What's the essence of "ramadan"?
- Thread starter rougan
- Start date
al-muslimah
Junior Member
Ramadan
Well its great to learn new things everyday
here i found your answer for your question in hope you understand what this holy month is all about.
Q. What is "Ramadan" all about?
A. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.
During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.
Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings.
The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm)literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.
During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.
Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.
Hoping we as muslims can STAY like that after the month of Ramadan after we had strengthen our faith..Inshallah
Well its great to learn new things everyday
here i found your answer for your question in hope you understand what this holy month is all about.
Q. What is "Ramadan" all about?
A. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.
During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.
Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings.
The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm)literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.
During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.
Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.
Hoping we as muslims can STAY like that after the month of Ramadan after we had strengthen our faith..Inshallah
happy 2 b muslim
Junior Member
bismallah
salam alaykum/ or hello to the non muslims
Well it like this it an act which makes the heart pure by making everthing that is halal in a sense not allowed to be indulged in.I'll tell it like a shaykh said it he said that there are two concepts of creation where one is when allah created the body which is the creation took 6 days and theres the souls which was created with the word be. Now the body gets it food and livelyhood from the 6 days concept and likewise the souls gets it food for that which is higher and they both cant not fill the other. Now ramdan the month is made so you can raise the souls and feed it and deprive the bodys it food. That why muslim read quran and the hadith and do more than they would in anyother day because they have deprived the body to elavate the soul and give it its food and this food is pure and it purifies the the soul the heart then it make one stonger in faith mind and soul. Also it comes with LOTSSSS OF beniefits however i cant listed them all so i ll tell you what allah had said ramadan is about inshallah........
This ramadan it should be are aim to get some good out of it to tranier ones self by controlling different aspect about your self, it might be controlling ones anger or desire. These 30 day need to be dealt with in the best manner where you can pick up good habiat by first building a foundation to build where you can build you iman strong but this can only be done once one build with in himself/herself a strong stabble foundation. Once this has been done then you inshallah have benifeted from you ramadan this year remember what allah say in the quran and the reason being why we fast that in surah baqarah allah say: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمْ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).
The Cow 2:183
أَيَّامًا مَعْدُودَاتٍ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ فَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَهُ وَأَنْ تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
For a certain number of days, but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days, and those who are not able to do it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man, so whoever does good spontaneously it is better for him, and that you fast is better for you if you know.
The Cow 2:184
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِنْ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمْ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ الْيُسْرَ وَلاَ يُرِيدُ بِكُمْ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
The month of Ramazan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction, therefore whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days, God desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of God for His having guided you and that you may give thanks.
The Cow 2:185
if i had made an mistake its from me self and anything good i said is from allah ....how that helps inshallah god willing
salam alaykum/ or hello to the non muslims
Well it like this it an act which makes the heart pure by making everthing that is halal in a sense not allowed to be indulged in.I'll tell it like a shaykh said it he said that there are two concepts of creation where one is when allah created the body which is the creation took 6 days and theres the souls which was created with the word be. Now the body gets it food and livelyhood from the 6 days concept and likewise the souls gets it food for that which is higher and they both cant not fill the other. Now ramdan the month is made so you can raise the souls and feed it and deprive the bodys it food. That why muslim read quran and the hadith and do more than they would in anyother day because they have deprived the body to elavate the soul and give it its food and this food is pure and it purifies the the soul the heart then it make one stonger in faith mind and soul. Also it comes with LOTSSSS OF beniefits however i cant listed them all so i ll tell you what allah had said ramadan is about inshallah........
This ramadan it should be are aim to get some good out of it to tranier ones self by controlling different aspect about your self, it might be controlling ones anger or desire. These 30 day need to be dealt with in the best manner where you can pick up good habiat by first building a foundation to build where you can build you iman strong but this can only be done once one build with in himself/herself a strong stabble foundation. Once this has been done then you inshallah have benifeted from you ramadan this year remember what allah say in the quran and the reason being why we fast that in surah baqarah allah say: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمْ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).
The Cow 2:183
أَيَّامًا مَعْدُودَاتٍ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ فَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَهُ وَأَنْ تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
For a certain number of days, but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days, and those who are not able to do it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man, so whoever does good spontaneously it is better for him, and that you fast is better for you if you know.
The Cow 2:184
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِنْ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمْ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ الْيُسْرَ وَلاَ يُرِيدُ بِكُمْ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
The month of Ramazan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction, therefore whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days, God desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of God for His having guided you and that you may give thanks.
The Cow 2:185
if i had made an mistake its from me self and anything good i said is from allah ....how that helps inshallah god willing
now i understand it better. some christians do fasting as well during the Lenten Season but i'm not really sure what's the purpose of doing that. with muslim brothers and sisters, Ramadan is really a sincere way of reflection and a time to evaluate their relationships with God, family, friends and enemies. wow. i really admire you guys.
