By Imam Syed Shamshad A. Nasir, Masjid Mahmood
Call Office: 248 293 0072 | Mobile: 909-636-8332
Email: shamshadanasir@gmail.com

By the Grace of God, the Muslim world has entered the Holy month of Fasting (Ramadhan) this month of May, 2018.

For you to know, Islam has five fundamental pillars, and fasting is one of them.

Fasting is mandatory upon every adult Muslim man and woman.

Fasting has been mentioned before the advent of Islam, however, it was prescribed in its complete form by Islam.

The Holy Quran describes the purpose of fasting in the following words “so that you may become righteous” 2:184.

Holy Prophet (pbuh) said “Fasting is a shield, no one should indulge in loose talk, intemperance, evil inclinations, if someone tries to create a discord or fight with, one should simply say I am fasting”

Fasting is not merely staying hungry and thirsty; rather its reality and its impact can only be gained through experience. This is a month of patience, sympathy, empathy and helping the poor and the needy people of the society.

Now a days many people are mindful of their diet and avoid certain foods to remain healthy, science also corroborates the fact that eating less or fasting prevents many health-related issues. Holy Prophet of Islam (pbuh) exhorted 1500 years ago that “observe fast, it will keep you healthy”

The sick, the one in the journey, the children, the elderly, those who are unable to keep the fast because of their health issues with the consultation of their doctors, pregnant women, and suckling mothers are exempted and can complete the count later, when they are in good condition.

The Holy month of Fasting is very closely associated with the Holy Quran. This is the month during which Almighty God revealed the Holy Quran to Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as is mentioned in the Holy Quran “the month of Ramadhan is that in which the Quran was sent down” 2:186

One of the lessons that we learn from fasting is to sympathize with the poor and the needy and care for the less fortunate, the widow, the orphan and be mindful of their feelings as well.

There are countless incidents from the life of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) regarding charity, sympathy with the poor and care for the orphans, Any time someone asked anything from the Holy Prophet (pbuh), he would never let him go empty-handed. Once a person came to Holy Prophet (pbuh) and he gave him the whole herd of goats. The person went back to his people and said to them that O’ my People Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) gives so much charity that he doesn’t have any fear of poverty’

Holy Prophet (pbuh) said “the best charity is the one that is done in the month of Ramadhan” He also said that during the month of Ramadhan, don’t spend like a miser but spend happily on yourself and God gives the reward for that as well.

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) used to give much more charity in the month of Ramadhan. In fact this is one of the key for the development of the nations that humans, benefit others with their own items and nations are destroyed when they start treating things as their own and that others have no right in that, the world system is based on the fact that: “My things can be used/shared by others” and Ramadhan develops this spirit.

It is evident from the examples of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) of Islam, that we should give charity during the month of Ramadhan much more than at other times, care for others, and the needy.

There are some who when in need ask for it but there are others who don’t like to ask for help. To search for such people and helping them is an obligation for all of us.

The Muslim fasts for the whole month of Fasting for the sake of God and His happiness. It is also expected from Muslim to observe five times daily prayers in congregation, populate the Mosques, read the holy Quran with understanding, give charity, do remembrance of God and avoid all kind of loose talk, do all kind of good deeds.

At the end of the month of Fasting, at the occasion of Muslim Festival (Eid), they prostrate in front of their Lord in thankfulness and to show their happiness by offering prayers in congregation.

To celebrate the Festival (Eid) truly, the way the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and his companions celebrated, we must share happiness with the poor and we must give best clothes and best gifts to them. This is the real Eid which will benefit us forever. We can find God among the poor. This is the lesson of Ramadhan that it brings the believer closer to God. Thus, on this day the feasts of the rich and gifts should not stay within the circles of the rich but must reach the homes of the poor and the needy which will create tremendous happiness and will become a source of their savior.

May Allah grant us all the blessings of Ramadhan and all of our fast and prayers are accepted in the court of Almighty Allah (Ameen)

Note: our local mosque at 1730 west Auburn Rd will remain open for 5 daily prayers and after 7:30pm daily Quranic teaching in English, daily dinner also will be served to all. All are welcome. We also have ‘Open House’ in RAMZAN on June 2nd. ALL are welcome.