:
The Fasting
:
The Fasting
The act and state of abstinence of activity relating to food intake and genitalia
It is a known fact that
the tradition of fasting as a religious obligation as well as
therapeutic fasting is in practice for thousands upon thousands of years
of human history. But in Islam it
is described by the word:
:
It is a Verbal Noun of verbs صَامَ-يَصُومُ. A verbal noun signifies an act and a
state without time reference.
Its Root is "
ص و م". Ibn Faris
[died 1005], renowned lexicographer stated:
صوم
(مقاييس اللغة)
الصاد والواو والميم أصلٌ يدلُّ على
إِمساكٍ وركودٍ في مكان.
That it leads to the perception of abstinence, and stasis-stagnancy at home.
Fasting is the act and state of abstinence of activity relating to food intake and genitalia. Below is a list of subjects around fasting:
Perception and meanings of:
fasting:
1
:
The month of Ramadan is selected for:
Reason of its exaltation
2.
:
Abstinence of activities relating to sex and food intake from true dawn to
Sunset.
Objective for fasting:
1.
:
So that you people might exercise consciousness
and avoid conduct inspired and
governed by emotion in reverence and fear of Allah the Exalted.
(a) Control and exercise of will-authority over body parts: stimulators of all acts; and his executing brains;
(b) Socialization with his Creator and the Sustainer Lord, and fellow humans and environment.
2. Permission to adjourn for observing later on.
3. Prohibition when devoting in reclusion in the Mosques.
4. Prescribed for absolving responsibility or omissions.
Allah the Exalted has informed:
O those/you, who consciously proclaim to have accepted/become believers, listen!
The Fasting: time bound abstinence of activity relating to food intake and genitalia have been made obligatory-decreed upon you people exactly as it was decreed upon the people who existed prior to you.
The objective is that you people might remain self cautious and avoid conduct inspired and governed by emotion in reverence and fear of Allah the Exalted. [2:183]
The Fasting is during a fixed number of days; day and night-29 or 30 of the lunar month. [Ref 2:184]
The
:
act of abstaining and state of abstinence is
ordained during the days of the lunar month Ramadan:
The month of Ramadan is the month during which the Qur'aan was compositely—flash descended.
It is a guidance for the people; and distinctly self explanatory verbal passages were gradually communicated from the miscellany of Al-Huda'a: the Guide and Al-Furqau'n: the Criterion; the Separator of right from wrong, fact from falsity-conjecture.
The distinction and
exalted characteristic of the solar month of Ramadan is emphasized.
It is the month during which the Grand Qur'aan was:
:
compositely descended. It is Form-IV
Passive Verb from مصدر-اِنْزَالٌ
Verbal noun. The perception and meanings infolded in this Verbal Noun is
the act of causing the descent of something all at once, if it is a
compact/solid/compounded/bound unit, or as a mass-transfer in one span
of running time. This verb/verbal
noun is not used to refer to descent of something in piecemeal; in
different and various intervals of time.
It refers only to causing flash-descent
of something from high-up downwards.
Grand Qur'aan is described by an
epithet:
self
illuminating Visible Light;
guarantor and sustainer of
life:
O you the Mankind, listen!
Primary Source of information, irrefutably manifest in timeline has certainly just reached to you from your Sustainer Lord.
And We have descended towards you people self illuminating Visible Light: Qur'aan guarantor and sustainer of life. [4:174]
This fact further highlights the exalted characteristic feature of the month of Ramadan. Its exaltation is secreted in this fact:
o
Therefore, in honour and discharge of their pledge those who accepted-believed in him: Muhammad [Sal'lallaa'hoalaih'wa'salam] and they revered him and helped him.
And they followed in letter and spirit the Visible Light: Grand Qur'aan. Its characteristic feature is that it was compactly descended - flash descent along with him: Muhammad [Sal'lallaa'hoalaih'wa'salam-his corporeal appearance in the lowly world].
Aforementioned are the people who endeavor for perpetual success-fruitfulness. [Ref 7:157]
The news broken in the Qur'aan
is that its descent to lowly world accompanied the
descent of
Muhammad
Sal'lallaa'hoalaih'wa'salam
as:
The Authenticating Accomplisher of
those who are declared Chosen, Dignified and Exalted Sincere Allegiants of Allah the Exalted***.
