Preparing for Ramadan 2010: Video Series Highlights of "The Fast of Ramadan" Talk by Imam Zaid Shakir and Imam Suhaib Webb
The month of Ramadan is the perfect opportunity for Muslims to repent and to make-up for slacking off on obligatory prayers. If Muslims were to fast, seek God and truly repent during Ramadan, God will pardon us for all of the sins we have committed.
The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan, as were other religious revelations such as the Torah. As such, Ramadan is considered the month of guidance.
Fasting during Ramadan brings us closer to God in many ways. When we sleep less, and deny ourselves many things that have been halal (permissible) to us during other times such as eating and drinking during the day time, we increase our spiritual nature. With increased spirituality, it becomes easier for us to do the things during Ramadan that we struggle with at other times, such as reading the Quran or praying sunnah prayers. We do these things willingly during Ramadan.
Fasting is a requirement on all healthy Muslims, male and female past the age of puberty. We cannot pick and choose aspects of our religion that we like. Islam is about submitting to God - and fasting is an act of submission.
It was mentioned that balancing life's responsibilities during Ramadan can be difficult. For instance, pressures to study for exams, or to work. It is best not to neglect pursuit of spirituality (remembrance of God through reading the Quran or attending night sunnah prayers) because you are worried about life's responsibilities. Instead, work out a balance that is comfortable. If studying for exams, use the time spent on reading the Quran or attending night prayers as a needed break. You will find yourself less burdened, and refreshed to hit the books later when you need to.
Does Allah Pay My Paycheck?
Imam Webb related a story. During his youth, he used to work at a call center in the evenings. He would ask a Muslim brother to join him and friends for nightly prayers. But the friend would always decline to join them, preferring to continue putting more hours at the call center. But Imam Webb never failed to invite him along. One day out of exasperation, the friend said "Does Allah pay my paycheck?". The next day, this friend was fired from his job at the call center. This, despite his commitment to stay on at the job and not to join in for the night prayers.
So does Allah pay your paycheck? Definitely worth thinking deeply about it as you make your choices this Ramadan!
If you reject (Allah), Truly Allah has no need of you; but He likes not ingratitude from His servants: if you are grateful, He is pleased with you” (Qur'an 39 verse 7)
MeccaOne: The Fast of Ramadan & the Furious Shaitan / Pt I
MeccaOne: The Fast of Ramadan & the Furious Shaitan / Pt II
MeccaOne: The Fast of Ramadan & the Furious Shaitan / Pt III
