Fasting Question
Ramadan blessings to all our Moslem friends, and a question. I read the Qur’an, also, and am amazed at how alike many passages are in both our holy books. In today’s readings for our church is a passage on fasting. Is there a comparable reading in the Qur’an? Is there a tradition one way or the other?
Matthew 6
16 ‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.*
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Dear Xpat wanderer,
It’s a pleasure meeting you! And while you’re wondering with such question.. 🙂 Yes indeed, in the Qurán; it is explained how fasting in general is an obligatory task in the three main Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Please take the time to read this fine article about the Unitarian Christians, whose most close to the Muslim faith in recognizing that God all mighty; can NEVER be but ONE. Not Trinity.
http://experts.about.com/q/Islam-947/Unitarian-Christians-1.htm
Can you please tell me more about yourself, like where you from, are you Catholic or Protestant or..? How old are you 🙂 That will help me connect better.
Thanks for taking the time to comment at my post.
Truly,
Joan
Good morning, Joan. I enjoy your blog, especially the comment about being kind, because people are fighting their own battles. I have visited many of the original Jean d’Arc villages in France, including Rouen, where she was burned at the stake, and her birthplace, near Nancy. She was an amazing young woman.
And I thank you for taking the time to respond, because while we all fast, we fast differently. I am wondering if in the Qur’an or hadith there are verses that say anything similar to what our verse says about keeping yourself groomed while you fast?
I had a class on Ramadan, in which we were told that one of the worst things a person can do in Ramadan is backbiting (gossip). I loved that! We should all be careful of our words, year round.
I am a grown-up, most of the time ;-), and Protestant. I’ve learned much about my own faith, however, living in the Middle East. I believe God/Allah is looking at our hearts, that he wants us to love and obey him, and to take good care of each other, no matter what faith.
In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
There is no other god beside GOD
From The Holly Quran:
Sura 2, The Heifer (Al-Baqarah)
Unity of All Submitters
[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
Submission (Islam): Abraham’s Religion*
[2:135] They said, “You have to be Jewish or Christian, to be guided.” Say, “We follow the religion of Abraham – monotheism – he never was an idol worshiper.”
Many Messengers / One Message
[2:253] These messengers; we blessed some of them more than others. For example, GOD spoke to one, and we raised some of them to higher ranks. And we gave Jesus, son of Mary, profound miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Had GOD willed, their followers would not have fought with each other, after the clear proofs had come to them. Instead, they disputed among themselves; some of them believed, and some disbelieved. Had GOD willed, they would not have fought. Everything is in accordance with GOD’s will.
Sura 3, The Amramites (Ãli-´Imrãn)
Mary and Jesus
[3:42] The angels said, “O Mary, GOD has chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you from all the women.
[3:43] “O Mary, you shall submit to your Lord, and prostrate and bow down with those who bow down.”
[3:44] This is news from the past that we reveal to you. You were not there when they drew their raffles to select Mary’s guardian. You were not present when they argued with one another.
[3:45] The angels said, “O Mary, GOD gives you good news: a Word from Him whose name is `The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary. He will be prominent in this life and in the Hereafter, and one of those closest to Me.’
[3:46] “He will speak to the people from the crib, as well as an adult; he will be one of the righteous.”
[3:47] She said, “My Lord, how can I have a son, when no man has touched me?” He said, “GOD thus creates whatever He wills. To have anything done, He simply says to it, `Be,’ and it is.”
[3:48] “He will teach him the scripture, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel.”
[3:49] As a messenger to the Children of Israel: “I come to you with a sign from your Lord – I create for you from clay the shape of a bird, then I blow into it, and it becomes a live bird by GOD’s leave. I restore vision to the blind, heal the leprous, and I revive the dead by GOD’s leave. I can tell you what you eat, and what you store in your homes. This should be a proof for you, if you are believers.”
[3:50] “I confirm previous scripture – the Torah – and I revoke certain prohibitions imposed upon you. I come to you with sufficient proof from your Lord. Therefore, you shall observe GOD, and obey me.”
[3:51] “GOD is my Lord and your Lord;* you shall worship Him alone. This is the right path.”
[3:52] When Jesus sensed their disbelief, he said, “Who are my supporters towards GOD?” The disciples said, “We are GOD’s supporters; we believe in GOD, and bear witness that we are submitters.”
[3:53] “Our Lord, we have believed in what You have sent down, and we have followed the messenger; count us among the witnesses.”
The Death of Jesus*
[3:54] They plotted and schemed, but so did GOD, and GOD is the best schemer.
[3:55] Thus, GOD said, “O Jesus, I am terminating your life, raising you to Me, and ridding you of the disbelievers. I will exalt those who follow you above those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is the ultimate destiny of all of you, then I will judge among you regarding your disputes.
