Issue No: 131
10th August 2012
20th Ramadhan 1433 AH.
Salamun alaykum,
It's an 800 F heat wave:
In recent days the mercury has steadily risen. The temperatures are soaring close to 840 F (300 C). This is set to be the highest of the year in the U.K. The news of sunshine and dry weather has drawn families to the sea side for holidays to enjoy activities like swimming, surfing, boating and other water sport activities. Above all these fun and sports activities one obsession that is enjoyed by the majority is to stretch out and expose oneself to the warmth of the sun basking. The jewel in the crown of holidays is achieved when one ends up getting darker from the sun– gets a sun tan. This then confirms that one has been on holiday. Having completed the holidays, the change in skin complexion to a dark tan is admired and commended by family, friends and at the work place. The wonderful tan is an attraction for all.....Proof that the summer has been enjoyable. Every time one looks at the golden tan on the body fond memories of the pleasant holidays are recalled.
During the Shahru Ramadhan muslims have been invited to the hospitality of Divine Mercy and Forgiveness. A solemn pledge is taken to refrain from the muftiratus sawm – nullifiers of fast- during this auspicious month. The abstaining from eating and drinking during the period of fasting are top on the list of the muftirat.
Come the conclusion of this blessed month of sawm and one notices a change in ones physical complexion as compared to how one appeared before the commencement of this month.
Dry lips, parched tongues, emaciated body with eyes sunken deep into their sockets, reduced weight, dry liver and stomach shriveled from suffering the pangs of hunger and thirst are common images.
Like the golden tan testifies to the indulgence in summer, this physical change in one's body due to the deed of fasting demonstrates that one has been devoted to observing the obligations of Shahru Ramadhan.
Question: By this physical change in one's body is one assured that one has attained successful participation in this Divine month?
There is more to it:
The Arabic word Ramadhan is derived from the word 'ramada', which means causing to be burnt by intense heat. This conveys the message that ones sins are scorched in this month.
"Surely, the month of Ramadhan has been named so because it scorches away the sins." (Noble Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w.)
"How wretched is he who is denied Divine forgiveness (of his sins) in this month." (Noble Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w.)
Has ones nafs/self acquired a 'tan' due to scorching away ones sins whilst basking in the 'Divine heat of Mercy and Forgiveness' during this Shahru Ramadhan?
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat