Ramadan Kareem to all Muslim brothers and sisters in the world!
Ramadan is a season of faith among all Muslims worldwide. Based on the sighting of the crescent month, the Islamic leaders announce the period that covers the commemoration of the revelation of Quran to prophet Muhammad.
Fasting from dawn to sunset, an average of 11-16 hours daily depending on solstices of the sun, is obligatory. It is making oneself 'dry' as a way of cleansing the whole system -- body and spirit. Muslims refrain from --
- eating foods;
- drinking liquids;
- smoking, and;
- engaging in sexual intercourse
There are exceptions to this -- when a Muslim is
- suffering from an illness;
- traveling;
- an elderly;
- pregnant;
- breastfeeding;
- diabetic;
- chronically ill, or
- menstruating
I am not a Muslim but I highly respect Islamic beliefs. I experience fasting, too, and it is really great to empty oneself of foods and beverage for some hours, as your body connects better to your spirit and to the Source, no matter how we call our Creator.
Fasting is also a way of self-control as repeatedly for 29 or 30 days in observance of Ramadan, based on visual sighting of the crescent moon, one has to say NO to those above-listed activities from which Muslims are advised to refrain from doing. We know the impact of repetition in one's system, so it goes to follow in other things that one is not allowed to do -- not to embrace the temptations to sin and to violate laws. The mind and body can say 'no' if there is strong self-control. It is the foundation of purification.
Fasting is also a way of self-control as repeatedly for 29 or 30 days in observance of Ramadan, based on visual sighting of the crescent moon, one has to say NO to those above-listed activities from which Muslims are advised to refrain from doing. We know the impact of repetition in one's system, so it goes to follow in other things that one is not allowed to do -- not to embrace the temptations to sin and to violate laws. The mind and body can say 'no' if there is strong self-control. It is the foundation of purification.
Ramadan gives all Muslims the time to reflect more about strengthening taqwa (good deeds and God-consciousness). We hear about the leaders giving pardons to many deserving prisoners. There are many untold stories of charitable acts like sharing money and things with the needy brothers and sisters, and those good deeds not only benefit their Muslims brothers and sisters but also others of different nationalities and religions.
The way to experience spiritual rewards or thawab is three-fold: increasing prayers (salat), recitation of Quran and doing good. Sinful behavior is a clog to that path. No to false statement or lies. No to backbiting, insulting, bullying or humiliating others. No to cursing anyone. No to fighting except when you have to defend yourself.
In Arab countries, the working hours are shortened because fasting has an impact on the performance of a job. Muslims balance their work and worship and do more soul-purification.
If the graces and spiritual rewards of our Creator are multiplied, conflicts and wars will decrease, if not totally eliminated. Peace on earth is possible, we must believe. Let us increase our faith then that this will happen in our lifetime.
In Arab countries, the working hours are shortened because fasting has an impact on the performance of a job. Muslims balance their work and worship and do more soul-purification.
If the graces and spiritual rewards of our Creator are multiplied, conflicts and wars will decrease, if not totally eliminated. Peace on earth is possible, we must believe. Let us increase our faith then that this will happen in our lifetime.
I passionately mark this period to pray more to be blessed, to step up and be a vessel of blessings to others.
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Photo credits: Pixabay
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