Ramadhan, the Month of God (10)

Salaam dear friends and welcome 10th episode of “Ramadhan, the Month of God”

As usual, we start with the special supplication of 10th Ramadhan:

 “O Allah, appoint me this day to be among those who put their trust in You; include me therein among those who are triumphant with You; and count me therein among those who are brought near to You, with Your kindness, O Goal of the seekers!”

The month of Ramadhan is a means towards health and well-being both physically and spiritually. It is narrated from the Prophet of Islam that he said, "Fast to be healthy."

In the modern era, human beings have understood that having a healthy and useful food diet beside a regular programme for physical exercises will have deep impact on health. The harms of fast foods, fizzy drinks, fat and salty foods and so on, are clear. That's why some people have opted for vegetarian diet or marine foods.

But, does human body only need to eat to be healthy or it needs a period of respite as it is continuously digesting what is stuffed in it?

The digestive system begins with the mouth and ends in the intestines. Yet, the role of the liver, blood, blood vessels, hormones and glands shouldn't be ignored in digestion and absorption of food. Fasting for one month gives the digestive system the opportunity to rest after 11 months of working. Resting is vital for the digestive system like other bodily organs. It is better if this respite is practiced according to a fixed schedule for a full month. The blessed month of Ramadhan gives this golden opportunity to body and digestive system.

The Prophet of Islam said, "Stomach is home to every illness and abstinence is the basis of every cure."

Herbalists maintain that over seventy diseases are caused by careless eating and overeating; and that fasting is the best way for prevention of diseases. Modern medicine, too, has proved that fasting burns the extra and harmful fat, reduces pressure on the joints of the waist and lower organs and regulates the activity of cardiovascular and digestive systems. As a person fasts, an intense dieting system rules his body. Hence, the body embarks on eating itself and this begins with reduction of fat and sugar reserves and protein tissues. At the time of hunger, the body attacks the extra fat and destroys it. Thus, reduction of weight is one of the benefits of fasting.

The dead and sick cells and tissues are eradicated during fasting, while new and fresh cells and tissues grow after fasting. That's why some physicians believe that fasting is a rebirth of the body and the element of youth.

Dr. Seyyed Mohammad Mousavi, a member of the Iranian-Islamic Medicine Board, says, "Fasting for one month of the year destroys all poisons of organs and stomach, refreshes the fasting person, and restores health through internal cleansing." He maintains that fasting causes dense phlegm or extra substances in the body, that stick to the body pores, to be burnt and this burning of poisonous substances creates much heat in the body.

Dr. Mousavi adds, "The main factor for dangerous diseases are the sediments that pollute the blood and stick to the vessels and walls of the digestive system. Fasting is an important factor for prevention of all diseases like cancer, heart attack, dementia, Parkinson Disease, MS and other refractory diseases. Fasting insures the human body against all diseases for one year."

Fasting during Ramadhan improves functioning of the heart as well. According to cardiologists, heart performance is improved due to fasting for long hours during Ramadhan. Fasting for the entire month also improves blood circulation thus making people healthier.

A research study recently conducted by doctors of two hospitals revealed that due to increase in vagal tone (that is, functioning of vagus nerve), fasting induces a change in the electrical activity of the heart. The positive change in the electrical activity of the heart decreases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and sudden cardiac death (SCD).

The doctors studied a sample of 50 people who were on fast. At the end of 28 days of fast they found positive outcome of cardiac functioning.

Dr. M.N. Khwaja, a senior geneticist asserted that previous research studies revealed that fasting improves to a significant extent the para-sympathetic modulation. He further said ‘the strictly disciplined life coupled with increased physical activity in the form of regular and special prayers has been found to positively impact those on fast.”

Psychologists have also talked about the positive impact of fasting on human spirit. They opine that fasting strengthens psychological and spiritual power. It gives the individual self-confidence and instills in that person the spirit of resistance against obstacles and problems. Fasting makes a person steadfast against stress and concerns. That's why the magnitude of crimes and abnormal behaviours is so low in Muslim societiesduring Ramadhan.

Dr. Akram Pour-Shams, a specialist of kidney diseases, says, "Those who eat just one meal at the time of Iftar and do not consume anything till the next Ifatr, harm their health." She believes that fasting is useful for treating fatty liver, and says, "During the days of Ramadhan, as people have less food intake, they can better decrease their weight. Those suffering from fatty liver, if they pass through Ramadhan properly, it will be very helpful for their health and they may even be healed of their disease. Those who suffer from fatty liver must avoid eating fat and sweet food at Iftar and Sahar. Bread, cheese, vegetables and fruits are the best items for such people at Iftar. A few hours after Iftar they can have a light dinner."

