Islamic Calendar & Ramadhan.

Peace Man of Faith, I am not against fasting from food, in fact I am still very open to that possibility - I'm trying to actually understand what the Quran says. There are some interesting things that I want to look into, especially when it says - as mmkhan has pointed out - like those before you AND then the Quran mentions sawm in a very specific way. Then there are other things, which I find interesting as well, but I'd like to keep this post short. It's a bit like the issue of Shaytan in the Quran as well. Some think it means Iblis, others think it means there can be A shaytan but THE shaytan is not a person. I think the other claim may be that Iblis is never spoken of as being renamed THE shaytan, like they say about lucifer changing his name to satan - although I believe its even argued that the bible doesn't say this name change happened either. It could be that this is something people have become accustomed to and so read the text that way. It's possible that fasting is about food, but I'm just trying to ensure I explore other possibilities. Peace Support, Once again, it was through pondering that I changed my point of view. I thought of God reminding us to fast like they did before us (I can't remember the verse). I also thought of Mary's fast in 1926. Both these fasts are speech fasts. I then thought that logically, if the fast were sex, then only those people who are married could take part. If this were the case, then a significant amount of people would not be benefiting from the fast. It could not be a speech fast, if it were to last from dawn until dusk, as this would interfere far too much with our daily routines. People could end up dying if we could not communicate during the day. Then I read Safar's contention that the thread of light between day and darkness is not dawn but dusk. This then made sense. you can manage a fast between sunset and night. My husband and I did this fast tonight. From around 7pm to around 8.30 pm. We read Koran, meditated and simply did not talk to each other. It was actually a challenge. If we wanted to, we could have had sex later. If we had gone to a mosque to fast, then obviously sex is out of the question. As I type this, how wonderful I imagine it would be to be in a mosque or similar place and offering up a fast of not talking with many people around. This fast was manageable, respectful and felt significant. Not talking was peaceful. No bad words, profanities etc. Not enough time to feel hard done by. Tomorrow I might have to miss this fast, because I will be in a situation, where I need to speak. Therefore, I will make up this fast, if I can, during the full moon. Hope this makes sense. Peace Dawn, So none of those posts in that thread you made helped you? It's just when you started that thread you were strongly saying it was sex abstentation then some days later it's this, so it just seemed that some posts there could have helped. Or mmkhan's posts. Hmm. I was just curious. Anyway, I'm not sure about the issue of it being fasting during the night because of the way fajr is used - I can't say for sure but I'll have to look into it more.

I am afraid I don't quite understand what you mean. Could you clarify a little. OK.I will explain. There is some Quranist who reject hadith entirelly and some Quranist not reject hadith entirelly. I'm on the second option.I'm not reject hadith entirelly. Yes I'm Quran alone, Quran alone as source of fiqh and fatwas because aHadith was already distorted because only delivered by oral transmission for may years after the death of the Phrophet.You may also know about this too. But by wrote something like that, I'm still use hadith as historical resources.If we reject hadith then how we know the Nabi Muhammad, his families, sahabat etc. Historical books is different from Quran, because they may not 100% valid, so distorted Kutub a Shittah can be one of them. That is my view of hadith. Then what happen if we translating Quran only by just using the dictionary not with some historical resources. Junub in 56 The real meaning of junub is "far" not "sexual intercouse" or "after did sexual activity etc" Example 436 ".....the neighbor farther (junub/ &#1616 away" (Shaheeh International) Then how the word "junub" was translated into "sexual intercouse" even in Free-Minds translation? because it's a Islamic terminology quoted from some narrations (hadith) and books of tafseer. Word "zakat". The real meaning of "zakat" is "purify" not "charity" according to dictionary.So how we know if zakat is charity if we trashing the historical narration? etc The conclusion is we may reject hadith as source of our Islam but we can still use them as historical resources but believe the history in hadith or not is not too important for our faith in Islam. If we think again, even hadith already distorted, but it's impossible if Arabic language in hadith was distorted too. Plus if you study hadith science (musthalah hadith), you will notice if not entire hadith is a innovation, but some of them is originally derived from Phrophet Muhammad, but just already distorted for hundred years, so it's too risk for bases of fiqh and fatwas. The proof is even Sunni and Shia's hadith is different but their salat movement and recitation is still 80% similiar. http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcy79qO7aUM (Sunni Salat) http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvf7Cea33tw (Shia Salat) Sorry for missleading the topic of this thread, but it's just for reminder.

