Ramadan: Eating Vs Prayer

At times, it may be forgiven if some non-Muslims look upon us and wonder if Ramadan was all about food deprivation during the day, and food excess during the night.

While it is true that the tangible aspect of Ramadan is clearly abstaining from food and drink, the real (spiritual) purpose and focus for us during this month should be our increased connectedness to Allah. As the days of Ramadan progress, our senses become less clouded with the constant need for food and drink. And this state is what we need to attain - if we overeat at night, and sleep away our nights and day away, we will sorely miss out on what we were meant to experience, see and comprehend.

As Jalaluddin Rumi puts it:

There is an unseen sweetness
in the stomach's emptiness.
We are lutes.
When the soundbox is filled,
no music can come forth.

When the brain and the belly
are burning from fasting,
every moment a new song rises
out of the fire.

The mists clear,
and a new vitality makes you
spring up the steps before you.

Be empty and cry as a reed instrument.
Be empty and write secrets with a reed pen.

When satiated by food and drink,
an unsightly metal statue
is seated where your spirit should be.

When fasting, good habits gather like
helpful friends.

Fasting is Solomon's ring.
Don't give in to illusion
and lose your power.

But even when all will and control
have been lost,
they will return when you fast,
like soldiers appearing out of the ground,
or pennants flying in the breeze.

A table descends to your tents,
the Lord's table.
Anticipate seeing it when fasting,
this table spread with a different food,
far better than the broth of cabbages.

Ramadan is a time for us to be jolted from our daily affairs - we HAVE to fast, it is a requirement from Allah. This physical act of fasting and the consequent hunger and thirst serves as a reminder of our dependence on Allah's mercy.

"There are as many forms of fasting as there are organs of perception and sensation, and each of these has many different levels. So we ask to fast from all that Allah does not love for us, and to feast on what the Beloved loves for us. Let us certainly fast from the limited mind, and all that it conjures up. Let us fast from fear, apart from fear and awe of Allah's majesty. Let us fast from thinking that we know, when Allah alone is the Knower. Let us fast from thinking negatively of anyone. Let us fast from our manipulations and strategies. Let us fast from all complaint about the life experiences that Allah gives us. Let us fast from our bad habits and our reactions. Let us fast from desiring what we do not have. Let us fast from obsession. Let us fast from despair. Let us fast from not loving our self, and from denying our heart. Let us fast from selfishness and self-centered behavior. Let us fast from thinking that only what serves us is important. Let us fast from seeing reality only from our own point of view. Let us fast from seeing any reality other than Allah, and from relying on anything other than Allah. Let us fast from desiring anything other than Allah and Allah's Prophets and friends, and our own true self. Essentially, let us fast from thinking that we have any existence separate from Allah."

Quote: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/imam-khalid-latif/ramadan-reflection-day-1_b_914529.html?ref=tw

Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven."

Please do not overeat and become so lethargic that you are unable to devote time and energy to prayers in the night. Please do not overeat that you are unable to wake up early the next day and function as you normally would on any other day.

Ramadan Advice: This Month is NOT About Food