SubhanAllah (all glory to God), this Ramadan is already half way over! Inshallah (God willing), you and your loved ones have had an easy and blessed fast so far. For those of you who do not know, Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic (lunar) calendar where it is obligatory on all able bodied (not sick, menstrating, pregnant, young, infirm, or mentaly incapable) Muslims to abstain from food, drink, smoking, sex, and all other substances which may be taken into the body from sun up to sun down and to strive to abstain from lying, cheating, back-biting, cussing, cursing, fighting, and all other bad habits and traits for the entire month. It is no easy task, but alhumdulillah (praise be to God), many find it to be refreshing both spiritually and physically.
Why do Muslims take on this fast, you might wonder. The Quran in chapter 2 , verse 183 states: Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self restraint. Fasting is prescribed so that the believer may draw closer to God, as all those who face a hardship more easily see their reliance upon God. Fasting makes those who partake more grateful to God for that which they have. To feel the pains of hunger makes one more sympathetic toward those who go hungry. Additionally, fasting builds desirable characteristics such as, humility, tolerance, submission, and forgiveness.
Of course Muslims are not alone in their fasts. Jews and Christians are also commanded to fast. Jesus himself partook of a forty day fast in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-4). In Acts Saul/Paul takes upon himself a fast (Acts 9:9). Even Moses on mount Sinai partook of a forty day fast (Exodus 34:28-29). Additionally, fasting is mentioned in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hebrews, and Corinthians. Certainly, God expects all those who believe and are able to fast.
Personally, the month of Ramadan recharges my spiritual battery. During my fast I try to be extra conscious of God and I strive to improve my piety. It is also a very fun month! Very often we gather with friends to break our fast together and we often stay up late enjoying one another's company. In past years, I spent many nights at different mosques around Houston breaking my fast with new and old friends and gathering with all different kinds of sisters and brothers. One of my most enjoyable Iftar meals (meal for breaking the fast) was an inter-faith Iftar I attended a few years ago. I felt extremely blessed to break my fast in a building full of brothers and sisters from different faiths and backgrounds. To sit in a mosque with Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Etc. from all over the world (Amperica, Saudi, Bahrain, Iran, India, China, Pakistan, Iraq, Germany, Mexico, Columbia, Nigeria, Korea, Turkey, France, Morocco, Botswana, Canada, England, Israel, Indonesia, Singapore, etc.) and share a meal and discussion on faith and fasting, was an experience I will never forget.
Why do Muslims take on this fast, you might wonder. The Quran in chapter 2 , verse 183 states: Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self restraint. Fasting is prescribed so that the believer may draw closer to God, as all those who face a hardship more easily see their reliance upon God. Fasting makes those who partake more grateful to God for that which they have. To feel the pains of hunger makes one more sympathetic toward those who go hungry. Additionally, fasting builds desirable characteristics such as, humility, tolerance, submission, and forgiveness.
Of course Muslims are not alone in their fasts. Jews and Christians are also commanded to fast. Jesus himself partook of a forty day fast in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-4). In Acts Saul/Paul takes upon himself a fast (Acts 9:9). Even Moses on mount Sinai partook of a forty day fast (Exodus 34:28-29). Additionally, fasting is mentioned in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hebrews, and Corinthians. Certainly, God expects all those who believe and are able to fast.
Personally, the month of Ramadan recharges my spiritual battery. During my fast I try to be extra conscious of God and I strive to improve my piety. It is also a very fun month! Very often we gather with friends to break our fast together and we often stay up late enjoying one another's company. In past years, I spent many nights at different mosques around Houston breaking my fast with new and old friends and gathering with all different kinds of sisters and brothers. One of my most enjoyable Iftar meals (meal for breaking the fast) was an inter-faith Iftar I attended a few years ago. I felt extremely blessed to break my fast in a building full of brothers and sisters from different faiths and backgrounds. To sit in a mosque with Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Etc. from all over the world (Amperica, Saudi, Bahrain, Iran, India, China, Pakistan, Iraq, Germany, Mexico, Columbia, Nigeria, Korea, Turkey, France, Morocco, Botswana, Canada, England, Israel, Indonesia, Singapore, etc.) and share a meal and discussion on faith and fasting, was an experience I will never forget.
No comments:
Post a Comment