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. [2:185]
Ramadan is the ninth lunar month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims (Submitters) all over the world fast every day of this month from dawn to the sunset. During fasting, the Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and sexual encounter as decreed by God in verse 2:187 of the Quran.
At the outset, for somebody who does not have experience with it, fasting seems to be hardship on the people. It is very common for Muslims (Submitters) to have a colleague or a friend exclaim, “…You mean you cannot even drink water till sunset, not even a sip!”
The Submitters know that God did not reveal His laws to be a hardship for us (3:108). In fact obeying and following God’s commands, such as fasting during the month of Ramadan, is for our benefit both physically or spiritually.
Many medical professionals recognize that fasting is beneficial to our health. It provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits and gives some of our internal organs much-needed rest. However, in our emphasis on refraining from food, drink, and marital relations during the daylight hours, we should not forget many other important aspects of this sacred time. Perhaps, it would help us to remember not only the physical act of fasting, but also its underlying purpose:
O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. (2:183)
Thus in order to attain salvation, we should refrain from any behavior that may jeopardize the rewards from fasting. We should take advantage of this month to purify our souls further through concentrated worship, reading of the Quran more often, giving charity, and doing good deeds.
[The following paragraph was taken from Submitters Perspective article in January 1998 issue, titled RAMADAN: A GIFT OF REMEMBRANCE by sister Kathryn. For the entire article, please refer to www.masjidtucson.org.]
Our lifetime is so brief compared to eternity. We are deprived of nothing during this brief period, including repeated, individualized messages of God alone. Twenty-four hour God-consciousness is our goal. It is that which we strive toward, with steadfastness and patience. We know that “God never burdens any soul beyond its means....” (2:286) and that fasting is not an ordeal but rather a great opportunity to run, not walk, along God’s path. How awesome is God. He takes His creation with all
its limits and uses it to remind individually and constantly that He alone is our Lord and Master. Given our previous behavior, God is merciful beyond our wildest dreams, and provides us with a gift of remembrance that can only lead us closer to Him for all eternity.
The Night of Power (Destiny)
The Night of Power or the Night of Destiny (Layl-al-Qadr) is the night in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It is the 27th night of Ramadan. God describes this night as better than a thousand months. During that night, the angels and the Spirit descend therein, by God’s leave, to carry out every command (97:1-5).
The Night of Power starts at the sunset of 26th day of Ramadan corresponding to the 27th night. It ends at the dawn of the following morning.
Note: Like every year, there will be gatherings of Submitters in different communities around the world for the Night of Power (Destiny) to commemorate God all night long. Please check with your local community for such a gathering (Ed.)
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