Laiq Ahmed Atif, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Malta, Ta' Xbiex
Muslim fasting during Ramadan
I saw a photo of a child wearing a cap before Friday prayers, on The Times of September 20, page 24, which drew my attention to the need to write something about Ramadan and Muslim fasting. It is obligatory for Muslims to fast one month every year in the month of Ramadan. The Holy Quran states: "O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you during a fixed number of days as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may safeguard yourselves against every kind of ill and become righteous."
The true purpose of Ramadan, as of all forms of Islamic worship, is to draw people closer to Allah and closer to mankind. Though normal pursuits and occupations are carried on as usual, the emphasis on moral and spiritual values and concentration on them are intensified, and everything is subordinated to the main purpose. The hearing, the sight, the tongue, the mind are all under stricter control. For instance, not only vain talk, but much talk is also eschewed, so that there should be greater concentration on remembrance of Allah and reflection upon His attributes.
Fasting in Islam begins everywhere at the first appearance of dawn, and ends with sunset. During this period one is expected to abstain from all food and drink completely.
It is not just physical hunger and thirst that constitute the Muslim fast, but the nights prior to the beginning of the fast acquire a far more important character and play a central role in the institution of fasting. The Muslims wake up many hours before dawn for individual prayer and the remembrance of God.
Also the Holy Quran is recited in every Muslim house much more than in ordinary days. A greater part of the night is thus spent in spiritual exercises which make up the very essence of fasting. During the day, apart from restraining oneself from food and water, all Muslims are particularly exhorted to avoid vain talk, quarrels and fights, or any such occupation as is below the dignity of a true believer.
In Islam, alms-giving and care for the destitute is so highly emphasised that it becomes part of a Muslim's daily life. However when it comes to Ramadan, the month of fasting, Muslims are required to redouble their efforts in this field. It is reported of the Holy Prophet that spending in the cause of the poor was a routine daily practice with him which has been likened unto a breeze, never ceasing to bring comfort and solace to the needy. However during Ramadan, the reporters of the Ahadith - the sayings of the Holy Prophet (Peace be on him) - remind us that the breeze seemed to pick up speed and began to blow like strong winds. Alms-giving and care for the destitute are so highly emphasised, that in no period during the year do Muslims engage in such philanthropic purposes as they do during the month of Ramadan.
The institution of fasting is extremely important because it cultivates the believer in almost every area of his spiritual life. Among other things, he learns through personal experience about what hunger, poverty, loneliness and discomfort mean to the less fortunate sections of society. Abstention from even such practices during the month of Ramadan as are permissible in everyday life plays a constructive role in refining the human character.
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Jasmine Grech
Sep 26th 2008, 01:17
I have Muslim friends and colleagues. They are very peaceful, patience, kind and respectful individuals. They do not preach hatred nor try to impose their religion on us. We respect each other sensitivity.
Many non-Muslim friends join them for fasting during Ramadan and are often invited to break fast with them in the evenings where special Ramadan delicacies are prepared.
Hopefully the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Malta would host an open dialogue in near future, so that those who have misconception about them would understand them better.
Joseph Rai
Sep 25th 2008, 18:46
@S.Bugeja
They say : There is no compulssion in religion, every body is free to choose any religion, they also it doesn't matter if a Muslim converts to Christianity, it's his right to choose or believe what he wants. Every body is free in his faith. As I wrote before this association is very much different from other Muslim world so please do not mix them with other, They are very open minded, they are not fundamentalist.
According to them " Every body is free to choose his religion, There is no compulssion in religion" Believe what you find good. I hope it will be clear that these people are different from other Muslims so please do not cosider them as others. Thanks
Edward Bonnici
Sep 25th 2008, 18:46
s.bugeja
You asked: do they allow muslims to convert to another religion?
What is islam's opinion about muslim converts to Christianity.
How are they to be dealt with according to the quran?
I suggest you call at the Muslim Mosque (in Paola) where you can find the Muslim Immam to give you the correct answer. You may also meet many Maltese friends in the Mosque who may provide you with answers.
s.bugeja
Sep 25th 2008, 18:08
@ Joseph Rai
do they allow muslims to convert to another religion?
s.bugeja
Sep 25th 2008, 16:42
What is islam's opinion about muslim converts to Christianity.