The self
illuminating visible light; the self illuminating
book is descended along with
:
Figure
of Unique Prominence with characteristic feature of
reflector of Visible
Light: illuminator and sustainer of the Life.
And We have sent you as the Inviter who invites people towards Allah the Exalted with His prior permission.
And We have sent you [Muhammad Sal'lallaa'hoalaih'wa'salam] as a Figure of Unique Prominence with characteristic feature of reflector of Visible Light: illuminator and sustainer of the Life. [33:46]
What
was the day of Ramadan when
Muhammad
Sal'lallaa'hoalaih'wa'salam
as:
and
:
Figure
of Unique Prominence with characteristic feature of
reflector of Visible Light: illuminator and
sustainer of the Life; along with the Grand Qur'aan
were made to physically appear the physical realm of
the lowly world? Allah the Exalted, the truthful
historian and biographer of the life of Muhammad
Sal'lallaa'hoalaih'wa'salam,
informs us:
And swearing by the Book characteristically explicit: conveyor of information in succinct, individuated, distinct and crystallized manner: [44:02]
Know the fact: We had descended compositely this Book: Grand Qur'aan during a night which is declared as of permanence and perpetuation: the blessed one. [Ref 44:03]
It is the blessed night. It is the night when "the mercy" was personified and brought to the knowledge and vision of the physical realm:
It is a fact that We have not sent you the Messenger Muhammad [Sal'lallaa'hoalaih'wa'salam] except as mercy personified apparent for the known worlds. [21:107]
The
exalted night of the descent of:
The Authenticating Accomplisher of
the galaxy of those who are Chosen, Dignified and Exalted Sincere Allegiants of Allah the Exalted;
:
Figure
of Unique Prominence with characteristic feature of reflector of Visible
Light: illuminator and sustainer of the Life; and
:
the mercy personified apparent for the known worlds;
along with
is portrayed as:
[Read with
44:04]
It is a fact that We had descended compositely this Book: Grand Qur'aan during the Night of the Apportionment [during the month of Ramazan-2:185].
And what is that pointer which could lead you the perception as to which one is the Settling-Decisive-Night of the Apportionment?
Suffices to know that the Settling-Decisive Night of the Apportionment is better than nights in other thousand months. [97:03]
During that night, by the Will and permission of Allah the Exalted, the Angels and Gib'raa'eil cause themselves to come to sky of Earth-downwards intermittently with commands-decisions-decree on each and all matters-affairs. [97:04]
The night is secure and safe for said activity till the emergence of dawn. [97:05]
This being
the exaltation and the honour bestowed upon
the month of Ramadan,
it is advised that whoever finds this month in his life span he should observe
it by act and state signified by the verbal noun
:
abstaining and state of abstinence:
Therefore, whoever of you finds this month of Ramadan in life he should observe it by fasting. [Ref 2:185]
The
:
act of abstaining and state of abstinence is
ordained in respect of sexual activity and intake of food and drinks during the
prescribed hours: true dawn to sunset of the days of the lunar month Ramadan:
Sexually inciting preliminary activities directed towards your wives were permissible during the night of the Fasting for you people.
They: respective wives are apparel for you people and you are apparel for them.
Allah the Exalted has known-observed that by self imposed restriction you people diligently kept lessening-suppressing the rights of your own selves.
Thereby, He the Exalted has paid attention upon you to move you out of self assumed restrictions and has since removed it; erroneous perception away from you.
Therefore, after this clarification henceforth-now onwards undertake mutual-consented intercourse with them in the nights of fasting and you people seek its result [not son or daughter but] that which Allah the Exalted has written for you people.
