RAMADAN

Month of Fasting and Feasting

God tells us everything that we need to know for the Ramadan fast in verses 2:183-187. These verses are straightforward and clear. There is no ambiguity in them. And they are critical for us to follow because, as 2:183 explains, the fast is decreed for us so that we “may attain salvation:”

O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. (2:183)

Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. (2:184)

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)

When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. (2:186)

Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan).

These are GOD's laws; you shall not transgress them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation. (2:187)

We see here that God introduces Ramadan in verse 2:183 telling us that He has decreed the fast to help us attain salvation. In verses 2:184-185 He tells us that it is best to fast if at all possible, but if it is not possible He gives us alternatives.  Verse 185 also tells us that this is the month in which the Quran was revealed and that our fasting should not be a hardship, rather it should be a means of being appreciative of and glorifying God.

Verse 2:186 is truly wonderful to me for it reminds us that God is always near and He answers our prayers. Then as a bonus, He gives us the secret of how to be guided—all we need to do is believe in and respond to Him!

And finally verse 2:187 gives us the details on how to perform the fast and “…thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation.” 

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