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More important, I find myself thinking about God, His mercy and goodness, and all His amazing attributes much more during the fast. I hope and pray this will help me keep those thoughts more frequent even when I am not fasting. Thankfully, that does seem to happen, though I can improve a great deal.
Over the years I see how God has been sculpting me, so to speak. As the stone, metal, wood, or clay cannot claim credit for the skill of the artist’s work, I give all credit to God.
My head and heart give deep thanks to our awesome Creator and Sustainer for all His blessings on me, this insignificant bit of earthly material!
[Original article published in Medium]
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As Ramadan approaches, I tend to get nervous as if it will be the first time experiencing a submitter’s fast. I use the term “submitter’s fast” because the way we fast for Ramadan is unique. In this modern age, there are many well-known types of “fasts”. There are fasts that allow one to eat and drink certain foods during fasting hours. There are fasts that call for only drinking certain liquids during fasting hours. The term “full fast” is designated for those who go without eating or drinking anything except water. In the “submitter’s fast” we don’t eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. We can also call it the “training to be elite fast.” [56:10-11] Then there is the elite of the elite. They are those who will be closest (to God).
God willing, if we follow God’s guidance to enter Paradise, including observing the month of Ramadan, then we will be of those closest to God.
The most common question I’m asked during Ramadan by non-submitters is “why do we fast?” The answer is so simple it usually leaves the person dumbfounded. That answer being salvation. We fast for our salvation
[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.
[2:184] 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.
These verses are all we need. God told us to fast to attain salvation. If we believe that God alone is the author of the Quran, we will fast. If we believe that God will hold us accountable for upholding or disregarding His commandments, we will fast. If we believe that God alone is our only Lord and Master, we will fast. God even gives pardon to those who cannot physically complete the fast by completing other acts of righteousness. God is truly the Most Merciful.
Humans have a tendency of wanting to know all the reasons why. With modern advances in science and medicine we are aware of certain physical benefits associated with fasting. It is used for weight management, to rest the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. It helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol. Total fasting and crash diets may have adverse effects, but Ramadan fasting includes adequate caloric intake. And abstinence from water for a period is not bad. In fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body uses its own water conservation mechanism.
But that’s not the reason we fast the month of Ramadan. We fast because the Almighty, the Knower, tells us that it is for our salvation. So why is this commandment and reasoning not enough for most people?
[6:111] Even if we sent down the angels to them; even if the dead spoke to them; even if we summoned every miracle before them; they cannot believe unless GOD wills it. Indeed, most of them are ignorant.
We have all been in conversations with non-submitters who have questions about Ramadan. Many even have the need to insert themselves and their knowledge about something they truly have no knowledge about. I’m referring to the common response to telling someone that we do not eat or drink anything from dawn until sunset. That response is usually something along the lines of “you can’t do that!” or “there is no way that’s healthy!” As submitters, we try to move the conversation along peacefully. We know that God designed us and that God is the best designer. God would not command something of us that is harmful.
[40:64] GOD is the One who rendered the earth habitable for you, and the sky a formidable structure, and He designed you, and designed you well. He is the One who provides you with good provisions. Such is GOD your Lord; Most Exalted is GOD, Lord of the universe.
[82:7] The One who created you, designed you, and perfected you.
[2:286] GOD never burdens a soul beyond its means: to its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. “Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make mistakes. Our Lord, and protect us from blaspheming against You, like those before us have done. Our Lord, protect us from sinning until it becomes too late for us to repent. Pardon us and forgive us. You are our Lord and Master. Grant us victory over the disbelieving people.”
[7:42] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life—we never burden any soul beyond its means—these will be the dwellers of Paradise. They abide in it forever.
Another typical reaction when describing our fast to others is “there is no way I could do that!”
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