Sunday, 9. October 2005
here is something about Ramadan
shadi_9, 00:16h
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.
During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.
Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm)literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.
During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained.
The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.
Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.
by, Matani Shadi
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.
During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.
Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm)literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.
During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained.
The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.
Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.
by, Matani Shadi
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peacecamp,
Sunday, 9. October 2005, 01:36
THANK YOU SHADI
thank you Shadi for this very interesting information.
in fact I get the impression that RAMADAN ist not so different from the days before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippor, which are also days for body-and-mind-cleansing. I believe that the christians do this in the weeks before Eastern when they also do a fast, but not as strict as your Ramadan.
it is interesting that all three monotheistic religions have an understanding of the connection of body-and-soul and have rituals which aim at purifying the sould by fasting or by other means of self-control related to body needs.
how do you feel when you are fasting for a whole month? is it very difficult? can you drink, or are you not even allowed to drink water? this year it is probably easier, i remember years when Ramadan was in july or august, when it was so hot and the days so much longer...........
so again - have a good Ramadan
evelyn
in fact I get the impression that RAMADAN ist not so different from the days before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippor, which are also days for body-and-mind-cleansing. I believe that the christians do this in the weeks before Eastern when they also do a fast, but not as strict as your Ramadan.
it is interesting that all three monotheistic religions have an understanding of the connection of body-and-soul and have rituals which aim at purifying the sould by fasting or by other means of self-control related to body needs.
how do you feel when you are fasting for a whole month? is it very difficult? can you drink, or are you not even allowed to drink water? this year it is probably easier, i remember years when Ramadan was in july or august, when it was so hot and the days so much longer...........
so again - have a good Ramadan
evelyn
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