Issue No: 167
19th July 2013
9th Ramadhan 1434 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
Heat wave warnings:
These days the most common comment forwarded in conversations regarding the performance of fasting is to do with the high temperatures. It’s too hot! Oh the heat is killing!
This is in contrast to the months of fasting enjoyed in previous years during the wonderful seasons of winter and autumn.
This time round, the Sharu Ramadhan is in the days where we are experiencing perhaps the hottest of the days so far this year. The heat wave warning has been raised to "level three" by the Met Office for south-west England and the West Midlands. The vulnerable have been advised to take precautions and remain indoors.
Isn’t it a challenge?
In other regions such as Africa, Asia and the Arab regions the daily schedules at school or work are adjusted taking into consideration of the participation in Shahru Ramadhan. On the other hand living in our parts of the world there is very little, if any, or no change at all to the daily schedules of occupation.
With the fasting duration being almost 18 hours long we know, especially during these glorious sunny days, how difficult it is to find the energy to make the most of this blessed month of Ramadhan. One knows exactly how a long hard day of occupation whilst fasting in these moments can leave you with little or no energy to do any recommended devotion other than the fulfilment of the obligatory devotions.
Of course, not leaving out the ritual of sumptuous meals at iftari, the breaking of fast!
Divine service:
A tradition from the fifth Imam Muhammad Al Baaqir a.s. states that 1000 angels are sent by Allah to touch the face of one fasting on a hot day and at the time of iftar conveys good news of forgiveness.
Does the touch by the angels serve to fan the person?
Rejoice! For the ‘fanning’ by the angels is more cooling and refreshing than the best air conditioning equipments in this world.
Will these infallible words inspire you to focus on making the best effort to reap from the Divine hospitality of Shahru Ramadhan?
After all isn’t this blessed month of Ramadhan a time for reflection? Isn’t this month a time for elevating oneself spiritually? Isn’t this a time for one to make a change, both to ourselves and those around us? Isn’t this a period to contemplate and create a positive change in our lives?
Will you allow the challenge of searing heat and long hours to defeat you in the quest for attaining proximity to the Pleasure of Allah SWT?
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat