Ramadan Kareem to all
Tomorrow is the first day of Ramadan, Inshallah. To those of you preparing to fast, I wish you personal and spiritual growth this coming month.
To those of you unaware of what Ramadan is and what's expected of us, I offer the following little explanation. Simply put it is one's abstinence from all liquids (including water), food and sex between sunrise and sunset daily for the month of Ramadan. One is also expected to refrain from back biting and restrain their temper (although one should attempt these at all times, it is especially important during this month). Because Muslims follow a lunar calendar, the 'when' of Ramadan (the actual name of the month) fluctuates yearly.
Exempt from fasting are:
The ill.
Those who are on medication.
Nursing mothers.
Menstruating women.
In many other religions, fasting is usually associated with the intention of self-mortification in order to bring about the freeing of one's soul. This is not the case in Islam; because we replenish in the evenings, the discomfort - and that is really all it is - is minimal and without the intention of physical long-term stress or trauma to the body. The strongest reason for fasting is teaching oneself self-control, learning the meaning and practice of endurance and generating more self confidence, patience and determination in the face of what may seem a very difficult task. Perhaps as equally importantly is the reminder to us that to eat at will and whim is a luxury many others will never share.
*********************
Thank you to Even Angels Ask by Dr. Jeffrey Lang for this best and most suited description. This is a must-read for any Westerner attempting to understand Islam, or curious to get to the heart of this religion. Lang bares his soul in this in a way that most authors are never brave enough to do...as a sister to this man in Islam, he makes me proud.
To those of you unaware of what Ramadan is and what's expected of us, I offer the following little explanation. Simply put it is one's abstinence from all liquids (including water), food and sex between sunrise and sunset daily for the month of Ramadan. One is also expected to refrain from back biting and restrain their temper (although one should attempt these at all times, it is especially important during this month). Because Muslims follow a lunar calendar, the 'when' of Ramadan (the actual name of the month) fluctuates yearly.
Exempt from fasting are:
The ill.
Those who are on medication.
Nursing mothers.
Menstruating women.
In many other religions, fasting is usually associated with the intention of self-mortification in order to bring about the freeing of one's soul. This is not the case in Islam; because we replenish in the evenings, the discomfort - and that is really all it is - is minimal and without the intention of physical long-term stress or trauma to the body. The strongest reason for fasting is teaching oneself self-control, learning the meaning and practice of endurance and generating more self confidence, patience and determination in the face of what may seem a very difficult task. Perhaps as equally importantly is the reminder to us that to eat at will and whim is a luxury many others will never share.
*********************
Thank you to Even Angels Ask by Dr. Jeffrey Lang for this best and most suited description. This is a must-read for any Westerner attempting to understand Islam, or curious to get to the heart of this religion. Lang bares his soul in this in a way that most authors are never brave enough to do...as a sister to this man in Islam, he makes me proud.
Labels: Faith
posted by just a girl at 12:35 PM
7 Comments:
I enjoy reading your posts on Islam and your keen perspectives on faith. 20 years ago, I worked for a Lebanese couple in their restaurant, and they were my introduction to how a Muslim incorporated Islam in daily life (and a great introduction it was). When Ramadan came up, they explained to me what it was about. And although I felt very comfortable in asking them a zillion questions about their faith, their customs, their views on anything and everything, I didn't understand the purpose of fasting from sunrise to sundown. I was ignorant of what observing Ramadan could bring to someone's life. I was 20, what did I know? So I never really asked them at the time why they did this.
Thanks to you, now I know :)
It's interesting that when I read what you write about your Muslim faith, I feel stronger and more confident in my Christian faith. Proof once again that with respectful communication (talking AND listening), and an eagerness to learn, we all grow in our beliefs.
Loved the last paragraph.
Peace,
Chantal
Ramadan Kareem to you too Maha :)
Ramadan Kareem to you too Maha - I have been saying this to all of my Muslim friends and they're all super happy with me :)
Maria
Ramadan kareem, sister.
Mohammad
I read this on my calendar the other day and thought of you. Ramadan kareem my friend!
Happy Ramadan. Congratulations!
J
Congratulations on finishing your first week of Ramadan, Maha! I am going to try to fast tomorrow. It's only for a day, but I am already anxious and a little worried I won't last! I am going to do my best though.
Colleen
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