How are they to be dealt with according to the quran?
Marvic Aguis
Sep 25th 2008, 16:11
Any body interested to read about Islam, please read Quran and modern science-compatible or incompatible? By Dr. Zakir Naik
http://www.ahmed-deedat.net/modules.php?name=myBooks2&op=listt&cat=7
angela carabott
Sep 25th 2008, 15:12
Which ever faith you have, one must respect all humans. I think there is much to learn from Islam. We Christians must pray and read the bible every day like all Islams do, but how many of us do? Most of us go to Mass on Sunday and by this they think it is enough. Yes i have experienced Ramadan and it truly helps you to think about God and good deeds.
Karl Mifsud
Sep 25th 2008, 11:29
@ Neville Borg
Once i came to know about their email is : amjmalta@gmail.com
Joseph Rai
Sep 25th 2008, 10:48
@Neville Borg, I have the email adress of this association you may contact on:
amjmalta@gmail.com
In my point of view they working very well for the needy poeple, they gave donation to Malta Community Chest Fund, National Foster Care Associatin, and also food at Halfar refugee camps. They belive in respect to all religions, their founders, they do not descriminate with coulour, religion, area etc. They are working for "Humanity", their website can be searched for their work as well:
http://humanityfirst.org/
I read about them in newspaper that they believe in interfaith harmony and dialogue, they respect every one. They are very peaceful and dont belive in Jihad as fighting. they say Jihad means to search for God, and struggle to be close with him. Only.
J Farrugia
Sep 25th 2008, 10:26
The Good Book says: when you fast do not show that you are doing so. Otherwise there is no merit in fasting. This is what it says. To insult those who do not agree with you is bad and unchristian. But alas, these correspondents throw stones but they do not know that a valange of stones are being thrown at them for reviling a Catholic and a Christian person, when they themselves have lost their souls and their religion. Why did they not go to fast with the Islamists? At least they would learn what pity means, what charity means, what love of your neighbour means. And these want to preach to us what is good and bad. And what about this person's freedom of speech as sanctioned by the Constitution of Malta? It's a pity that some of our citizens are now indulging in insulting our Catholic religion and when they see some other type like Yehovah's, Amanda Marga, and what not, they flop like a piece of cloth, and heap praises on such pseudo religions and how pious these newly found religions are.
Tania Zammit
Sep 25th 2008, 10:10
On 23rd Sep there is an article written by Mr. Magri in whic he describes what is Jihad according to this assocaiation, he writes: Ahmadiyya association says "Jihad" is an expression of love towards God and struggle towards Him - and is different from militants "Jihad", as white is different from black.
This association belives " there is no compulsion in religion, everybody is free to choose any religion he wants". They are very much different from other Muslim world, they dont belive on corruption, killing innocent people, fightings, but only they are working for the betterment of poor and needy people. So dont mix this association to the other Muslim World. They have totaly different ideas, teachings and faiths. They are very peaceful people, they motto is : Love for All Hatred For None."
R. Azzopardi
Sep 25th 2008, 09:58
@Joseph Ellul.
this is what I was trying to say. Fair enough, I may have sounded rude. Muslims are free to practice their own religion in their own good time and are free to do all the sacrifices they want. But frankly, I don't care, like they don't care about other religions. I've worked in Islamic countries and I had to fast (at least in public places) because it was the law. And yet the rest of the people who posted here have the cheek to call me intolerant.
Joseph Ellul
Sep 25th 2008, 00:59
Why is Mr.L.A.Atif describing the ways of the Muslim religion? All Maltese know about "randan". We all have our ways of giving alms to the poor and praying in our own private ways. For all our misgivings, the Maltese people have learned to be helpful and tollerant to all. Religion is not everything but can be used as a guide to a healthy and fruitful life. All holy books were written for the good of the communities of their time. If I was to write a similar Christian article in a Muslim country, any Muslim country, I would be put in jail or killed.I suggest that Mr.Atif writes articles to Muslim governments and tell them to allow Christians to desctibe our ways in their newspapers. How we allow him to practice his religion withen reason and for these governments to tollerate other faiths in your Muslim societies. There is only one God, and we are all his servants. Allah be with you.
