麻豆社

Good morning!
It seems like everyone鈥檚 at it - Muslims, Christians, and soon Jews will be too. Don鈥檛 be alarmed - I鈥檓 talking about fasting. On Ash Wednesday, some Christians began fasting for Lent, which can involve giving up certain foods. This week Jews will observe the Fast of Esther confirming what the Qur鈥櫮乶 says that it鈥檚 not just Muslims who fast, but so do others.

My wife and I, like many Muslims have the mammoth task of waking everyone up at 4 o鈥檆lock for suh奴r - the pre-dawn breakfast as we prepare to fast from dawn until sunset. No food and drink in between, and yes, not even water. At sunset families, friends and neighbours get together for ift膩r - the breaking of the fast. It鈥檚 a joyful time uniting everyone 鈥� you don鈥檛 have to be Muslim to get involved.This Ramad膩n I was invited to JW3, the Jewish centre in London. Lanterns and flowers adorned the tables, bunting saying Ramad膩n Mub膩rak hung from the ceiling.. It was a wonderful time to meet old friends and make new ones. It renewed my hope for peaceful coexistence as we learn about one another to cultivate mutual respect.
As we said our goodbyes, many Jews came and appreciated my talk and said how much it spoke to them also. They delighted in our similarities

The Qur鈥櫮乶 says that the purpose of fasting is to help us become God consciousness, pious, righteous and God-fearing. The spiritual dimension of fasting is most important. The fasting of the tongue - not to backbite, lie or swear. The fasting of the ears and eyes - see no evil, hear no evil. Seeking purity of the mind and cleansing of the heart from hate, anger, revenge and all the spiritual ills and replacing them with goodness, love and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that God is not in need of our hunger and thirst, but He鈥檚 after our piety. Many a fasting person gains no spiritual benefit from their fast except the pain of hunger and thirst, he warned.
During the day, I sometimes find myself all alone in the house, but I don鈥檛 go and help myself to a sip of water or a secret bite because I know that although my family may not be around to catch me, God is watching. Like speed cameras and CCTV make me try my best to be on the right side of the law so should my awareness of God鈥檚 presence prevent me from doing any wrong for I will have to answer to Him.