Ramadan
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And of Adam and Eve, we read:
As for you, Adam, dwell with your wife in Paradise,
and eat therefrom as you please, but do not approach this one tree,
lest you fall in sin. The devil whispered to them, in order to reveal
their bodies, which were invisible to them. He said, “Your
Lord did not forbid you from this tree, except to prevent you from
becoming angels, and from attaining eternal existence.” (7:19-20)
Of all God’s food provision, only four are prohibited and
if forced to eat these, we will not bear the consequences (2:173;
6:145; 16:115). God is so merciful as to provide for every possible
circumstance of the human being’s life. All things are lawful
to eat.
And He speaks frequently of water. He uses “pure drink”
and “flowing streams” to describe the heaven we all
strive for. He knows us and knows water is a source of life and
internal peace for us. We are carried in water through nine months
of pregnancy. It provides great comfort to us, psychologically,
emotionally, and spiritually. God describes water and its source
in many ways.
Recall that Moses sought water for his people. We
said, “Strike the rock with your staff.” Whereupon,
twelve springs gushed out therefrom. The members of each tribe knew
their own water. Eat and drink from God’s provisions, and
do not roam the earth corruptingly. (2:60)
Despite this, your hearts hardened like rocks, or
even harder. For there are rocks from which rivers gush out. Others
crack and release gentle streams, and other rocks cringe out of
reverence for God. God is never unaware of anything you do. (2:74)
In the creation of the heavens and the earth, the
alternation of night and day, the ships that roam the ocean for
the benefit of the people, the water |
that God sends down from
the sky to revive dead land and to spread in it all kinds of creatures,
the manipulation of the winds, and the clouds that are placed between
the sky and the earth, there are sufficient proofs for people who
understand. (2:164)
And when implored by Job, God said, “Strike
the ground with your foot. A spring will give you healing and drink”
(38:42).
Such a precious commodity and so freely given by God in His infinite
mercy.
What are the conditions of fasting? These are explained in the
following verses:
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.... You may eat and drink
until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the
dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset....(2:183-187)
God decrees fasting at other times as well. As atonement for violating
our oaths (5:89), for killing game during Hajj (5:95), and for estranging
our spouse (58:4). God knows that fasting can be very difficult,
but God also knows how |
quickly He can get our attention by
decreeing it for us. These very basic needs are constant reminders
of God’s absolute mercy.
Preparation for the month of Ramadan extends beyond the 30 days
of fasting. We are aware of the calendar, the months passing. As
the days approach, we begin to plan for them and pray that we will
have a better Ramadan this year, and thus, commemorate God more
frequently. We are grateful for shorter days and we pay more attention
to weather forecasts, hoping for cooler days. During the days of
fasting, we look forward to a “family celebration” with
our brothers and sisters each Friday evening. We spend time planning
for that meal with joy. Some may experience headaches, lightheadedness,
stomach rumbling, etc. We count minutes and hours more closely.
Our attention is more focused on our bodily needs. Or is it?
The effects of fasting are many. What is perceived as a loss by
some, is a real gain for our soul and its growth. We have the chance
to focus on our “real self,” our soul and its nourishment.
Our body’s needs turn into reminders of God and the growth
of our soul. We grow more alert to our provisions and their source.
And through God’s mercy, He weaves reminders of Zakat for
the poor. And we know hunger and thirst as the poor often do, to
better understand why Zakat is so important. And each Salat prayer
brings us closer to the day’s end and provisions. More reminders.
We come to understand the words “steadfast” and “patience”
more specifically, as the days of fasting proceed and we refrain
from suspicion, anger and bad thoughts. Verse 33:35 takes on new
meaning, “for the fasting men and women, for the commemorating
men and the commemorating women... forgiveness and a great recompense.”
All of these activities and thoughts are opportunities to remember
God alone, from whom all things come. As we reflect on God’s
creation, we might notice that even the animals, plants, and mountains,
who did not accept the responsibility of “freedom of choice,”
are not exempt
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