Godfrey Pirotta
Sep 24th 2008, 16:51
Thank you for a very interesting explanation of Ramadan. I believe that some foods are also traditionally associated with Ramadam in the same way some foods are traditionally associated with special events or celebrations in other religions, including Christianity. In Malta once one could find similar traditions associated with our Randan. Those were the times when people believed in preparing themselves for Easter, the most important of all Christian celebrations. Ironically, great emphasis was placed on fasting when we were much poorer than now. Fasting has gone out of our vocabulary and is now replaced by dieting!!!
E. Serracino-Inglott
Sep 24th 2008, 15:43
@ Martin Frendo: it is very well possible to fast and give a full day's work. I know several people who fast 4 days a month (no food and no drink for a whole day) and just function normally. Nothing is amiss there so why would it be here? And how do many Christians fast nowadays? Just by not taking sweets during the week (on Sunday it's ok) and no meat on Wednesdays and Fridays? Is that fasting?
I am surprised at the off-topic comments of Albert Spiteri and I.M. Dingli. The article just wants to inform us about the role of fasting in the Islam and how it can bring a person closer to God. It has nothing to do with what the Quran says about corruption/illegal immigration/jihad/headscarves etc. Of course there are a number of people who abuse the Islam to defend their actions but that is not relevant here.
André Xuereb
Sep 24th 2008, 14:01
R Azzopardi: Do you, perhaps, consider yourself Christian? If the answer is "yes", then your attitude is in direct contradiction with Christ's teachings. If it is "no", then your comment stinks of intolerance and bigotry.
I. M. Dingli
Sep 24th 2008, 13:52
Can Mr. Ahmed Atif enlighten us about the 'holy jihad against the infidels' issue too?
Albert Spiteri
Sep 24th 2008, 13:09
I wonder what the HOLY QURAN says about illegal immigration, about all the corruption going on all over the continent of Africa by Muslim politicians, about targeting innocent people to market a political issue, and the separation of what's God and what's Caesar’s.
I also wonder why Muslim women have to wear those horrid clothes while Muslim men dandy around in the latest brand and designer clothes.
I think our modern Mullahs have a way for quoting the HOLY QURAN just as much as the devil has a way for quoting the scriptures.
Franco Farrugia
Sep 24th 2008, 12:41
@ Mr R Azzopardi -
Of course you should care. They are your brothers and sisters, aren't they? Or do you belong to some different world, just because you have a different creed?
martin frendo
Sep 24th 2008, 12:31
thanks for the article - and the concept percieved through fasting, but fasting in the christian world has evolved further and though christian might not fast from food - there are other means and ways of fasting. in todays world one not eating throughtout the day and give a full days work , is unheard off- something is amiss here..
C Cassar
Sep 24th 2008, 12:30
R. Azzopardi: It's about learning what others believe ... and not being so childishly rude.
Kenneth Cassar
Sep 24th 2008, 12:01
@ R Azzopardi: Apperently you did, or you wouldn't have commented ;)
Joseph Cauchi
Sep 24th 2008, 11:46
Could someone tell me how many WIVES did the prophet Mohammed have ?
Thanks.
Malcolm Tortell
Sep 24th 2008, 11:15
@ R Azzopardi:
If you don't care then don't comment.
Joseph Galea
Sep 24th 2008, 10:59
@R. Azzopardi: Whether to care to learn about other religions or not, is up to you. But from such attitudes is bigotry often born.
Pia Zammit
Sep 24th 2008, 10:23
@ R Azzopardi
Wow that's rude. and unbelievably intolerant.
Noone forced you to read the article.
Maybe a period of fasting might make you a nicer person.
Neville Borg
Sep 24th 2008, 10:23
Dear Laiq Ahmed Atif, I have been looking to find out more information about the local representation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, and the functions of this Association. Is there an email address at which I could contact you personally?
R. Azzopardi
Sep 24th 2008, 10:16
Eerrrmm, am I supposed to care?