Although fasting is very useful for the health of a person, it should be noted that neither of the meals of Iftar or Sahar should be cancelled. Moreover, fasting persons should refrain from overeating after Iftar. However, fasting might be harmful for some patients. Thus, in accordance with Islamic rules, they shouldn't fast at all.

Ramadhan, the Month of God (9)

Welcome to the 9th special episode of “Ramadhan, the Month of God”.

We start with the special supplication of the day:

“O Allah, appoint me a portion this day of Your all-embracing mercy; guide me therein to Your clear and bright proofs; and draw me with my fore-lock towards Your all-around approval, with Your love, O Hope of the ardent!”

Today, you'll be hearing some of the comments of neo-Muslims about the blessed month of Ramadhan.

Yvette Baldaccino, an Australian who embraced the truth of Islam, says: "For me the month of Ramadhan is the best and ideal holiday, a holiday with God. This is the only month in which we have the opportunity to get rid of worldly materialistic indulgence and be engaged in worship and spiritual acts days and nights."

The blessed month of Ramadhan is the best time for worship and supplication in the divine court, recitation of the holy Qur'an and attaining proximity of God. For Muslims who live in Islamic countries, it is simple to become familiar with Islam and the special rituals of Ramadhan. But for those who have newly embraced Islam, it is a different issue. They experience the spiritual delights of Ramadhan with no early information; hence, some of them have apprehensions in the beginning whether they can fast.

Samantha Kesnich, an American lady who recently embraced the truth of Islam, says, "I was very excited at the advent of Ramadhan. I had studied extensively about it and couldn't wait for fasting any more. I consider the month of Ramadhan a time for proximity to God."

Zainab Karen, a German lady describes her first experience of Ramadhan: "When the month of Ramadhan arrived, I decided to take the first step by fasting. First, I thought that it would be difficult for me, but there was a strange form of energy in me and I fasted without any difficulty at my workplace. I was exhilarated that I could worship God and become close to God and I didn't feel even the heat of summer."

Like Samantha and Zainab, other new Muslims have understood that the blessed month of Ramadhan is a proper opportunity for worship and proximity of God.

A'zam Naseem Johnson, a fresh American convert to Islam, says: "In my first month of Ramadhan I am engaged in reading the holy Qur'an and reciting supplications. As a matter of fact, I don’t know if I read the Qur'an and supplications correctly or not. I have a booklet containing the rituals and supplications of Ramadhan and I do according to it. I feel spiritually well and enjoy performing prayers and reading the Qur'an".

Iten Gottschalk, another new American Muslim, pays much attention to reading the holy Qur'an and performing prayers. He says, "When I feel thirst, I open the holy Qur'an or perform more prayers to spend my time with my Lord. I can feel how Ramadhan brings human beings closer to God and specifies his goal in this world."

For sure, fasting causes hunger and thirst; but, as these hardships are for God's sake, they become easy to endure and even bolster man's will and spiritual power.

Chris Duffy says in this regard: "Fasting is invigorating for me. At first, it was not easy but the body adjusts itself and then you will feel an increase of energy. Fasting helps you concentrate on what is necessary."

Gatzchak, who takes care of patients, says: "I try very much to hold my fasts, but sometimes, it is really hard; yet, Ramadhan has helped me a lot in self-restraint."

Many new Muslims pay attention to the socio-political aspects of fasting. Zainab Karen says, "During the days of the month of Ramadhan, the sense of solidarity and unity among Muslims has absorbed me intensely."

Halimeh Khan from the US comments, "If you feel hungry it means that you have thought of many hungry people across the world."

During Ramadhan gatherings are arranged for worship and recitation of the holy Qur’an. This reinforces the sense of brotherhood. For instance, in Romania the new Muslims consider Ramadhan as the best opportunity for building bridge with other Muslims and further understanding of Islamic concepts. One of the problems faced by the fresh converts to Islam is the opposition of their families, relatives and colleagues.

Haleem Abdullah from China says, "My family was strongly opposed to my becoming Muslim and expelled me from the house. But my new Islamic family strongly supports me. They help me in learning the methods of Islamic life, performing prayer and reading the holy Qur'an."

