Ramadan Begins
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Safiyyah Ally
Mention the word ‘Ramadan’ and the obligatory squabbling ensues over whether or not the moon has been sighted and what this or that organization is doing. What is particularly troubling is that often the very people who demand tolerance for themselves end up ridiculing and denouncing those who choose to determine the beginning of the month through some other means. Whether or not you fasted yesterday, or you've begun fasting today or even on Monday doesn’t make you any better (or for that matter, worse) a Muslim than any other person. Each of the various methods Muslims scholars have come up with to determine the beginning of a new month has some basis to it. So let’s show a little bit of respect for our fellow Muslims and avoid the name-calling and nasty criticisms that only serve to tarnish this blessed month.
This Ramadan, my thoughts keep returning to the Cave Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad first received revelation. Just imagine, I told a friend of mine, the Prophet climbing that massive mountain, sitting in a cave by himself for nights on end, and suddenly this being comes out of nowhere and squeezes him, commanding him to read! Having gazed upon that mountain myself, I now understand how terrified he must’ve been. This year, in memory of the verse commanding us to ‘read’ revealed in that very cave, I intend to carefully read and reflect upon the meaning of the Quran in its entirety, which is something I’ve never done in my haste to read the whole thing from cover to cover. There are other goals too, some too personal to share. I feel like a child again, jumping up and down with glee as news of the month’s beginning reaches our humble home. And that, my friends, is a very good thing.
May this month be a means through which we achieve greater closeness to God, and may our fasting in particular instil in us the self-control necessary to shield ourselves from wrongdoing, thus enabling us to become better human beings.
Mention the word ‘Ramadan’ and the obligatory squabbling ensues over whether or not the moon has been sighted and what this or that organization is doing. What is particularly troubling is that often the very people who demand tolerance for themselves end up ridiculing and denouncing those who choose to determine the beginning of the month through some other means. Whether or not you fasted yesterday, or you've begun fasting today or even on Monday doesn’t make you any better (or for that matter, worse) a Muslim than any other person. Each of the various methods Muslims scholars have come up with to determine the beginning of a new month has some basis to it. So let’s show a little bit of respect for our fellow Muslims and avoid the name-calling and nasty criticisms that only serve to tarnish this blessed month.
This Ramadan, my thoughts keep returning to the Cave Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad first received revelation. Just imagine, I told a friend of mine, the Prophet climbing that massive mountain, sitting in a cave by himself for nights on end, and suddenly this being comes out of nowhere and squeezes him, commanding him to read! Having gazed upon that mountain myself, I now understand how terrified he must’ve been. This year, in memory of the verse commanding us to ‘read’ revealed in that very cave, I intend to carefully read and reflect upon the meaning of the Quran in its entirety, which is something I’ve never done in my haste to read the whole thing from cover to cover. There are other goals too, some too personal to share. I feel like a child again, jumping up and down with glee as news of the month’s beginning reaches our humble home. And that, my friends, is a very good thing.
May this month be a means through which we achieve greater closeness to God, and may our fasting in particular instil in us the self-control necessary to shield ourselves from wrongdoing, thus enabling us to become better human beings.
Tags: Ramadan, Safiyyah Ally
Labels: Ramadan
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Tuesday, September 25, 2007,
6 Comments:
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At 5:55 AM PKT,
RaY-ZoR said...
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Ramadan Kareem Shirazi.
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At 12:46 PM PKT,
Pakpics said...
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Sorry to say but i forgot to wish you a " Happy Blessed Ramadan" May Allah Pak bless you & your family. & Happy Blessed Ramadan to your viewers too. :)
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At 1:17 PM PKT,
Syed Sibgatullah said...
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Thanks, Shirazi for your visit and wish. Ramadan Mubarak to you too.
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At 4:54 AM PKT,
Deb S. said...
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Blessings to all at Ramadan.
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At 4:56 AM PKT,
Naomi said...
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Ramadan Mubarak to you and yours.
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At 10:50 AM PKST,
said...
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jah god bless u
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