I wish to take a moment to discuss a very special occasion: the beginning of the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar and lasts about 29-30 days. During this month, practicing Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking (and a few other things) between dawn and dusk, while taking extra precaution to avoid negative and haraam (forbidden) language, thoughts, actions and behaviours.
As one of the five compulsory pillars of Islam, Muslims are instructed to fast in the second chapter of the Qur'an.
"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint (become righteous)..." Qur'an 2:183
Fasting Muslims also try and read the Qur'an with greater frequency, and enjoin in the remembrance of God, through compulsory and supplementary prayer, through increasing their knowledge of Islam and making supplication, etc. At its core, Ramadan is a time for reflection, reformation and worship, when individuals try to prioritize the nourishment of their souls, and de-prioritize the fulfillment of their physical and material desires and needs, achieving true peace and freedom.
In abstaining from that which is not good (as defined by the Qur'an and Sunnah (example of the Prophet Muhammad) and participating in the remembrance of God, individuals become closer to training their hearts, minds and souls to habitualize the positivity and increased spirituality that comes from such a concentrated effort towards goodness. Reformation of one's character and self-control are two byproducts of ritual fasting, when observed to its fullest.
Everyone is going to have a different perspective in regards to the benefits of fasting. I honestly feel that fasting during Ramadan helps me to recenter myself and balance my own priorities. I look at the little I do as a cleansing of my mind, body and soul. With your connection to God at its highest, there isn't much you can't accomplish :-)
May the Lord keep us all steadfast in our worship and remembrance during this beautiful month, may he also give us the strength to keep focus on the straight path and may he also forgive us for our transgressions and make us all better people. Ameen.
Here's a quick read on Islamic prayer or salah and here is an informational read on Ramadan, fasting, or sawm.
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar and lasts about 29-30 days. During this month, practicing Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking (and a few other things) between dawn and dusk, while taking extra precaution to avoid negative and haraam (forbidden) language, thoughts, actions and behaviours.
As one of the five compulsory pillars of Islam, Muslims are instructed to fast in the second chapter of the Qur'an.
"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint (become righteous)..." Qur'an 2:183
Fasting Muslims also try and read the Qur'an with greater frequency, and enjoin in the remembrance of God, through compulsory and supplementary prayer, through increasing their knowledge of Islam and making supplication, etc. At its core, Ramadan is a time for reflection, reformation and worship, when individuals try to prioritize the nourishment of their souls, and de-prioritize the fulfillment of their physical and material desires and needs, achieving true peace and freedom.
In abstaining from that which is not good (as defined by the Qur'an and Sunnah (example of the Prophet Muhammad) and participating in the remembrance of God, individuals become closer to training their hearts, minds and souls to habitualize the positivity and increased spirituality that comes from such a concentrated effort towards goodness. Reformation of one's character and self-control are two byproducts of ritual fasting, when observed to its fullest.
Everyone is going to have a different perspective in regards to the benefits of fasting. I honestly feel that fasting during Ramadan helps me to recenter myself and balance my own priorities. I look at the little I do as a cleansing of my mind, body and soul. With your connection to God at its highest, there isn't much you can't accomplish :-)
May the Lord keep us all steadfast in our worship and remembrance during this beautiful month, may he also give us the strength to keep focus on the straight path and may he also forgive us for our transgressions and make us all better people. Ameen.
Here's a quick read on Islamic prayer or salah and here is an informational read on Ramadan, fasting, or sawm.
* Ramadan Mubarak Art from Khaleelullah Chemnad
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