Ramadan
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On the contrary, I find it easier to concentrate with an empty stomach.
Probably it's human (animal?) nature to be more attentive when they're hungry. Stuffed crocs and lions do nothing but nap all day.
Unfortunately I have to disagree. My math course in college is going downhill ever since I started fasting. ;D
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WHY WE HAVE TO FAST ????????????
It may sound weired to most of you but after going through most or all of the verses in the great reading I could not find one clear verse which tell us to fast.I will put below the verses to show that actually fasting is a punishment from GOD for disobeying his laws.We can start with
Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.
In the above verse we can see that GOD is addressing to a group of people by referring to THOSE OF YOU and not ALL OF YOU.Had he meant the entire population to fast he would have clearly asked everyone of us to fast in the month of Ramadan.We would see in the following verse that who are THOSE people whom GOD is asking to fast.
BREAKING STATE OF IHRAAM
You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj and
Umrah for GOD. If you are prevented, you shall send an offering, and do not resume cutting your hair until your offering has reached its destination. If you are ill, or suffering a head injury (and you must cut your hair), you shall expiate by fasting, or giving to charity, or some other form of worship. During the normal Hajj, if you break the state of Ihraam (sanctity) betweenUmrah and Hajj, you shall expiate by offering an animal sacrifice. If you cannot afford it, you shall fast three days during Hajj and seven when you return home - this completes ten - provided you do not live at the Sacred Masjid. You shall observe GOD, and know that GOD is strict in enforcing retributionIn 2196 God is asking those people to fast who are prevented from performing Hajj or Umrah ( there is saperate debate on this issue ) and also those people who breaks the state of Ihraam.Now we move to another verse
KILLING A BELIEVER
No believer shall kill another believer, unless it is an accident. If one kills a believer by accident, he shall atone by freeing a believing slave, and paying a compensation to the victim's family, unless they forfeit such a compensation as a charity. If the victim belonged to people who are at war with you, though he was a believer, you shall atone by freeing a believing slave. If he belonged to people with whom you have signed a peace treaty, you shall pay the compensation in addition to freeing a believing slave. If you cannot find* a slave to free, you shall atone by fasting two consecutive months, in order to be redeemed by GOD. GOD is Knower, Most Wise
We can clearly see in 492 that again GOD is referring to those people who are unable to pay compensation and yet have to fast for two consecutive months.
OATH VIOLATION
GOD does not hold you responsible for the mere utterance of oaths; He holds you responsible for your actual intentions. If you violate an oath, you shall atone by feeding ten poor people from the same food you offer to your own family, or clothing them, or by freeing a slave. If you cannot afford this, then you shall fast three days. This is the atonement for violating the oaths that you swore to keep. You shall fulfill your oaths. GOD thus explains His revelations to you, that you may be appreciative.
KIILING GAME DURING PILGRIMAGE
O you who believe, do not kill any game during pilgrimage. Anyone who kills any game on purpose, his fine shall be a number of livestock animals that is equivalent to the game animals he killed. The judgment shall be set by two equitable people among you. They shall make sure that the offerings reach the Ka`bah. Otherwise, he may expiate by feeding poor people, or by an equivalent fast to atone for his offense. GOD has pardoned past offenses. But if anyone returns to such an offense, GOD will avenge it. GOD is Almighty, Avenger.ESTRANGE THEIR WIVES AS MOTHERS
Those among you who estrange their wives (by declaring them as forbidden in sex) as their mothers know full well that they are not their mothers.* Their mothers are the women who gave birth to them. Indeed, they are committing a blasphemy and a falsehood. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver.
Those who estrange their wives in this manner, then reconcile thereafter, shall atone by freeing a slave before resuming their sexual relations. This is to enlighten you. GOD is Cognizant of everything you do.If you cannot find a slave to free, you shall fast two consecutive months before resuming sexual relations. If you cannot fast, then you shall feed sixty poor people. You shall believe in GOD and His messenger. These are GOD's laws. The disbelievers have incurred a painful retribution.
With reference to above verses we can see a pattern where GOD is asking those people who have violated above laws to fast for respective days.This also gives us a clear picture of 2184 where GOD is mentioning SPECIFIC DAYS these specific days are 10days , 3 days and 60 days depending on the violation committed.
May be my opinion defers with rest of the people on free minds but this is my understanding , please give your views and suggestions
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Salaams All,
ESTRANGE THEIR WIVES AS MOTHERS
Those among you who estrange their wives (by declaring them as forbidden in sex) as their mothers know full well that they are not their mothers.* Their mothers are the women who gave birth to them. Indeed, they are committing a blasphemy and a falsehood. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver.
Those who estrange their wives in this manner, then reconcile thereafter, shall atone by freeing a slave before resuming their sexual relations. This is to enlighten you. GOD is Cognizant of everything you do.If you cannot find a slave to free, you shall fast two consecutive months before resuming sexual relations. If you cannot fast, then you shall feed sixty poor people. You shall believe in GOD and His messenger. These are God's laws. The disbelievers have incurred a painful retribution.
here is what it is - i reckon;
its nothing to do with months at all,
but you abstain the two very acts which have put you in this position - not being able to touch your wife's, until you reconcile/ free yourselves or if you cannot find a way then feed sixty people or something.
the two acts are
the name calling and the act of touching them.