Peace Ukaza Perdana For our safety, it's better we keep following BMKG and MUI counting, unless you're able to counting yourself. But this link may help you http//www.quranicpath.com/misconceptions/breaking_fast.html Salam

Truth needs no convincing. It needs letting go. If it stays, it is so. Peace, R.

The luni solar calendar says we're in the 12th month because, it is set to start counting on the spring equinox. I see this moment as the 4th day of the 3rd week of the 3rd month. Winter solstice being the anchor. R. Yes, and now it will be a new astrological year staring in Aries (Spring) )

GODSubmitter If you would turn your response into prayer, what would it be? Think less, and pray more. Peace, R.

I question now your logic -- the Qur'an is in Arabic not in Albanian or Zulu or whatever language. Therefore, a person needs to understand Arabic language to understand Qur'an -- this is simple. You can understand Arabic without relying on Lexicons for translations. If the description given in the Quran is different than what is found in the hadith of Lexicons, reject the Lexicon and uphold the description in the Quran. Now I'm questioning your vision. It is clear "it is" present in the word prior... http//corpus.quran.com/wordbyword.jsp?chapter=2&verse=255 overtakes/seizes Him http//corpus.quran.com/wordimage?id=5182 Feel free to question. It bothers me not. I let your words bear witness for you So you use corpus.quran.com when it suits your purpose, but reject it when it doesn't. ) Again, take this up with corpus.quran.com. I am not their spokesperson. As stated earlier, ignoring the controversy with corpus.quran.com the word (&#1612 does not mean 'age'. Likewise as already stated I've stripped all markings and use cross reference and context each word along with study of Arabic Lexicons and language since those markings were added much later to promote a certain interpretation. You've made this allegation again, yet you do not bring proof from the Quran of this statement. So why do you say about Allah that which you do not know nor can you prove. Where in the Quran does it say it was only revealed in syllables? It does not. Does the Quran state all of it comes from Allah? Yes, it does. What you wrote is nonsense -- "and snh/sunnah" word does not exist in Qur'an! 2255 The God not deity except He The Living The Sustainer of all not seizes Him snh/age His and not sleep .... The above fits perfectly within context and again there is no "waw" in the word nor does it start with waw/and which would sound senseless in Arabic or any language; "not seizes Him and snh and not sleep"... You are welcome to believe as you desire. It matters not to me. Your interpretation theory is refuted and is not in accord with the Quran. In the End, Allah will judge between us in that which we differ. But I will restate I believe in the Quran, all of it. It is all from Allah. Here is an example from recent events... 28 "" Said Pope Benedict XVI's announcement Monday that he will resign as of Feb. 28, he no longer has the "power" required to stay on top of the church because of his age. It is clear dialectic marks were not in oldest texts of Qur'an and shown that waw was inserted in the word prior not what you state nor would it make any sense -- see reply in other thread... You post (&#1607. Google Translate translates this as 'age'. The word in the Quran is (&#1612. It is not the word (&#1607 which you bring forth and translate as 'age'. Even in Google Translate, the word (&#1612 found in the Quran does not mean 'age'. Point of this? You attempt deception yet again, saying one word from a newsletter - which you do not link or bring as evidence - is the same as found in the Quran, yet even the modern translators expose the issues you uphold. When the Lexicons and translations do not uphold the descriptions in the Quran, you are to uphold what the Quran reveals, not what the Lexicons and newsrooms teach. The Quran is the furqan - the criterion - not the Lexicons and translation services. Once more I believe in the Book, all of it, even the dialectics. It is all from Allah. "Those to whom We have given the Book and who recite it with true recitation, they believe in it; and whoso disbelieves in it, they shall be the losers." Surah 2121 "It is He who sent down upon thee the Book, wherein are verses clear that are the Essence of the Book, and others ambiguous. As for those in whose hearts is swerving, they follow the ambiguous part, desiring dissension, and desiring its interpretation; and none knows its interpretation, save only God. And those firmly rooted in knowledge say, 'We believe in it; all is from our Lord'; yet none remembers, but men possessed of minds." Surah 37 I understand you are saying it is not all from Allah. I do not agree with you. Allah promises to protect the Quran. By your statement of saying the dialectics were not part of the Quran, you are saying the Quran has been corrupted - tampered with - which contradicts what Allah promised. I will restate I do not believe as you do. Allah protects the Quran. Falsehood does not enter it, in the past or in the future. Surah 159, 4141-42, 1339, 4224, 8521-22, 1827, 7227, 181 I believe in it. It is all from Allah. You bring hadith from other people with images that cannot be proven, and you expect me to believe you? Why would I believe you? Your words and suppression of evidence is manifest evidence against you. You believe the Quran has been tampered with. You believe not everything in the Quran is from Allah. You believe in sayings - hadith - of men outside of the Quran. I do not believe as you believe. The only thing clear is --- well I'll be nice and refrain. Therefore goodbye and peace to you. May Allah curse the liars and increase the defilers in nothing but destruction. Peace.