Sexual activity with the wives is allowed during the nights of the month of Ramadan. The night begins with the sunset. This is not the permitted time for privacies with the wife during other eleven months of the year. In those months the appointed time is after the Formal Prayer of darkened Night:
O those people/you, who self proclaim to have accepted-become believers, listen;
The Men and Women who are under control and in submission to you people-House Servants should make it a habit to seek prior permission and appointment of you people;
Likewise, those of you-in household who have not yet crossed over to puberty: age of experiencing wet dream;
This restriction are for three points in time—
These three periods in time are: before performing the Protocol of Servitude and allegiance of True Dawn to Sun Rise;
The second time is at Mid-day-Noon of Noon selected by you people for laying of clothes [from your back-lower area];
And third is after the Ass-sa'laat: Protocol of Servitude and allegiance of darkened Night.
These three timings of "Privacy-Sex" are exclusive occasions for you people-married couples. [Ref 24:58]
The permission for sexual engagement with wife during the nights of Ramadan is shortened in time length because its night ends at true dawn. This seems compensated by not prescribing the condition of "after the Formal Prayer of darkened Night". It is allowed till:
And you people eat and drink during the night till the horizontal white line renders itself for you people distinguishable emerging from unfolding of the day - daybreak—delineated from the horizontal line-layer of black-obscure colour;
Thenceforward you complete the fast spatiotemporally moving up to the night-Sun set: beginning of a new lunar day.
Firstly please note that Ayah 2:187 is
one of:
Verbal
passages that incorporate injunctions and instructions for aright
conduct in time and space. Such verbal passages are self evident by the
use of imperative-command verbs. The commands are issued by using such
words which are conveniently understandable by the majority that
comprises of people of ordinary prudence. However, the par excellence
structuring of sentences embeds delicacies of sciences that the creator
Allah the Exalted has set in the Universe.
The theme of Ayah is the sex and eating
related activities during specific time location [مفعول فيه]—locative
time adverb is:
:
the night of days of fasting.
It is ordered to undertake these activities
during the flow of night towards a specific point in time when these activities
must be terminated. The terminal point of time in the flow of night towards
unfolding of the day is:
:
This is the subordinate clause of the preceding verbs. Particle:
broadly functions as Preposition meaning "until", "to the point
of", "up to", "as for as". It either precedes a noun or a sentence. The
subjunctive verb occurs only in subordinate clauses. It indicates an act which
is dependant upon that mentioned in the previous clause, and future to it in
point of time. The verb:
is third person, singular, masculine, mood subjunctive of form-V to which
reflexive causative meanings are associated. Its subject is:
:
the horizontal line which is characteristically white - luminous. The action that it may
do is for the benefit of:
for you people.
The verb:
signifies the rendering of the subject to become distinguishable and perceptible
as distinct from something else in its surroundings or background for an
observer. Here:
becomes distinguishable:
from the horizontal line which is characteristically black - dark - obscure.
The subject of verb:
is from Root: خ ى ط.
Ibn Faris [died-1005] stated
that it leads to the perception of
stretching, lengthening a thing thinly. And that this stretching,
expansion is not vertical, erect. And that it is well known, a needle. Thus the
adjectival phrase:
excludes
the vertical feature from its semantic ambit.
The basic requirement of command expressions
is that it must be explicit for the common people to perceive the intended
meanings. The choice of word:
excludes
atmospheric optical phenomenon in
the form of a vertical band of light which appears to extend above and/or below
a light source which is termed as Light Pillar. A column of light can become
visible in atmosphere. Its source can either by Sun when it is near or below the
horizon or it could be caused by the Moon. This phenomenon is caused by
interaction of light with ice crystals in the atmosphere.
The point is further clarified by the addition
of circumstantial clause for the subject of verb by prepositional phrase:
that it is emerging horizontally from the "unfolding of the day -
daybreak". The definite verbal/noun of action:
is from Root:
ف ج ر.
Ibn Faris [died-1005] stated
that
it signifies the state of
blossoming, efflorescence, blooming, unfolding of an object, and from it
is:
الفَجْر
the daybreak which is:
انفِجار الظُّلمة عن الصُّبح
rupturing of darkness caused by true dawn.
This is the exact point in time when general outlines of ground objects become distinguishable but the detailed outdoor operations are not yet possible, and the horizon is indistinct. This state happens when the geometric centre of Sun is 12 degree below the horizon, and from scientific perspective it is called Nautical Twilight. Immediately before this position of Sun at 12 degree below the horizon, a casual observer would consider the entire sky already fully dark.
