Ramadan Series: More than just not eating…
Assalam alaikum and peace to all.
Just thought I would share some things I come across online – We get so caught up in the ‘not eating’ in Ramadan and consequently forget the real reason we are fasting in this month. So let us try and remember the real reasons and try to increase our faith and not worry about our stomachs as much!
The Holy Quran refers to two features of fasting in Ramadan: mental and practical. These are like the wings of a bird on which man flies through the heavenly space of spirituality in the month of Ramadan.
The Holy Quran says: “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Holy Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong).” (2:185)
This means that in the month of Ramadan, one should get to know the Holy Quran better and, through the clearance of guidance, take a broader view of the right and wrong of life. The Holy Quran says: “O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).” (2:183)
Spirit of Ramadan Fasting:
“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.” Holy Quran (2:183)
Fast like a living thing, have a body and a soul. The required abstinence from food, water, sexual relations etc, is the body of the fast: “piety” is its soul. If we are not striving to refine our character by fast, our fast will be a body without soul. Fast cleanses our body from impurities. Likewise, it must purify our hearts and minds from all impure thoughts improper desires and undisciplined sensations.
Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) saw a woman, who was fasting on that day (not in Ramadan), abusing her girl-servant. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) admonished her and told her to break her fast. The woman protested: “But I am fasting today”. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) said: “But was not your fast broken by the abuses you were hurling upon that poor girl?”
Ramadan Fasting and Purification
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