Opinion- Ramadhan's discipline: A lesson in self-reliance

Observer

13-03-2025

Every year, Ramadhan arrives as a spiritual retreat, a time of self-restraint, reflection and renewal. While it is primarily a month of fasting and devotion, I have come to see Ramadhan as the ultimate test of discipline. The pre-dawn meal (Suhoor), the long hours without food or drink and the structured prayers require an unwavering commitment that goes beyond fleeting moments of motivation. It is during this sacred month that I have truly understood the saying I once read on X: 'Discipline takes you places that motivation can't.'
Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his famous essay Self-Reliance, speaks about the importance of trusting oneself and rejecting conformity. His words resonate deeply with the lessons of Ramadhan. The ability to wake up before dawn, to resist the urge to break one's fast before sunset, and to remain committed to spiritual and personal growth — all require a form of self-reliance that Emerson championed. He wrote, 'Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.' This echoes the discipline of Ramadhan, where the strength to endure hunger, fatigue, and the temptation to falter comes not from external validation but from an internal commitment to faith and self-improvement.
For me, Ramadhan has reinforced the idea that discipline is a muscle that grows stronger with consistent effort. Motivation, on the other hand, is fleeting. It is easy to feel motivated on the first day of fasting when enthusiasm is high, but by the tenth day, motivation often wanes. This is where discipline carries us through. It is what pushes students to study late into the night and professionals to keep striving for excellence despite setbacks. In Oman, and the general Islamic world, where community and faith are central to our identity, Ramadhan becomes a collective exercise in discipline. The entire nation shifts into a rhythm of self-control and spiritual dedication, reinforcing the idea that personal discipline has a broader social impact. One of the greatest lessons Ramadhan has taught me is the power of delayed gratification. The simple act of waiting until sunset to eat reminds us that patience and perseverance yield greater rewards. In a world driven by instant gratification, where social media and technology cater to our every whim,
Ramadhan forces us to slow down and exercise restraint. This lesson extends far beyond the holy month. Whether in academia, career growth, or personal development, success is rarely immediate. It is the disciplined individual, not the merely motivated one, who reaches the highest peaks.
Moreover, Ramadhan's discipline extends beyond fasting. It governs speech, actions, and even thoughts. The month teaches us to control anger, to speak kindly and to reflect on our behaviours. This level of self-awareness aligns with Emerson's belief that true growth comes from within. He urged individuals to be true to themselves, to cultivate inner strength rather than rely on external influences. Similarly, Ramadhan is a time when we step away from distractions and look inward, building resilience and character through self-discipline.
In Oman, where tradition and modernity coexist, discipline is a cornerstone of both personal and national development. The country's steady progress, its commitment to education and its ability to balance cultural heritage with global advancement all stem from disciplined efforts.
The values learned during Ramadhan — self-control, perseverance and reliance on inner strength — are the same principles that drive Oman's success.
Ramadhan has shown me that discipline is not about deprivation but about empowerment. It is about gaining control over one's desires, thoughts and actions. Emerson's self-reliance, the wisdom of the quote I read on X, and the traditions of Oman all point to the same truth: motivation may spark the journey, but only discipline will see it through to the end.