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On Faith Abdul "Rashid" Abdullah |
Islam’s Ramadan is more
than just a time to fast
By now, many people already know what Ramadan is -- or do they? For the U.S. military commanders in Iraq, it is the month in which they are supposed to let up on their military operations against the insurgents. For talking heads on conservative radio and TV, it is the month they couldn't care less about.For Muslims, it is a month of fasting in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
And for me, it is the month that I work on getting my act together.
Ramadan is a holy month. It means that the devils are shackled, enabling us to face our desires without their prodding. It means we can really see who we are without the excuse of "the devil made me do it." Through fasting from water and food, we can focus ourselves on charitable and other noble acts. It means that we should take a step back from our normal activities and devote ourselves to extra worship of God.
For some people, fasting seems such a drastic thing. I usually get a response from my peers like, "You can't have ANY food or water, at all?!" Well, yes, but that is the easy part. How many of you like to "talk story" or ogle at some person of the opposite sex? How many of you swear, raise your temper or do something else that might seem minor, but really isn't reflective of the spirit of aloha? Guess what, folks -- it isn't reflective of Islamic behavior, either, and that is the biggest challenge Allah gives us during Ramadan.
Almighty God tells us in the Holy Quran:
"Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). 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. Allah intends every facility for you; he does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful."
So what are my goals for Ramadan? Perhaps they will sound familiar, as they are most likely your goals, too, even though you may not be observing Ramadan. I hope to improve my diet and begin regular exercise. I hope to learn more patience and spend more time with my family. I hope to relax and take a step back from the rat race. I hope to finish reading the entire Holy Quran. I hope to increase my charitable and other noble acts. I hope to abstain from those things that weren't quite consistent with what Almighty God wants me to do.
I want to ask all of you to join me in reaching these goals. Yes, even in reading the Holy Quran. So many people are told what the Quran says, but very few know what it really says. And at the end of the month, I hope you join me and the rest of the Muslim community in celebrating the festival of the fast-breaking, Eid ul-Fitr. Aloha and As Salaamu Alaikum.