Some other neo-Muslims are upset at blasphemous behaviors of their family as they find no Muslim friends in their neighborhood. Of course, some of them like the mother of Gladis Lim Yen Yen from China, support her and her sister and even help them in preparing Sahari and finding halal food.

But the problem of Tanzimeh Khan, is her job as a cook. She says, "Everybody in the kitchen eats and drinks with laughter and entertainment. I tell them, 'It is not important. I will attain spiritual reward with controlling my gastronomical desires. You are drinking in front of me while I am fasting. But I control myself. Thus, it is not hard for me."

Many who have freshly embraced the truth of Islam, attend Islamic gatherings, especially in mosques where congregational prayers are held, in order to overcome their loneliness. Johnson says, "I count the moments to go to the mosque and perform my prayers with more attention and understanding. I am happy and wait for fasting in the rest of the month of Ramadhan. At noon, I feel a lump in throat and my eyes are filled with tears."

Some other Muslims are not able to attend mosques and Islamic centres. Nour ud-Din Lim Siasia from China is such a Muslim. He says, "As a student of medicine, I have a compact schedule. Although I may not be able to perform all of my prayers in the mosque, fortunately, I have good friends who come to me and we perform congregational prayer at home. In the blessed month of Ramadhan, we hold small and intimate circles to worship God."

Anyway, neo-Muslims face problems for performing their acts of worship and practice the divine commandments in non-Islamic countries.

Ramadhan, the Month of God (8)

Welcome to the 8th special episode of “Ramadhan, the Month of God”.

We start with the special supplication of the day:

“O Allah, grant me this day compassion for the orphans, and enable me to provide food (to the hungry), to greet others in an expressive manner, and to keep the company of the virtuous, with Your Bounty, O Refuge of the hopeful!”

With the advent of the blessed month of Ramadhan, there is an indescribable fervor among Muslims across the world. In the two previous episodes, we got acquainted with some of the customs of Muslims in different countries and today we focus on some other countries.

Turkey has a population of 82 million, 98% of which are Muslims. Before the start of the blessed month of Ramadhan, all mosques get prepared for the month of fasting. Mosques are decorated with chandeliers bearing phrases that glorify Ramadhan. The large mosques of the country, like Ayub Sultan, Suleymaniye, Me’mar Sinan and Sultan Ahmad (or Blue Mosque) are beautifully decorated for Ramadhan. At midnight, some people take to the streets and lanes to awaken Muslims for the pre-dawn meal (Sahar) by reciting special poems and religious hymns. Public Iftar is common in Turkey just like other Muslim countries. What is interesting at these tables is fresh bread with soup, fresh vegetables and olives. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for three days and people get ready for this great feast a few days earlier. The day before the Eid, the working hours of offices and organizations is reduced so that people provide the requirements for the event. During the Eid congregational prayer, all government centers and even museums and tourist attraction sites are closed. People go to the mosques for the prayer and then exchange visits with their relatives and friends.

In the Central Asian Persian speaking country of Tajikistan, Ramadhan is known as the month of friendship, love and helping others. Over 95% of the 7.5 million population are Muslims. The blessed month of Ramadhan is full of special ceremonies in Tajikistan. One of these customs is called "Rabbe Min". This custom is held after Iftar (breaking fast) and youngsters gather in groups and, going from one door to another, they glorify the blessed month of Ramadhan with poems and hymns. The people normally give presents to these youngsters.

Muslims of Tajikistan, like other Muslims, venerate the Night of Qadr and have firm belief that God forgives the sins of the penitents on this night, when the holy Qur’an was revealed on the heart of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA). The Tajik people celebrate Eid al-Fitr with special ceremonies and consider it a national feast. They flock to the mosques for the special congregational prayer and the supplications. If a boy is born on this day they name him Ramadhan and if a girl is born on this day she is named Saumiyeh, from Saum, the Arabic word for fasts. This shows the status of Ramadhan, fasting and Eid al-Fitr among the Tajik.

Ramadhan enjoys a special status in Arab countries. One of the customs common among Arabs is awakening the people for Sahar or the late night midnight meal. There are people called Musharati. They wear traditional clothes and recite poems loudly. The theme of their poems are, "O the asleep! Wake up and worship God, wake up and eat sahari as Ramadhan has come to visit you."

The Lebanese have a rich variety of foods during Ramadhan. Among these foods mention can be made of: Tabouleh, Fattoush, Batinjan Moutabal, Homous, Kibbeh, Arayes and Fatteh. Some of these foods. Like Homous and Kibbeh, have gone beyond Lebanon and are famous in other countries. Lebanese pastries are also very popular in Ramadhan. These pastries and cookies are eaten after Iftar. They include Qatayef, Kanafeh and Mafroukeh.

