RAMADAN MUBARAK

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah, Assalaamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu.

Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah!! Alhamdulillah!!!

O ye who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it it was prescribed upon those before you, so that ye may learn (Taqwa) self -restraint. (Al-Qur`an 2:183).

O people, the month of Allah (swt) has come with His mercies and blessings. this is the month that is the best of all months, its days are the best of days, its nights are the best of nights, its hours are the best of hours. (Prophet Muhammad - saw).

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, that ALLAH Subhanahu-wa-Ta`ala said; All the deeds of man are for himself, except for fasting which is for Me, and I shall reward it MYSELF.

Ramadan, it is obligatory on Muslims to fast in this blissful month, except Minors, Aged*, Sick**, Traveler**, Pregnant Woman**, Suckling Woman**, Menstruating Woman**, & Mentally Retarded, (* should donate a meal to the needy, and ** should fast an equivalent of days afterwards). 

... but whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; Allah 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 Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks. (Qur`an 2:185)

Fasting means abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking & and any form of sexual activity form dawn until dusk. The goal of fasting is to develop Self-restraint (Taqwa). Taqwa is an Arabic word, it is the state of heart that motivates virtuous conduct and prevents evil action. Taqwa also is the ability to safe-guard, (Love of Allah + Fear of Allah leads to Taqwa (self-restraint).

The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, 'Where are those who used to observe fasts?' They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it." (Bukhari Vol. 3 : No. 120)

Ramadan provides an annual training opportunity that is meant to fulfil the character-building needs for the rest of the year.The character-building is achieved through fasting (Taqwa - self-restraint), which leads to 1.God-fearing nature 2.Afterlife Accountability 3.Patience 4.Self-control 5.Self-discipline 6.Responsibility 7.Obedience 8.Purification of soul.

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Holy Qur`an was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction, (Holy Qur`an 2:185). And we have indeed made the Qur`an easy to understand and remember (or receive admonition) - Holy Qur`an 54:17.

Fasting for good health. "Fast and you shall become healthy"- Said by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Stated 1400 years ago.The recent perspectives of fasting by others (a-Fasting gives the body the environment to heal itself - physiologic rest, b-Abstinence from food for a short time can in no way operate to the disadvantage of a normal person, c-Individuals affected with certain types of gastrointestinal disorders are benefited by fasting, d-Fasting has also been used in cases of diabetes and obesity, e-It is a cleansing process and a physiologic or functional rest which prepares the body for future correct living. 

The role of fasting according to Dr. Jack Goldstein, 1.Fasting is good for the human body 2.It gives vital organs a complete rest 3.It promotes elimination of metabolic wastes 4.It allows the body to adjust and normalize its biochemistry and also its secretions 5.It lets the body break down and absorb swellings, deposits, diseased tissues, and abnormal growths 6.it restores a youthful condition to the cells and tissues 7.it increases the powers of digestion and assimilation (absorption and utilization of food into the system) 8.it permits the conservation and re-routing of energy;it clears strengthens the mind. (source: from the book; Triumph Over Disease By Fasting and Natural Diet).

The night of power. Verily, we have sent it (this Qur`an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The  night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Jibrael - Gabriel) by Allah`s permission with all Decrees, (All the night), there is peace (and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of down. (Qur`an 97).

Let`s continue to seek for Allah`s mercy, His forgiveness and salvation from the hell-fire during and after this great month of Ramadan.Also, let`s us invest for our tomb because the world is just a temporal place and soon we shall leave it.

May Allah accept our fasting, forgive us our sins and bless us all. May Allah open the eyes, ears, & heart of our love once so that they may find the truth and give them the wisdom to understand as well.

Ma`assalam,

Muhammad Awwal Pascal Naatemma.