Ramadan Mubarak!!!
After a short hiatus from dropping a blog or two, I have returned with something to stir the spiritual soul and provide nourishment for the cerebral employer.
Beginning on the 21st or the 22nd of this month, 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide will be engaging in one of the quintessential tenets and articles of their faith–the month-long period of fasting that is observed this ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.” Holy Qur’an 2:183
“(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 you fast, if you only knew.” Holy Quran 2:184
“Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also, clear (signs) for guidance and judgment. So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allaah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He want you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful.” Holy Qur’an 2: 185
Such are the sublime expressions that provide the purpose, and intimate the pragmatism, that is constitutive of one of the core principles of Islam. Muslims abstain from all beverages and culinary consumables during the daylight hours. In addition, they are encouraged to abnegate their desire and practice for things that customarily harmful, yet plague all strata of society–things such as lying, backbiting, indulgence in media forms containing illicit and questionable content, etc. The daily period of fasting is typically commenced with a small meal taken shortly before the break-of-dawn; while, the breaking of the fast is traditionally inaugurated with the consumption of a couple of dates. Some fourteen hundred and a-couple-of-decades-ago, these verses from the Qur’an inaugurated an intense period of spiritual reawakening and commemoration for the advent of the last expression of the triumvirate avenue of monotheism–Islam.
During the year 610 c.e., Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), while engaged in one of his traditional spiritually-ruminating retreats some three miles north of Makkah, received a revelation from God that would be the inception of a twenty-two year period of communication with the Divine that would culminate in a book of: divine laws; spiritual and religious guidance; place of solitude for those seeking spiritual enlightenment and reconnection with the Supreme Deity; answer to a miscellany of human socioeconomic-politico ensues.
So, here is to all partaking in the joys of this month. Ramadan Mubarak!!!
Beginning on the 21st or the 22nd of this month, 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide will be engaging in one of the quintessential tenets and articles of their faith–the month-long period of fasting that is observed this ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.” Holy Qur’an 2:183
“(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 you fast, if you only knew.” Holy Quran 2:184
“Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also, clear (signs) for guidance and judgment. So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allaah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He want you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful.” Holy Qur’an 2: 185
Such are the sublime expressions that provide the purpose, and intimate the pragmatism, that is constitutive of one of the core principles of Islam. Muslims abstain from all beverages and culinary consumables during the daylight hours. In addition, they are encouraged to abnegate their desire and practice for things that customarily harmful, yet plague all strata of society–things such as lying, backbiting, indulgence in media forms containing illicit and questionable content, etc. The daily period of fasting is typically commenced with a small meal taken shortly before the break-of-dawn; while, the breaking of the fast is traditionally inaugurated with the consumption of a couple of dates. Some fourteen hundred and a-couple-of-decades-ago, these verses from the Qur’an inaugurated an intense period of spiritual reawakening and commemoration for the advent of the last expression of the triumvirate avenue of monotheism–Islam.
During the year 610 c.e., Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), while engaged in one of his traditional spiritually-ruminating retreats some three miles north of Makkah, received a revelation from God that would be the inception of a twenty-two year period of communication with the Divine that would culminate in a book of: divine laws; spiritual and religious guidance; place of solitude for those seeking spiritual enlightenment and reconnection with the Supreme Deity; answer to a miscellany of human socioeconomic-politico ensues.
So, here is to all partaking in the joys of this month. Ramadan Mubarak!!!