In Arabia, in the holy city of Mecca, thousands of Muslims get prepared at dawn for performing the Umrah (or the minor pilgrimage). After the Isha’ Prayer, they recite supplication in the precincts of the sacred Ka’ba – the symbolic House of the Unseen but Omnipresent God. The people of Arabia consume dates, coffee, minced meat and fish during the blessed month of Ramadhan. Eid al-Fitr holidays are week-long in Arabia. People use this period mostly for travelling.

In the United Arab Emirates, preparations for Ramadhan start from mid-Sha'ban onwards. Children start wearing special clothes as a prelude for welcoming Ramadhan. The various neighborhoods and mosques are decorated with lanterns and people buy new clothes to welcome Eid al-Fitr.

There are more than 20 million Muslims in Russia. Most of these Muslims live in the Caucasus, Tatarstan and Bashkortostan. But there are mosques in almost every city in Russia. Public Iftar is common in mosques where dates and tea are served for fasting people. Muslims of big cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg converge for congregational prayer and simple Iftar. Serving public Iftar is so common in Russia that non-Muslims are informed of the coming of Ramadhan by this tradition. Since 2006 Moscow has been holding a special Ramadhan tent as a beautiful custom. Programmes at these tents include Iftar, organizing Qur’an recitation and memorization contests, familiarity with Ramadhan customs and traditions in various regions of Russia, the competition among children, the exhibit of special foods of Ramadhan, and acquaintance with Islam. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated gloriously among Russian Muslims. Manti is the famous food for Eid among Russians.

Ramadhan, the Month of God (7)

Welcome to the 7th episode of “Ramadhan, the Month of God”. As usual we start with the special supplication of the day:

 “O Allah, assist me this day to carry out its fasting and devotions; keep me away therein from lapses and sins; and grant me therein Your perpetual remembrance, with success from You, O Guide of those who go astray.”

In this episode, we will become familiar with some of Ramadhan traditions in Philippines, China, Malaysia and Indonesia. Hope you'll enjoy it.

There are over 12 million Muslims living in the Philippines. The coming of the blessed month of Ramadhan is announced by the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos. Muslims clean and adorn mosques before the advent of Ramadhan. One of the famous mosques in the Philippines is called Dimaukom in Maguindanao province, which is known as "The Pink Mosque". It was built in 2014 by Christian laborers and it is said that the colour pink is a connotation to peace and love among sects. During the month of Ramadhan, Muslims wear pink for attending the mosque to show their unity.

Filipino Muslim youngsters are very active in Ramadhan. They set up gatherings for recitation of the holy Qur'an, with knowledgeable persons teaching the proper recitation of this Heavenly Scripture and correct performance of acts of worship. In the late midnight hours, children clad in colorful clothes and carrying lanterns go around the neighbourhood to awaken people for Sahari while reciting religious hymns in the local language. The Filipino Muslims make beverages using milk mixed with sugar, banana and cashew. They also prepare special foods for Iftar and Sahari. On the day of Eid al-Fitr, they flock to mosques and religious centres to perform the special Eid Prayer and to express gratitude to God Almighty for His favours for the fasting month of Ramadhan.

China’s population of 1.4 billion people includes some fifty million Muslims, Among the 56 ethnicities in China, 10 are predominantly Muslim communities, while the largest number of Muslims is made up of the Hui and the Turkic Uyghur populace. Chinese Muslims, like their brethren in other countries, make preparations before the advent of Ramadhan by cleaning and adorning mosques and houses. In Beijing, the capital, the Niujie Mosque hosts over a thousand worshippers at the time of the daily ritual prayers. It is the oldest mosque in Beijing dating back to 996 AD.

As the time for breaking the fast (Iftar) nears, food is served on cloths spread in mosques. Every Muslim comes to the nearest mosque and takes home whatever he needs. Chinese Muslims start their Iftar by eating banana, melon, raisin and dates. A dish which is very popular in Ramadhan is called Dou Zhou, a kind of porridge made of broad bean.

On the day of Eid al-Fitr, Chinese Muslims wear clean clothes and flock to the mosques for the special congregational prayer. Then they leave for graveyards to pray to God for the souls of the departed. This feast is considered as one of the most important religious ceremonies, especially in Xinjiang province where it is almost holiday in the cities of Hotan and Kashgar.

