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Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or arramad
intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground.
From the same root there is ramdaa, sunbaked sand, and
the famous proverb: "Kal Mustajeer minar Ramadaa binnar" - to
jump out of the frying pan into the fire.
And in a hadith the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon
him) said:
"The prayer of the repented is due when the young camel can feel
the sun's heat early in the morning."
(Muslim)
Thus, the Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation
in the stomach as a result of thirst.
Others said it is so called because Ramadan scorches out
the sins burns the ground.
Some said it
is so called because the hearts and souls are more readily
receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during
Ramadan, ad the sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat.
The framers of this beautiful language may have been
inspired by Allah (SWT) in naming this month Ramadan.
Otherwise, the relation between the heat and its
properties is miraculously similar to that of Ramadan.
While the heat represents the matter that helps shape,
form, and mold virtually every matter, from metal and plastics,
to plants and living cells-Ramadan undoubtedly helps a serious
believe remold, reshape, reform, and renew his physical and
spiritual disposition and behavior.
FASTING:
Fasting (siyam) has two meanings.
Generally, siyaam or sawm, is derived from the root sama,
to retrain from normal things, such as eating, drinking, and
talking. If an
individual refrains from these things, he is considered saaim,
the observer of fast.
Al-Qur'an uses the word generally when it revealed the
conversation between the angel and Mary, the mother of Jesus, as
the angel instructed her
"And if you do see any man say, "I have vowed to remain silent
for Allah".
(Al-Qur'an 19:26)
The phrase "to remain silent," is the interpretation of the
Arabic word "sawm".
The reason for this interpretation is that "sawm" cannot mean
fast, i.e. restraint from food, because Mary had just been told
to eat from the palm tree.
This general meaning is common in the Arabic language.
In the Shari'ah (Islamic law) the "sawm" means and implies a
specific act, which is, "to worship Allah, abstaining, with
intention to please Him from fast breakers, such as physical
nourishment, food, drink, and sexual intercourse a lustful
discharge of semen from the period between the break of dawn
until sundown."
As this definition implies, the Islamic fasting is total
abstinence from any food, particles passing through the mouth or
nose, as well as drinks of any kind - water, milk, juice, etc. -
along with abstinence from sexual association during the day
that commences from the break of dawn till sunset.
Although the definition indicated restraining the stomach and
private parts, the tongue, eyes ears and other limbs are equally
obligated to be restrained if the faster want to gain the total
rewards of fasting.
This is why the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has been
reported as saying in Hadith by Abu Hurairah:
"He who does not desist from obscene language and acting
obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah has no need that
he didn't eat or drink."
(Bukhari, Muslim).
In another hadith by abu Harairah (radiallahu anhu), the Prophet
(peace be upon him) said:
"Fasting is not only from food and drink, fasting is to refrain
from obscene (acts).
If someone verbally abuses you or acts ignorantly toward
you, say (to them) 'I am fasting; I am fasting.'"(Ibn
Khuzaoinah)
Indeed, these two reports imply fasting will not be complete
until one observes three elements:
1.
Restraining the stomach and the private parts from the break of
the fast food and drinks.
2.
Restraining the jawarih, the other body parts, which may render
the fast worthless despite the main factor of hunger and thirst;
so the tongue, for instance, must avoid backbiting, slander, and
lies; the eyes should avoid looking into things considered by
the Lawgiver as unlawful; the ears must stop from listening to
conversation, words, songs, and lyrics that spoil the spirit of
fasting; and,
3.
Restraining of the heart, and mind from indulging, themselves in
other things besides dhikr Allah (remembrance of Allah).
As'Salaam News; December / January 97
P.O Box 711
Baltimore , MD 21203
Tel 410-832-6543
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