It's so simple.
Shahr isn't a month but a type of interaction between individuals - i think, check lanes.
God Bless All.
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Peace Munshi,
It may sound weired to most of you but after going through most or all of the verses in the great reading I could not find one clear verse which tell us to fast.I will put below the verses to show that actually fasting is a punishment from GOD for disobeying his laws.We can start with
We can start with the two verses prior...
http//www.islamawakened.com/Quran/2/183
You, you those who believed, it is dictated/ordered on you the fasting, as it is dictated/ordered on those from before you, maybe you fear and obey (God).http//www.islamawakened.com/Quran/2/184
2184...and that you fast (it is) best for you, if you are knowing. -
Peace nun de plume, all
the usual translation of sayyan is "to fast" but it actually is "to abstain"
the question is abstain from what ? we have the abstaining from communication in quran (marie) and in the verses on shahr ramadan we suppose it is food and drink and sex because these are mentioned in the subsequent verses
but other understandings are possible, see mz's "shahr" thesis
elke
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Peace Elke,
the usual translation of sayyan is "to fast" but it actually is "to abstain"
the question is abstain from what ?
Abstain from all those things allowed after night fall till dawn the next day...
http//www.islamawakened.com/Quran/2/187
(It) became/is permitted/allowed to you (the) night of the fasting the obscenity/ indecency (intercourse), to your women (wives), they are (F) a cover/wives to you and you are a cover/husbands tothem (F), God knew that you were betraying/being unfaithful (to) yourselves, so He forgave on you, and He forgave/pardoned on you, so now touch their (F) outer skin , and desire (seek) what God has written/dictated for you, and eat and drink until the thread the white appears from the thread the black from the dawn, then complete the fasting to the night and do not touch their outer skin (while) you are devoting in the mosques/places of worshipping God. Those are God's limits/orders , so do not approach/near it, like that God clarifies His verses/evidences to the people, maybe they fear and obey (God).peace
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I had just started fasting Ramadan according to traditionalist and I found freeminds website. The information presented made sense to me. I have gained understanding, but since I was just beginining my Ramadan fast should I continue it for 30 days, even though I now have an understanding that Ramadan should have occured earlier in the year and only for 10 days or should I just fast the ten days now?
Salam.
welcome to the forum, brother.
Ramadan of the year 2007 started on July 01. and ended on July 30th.It's okay, you finish you fast, fast for 30 days and then next year you will know, God willing.
May The Exalted God Tghe Most Powerful guide you on The Straight Path to Paradise.
Peace.
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Salam,
I believe 2183-184 and 2185 are speaking of 2 seperate fasts.
2183-184 speaks of the
ayyam madoodatwhich was decreed to us as to people before us. While 2185 is speaking of the month in which the revealtion of the Quran took place, and that those who are able to witness such a month should fast therin.Normal fast = 10 days
Special fast (witnessing the mont) = 30 daysTotal possible fast = 40 days (the same period Moses took to speak with God).
also, please note that the Quran was revealed in a night which is equivalent to 1,000 months, most possibly indicating it as a special phenomena which does not appear to often.
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Salam Samia,
I would say that the witnessing is for the month, meaning that there is a specific visual or otherwise known event that would mark this month as the
ramadhanmonth.The event that comes to mind could be a lunar eclipse which would turn the full moon blood red in color for a few minutes. This event would occur infrequently at one given point (say Jerusalem). The blood red color could be the
scorchtingthat the word describes.I am only throwing out ideas here. Nothing concrete.
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Salaam Sister Samia
First of all many thanks for your great input on all topics that r being discussed on free minds.I really appreciate your in depth knowledge and have learnt a lot from you.Please allow me to learn more on this site as I am no expert nor have enough knowledge to argue with any one of you.My above post is my understanding as I could not believe why GOD want us to go through this ( FASTING ) ritual when there is no other ritual in his religion.
Coming back to your question in 2185 " Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein " my understanding is that GOD is referring to THOSE ( person or group of people who have violated any one of above mentioned laws ).
Lets understand this by an example
I am that person whom GOD is talking about in 589
OATH VIOLATION
GOD does not hold you responsible for the mere utterance of oaths; He holds you responsible for your actual intentions. If you violate an oath, you shall atone by feeding ten poor people from the same food you offer to your own family, or clothing them, or by freeing a slave. If you cannot afford this, then you shall fast three days. This is the atonement for violating the oaths that you swore to keep. You shall fulfill your oaths. GOD thus explains His revelations to you, that you may be appreciative.
Now as per 2185 I am that person who has to fast when I witness the month of scorching heat or in other way when I witness the month of Ramadan.Since I have violated an oath my punishment is to fast 3 days if I cannot feed ten poor people , or cloth them or free a slave.