Indonesia is the most populated Islamic country. Over 86% of the population are Muslims. Among the customs of Muslims in the month of Ramadhan mention can be made of Nyorog, Perlon and Nyadran that are held in some parts of Indonesia. Nyorog is held among Betawi tribe. People go to the houses of the elderly along with food. The Nyorog present usually includes uncooked food materials.

When the crescent of Ramadhan, some people take to the streets beating drums to announce the advent of the blessed month of fasting. As the time of Iftar approaches, Muslims go to mosques and break the fast with dates and beverages, and then perform the Maghreb prayer in congregation. Indonesians have colorful Iftar tables including rice, vegetables, meat and chicken.

Like in many other Islamic countries, Indonesian Muslims wear clean clothes on the day of Eid al-Fitr and take part in religious ceremonies of the day. On the eve of the Eid, they take to the streets and chant Allah-o Akbar or God is Greatest, to the beat of drums to announce that it tomorrow is Eid. The Eid al-Fitr holiday lasts for almost a week in Indonesia during which people travel to different towns and cities to visit their relatives and enjoy themselves.

In Malaysia over 60% of the population are Muslims. Malaysians call the blessed month of Ramadhan “Bulan Puasa”, which means month of fasting.

With the start of Ramadhan most of the towns and cities take a spiritual atmosphere. Mosques start their activities one hour before the Azaan for the Fajr Prayer and the Maghreb Prayer. Courses for recitation and interpretation of the holy Qur'an are organized by mosques. Religious programmes are increased on the TV, and the Tawashih or recitation of the Divine Book in chorus is held. Malaysia is a hub of tourists from around the world, but in Ramadhan, as a mark of respect to Muslim sentiments, tourists have to observe certain norms like not eating in public. Restaurants are closed during the day and open as the time of Iftar approaches. At the time of Iftar streets become noisy and this hustle bustle lasts throughout the nights, till the Sahari meal. Two of the special Ramadhan dishes are named Raja Murtabak and Ayam perik. Like in many Islamic countries, it is common in Malaysia to arrange food for the fasting persons in mosques. A very common food among Malaysian Muslims is a pudding of rice, meat mixed with pineapple, curry and other flagrant herbs.

On the eve of Eid al-Fitr, huge fireworks lit the skies of cities as a sign of the advent of Eid. Muslims hold congregational prayer on the day of Eid and then visit each other to exchange greetings on this great Islamic feast.

Ramadhan, the Month of God (6)

Welcome to the 6th episode of “Ramadhan, the Month of God”. Let us start with the supplication for the 6th day of Ramadhan:

 “O Allah, forsake me not this day by letting me venture to disobey You, and do not strike me with the lash of Your vengeance! Keep me away from the causes of Your displeasure, with Your favour and support, O Ultimate Object of the desire of those yearn!”

Today, you will be acquainted with some of the customs and traditions of Ramadhan in various countries.

Pakistan is a country which has a population over 95% Muslim. Pakistanis, like many other Muslims in the world, make preparations for Ramadhan before the start of the month. They clean and adorn mosques, shrines and Hussainias. A national committee is in charge of sighting the crescent or the new moon to ascertain the start of Ramadhan and announce it to the public. The Pakistani people strive to make the best use of this blessed month for self-purification. One of the common traditions among Pakistanis is arranging Iftar or the fast breaking meals for family and friends to it. The mosques also arrange Iftar for the worshippers following the Maghreb Prayer. The courtyards of the mosque and the adjoining streets are filled with the fasters breaking fast. Many people contribute to the Iftar. Various types of sweets are prepared especially for Ramadhad in Pakistan; one of which is known as Jalebi, or the Zulubiyeh that is made in Iran of super fine flour and sugar, and then soaked in hot delectable syrup. Another type of snack is the salty, hot and crispy Pakora, made up of gram flour, with onion, potato, spinach, and chili pepper. Of course, dates are the favourite food for breaking the fast, while the prime meal is Biryani, made up of rice cooked with either lamb or chicken.

The final days of Ramadhan as Eid al-Fitr nears are the best days of the year for Pakistani people because this Eid is considered the main Islamic feasts. Women and girls dye and design their hands with henna which is called Mehndi. Pakistanis hold congregational prayer on the Day of Eid and then visit the elderly and present gifts to the children.