When the Sun ascends from 12 degree below the horizon to 8.5 degree below the horizon, it provides the same level of illumination on the surface of the Earth as a full Moon directly overhead.
The time when Sun is at 12 degree below the
horizon is the specific moment of the start of the Fasting and
.
All the time tables in circulation in Pakistan are patently incorrect which show
the start time which matches with the time prevalent when the geometrical centre
of Sun is 18 degree below the horizon.
From this point onwards the daybreak continues
warping upon night:
until the daybreak - Sun emerges on the horizon.
Grand Qur'aan has sub-divided the night in different measures as it sets-in at Sunset and marches towards Sunrise. A short span of time of night immediately before true dawn is termed as:
The Messengers consoled him saying: "O Luet [alai'his'slaam], indeed We are the Messengers of your Sustainer Lord; it will never be possible for them to encroach towards you.
Therefore, you travel with your household, in the part cut from the night [illusory dawn-54:34]; Take note, not a single one of you people should look back [to see the happenings behind],
Take along your household except your wife. Indeed the same infliction is for her which will strike them.
Indeed their appointed time is the true dawn.
Is the true dawn not so near! [11:81]
Therefore you travel with your family in the part cut from night: illusory dawn; and you follow them remaining on their back-posterior;
And none of you people should look back; and you all keep going through the course you people have been advised to follow." [15:65]
Afterwards it did happen:
Our Majesty had thus conveyed to him that this is the verdict-command;
That the back-posterity of these be cut-annihilated when they enter the true dawn. [15:66]
Thereby, the sound blast seized them when were awaking at true dawn. [15:73]
Words:
and
are used in synonymous meanings signifying true dawn with reference to
eastern side and rising state of the Sun.
The cut-part from the
night is in between the night and:
the
dawn that emerges and is start of daybreak. What is the specific name of
this part?
It is a fact that We had sent upon them that which pelts rock fragments-volcanic ash.
Except that it did not fell upon the followers of Luet [alai'his'slaam].
We had already rescued them at the time of illusory dawn - a part cut-distinguished from night. [54:34]
سَحَرٌ : It is
a part segmented from the night on the brim of which is:
the
dawn. This word is derived from Root: س ح ر and like
its basic signification of illusion and turning a thing from one manner
to another manner, the time of
سَحَرٌ is also short lived. It
can cause optic illusion of dawn because of the presence of zodiacal
light-astronomical twilight up in the sky. This begins when the Sun is
18 degree below the horizon and persists for the time it reaches 12
degree below horizon when:
occurs and life starts thriving.
And swearing is by the Night when it has departed the layered haze - darkness; [81:17]
And by the true dawn when it transformed itself breathe- energize -photosynthesize; [81:18]
Most plants initiate the process of photosynthesis at true dawn and take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen in the atmosphere.
Mostly the time the سَحَرٌ
(also termed by most as: صبح كاذب false dawn) remains is about 34 minutes. Its
short span is also understood from the advice given to Luet
alai'his'slaam and his companions
while leaving the city at: سَحَرٌ
not to look back because a horribly disturbing scene was about to appear:
when
they would not have gone much far off from the city.
The chart shows the night,
سَحَرٌ
,
,
and
:
Objective for fasting:
1. Objective:
:
So that you people might exercise self consciousness
and avoid conduct inspired and
governed by emotion in reverence and fear of Allah the Exalted.
Much is said and known since the days
of Aristotle and Plutarch about the advantages of fasting for health. But the
objective of prescribing
:
the Fasting, laid down in Qur'aan is:
The objective is that you people might remain self cautious and avoid conduct inspired and governed by emotion in reverence and fear of Allah the Exalted. [Ref 2:183]
All our desires and acts are motivated for satisfying three areas of the body: chest; belly, and pelvic area. The appetites of belly and pelvic area a natural phenomena and can also be triggered involuntarily by external stimuli and man can become victim of sudden incontrollable emotional surge. Volitional and conscious suspension of satiating the desires of belly and pelvic area during the day time of the month of Ramadan is an exercise to develop ability of holding firm control over these urges. This exercise will help develop the ability to hold back or run away in an urging situation to avoid an act which is inspired and governed by emotion.
