RamadanCont’d from page 1 I look forward to Ramadan now. It changes our daily schedule—we get up earlier to eat something before dawn; we can’t do lunch with friends; perhaps we curb some strenuous activities because we can’t drink water—but more important, it changes our thoughts. It puts the focus where it should be—on God, and all the ways He has blessed us. It helps to grow our souls. We wish everyone a blessed and joyous Ramadan, and a wonderful Night of Destiny. Praise be to God. O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. [2:183-185] Reference: Quran: The Final Testament - Translated by Rashad Khalifa, Ph. D. Note: God willing Ramadan is September 12 through October 11 for North America (and all parts of the Western hemisphere) with the Night of Destiny (Night of Power) on October 7, 2007.
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Anecdote:The Duck and the DevilThere was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved! In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help" She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help. After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He went to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."
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Thought for the day and every day thereafter? Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done... And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.) … whatever it is...You need to know that God sees all what you do.
He has seen and recorded your whole life. He wants you to know that
if you sincerely repent and reform, He will forgive you and your sins.
He does not want to see the devil He does not want you to despair His mercy. The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness; He not only forgives you, but He erases the sins from your records. He may also transform your sins into credits. It is by God's grace and mercy that we can be saved. [6:59] With Him are the keys to all secrets; none knows them except He. He knows everything on land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls without His knowledge. Nor is there a grain in the depths of the soil. Nor is there anything wet or dry, that is not recorded in a profound record. Submitted by Connie, with slight adaptation to comply with Quranic ideas. |