Although India is not an Islamic country, it has a population of around two- hundred-and-fifty-million Muslims. Muslims in India normally start their fasts in the last days of Sha'ban to welcome the advent of the blessed month of Ramadhan. They adorn their houses and neighborhoods with flowers, and cleanse mosques, shrines, and hussainiyas. Mosques, which are mostly attended by men, organize religious discourses. Women are very busy during Ramadhan preparing Iftar and Sahri or late midnight meal before dawn. Some of the traditional foods in India during Ramadhan are Khichdi or rice mixed with lentil, Qeema or minced meat, Paratha or homemade bread, Pakoras, Jalebi, Dates, Dahi Vada or lentil dumplings soaked in a spicy yogurt sauce, and of course, Haleem, which unlike Iran and West Asia is hot and spicy.

On the day of Eid al-Fitr, Indian Muslims flock to mosques or Eidgahs for performing the special Eid Prayer. In India, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Milad an-Nabi or the Prophet’s birthday, and Ashura or Muharram 10, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Husain (AS), are among the official holidays for the whole country, as a mark of respect to Muslims.

Afghanistan’s population is 99% Muslim. The Afghan people have special respect for the blessed month of Ramadhan like all other Muslims. The first day of Ramadhan is a public holiday in Afghanistan, and the government reduces the working hours by 3 hours for public and private workers and employees. The Afghan people vie in helping the needy and the poor in this month. They arrange Iftar and for family members and friends. Afghan food is a mixture of Iranian, Central Asian and Subcontinent dishes and flavors. The traditional Ramadhan food includes samosas, and a special pickle called Chatni. Like all other Muslim countries, Dates and Jalebi or Zulubiyeh are served, while the main meals are made up of Kebab or various kinds, and Kabuli Palao. The TV channels broadcast special Ramadhan programmes which are popular among people.

The people of Bamiyan province, whose mother tongue is Persian, prepared for Eid al-Fitr, women make Halwa-e Samanak (special pudding like Samanoo in Iran). Then they distribute as nazri for beseeching the mercy of God on the souls of the departed. In the last days of Ramadhan, families go to bazaars for shopping. Eid al-Fitr in Afghanistan starts with the glorious Eid Prayer throughout the country.

Bangladesh, with nearly 160 million people, has a population of over 90% Muslim. There are 250 thousand mosques in Bangladesh which are full of devotees in the month of Ramadhan, who recite the holy Qur'an, attend Islamic courses. There are also special courses for children and teenagers and seminars on unity of the Islamic Ummah. The capital city, Dhaka, present a spectacular sight during blessed Ramadhan. There are traditional bazaars that are overcrowded with people. Many of the Bengali people buy their Iftar items from these bazaars. One of the special foods for Ramadhan is called Amdodh which is a sweet pudding made up of rice, ripe mango and banana. Inviting friends and relatives for Iftar is common among the Bengalis. During Ramadhan Iftar is arranged in mosques across the country. One of the famous items is a special cream dessert made up of milk and noodles decorated with almond. This sweet food is very famous in India and Pakistan as well, on the Day of Eid al-Fitr.

Ramadhan, the Month of God (5)

Salaam everybody and welcome to our daily programme “Ramadhan, the Month of God.”

Let us first present you the special supplication for the 5th of Ramadhan:

“O Allah, appoint me this day to be among those who plead for Your forgiveness; place me therein among Your righteous and obedient servants; and appoint me therein among Your close friends, with Your Compassion O Most Merciful of the merciful!”

The blessed month of Ramadhan is a Divine Invitation for the believers to fast, which means those who fast are the guests of God. No doubt, every guest should prepare himself/herself with due manners, which include physical cleanliness, spiritual purity, abstinence from unworthy acts, urge to do good, and proper cognition of the Host.

According to the Islamic teachings, fasting in the month of Ramadhan is obligatory for every post-puberty Muslim who is physically able. Therefore, weak persons (either due to old age or sickness) are exempted from fasting. In addition, travelers are exempted because of the physical fatigue of the journey. This is mentioned in ayah 185 of surah Baqarah. Mothers giving suckle or women in menstruation are also exempted from fasting. But, the important point is that fasting is not mere abstinence from eating and drinking. It stipulates conditions that should be observed if one wants to achieve the goals of this Divine Commandment.

The first step for fasting is to observe it with an intention to do so, which is the core of every act of worship. The Messenger of Mercy, Prophet Mohammad (blessings of God upon him and his progeny) said to his loyal companion, Abuzar, "O Abuzar! You need to have a pure intention for everything even eating and sleeping."

Elsewhere the Prophet said, "Indeed, the deeds are dependent on intentions."