For those who follow the winter timing of the calendar, please note that the month of Ramadhan will begin with the full moon on December 10th (tommorow) of this year 2011. Layth, can you inform me why do you begin counting the months with full moon instead of new moon/zero moon? Thank you, R.

Hehe let me know when you make another thread, im curious what the question is http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9605039.msg321141#new Just so you know sis, you were not the one that made me ask the question, it was the dude who asked if masturbation is ok during fasting. I dont want you think that I am including you in that group, ok? You seem very independent and free thinking.

All i know is that the path of truth is walked solo. Thank you! I couldn't agree more! As great Al-Ghazali also said, "... true Islam started with loners, and it will also end with solitary ones..." I've read the article, thank you for the link. I like your emphasis and I also noticed the period of 19 years. And thank you for your noble and poetic approach. And the beautiful way to emphasize and bring to attention the silver brightness of pure moon light... God bless you, and may God reward you! Thank you

Brilliant, we agree then This much I knew you will never agree with me brickwall

I think the way they slaughter some animals in US is shoot a bolt in their head to render them brain dead. That would be like striking the animal no? I'm not much of a meat eater. Fish is better In my opinion, especially Salmon. Omega 3 fatty acids... Also another issue is the Diet of these animals and the conditions which they live under. You wouldn't like to live in a case would you?

Peace to everyone who said peace. I currently believe that fast time is after sunset in 3637 we see that the sign of the night is by the INSALAKHA (gradual removal, or stripping) of light... (I.e Night still has some light in it. and that Night BEGINS when the light is removed = when the sun sets, light is gradually removed) please explain further. Do you mean that you shall fast during night time?

Peace Noshirk, The question for me is what does Allah means by "Ashhur maaloumet (well known)" does he mean ? Make deductions using Koran see hadiths see my old books (torah for example) something else ? With the correct translation of "hagg" as "harvest feast", the question answers itself. All people know when their harvest is and therefore when their harvest feast where they thank the god for the harvest and share food with the poor takes place. They also know that during the harvest time when food is plentiful, it is also the best time to restrict hunting so as to preserve wild life while at the same time have alternative source of food. They also know that this is the time where lifestock is most plentiful. On the other hand, no one on earth knows when those mysterious "debates" or "pilgrimages" might be ). Peace, Ayman