It is a fact about those who diligently avoided unrestrained conduct inspired and governed by emotion: whenever a fascinating evil thought-reflection touched them originated by Shai'taan:
They instantly recalled the injunctions. Thereat, they perform as men of vision. [7:201]
A man at a given point in time is in either of the two frames [no
third frame]:
1. He is governing his chest, belly and genitalia; or.
2. He is governed by his chest, belly and/or genitalia.
In the first frame the man is using his Logical
brain: Prefrontal cortex. Thereat, he
truly depicts his status and appointment as:
:
self-governor
enjoying freedom, discretion and executive authority of will of self
rule. But when he wishes not to govern his brains
and body parts he surrenders himself to the disposal of either Emotional brain or Stem-Survival-reptilian brain; he is in the second frame: a slave and
host of desires and lusts of belly and pelvic area.
:
It is a Form-VIII Verb. Its characteristic feature is reflexive connotation. Its
Subjects are described by Active Participle
.
Its Root is "و
ق ى". This signifies those
people who preserve, or guard themselves exceedingly, or extraordinarily from
that which would harm them in future. These are the people
who conduct their selves by referring to and remaining within the framework
prescribed and advised in the Book: Grand Qur'aan.
They follow the protocol of socialization with their Creator and fellow human beings and environment as prescribed in the Book. Some of their characteristics are:
And they steadfastly maintain the Institution of As-sa'laat: Time Bound Formal Protocol of demonstrating Servitude and allegiance to Allah the Exalted. [Ref 2:003]
Further, they heartily spend part of the worldly resources which We have given to them as sustenance. [only for seeking approval and attention of Allah the Exalted]. [Ref 2:003]
They are the people who heartily spend for other's welfare in prosperity and in adversity. [Ref 3:134]
And they are the people who suppress and curb the rage-anger and sublimate: divert excessive energy into positive direction instead of wasting it in negative activity, and they are the ones who ignore and overlook the excesses of people. [Ref 3:134]
Mutta'qeena are the people who remain mindful and fearful of their Sustainer Lord being cognizant of Omnipresence without being in their sight.
And they frighten their selves about the Appointed Moment. [21:49]
:
The fasting in the exalted month of Ramadan is prescribed for the claimants of
belief to become
:
those who attain the aforementioned qualitative characteristics. Therefore, we
must evaluate ourselves during this Ramadan whether we observe
or merely remain hungry for some hours of the day.
2. Permission to adjourn for observing later on.
It is basic principle of law that in respect of do's and don'ts, exception or deferment needs to be indicated for impracticability. The following is provided:
The Fasting is during a fixed number of days; day and night-29 or 30 of the lunar month.
Sequel to this imposition, he may, who is suffering amongst you some sickness or is embarking on a journey, adjourn it.
Thereby, the adjourned fasting be accomplished to the count during the days of another month.
A compensation; a feed of destitute is incumbent for deferring fast upon those who have the strength to bear it in that ailment or journey without detriment [journeying towards north will rather shorten the Fasting time].
Therefore, whoever heartily adopted a better course, thereat that is much benefiting for him.
And remember that should you observe fasting instead of adjourning it in minor bearable sickness or comfortable journey, it would be far better for you people.
Fasting is certainly better if you people have understood-comprehended it [the importance and exaltation of the Month of Fasting]. [2:184]
o
And he may, who is suffering amongst you from sickness or is embarking on a journey, adjourn fasting.
Thereby, the adjourned fasting be accomplished to the count during the days of another month.
Allah the Exalted intends easiness for you people and never intends difficulty-awkwardness for you.
And its purpose is that you might complete the count of fasting and that you may proclaim and praise the Sublime grandeur of Allah the Mightiest for having guided you by sending the Book
and so that you people may keep expressing gratitude.