As for fasting, intention means to decide to carry out God's Commandment; hence it should be sincere. The Prophet’s Immaculate Daughter, Hazrat Fatema az-Zahra (peace upon her), has said, "God has decreed fasting for strengthening your sincerity."

Another requirement for fasting and partaking of the Divine Banquet is to observe its decorum. Decorum in fasting means being constantly heedful of one's acts and thoughts to avoid sins. The heart of the fasting person should be compliant with fasting. Just as a fasting person shuns many lawful acts during the daylight hours, he/she should avoid indecent thoughts.

The Prophet’s 6th Infallible Heir, Imam Ja'far Sadeq (AS) has stated: "God has said in the Torah, 'O son of Adam! Make your time and heart free for My worship, so that: I may not let you be enticed by your carnal desires; I take responsibility to fulfill the (lawful) requests you make; I may fill your heart with My Awe so that you will not fear anybody or anything else."

Thus, fasting should be both an internal and external exercise, as Imam Sadeq (AS) has said elsewhere, "When you are fasting, your ears, eyes, tongue, hands, feet and skin should also be fasting."

He further said: "It is necessary that you do not quarrel, are not jealous, do not backbite, do not dispute, do not take a false oath, do not swear, do not oppress, do not act insanely, are not depressed, do not neglect prayer and God's remembrance, keep silent regarding that which should not be uttered, be patient, be calm and composed; and like a servant who fears his master, beseech God (constantly), be afraid of Divine Wrath and hopeful of His Mercy; firm up your belief in Wilayah (or the Divinely-Decreed authority of the Infallible Imams); abstain from whatever God has prohibited; make space in your heart and body for receiving God’s Mercy; be engrossed in the remembrance of God. If you do what I have said, then you have observed what befits fasting and have obeyed God's commandment. But, if you come short of it, the merit and reward of your fasting will be reduced commensurately."

Acts like backbiting, though they do not annul fasting, they will impede positive impact of fasting on one's heart and spirit. Telling lies, slandering, mockery, insult, betrayal, and other misdeeds are a violation of the raison d'être to fast. A true observer of fasts is the one who pays attention to the wisdom of fasting and tries to shun sins, since the ultimate aim of this act of worship is to strengthen piety as it is stressed in ayah 183 of surah Baqarah.

The Prophet said, "He who keeps his ear, eye and tongue from disturbing people, God will accept his fasting."

The day’s fasting starts with sahari/suhur, or the late midnight meal before dawn, and ends after sunset with iftar or breaking of the fast. Islam highly recommends sahari and iftar.

The acclaimed scholar, Sheikh Mufid, says, "It is narrated from the Ahl al-Bayt that sahari is a recommended act even if it is a sip of water. The best food for sahari are dates and qawoot as the Prophet used to eat it." For your information, dear listeners, qawoot is a kind of pudding made up of flour of various grains especially wheat.

The Prophet’s First Infallible Heir, Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (AS), says regarding the practice of the Prophet of Islam in the final days of Ramadhan, "The Messenger of God would fold up his bedding during the final third of Ramadhan and would spend the night in worship. As the 23rd night arrived, he would keep his Ahl al-Bayt awake and if anyone felt drowsy, he would sprinkle water on the face to awaken that person."

Hazrat Fatema Zahra (peace upon her), would also not let her family sleep during the last nights of Ramadhan; and would give lesser food – as full stomachs cause drowsiness and sleep. She would prepare for the night vigilance, saying, "Deprived is the one who does not enjoy the goodness of this night."

Prophet Moses asked God, "My Lord! What is the reward of the one who fasts for your sake?" God answered, "O Moses! On the Day of Judgment, I will place him in a position wherein he will have no fear." 

Ramadhan, the Month of God (4)

Welcome to the 4th episode of Ramadhan, the Month of God. Let us start the day with recitation of the special supplication for the 4th of Ramadhan:

 “O Allah, give me this day the strength to carry out Your commands; give me to taste therein the sweetness of Your remembrance; inspire me therein to give thanks for Your munificence, and protect me in it with Your protection and covering (of  faults), O Keenest of  observers!”

Many hadiths have been narrated from the Prophet of Islam and His Infallible Household on the merits of the blessed month of Ramadhan. Imam Ali Zain al-Abedin (AS), the Fourth Infallible Heir of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA), says in a special supplication for Ramadhan, "O God! Inspire us to recognize its merit and majesty of its respect."