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Salaams Nun, All,
Qd says;
Laylatun=
decadence=
low moral standards and behaviour2187
Is allowed for you (during) abstaining of decadence, consorting with your women they hold social intercourse with you and you hold social intercourse with them, knew Allah that you were deceiving yourselves so he bestowed repentance upon you and forgave you, now associate and seek what ordained Allah for you and support and permeate as until becomes distinct/ clear to you understanding of the going aside from the right path then abstain the decadence and not associate with it while you stick to the submissions these limits of Allah so not approach thus, makes clear Allah??.Salaams.
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Greetings mz,
As you know, I've been trying to come to terms with what I understand is expected of us in terms of 'abstaining'. In my heart and in my realm of understanding, what I grasp is very similar to your understanding. That being said, Dr. Ayman's interpretation -- as he presents it--seems to make for a sound understanding Qur'anically speaking and I found myself in the last week leaning toward his interpretation. However, as the events pass in my life as this 'ramadan' progresses, I am reminded of how many people 'fast' from food and have little or no improvement in who they are or how they relate to others. As such, I've found myself bending back toward the understanding you and I share. How many times -- any of us are so 'incensed' by something that happens in our lives and in the 'heat' of the moment, we act on our urges, our desires, only to feel sorry and embarrassed later for it when we have 'cooled' down? I dare say it has happened to every single one of us. Now, if we take the Qur'anic injunction for 'abstinence' to mean abstaining from this crazy act of passion, then we have avoided an embarrassing situation.
My question to you is can this understanding of what is meant for us to do as an act of 'abstaining' work throughout the Qur'an? Have you already expounded on this and I've missed the post? If so, excuse my oversight and please direct me to your previous posts.
Thank you!
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Greetings mz,
As you know, I've been trying to come to terms with what I understand is expected of us in terms of 'abstaining'. In my heart and in my realm of understanding, what I grasp is very similar to your understanding. That being said, Dr. Ayman's interpretation -- as he presents it--seems to make for a sound understanding Qur'anically speaking and I found myself in the last week leaning toward his interpretation. However, as the events pass in my life as this 'ramadan' progresses, I am reminded of how many people 'fast' from food and have little or no improvement in who they are or how they relate to others. As such, I've found myself bending back toward the understanding you and I share. How many times -- any of us are so 'incensed' by something that happens in our lives and in the 'heat' of the moment, we act on our urges, our desires, only to feel sorry and embarrassed later for it when we have 'cooled' down? I dare say it has happened to every single one of us. Now, if we take the Qur'anic injunction for 'abstinence' to mean abstaining from this crazy act of passion, then we have avoided an embarrassing situation.
My question to you is can this understanding of what is meant for us to do as an act of 'abstaining' work throughout the Qur'an? Have you already expounded on this and I've missed the post? If so, excuse my oversight and please direct me to your previous posts.
Thank you!
Salaams Ilisa,
yes i believe it does apply throughout the quran, but my translation is bits at different places at free-minds - i will i think bring it all together some time in the near future.
but here is a portion of the quran with original translation with as i see it.
(interesting- http//www.secretplaceministries.org/pages/articles/fasting_the_tongue.html )
Here people doing wrong??
002.181
YUSUFALI If anyone changes the bequest after hearing it, the guilt shall be on those who make the change. For Allah hears and knows (All things).
002.182
YUSUFALI But if anyone fears partiality or wrong-doing on the part of the testator, and makes peace between (The parties concerned), there is no wrong in him For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.On realizing/ or when they realize they are wrong they need to quite the spirit and listen to God-feel the feeling and be charitable for redemption-so as not to do it again.
2183
YUSUFALI O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-
002.184
YUSUFALI (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. 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.It was such time that portions of the quran was inspired. So quite the spirit when you realize you are in the wrong and seek redemption.
002.185
YUSUFALI Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.And listen to God.
2186
YUSUFALI When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them) I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me That they may walk in the right way.And consult your partner in the matter as they may be more receptive to inspiration or having known may advice you.
2187
YUSUFALI Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men that they may learn self-restraint.Don?t have wrong intentions and bribe others.
002.188
YUSUFALI And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that ye may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of (other) people's property.Such a people need to change their desires and embody the attributes to prosper.
002.189
YUSUFALI They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage. It is no virtue if ye enter your houses from the back It is virtue if ye fear Allah. Enter houses through the proper doors And fear Allah That ye may prosper.God Bless.......
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Peace Layth, everyone,
The event that comes to mind could be a lunar eclipse which would turn the full moon blood red in color for a few minutes. This event would occur infrequently at one given point (say Jerusalem). The blood red color could be the
scorchtingthat the word describes.<--------- See my avatar. This is the blood red color of the full moon right after the summer solstice, which is also during the hottest time of the year (red+hot=scorching). Everyone around the world can see this with their own eyes.
I hope this helps.
Peace,
Ayman
