Daniel Kuhlen - Yesterday
Leader Post
© Provided by Leader Post
Leader Post
© Provided by Leader Post
Eid Al Fitr prayers mark the end of Ramadan at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, SK on Tuesday, June 4, 2019.
What is Ramadan? It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month of fasting and, for Muslims, a time of deep spiritual contemplation, reflection, renewal and recommitment.
The Five Pillars of Islam are: The Shahada, the declaration of faith; Salat, prayer; Sawm, fasting during Ramadan; Zakat, the obligatory annual payment of 2.5 per cent of one’s excess wealth for the sake of the needy; and undertaking the Hajj, a holy pilgrimage to Mecca, once in a lifetime for those who are able.
Why do Muslims fast? It’s simple: Allah (God) tells Muslims in the Holy Qur’an that fasting is prescribed for us, as it was for the peoples before us, to help us draw closer to our Creator. For Muslims, it is a sacred obligation and a practice undertaken for the sake of Allah alone.
The most well-known feature of Ramadan is the practice of dawn to sunset fasting over the course of 29 or 30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next (a lunar month). During Ramadan, observant adult Muslims, in the absence of contraindicated medical or health reasons, do not consume any fluids, including water, or any food or other nourishment during the proscribed hours.
Ramadan is often viewed by non-Muslims as a harsh and arduous undertaking, one of self-deprivation and rigid denial. To be sure, Ramadan does require effort, self-sacrifice and discipline as, despite daytime fasting, Muslims are expected to carry out their normal day-to-day activities as far as reasonably possible.
However, fasting is the means to, not the end of, Ramadan. It reminds us of the millions everywhere who lack sufficient food and clean water and basic essentials, teaching us compassion, patience and empathy, and also of our total reliance on Allah, who alone is self-sufficient.
As such, at a deeper level, Ramadan is approached by Muslims with feelings of humility and introspection, as well as profound happiness and gratitude; another precious opportunity to draw closer to our Creator, both spiritually and practically.
Consequently, during Ramadan, in addition to fasting, Muslims also emphasize greater engagement in prayer, the remembrance of Allah, giving in charity, showing kindness toward others and conducting ourselves with an elevated intention as we recognize our total dependence on our Creator.
Given the annual advance of Ramadan through the solar calendar, as the lunar calendar is about 10 days shorter, Ramadan 2022 coincides with both the Christian Lenten season, and the celebration of Easter, and the Jewish observance of Passover.
It is noteworthy that, during a time of much upheaval and division here and elsewhere, the followers of these three monotheistic religions, comprising approximately 4.3 billion people, almost 55 per cent of the 2022 global population, are all experiencing their most sacred and spiritually profound religious celebrations during the same month.
We have much more in common than we realize.
Muslims in Saskatchewan and around the world hope and pray that Ramadan 2022 is a time of deeper spiritual growth, understanding, and peace for all.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Daniel J. Kuhlen is co-chair for the media, communications and outreach committee with the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) Inc.
What is Ramadan? It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month of fasting and, for Muslims, a time of deep spiritual contemplation, reflection, renewal and recommitment.
The Five Pillars of Islam are: The Shahada, the declaration of faith; Salat, prayer; Sawm, fasting during Ramadan; Zakat, the obligatory annual payment of 2.5 per cent of one’s excess wealth for the sake of the needy; and undertaking the Hajj, a holy pilgrimage to Mecca, once in a lifetime for those who are able.
Why do Muslims fast? It’s simple: Allah (God) tells Muslims in the Holy Qur’an that fasting is prescribed for us, as it was for the peoples before us, to help us draw closer to our Creator. For Muslims, it is a sacred obligation and a practice undertaken for the sake of Allah alone.
The most well-known feature of Ramadan is the practice of dawn to sunset fasting over the course of 29 or 30 days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next (a lunar month). During Ramadan, observant adult Muslims, in the absence of contraindicated medical or health reasons, do not consume any fluids, including water, or any food or other nourishment during the proscribed hours.
Ramadan is often viewed by non-Muslims as a harsh and arduous undertaking, one of self-deprivation and rigid denial. To be sure, Ramadan does require effort, self-sacrifice and discipline as, despite daytime fasting, Muslims are expected to carry out their normal day-to-day activities as far as reasonably possible.
However, fasting is the means to, not the end of, Ramadan. It reminds us of the millions everywhere who lack sufficient food and clean water and basic essentials, teaching us compassion, patience and empathy, and also of our total reliance on Allah, who alone is self-sufficient.
As such, at a deeper level, Ramadan is approached by Muslims with feelings of humility and introspection, as well as profound happiness and gratitude; another precious opportunity to draw closer to our Creator, both spiritually and practically.
Consequently, during Ramadan, in addition to fasting, Muslims also emphasize greater engagement in prayer, the remembrance of Allah, giving in charity, showing kindness toward others and conducting ourselves with an elevated intention as we recognize our total dependence on our Creator.
Given the annual advance of Ramadan through the solar calendar, as the lunar calendar is about 10 days shorter, Ramadan 2022 coincides with both the Christian Lenten season, and the celebration of Easter, and the Jewish observance of Passover.
It is noteworthy that, during a time of much upheaval and division here and elsewhere, the followers of these three monotheistic religions, comprising approximately 4.3 billion people, almost 55 per cent of the 2022 global population, are all experiencing their most sacred and spiritually profound religious celebrations during the same month.
We have much more in common than we realize.
Muslims in Saskatchewan and around the world hope and pray that Ramadan 2022 is a time of deeper spiritual growth, understanding, and peace for all.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Daniel J. Kuhlen is co-chair for the media, communications and outreach committee with the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) Inc.
No comments:
Post a Comment