Cognizance of the merits of Ramadhan means real recognition of this month, so as not to lose the precious moments of worship in it. The Almighty Creator has ordained this month for purification of the self so that we wash our spirit in the fresh flowing stream of Ramadhan to cleanse our spirit and soul of sins and impurities. The Prophet of Islam says, "If the servants knew what exists in Ramadhan, they would certainly wish the entire year to be Ramadhan."

No doubt, one of the highest merits of blessed Ramadhan is the enlightenment of the heart of the Prophet with the holy Qur'an in a single night of this month. Imam Ja'far Sadeq (AS) states, "The Qur'an in its entirety was sent down to the noble Prophet on the Night of Qadr; then during the 23 years of his mission it was gradually revealed (on Divine Commandment as per the circumstances)."

The merits of the month of Ramadhan are countless. The Prophet’s 8th Infallible Heir, Imam Reza (AS), says: "Good deeds are accepted in Ramadhan; evil deeds are forgiven in it; whoever reads one ayah of the Book of God it is as if he reads the whole Qur'an in other months. The month of Ramadhan is the month of blessing, mercy, forgiveness, repentance, and returning to the Divine Court. He who is not forgiven in the month of Ramadhan, when will he be forgiven? So ask God to accept your fasting, and not decree it as the last year of your life, grant you the sense to obey Him and prevent you from disobeying him. Indeed, God is the Best of those entreated."

Another merit of the blessed month of Ramadhan is that God has prevented the devils from deceiving and misleading the believers as they are put in chains during this month. That's why human spirit finds more ease and he/she can enjoy this golden opportunity for spiritual growth. God has commanded His servants to refrain from eating, drinking and enjoying certain lawful pleasures during the daylight hours of this month in order to grant them priceless rewards in lieu of it. The Divine Banquet not only multiplies the acts of worships but also the sleep of the fasting person and his/her breathing are also considered as acts of worship. No other month of the year has been granted such a merit.

Once a person succeeds in controlling his/her carnal desires, he/she can raise the soul to attain spiritual purity and reach God's proximity. If a person intends to remove barriers to growth one by one, the blessed month of Ramadhan is the best opportunity as it harnesses the instinctive motives of the physical body. This will lead to piety and Godwariness. The holy Qur'an stresses this point in ayah 183 of surah Baqara, "O you who have faith! Prescribed for you is fasting, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be Godwary."

Imam Reza (AS) was asked about the merits and blessings of Ramadhan. He answered, "Indeed, people are commanded to fast so that they understand the pain and hardship of hunger and thirst; and visualize the hardships of hunger and thirst on the Day of Judgment, as the Prophet had said in his famous sermon on the advent of Ramadhan: While fasting, visualize the hunger and thirst of the Day of Judgement.

This could make us prepare for Judgment Day.

The Prophet of Islam gives good tidings to the faithful, saying, "The first part of Ramadhan is mercy, the middle of it is forgiveness and the end of it is deliverance from hell."

Ramadhan seems to be passing quickly. Rather we are hastily passing by it. It is we who should take heed of our deeds and thoughts to make the best use of this meritorious month. The blessed month of Ramadhan is the best chance for self-building and self-reform.

One of the key points for self-building is to abstain from useless talk. Silence is a treasure which opens the gates of cognizance in the heart. Keeping silent is highly recommended in Ramadhan as it prevents the fasting person from backbiting, lying, gossiping, slandering and so on.

The Prophet of Islam was once passing through a lane when he overheard a woman insulting her maidservant, while observing a recommended fast. The Messenger of Mercy asked for some food and placed it before the woman, saying, "Eat." The woman said, "O Messenger of God! I am fasting." The Prophet said, "How are you fasting while you are insulting your maidservant?"

Then he continued, "Fasting is not just to avoid eating and drinking. How small is the number of fasters and how big is the number of the hungry!!!"

Loqman the Sage, advised his son, "Dear son! Whenever you think that talking is silver, do know that silence is gold."

Keeping silence and speaking little is a bounty that we may have paid less attention to. Imam Reza (AS) says, "Silence is one of the signs of deep understanding, forbearance and knowledge. Indeed, silence is one of the doors of wisdom. It brings about love and guides towards every goodness."

The Prophet of Islam also states, "Thinking for one hour is better than 70 years of worship."

Other narrations describe silence as a good helper, a proper guardian and a great treasure. Teachers of ethics stress that no one can attain high levels of self-building except through controlling the tongue. Some have enumerated 70 sins that an unbridled tongue commits.