The facility of deferment is inscribed for those who are suffering from sickness or are embarking upon a journey. A condition is however imposed if someone who can bear a little ailment or can conveniently fast during a journey he is asked to feed a destitute, though preference should be given to fasting. An ailment can be without detriment. And a journey towards north would shorten the time duration of fasting time. The discretion is left to the individual.
3. Prohibition when devoting in reclusion in the Mosques.
Permission is accorded for maintaining intimate matrimonial linkage with the wives during the night - from sunset to dawn. But it is prohibited when a man has opted to devote in reclusion in the Mosques:
Take note that you husbands on visiting home for attending to their needs should not establish intimate matrimonial contact-intercourse with them: wives during the period while you are devoting in reclusion in the Mosques. [Ref 2:187]
Intimate matrimonial relationship is allowed and can be established only in the privacy of the bed room of the house after imposing restriction on all members of family at three occasions of day and night. It thus indicates that while being in reclusion in the Mosques the visit to home for attending to urgent needs of wife is not prohibited except indulging in matrimonial intimate contact.
4. Prescribed for absolving responsibility or omissions.
A non-resident of Mecca on visit for Uem'raa who intends to extend his stay to perform Hajj is directed:
Subject to you are afforded security-permission for entry, thereat, if some one wished to avail the benefit of Uem'raa visit towards Hajj he shall sacrifice what is conveniently available to him.
However, he who does not find to comply with this injunction he shall fast for three days during Hajj and for seven days on return to native place.
This will make fast for ten days completely. This injunction is for him who is non-resident of Sacred Mosque. [Ref 2:196]
In case of inadvertent, unintentional murder, the doer is required to free a believing slave house servant. In case of impracticability to abide by it:
Sequel to it; he who does not have this to redeem his mistake then continuous fasting during two successive months is prescribed by Allah the Exalted for absolving and pardon. [Ref 4:92]
Solemnly contracted-sworn pledges-promises-oaths are required to be fulfilled. Their breach is an offense. Expiation-absolving one's self is prescribed. However, he who suffers financial impracticability is required:
Sequel to it; he who could not could not find resources to meet the injunction; thereat, fasting for three days is prescribed.
This is the expiation of your promises when you have sworn. [Ref 5:89]
Hunting and slaughtering the mammals is prohibited while one is on pilgrimage journey to perform. Whoever violates, expiation is imposed:
Or as expiation feeding of the indigent; or the remission for this is fasting so that he might taste it as penalty and rectify-improve-settle his affair. [Ref 5:95]
There are people who at times consciously alienate themselves to avoid matrimonial relation with their wives by orally declaring and sanctifying them as their mothers and thereafter they retract from that which they had said. Expiation is prescribed to free a slave house servant. If he is not the master, alternative is:
Sequel to it; he who does not have this to redeem his mistake then continuous fasting during two successive months is prescribed before they, the husband and wife, may become active for mutual "matrimonial association".
However, if one could not for reason find himself physically capable, thereby in such case the substitute is providing meal to sixty poor people; [Ref 58:04]
It may be appreciated that all
the acts for which expiation to absolve the guilt are prescribed are
manifestations of lacking cautiousness and acting under the influence, and
inspired by emotion or
neglectfulness. This is not becoming of
.
Therefore, the expiation in case of financial impracticability, fasting is
prescribed which helps people become or revive state of
:
the self cautious people who avoid conduct inspired by emotions in reverence and
fear of Allah the Exalted.
The Protocol of
:
The fasting in the exalted month of Ramadan prescribed for the believers is of
utmost importance since its sole objective is to render them
:
the self cautious people. How important is the Protocol can be judged from the
fact that the Paradise is exclusively the abode reserved for them:
And you people hasten emulously aiming at seeking protection and forgiveness which is conditionally ensured through the Elevated Messenger to you as promise from your Sustainer Lord, and towards the Paradise.
Her capaciousness-width is that of the Skies and the Earth.
The Paradise is prepared exclusively for those who endeavour for ultimate success remaining cautious and avoid unrestrained conduct in reverence and fear of Allah the Exalted. [3:133]
Please suggest corrections and further improve it by sending your views to e.mail: haqeeqat622@yahoo.com
