Dear Friends,
This year, Ramadan starts on Friday, October 15, 2004. RAMADAN MOBARAK everyone.
The Quran, Islam's revealed text, states: "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint…Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting…" (Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told his companions, "Fasting is like a shield. A person who fasts experiences two joys. He is joyful when he breaks his fast, and he is joyful when he meets his Lord." (Hadith Qudsi 10) The Prophet (PBUH) also said: "In (Ramadan) the gates of Heaven are opened (and) the gates of (Hell) are closed." (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 611)
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. No food, no drink. Muslims also pray 5 times a day everyday and pay charity 2.5% of monthly income.
During this month, in addition to fasting, prayer and charity
OUR EYES ARE FAST - we try to see no evil
OUR EARS ARE FAST - we try to hear no evil
OUR TONGUE IS FAST - we say only Godly things
OUR STOMACH IS FAST - we only drink and eat halal food after sundown in moderation and try to loose a few pounds
OUR BRAIN IS FAST - we only think Godly things
OUR HEART IS FAST - we love all God's creatures
OUR HANDS ARE FAST - we help all God's children, especially the poor
OUR FEET ARE FAST - we take big steps in obeying God
OUR SOUL IS FAST - during this month, we visit all our friends, families and neighbors. We forgive all our adversaries and forget all unfriendly gestures toward us. When this month is over, our spirit is cleansed and free, we love our neighbors, we have no enemies and we do not hate anyone. We become an innocent baby - spiritually, as fresh as the day we were born.
God bless you all. Please leave us a nice message.
Happy Ramadan
Islamic Center of Beverly Hills