Every year I get asked the same questions about my religion, especially so on the observation of fasting during Ramadhan in the long summer months.I take it as a test of my faith and how I play my part as a Khalifah in this world, in this part of theworld where Muslims are being wrongly potrayed time and time again.
Alhamdulillah, on the first day of puasa, I have had no difficulties whatsoever. Except that my faith was being tested by a non-muslim wanting to know about Ramadhan. I chose my words carefully as I do not want to give out the wrong impression and the wrong facts. I think instead of calling it the Fasting month, we should all address it as the month of Ramadhan.Because when they hear bout Fasting, the only thing that comes to their mind is No consumption of Food and Drinks. Yes, fasting is an integral and paramount part of Ramadhan, but Ramadhan is much more than that. It is the month where we could gain double or triple pahalas from all our ibadahs. It's also a month where the rich help the poor,where the fattys should get thinner (me me me!) and the sinners to repent (me again!).
Says Ahmad Syeikh Farooqi "This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. "If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan,"
So what did I say to her this time? I told her that is is the fasting month and for 30 days, and we can consume food only after the sun sets. And that's when she freaked out the first time. She asked why can't you even drink water? And that's when I freak out. That's when I always freak out too, because I don't have the right answer to give. I made sure I pointed out that the sick, elderly and the kids who are not fit do not have to fast, but should still perform other ibadahs. I also added that during the day one should control their worldly and sexual desires. And she freaked out yet again. And finally she asked what happens to those who do not fast?
"Dey you go to hell lah of course!!"
Only I was just kidding. I said "If you don't, you don't get duit raya and you cannot eat on the same table as everyone else. HAHAHA!"
PS- So back to my question, how do I explain about the no drinking during the day during Summer time? Please help.
Alhamdulillah, on the first day of puasa, I have had no difficulties whatsoever. Except that my faith was being tested by a non-muslim wanting to know about Ramadhan. I chose my words carefully as I do not want to give out the wrong impression and the wrong facts. I think instead of calling it the Fasting month, we should all address it as the month of Ramadhan.Because when they hear bout Fasting, the only thing that comes to their mind is No consumption of Food and Drinks. Yes, fasting is an integral and paramount part of Ramadhan, but Ramadhan is much more than that. It is the month where we could gain double or triple pahalas from all our ibadahs. It's also a month where the rich help the poor,where the fattys should get thinner (me me me!) and the sinners to repent (me again!).
Says Ahmad Syeikh Farooqi "This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. "If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan,"
So what did I say to her this time? I told her that is is the fasting month and for 30 days, and we can consume food only after the sun sets. And that's when she freaked out the first time. She asked why can't you even drink water? And that's when I freak out. That's when I always freak out too, because I don't have the right answer to give. I made sure I pointed out that the sick, elderly and the kids who are not fit do not have to fast, but should still perform other ibadahs. I also added that during the day one should control their worldly and sexual desires. And she freaked out yet again. And finally she asked what happens to those who do not fast?
"Dey you go to hell lah of course!!"
Only I was just kidding. I said "If you don't, you don't get duit raya and you cannot eat on the same table as everyone else. HAHAHA!"
PS- So back to my question, how do I explain about the no drinking during the day during Summer time? Please help.