[3:56] “As for those who disbelieve, I will commit them to painful retribution in this world, and in the Hereafter. They will have no helpers.”
[3:57] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, He will fully recompense them. GOD does not love the unjust.
[3:58] These are the revelations that we recite to you, providing a message full of wisdom.
Mathematical Confirmation*
[3:59] The example of Jesus, as far as GOD is concerned, is the same as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him, “Be,” and he was.
[3:60] This is the truth from your Lord; do not harbor any doubts.
Sura 5, The Feast (Al-Mã´edah)
A Statement of Fact
[5:82] You will find that the worst enemies of the believers are the Jews and the idol worshipers. And you will find that the closest people in friendship to the believers are those who say, “We are Christian.” This is because they have priests and monks among them, and they are not arrogant.
[5:83] When they hear what was revealed to the messenger, you see their eyes flooding with tears as they recognize the truth therein, and they say, “Our Lord, we have believed, so count us among the witnesses.
[5:84] “Why should we not believe in GOD, and in the truth that has come to us, and hope that our Lord may admit us with the righteous people?”
[5:85] GOD has rewarded them for saying this; He will admit them into gardens with flowing streams. They abide therein forever. Such is the reward for the righteous.
[5:86] As for those who disbelieve and reject our revelations, they are the dwellers of Hell.
Sura 2, The Heifer (Al-Baqarah)
Fasting Emphasized and Modified*
[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.
[2:184] 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.
[2:185] 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.
God Answers the Prayers of “His Servants”
[2:186] 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.
[2:187] 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.
Do Not Take God’s Name in Vain
[5:89] GOD does not hold you responsible for the mere utterance of oaths; He holds you responsible for your actual intentions. If you violate an oath, you shall atone by feeding ten poor people from the same food you offer to your own family, or clothing them, or by freeing a slave. If you cannot afford this, then you shall fast three days. This is the atonement for violating the oaths that you swore to keep. You shall fulfill your oaths. GOD thus explains His revelations to you, that you may be appreciative.
Sura 48, Victory (Al-Fatt-h)
Qualities of the Believers
[48:29] Muhammad – the messenger of GOD – and those with him are harsh and stern against the disbelievers, but kind and compassionate amongst themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, as they seek GOD’s blessings and approval. Their marks are on their faces, because of prostrating. This is the same example as in the Torah. Their example in the Gospel is like plants that grow taller and stronger, and please the farmers. He thus enrages the disbelievers. GOD promises those among them who believe, and lead a righteous life, forgiveness and a great recompense.
Dear intlxpatr 😀
Thanks for you kind comment about my blog. You’re a kind person with a good heart & high standers in life. & how lucky you are to visit such historical places! 🙂 JOAN is amazing indeed. I think we all have a one or so, of JOAN’s qualities within us when time calls for it! 🙂
Milla Jovovich is fiery in The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999). By Luc Besson – her husband. Ronald F. Maxwell http://www.ronmaxwell.com/messenger.html & many; criticises Besson’s manipulation of historical facts & the absence of the many virtues of the remarkable woman – Joan of Arc – character upheld. She was Sainted after 300 hundred years of her unjust killing.. 300 HUNDRED YEARS!
I respect your love of knowledge.Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere.
Backbiting (gossip) is forbidden in Islam, indeed (all the time), the phrophet explains it; as eating your brother’s or sister’s flesh while they’re dead!
“I believe God/Allah is looking at our hearts, that he wants us to love and obey him, and to take good care of each other, no matter what faith.” AMEN sister 😀 You’re Great in holding such understanding!
With My Warm Wishes,
Truly,
Joan
P.S: Whenever you have time please take the time to read in the following sites:
ISLAM AND OTHER RELIGIONS
http://www.twf.org/Library/Meta-religion.html
Information on True Islam (Submission)
Happiness is Submission to God
http://www.masjidtucson.org/index.html
Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan – he has great cassettes in English for understanding Islam. Worth To Hear.
http://www.answers.com/topic/tareq-al-suwaidan
Joan, you are so kind! Thank you for finding all those sura (is the plural “sura’a” or “suraas”?) for me. I read through them all – what a compilation. And I understand much better the responsibilities of fasting. Thank you!
MOST WELCOME Dear Intlxpatr! 😀 Any time. Please, never hesitate to ask any question I can be of help with; since I know the meanings in Arabic which makes it much easier & quicker for me to find it in English. There’s many interesting things to be known but only when you wish so.
Your blog looks very nice & I wish I had the time to read it.. someday I will InshAllah 🙂
It’s “suraas” 🙂
Truly,
Joan