(The Cow) - سورة البقرة
183. O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.
Remember the purpose, as stated in Al-Quran ul Kareem: that you may become righteous. Matters of the heart is not straight-forward.
I was upset my Ramadhan this year had a lousy start because I missed fasting on the first three days for being ill. There must be a blessing I am yet to comprehend - Allah Knows Best.
Alhamdulillah I have since been able to fast with no problems. And this short business trip to a nearby country gives me a new fasting experience. I was pleasantly surprised to see a masjid right next to the hotel, and I easily went for Isha and Tarawih there just now, typical Malaysian style though
I miss Al-Khaadem. I hope to be able to join them for some activities soon.
My favorite hadith on fasting:
Sahih Bukhari (Volume 3, Book 31, Number 118):
Narrated by Abu Huraira
Allah's Apostle said, "Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, 'I am fasting." The Prophet added, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times."
(in Number 128, the last sentence is "There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting").
Remember the purpose .. for My sake. The fast is for Me. And the exciting rewards of two pleasures for the fasting person.
It feels personal and direct - between the person and Allah.
Oh Allah, grant me the strength to perform the ibadah with the purest of intention and the best of execution.
Ramadhan Mubarak!
