.

Some may question why self-discipline is even needed. Nurturing self-discipline provides a purpose to our existence and enables us to tailor our efforts to a worthy cause. For example, the absence of mealtimes during Ramadan reminds us to be grateful for what we usually have, which many others do not. Explaining the essence of the purpose of life, Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khan eloquently writes: ‘First of all, instill this point in your mind that life is an honor and a great gift from Allah. It is essential to give it much respect and deference. It is not a game. It is not an idle operation, its objective is lofty and, in achieving that objective, one attains eternal happiness and contentment.’ [2]

To achieve ‘eternal happiness and contentment’, we must cloak ourselves in the practice of self-discipline. If we imagine this practice to be a canopy, then to hold it upright we require three pillars, namely the body, mind and soul, a foundation which allows us to understand how we as humans can build a harmonious relationship with our Creator. Year after year, Ramadan teaches us that the body can be trained to serve a higher purpose rather than its passing inclinations.

Starting with what may arguably appear to be the easiest to master, the discipline of the body. Observe the discipline in nature, in the cosmos, in the heavenly bodies, even in the unseen realm of microbes. There is order in their actions and so it unequivocally follows that discipline must be inherent within our corporeal existence as well. Discipline of the body begins with planning and intention. It revolves around guarding our time and seeking the company of good people whose habits elevate our own. It’s choosing to revise when exams loom rather than procrastinating, and persisting with a new habit long after the enthusiasm of ‘new year, new me’ has faded into ordinary days. When fasting during Ramadan, we create discipline in our new routines, praying in the night instead of sleeping, denying ourselves food to know the struggles of the less fortunate. In this way, the body becomes disciplined by what the mind permits, bringing us naturally to the second pillar: the discipline of the mind.

According to a 2020 study, we experience over six thousand thoughts daily, and whilst many will be transient, some do leave indelible marks [3]. An undisciplined mind drifts easily into doubt and self-reproach, expending its energy rehearsing imagined failures rather than cultivating purpose. To discipline the mind is to train it to recognise possibility rather than limitation and to refuse the habitual cynicism that often camouflages as realism. Why strengthen the muscles of despair when the same effort could fortify resolve? As believers we need self-discipline in our thinking as much as in our actions, and during Ramadan we have the opportunity to strengthen our efforts when we train our minds to overcome the body’s impulses, in favour of nurturing a mindset of deference and gratitude.

This brings us to the last pillar, the discipline of the soul. We often speak about personal growth as though it happens naturally, but in reality, nothing truly develops without discipline. An athlete does not wake up one day and find themselves standing on a podium. The same principle applies with disciplining the soul. Faith in the Almighty demands discipline in the way we think, speak, and live each day. It asks us to sacrifice. That’s where the real growth happens as true discipline always pulls us away from what is easy and towards what is meaningful and enduring. As the Holy Qur’an says:

‘But as for him who fears to stand before his Lord, and restrains his soul from evil desires, / The Garden shall surely be his home.’ [4]

One of the fascinating qualities of the soul is its ‘faculty of influencing and being influenced’ [5]. So, it follows naturally that if the soul is disciplined, it begins to permeate our entire existence, even affecting those around us. For this reason, the soul must be righteous which is challenging in this age, yet by no means impossible. Indeed, this is a life-long endeavour, one boosted each year with the determination to overcome difficulty instilled in us through Ramadan. But if, alongside our self-discipline, we inculcate constant prayers and tears shed before our Creator beyond this month, the benevolence from the Merciful Lord will be beyond measure.

References:

[1] https://www.google.com/search?q=self-discipline+meaning

[2] A Letter to a Dear One, p.11

[3] Brain meta-state transitions demarcate thoughts across task contexts exposing the mental noise of trait neuroticism https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17255-9

[4] The Holy Qur’an with English Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali, Chapter 79, verses 41-42

[5] The Essence of Islam, Vol. 2, p. 401