Southrn_Muslimah
bnqɯnɥ 'ɥɐq
:salam2:
I didn't know Christians fast. What sect does it?I just thought that Catholics gave up a certain thing during Lent, but they do not observe our type of fasting which I am finding very rewarding
:salam2:
I didn't know Christians fast. What sect does it?I just thought that Catholics gave up a certain thing during Lent, but they do not observe our type of fasting which I am finding very rewarding
:salam2:
Having studied in a Catholic school for 4 years, they don't eat red meat and chicken but they could still eat fish and veggies. It's not like our fasting where we totally can't eat.
well, some catholics does. it's like a way of imitating what Christ did. although, we don't do it as you guys do. i mean, the number of days and somewhat entirely giving up eating during daylight.yeah, i entirely agree, fasting is really a serious thing for you guys and i really admire your sincerity and dedication to this wonderful time of the year.
:salam2:
I didn't know Christians fast. What sect does it?I just thought that Catholics gave up a certain thing during Lent, but they do not observe our type of fasting which I am finding very rewarding
Hey Rougan,
Kumusta?
Why do Muslims fast??
Question:
I live in England, and I often get asked by many non-muslims, why do muslims fast?? I know that I should know this answer, but I do not know what to say exactly. What should I give as an answer?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
We Muslims fast? the month of Ramadaan because Allaah has commanded us to do so. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“ O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fast?ing) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (pious)”
[al-Baqarah 2:183]
So we worship Allaah by doing this act of worship which is beloved to Allaah and which He has enjoined upon us.
The believers hasten to obey the commands of Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), in obedience to His words (interpretation of the meaning):
“The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allaah (His Words, the Qur’aan) and His Messenger, to judge between them, is that they say: ‘We hear and we obey.’ And such are the successful (who will live forever in Paradise)”
[al-Noor 24:51]
“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed into a plain error”
[al-Ahzaab 33:36]
Secondly:
It is by His wisdom that Allaah has prescribed a variety of acts of worship, so as to test people with regard to how they will obey all these commands. Will they only choose to do that which suits them, or will they do that which pleases Allaah? If we think about the five acts of worship: testimony of faith, prayer, zakaah, fast?ing and pilgrimage, we will see that some of them are purely physical, some are purely financial, some are both, so that the miser will become distinct from the generous. For some people it may be easy for them to pray one thousand rak’ahs but not to give a single dirham; for others it may be easy to give a thousand dirhams but not to pray a single rak’ahs. So Islam came to prescribe a variety of acts of worship so as to determine who will follow in obedience to the command of Allaah and who will follow only that which suits him.
Prayer, for example, is a purely physical action, but its prerequisites require some expenditure, such as the water for wudoo’, and clothes to cover the ‘awrah. These are not part of the prayer but they are its prerequisites.
Zakaah is purely financial, but physical actions are required to fulfil this duty such as calculating one's wealth and transferring the zakaah to the poor and needy. These are not part of zakaah but they are its prerequisites.
Hajj involves spending wealth and physical action, except for the people of Makkah who may not need money, but the yare very few compared with those who live in Makkah.
Jihad for the sake of Allaah may require both money and physical effort. A person may spend money for the sake of Allaah and not fight, or he may go and fight but not spend money.
Commands are of two types: commands to refrain from things that man is inclined towards, and commands to spend that are precious.
Refraining from things that are loved includes fast?ing, and expenditure of things that are loved includes zakaah. Wealth is something that is loved and no one spends the wealth that he loves except for something that is loved even more.
The same applies to refraining from things that are loved, for a person may like to spend a thousand dirhams, but not fast? a single day, or vice versa.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 6/190.
Thirdly:
There is another great reason why fast?ing is prescribed, which has been discussed in part in the answer to question no. 26862.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen was asked about the reason why fast?ing was enjoined?
He replied:
If we read the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):
“ O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fast?ing) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (pious)”
[al-Baqarah 2:183]
we will know the reason why fast?ing was prescribed, which is taqwa (piety) and submission to Allaah. Taqwa means giving up haraam things, and in general terms includes both doing what is commanded and abstaining from what is forbidden. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it and offensive speech and behaviour, Allaah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6057. See also questions no. 37658 and 37989.
Based on this, it is important for the one who is fast?ing to carry out religious duties and avoid haraam (forbidden) things in word and deed. So he should not backbite about people, tell lies, or spread malicious gossip among them, or engage in haraam transactions, and he should avoid all haraam things. If a person does that for a whole month, the rest of the year will go well, but unfortunately in the case of many of those who fast?, there is no difference between a day when they fast? and a day when they do not; they behave as they usually do, neglecting obligatory duties and doing forbidden things. You do not see the dignity that is to be expected of the fast?ing person. These actions do not invalidate their fast? but they do detract from its reward and may cancel out the reward altogether.
Fataawa Arkaan al-Islam, p. 451.
Islam Q&A
***************
Medically speaking, fasting also has it's BENEFITS.
Southrn_Muslimah
bnqɯnɥ 'ɥɐq
:salam2:
Ahh okay. Now I remember lol. We used to eat crawfish/crayfish on Fridays because of the whole meat issue. I still love my crawfish
Is Christianity the only religion where they not follow the fasting like many other religions? I know in Judaism they fast like us...A friend who is Hindu said they do fasting also. I am just curious.
Southrn_Muslimah
bnqɯnɥ 'ɥɐq
Brother
al-muslimah
Junior Member
my classmates long ago were christians they used to fast for 40 days only for the thing they love to eat,remember my friend not eating biscuits with chocolate topping that time.coz that was her favourite food,haha.but they can eat everything else.