“O
ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to
those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint, not night thereto.
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a
journey, the prescribed number (should be made up from days later. For
those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one
that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, --it
is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew. Ramadan is the (month)
in which was sent down the Koran, as a guide to mankind, also Clear
(Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every
one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend
it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed
period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility
for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to
complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided
you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. When My servants ask thee
concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of
every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will,
listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right
way. Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to
your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah
knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to
you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah
hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn
appear to distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till
the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in
retreat in the mosques. Those are limits (set by) Allah: Approach not
nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear his Signs to men: that they may
learn self-restraint. (Quran 2:183-187)
The
above quoted Quranic verses (183-187) from Surat Al-Baqarat refers to
the importance of the holy month of Ramadan and emphasizes the spiritual
aspects of fasting. Fasting is not meant for self-torture. Instead, it
is a beautiful gift from Allah. Even modern scientists agree that
machines require a rest period due to "metal fatigue". Almighty Allah
created us and knows that we are weak in body and spirit; we are in need
of occasions to boost and revitalize our weak Iman (faith) so that we
may adhere to the commands of Allah in the way shown to us by our
beloved Prophet Muhammad.
During
this holy month of Ramadan, all mosques have been recording huge
increase in worshippers; spiritual contemplation and acts of charity
have increased; ties of brotherhood strengthened; angers and tempers
subsided and an atmosphere of peace has prevailed. If only these could
continue after the Ramadan, the Ummah and the country would be a better
place. But lo, the evil machinations of man will be revved up once again
and the march towards perdition will be renewed with vigor. It would be
as if the Ramadan fast was an interlude in our inglorious life; making
the whole sacrifice unworthy and worthless and an exercise in futility.
This would be a great shame.
Therefore,
we should resolve to be steadfast in the good habits acquired during
the holy month of fasting. Let us all once again pledge ourselves to
follow the example of the Holy Prophet who was the most active among
people during the month of fasting.
The
turning away from Islamic precepts and teachings has ushered in a host
of problems. And turning night into day defeats the whole purpose of the
fast.
Muslims
should be bold enough to admit that many of their problems are created
by themselves. To admit this is the first step toward solving the
numerous problems facing the Muslim Ummah. We, as Muslims, are obliged
to follow the teachings of the Holy Quran and the life of Prophet
Muhammad (PBOH). I believe that the only solution to our present
difficulties is to read, understand and follow the teachings of Quran in
its proper perspective. Fasting is not merely abstention from food and
drink; it is a temporary cessation of eating and drinking which enables
attention to be directed to higher things and thus making the fast more
meaningful; like kindness and goodness of which Mark Twain said: “Goodness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
Let
us pray that as we approach the end of this holy month of Ramadan, a
sincere effort will be made by all Muslims to come closer to Almighty
Allah through prayers, compassion, forgiveness, empathy, Zakat and
charity: And, through hard work, let us make this a better world for us
and our children. This is particularly important for our leaders, as
Simon Kolawole admonished in his column last Sunday: “I
think our leaders need to have a genuine conversation with their
consciences. As they bask in the sunshine from the balconies of their
yachts, they need to ask themselves if this is the reward for our love.
As they lavish billions of naira to arrange weddings for their sons and
daughters and designer cars for their wives, they need to examine their
consciences. The reckless display of wealth in the midst of poverty is
an insult on injury. Nigerians are justified to expect the dividends of
democracy.”
And while doing our duty by our fellow man, our families, children and community, let us pray:
Our
Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear.
Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art
our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith (Quran
2:286)
O Almighty Allah help us attain the true spirit and essence of Ramadan and accept our fasting. Ameen!
Barka Juma’at and Ramadan Kareem
Milestones:
Our
brother and friend Ambassador Abiodun Bashua celebrates his birthday
today. Biodun, as we fondly call him has been a classmate from secondary
school through the university. He is your quintessential diplomat;
having served his country and the United Nations before retiring. We
wish him many happy returns and Allah’s blessings.
Our nephew, Rotimi Eyinola in far away United States is also a year older today. We wish him happy birthday.
On Sunday 10th of
June is the happy birthday of our very own wife and sister, Rt. Hon.
Justice Kudirat Abike Jose. She is the portrait of a ‘good wife’. May
Allah increase her in knowledge and grant her the Wisdom of Solomon,
long life and good health.
That
same Sunday, a lifelong friend and brother Akin Aloba celebrates
another milestone. Scion of the illustrious Abiodun Aloba aka Ebenezer
Williams of blessed memory, Akin is contentment personified and a
perfect gentleman. May Allah be pleased with him.
--
Babatunde Jose iPhone 7
No comments:
Post a Comment