The fact is this that a full moon lasts a few minutes not three days. a The lunar cycle/orbit lasts about 29.53 day (29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes). The apparent change in size of the moon is due to the eccentricity of the lunar orbit. Okay...very basic level of intelligence here, but HUH? Why do so many keep saying a full moon lasts a few minutes? From what I see from a lunar calendar, a full moon lasts several days. And I am pretty sure I have been able to look in the sky many a nights, for several hours and see...a full moon. I don't think I have ever heard or seen a full moon appear and then disappear within a few minutes time. Salaam Maybe you missed but I gave the link you can see for yourself all phases of moon there. A full moon does not last for three days or several days even for an earth bound observer, you would notice the difference if you look carefully. Peace

Salaam Amina It is almost always 29 clear days(dawn to dusk) during a lunar cycle, maybe its in winter we may be able to count 30 days in a lunar cycle The Moon exhibits different phases as the relative position of the Sun, Earth and Moon changes, appearing as a full moon when the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth and as a new moon (dark moon) when they are on the same side. The phases of full moon and new moon are examples of syzygies, which occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun lie (approximately) in a straight line. The time between two full moons (a Lunar month) is about 29.53 days (29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes) on average http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_phase I too think that 'sawm' means refraining from specified acts as we can read in the Qur'an that Mariam was asked to refrain from talking. In the case of Ramadan it's clearly refraining from eating drinking and sex, during day time, and only for those who "witness this cycle", which IMO means that those who do not see a clear division of day and night are exempt from fasting. Also Allah (swt) acknowledges that fasting could cause hardships for some, where as on this forum those who find it hard to fast want to abolish it for the rest who can fast without hardship o 2183 Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. Peace Thank you (again) for that insight (you answered my question on another post if I remember correctly). I know of a sister that I work with who prepares herself for the month by drinking more water and eating a little less in the weeks prior to it's beginning. I think that makes total sense so as not to shock ones system. I had the intention of doing that this year, but it never happened. Allah knows best, and is oft-forgiving and merciful, so I hope I am able to make up my fasts and it will be acceptable. Amina

Focus on studying, since you are asking so many questions, there is a lot of material I posted here! No time for getting personal, or anything similarly vulgar... Okay I understand. I have a hard time focusing on one thing...one of my many flaws (fickle) but I have been working on it!

Thanks guys! Yes, everyone is sooo cranky at this time. I am walking on eggshells at home. I hate it. At the masjid, the people are like lions after the fresh kill. I even had an incident where they knocked Adam down and he got kicked in the head, he is 18 months! WTH! I went off on every sister and sent a strongly worded letter to the Imam. He addressed the horrid behavior, however I was also told to be patient it is ramadan. I am trying to have peace with myself as crustinpeace suggested. Scaredmuslimah, my husband is the same, he would rather die then break his fast. and he is cranky at this time.. WOW!

I gave it to the local masjid, and made sure that I explained to them what the money was for. Insha'Allah, it went to the right thing.

Salaam Farida. Sorry, but I would have to disagree. Speaking personally, I have always found the first 2 weeks to be the easiest, and then it's gone slowly downhill from there. The last 2 weeks, I found myself forgetful, unaware of dangers like crossing roads. Toward the end of my fast I felt like I hadn't had much sleep, I was in a daze most of the time. This is just my own personal experience. Other friends and family have felt more or less the same way, none of which smoke. Salaam Of course everyone has a right to disagree, as we all have different metabolism. If you read my post above you'll see that I mentioned surah 2;184, at the bottom of this Health Guidance, as a reminder that Allah has given us the option to abstain ..."For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew" The bold section does not imply any compulsion but provides a clue to the many benefits of fasting which are by no means limited to health. BTW in my family not everyone has seen the same effect of fasting; some feel dazed whereas others feel fine as time goes on. Only the other week one of my family member was fasting while feeling ill and I reminded him that this amounts to ingratitude for not availing himself of the concession given us in 2;184 I do hope you recover soon. Peace.