Why Do We Fast (ramadan) ?
Among the reasons behind fasting are:
1 – Fasting is a means that makes us appreciate and give thanks for pleasures. For fasting means giving up eating, drinking and intercourse, which are among the greatest pleasures. By giving them up for a short time, we begin to appreciate their value. Because the blessings of Allah are not recognized, but when you abstain from them, you begin to recognize them, so this motivates you to be grateful for them.
2 – Fasting is a means of giving up haraam things, because if a person can give up halaal things in order to please Allah and for fear of His painful torment, then he will be more likely to refrain from haraam things. So fasting is a means of avoiding the things that Allah has forbidden.
3 – Fasting enables us to control our desires, because when a person is full his desires grow, but if he is hungry then his desire becomes weak. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “O young men! Whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and protecting one’s chastity. Whoever cannot do that, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.”
4 – Fasting makes us feel compassion and empathy towards the poor, because when the fasting person tastes the pain of hunger for a while, he remembers those who are in this situation all the time, so he will hasten to do acts of kindness to them and show compassion towards them. So fasting is a means of feeling empathy with the poor.
5 – Fasting humiliates and weakens the Shaytaan; it weakens the effects of his whispers (waswaas) on a person and reduces his sins. That is because the Shaytaan “flows through the son of Adam like blood” as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, but fasting narrows the passages through which the Shaytaan flows, so his influence grows less.
Shaykh al-Islam said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 25/246
Undoubtedly blood is created from food and drink, so when a person eats and drinks, the passages through which the devils flow – which is the blood – become wide. But if a person fasts, the passages through which the devils flow become narrow, so hearts are motivated to do good deeds, and to give up evil deeds.
6 – The fasting person is training himself to remember that Allah is always watching, so he gives up the things that he desires even though he is able to take them, because he knows that Allah can see him.
7 – Fasting means developing an attitude of asceticism towards this world and its desires, and seeking that which is with Allah.
8 – It makes the Muslim get used to doing a great deal of acts of worship, because the fasting person usually does more acts of worship and gets used to that.
These are some of the reasons why fasting is enjoined. We ask Allah to help us to achieve them and to worship Him properly.
dEAR MUSLIM/NON MUSLIM brothers/sisters, i agree that closing shops in Ramadam can be considered a pression over everybody for respecting Ramadam, but then, how can you prove that you aren't tempted if the shop would be open?If shops are open, than muslim could proove that they aren't tempted by those things, the idea of huge parties sounds fun to me :)
Regarding shops in the West not closing in christmas, don't forget that the reason is that they are merchants and christmas is the best time for them.
I doubt that any true muslim would criticise Christmas, after all, Jesus Christ was also a profet in Qur'an.
Guys/Girls: Please stop arguing and try to show to each others that you are superior to the other by not behaving same way.
"Love each other as i have loved you" - Jesus Christ
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
they just proved that they don't have discipline... is it hard for them to accept? otherwise they don't allow expats with different nationility. that i can accept the reason...
I can live with a small country like Qatar of a 100% Muslim population, banning food during fasting hours for obvious religious reason. But Qatar and similar countries have to have a plan for all the expats working in the country and others who are Muslims but not fasting for some reason.
The idea of the banning public eating is to discourage eating during fasting hours, respect fasters and place less pressure on them.
Eating discreetly in my car or behind the doors at work should not be a reason for jail, deportation or any kind of punishment. To report someone who is hiding to eat or have a sip of water, is an act of cruelty and savageness, far it from the spirit or even the Book of Islam , in my mostly humble opinion.
In a large country like Egypt of Copts and Muslims, public eating is not banned during fasting hours, socially ostracized though. Most of foreigners barely eat or drink in the streets, unless forced, out of consideration.
Salam
You are here to earn money because you can’t do it in your country. Then you must respect the country of where you are to earn. If you don’t like the religion and tradition in Qatar.. Then you are free to go to the deepest point of the hell.
welcome bro, guys just ignore these losers.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
please ppl who are fed up with Ramadan, be proud say it infront of Qataris, or leave the country RACIST
thank you Realsomeone...appreciated.
rami-leb made some right points: even in schools the "fasting" children come in the morning, filled up to the rim with food and too tired to follow a lesson.
wawww , why you are coming to this country then. eager for money . return to your country learn how to respect others.
There are two key aspects here...
Firstly, we know the rules and what is expected of us when we come here, so we have no "choice" but to go along with it..
Secondly, IMHO , fasting is a test of character and faith. The fasting is only obligatory to Muslims, so non-Muslims should not be forced into not eating in public..
Having said that, non Muslims should also be considerate and ensure that they don't eat in front of Muslims during Ramadan..
How do you know all Qataris you work with eat from sunset to sunrise?? Do you have a night shift with them all? Although you said they don't show up to work all month.
I work with Qataris, they work from 07:00 am- 01:00 pm. They get the job done and fill their positions in the best way they can. Men and women alike. I’m truly proud to be part of their team.
Let's be reasonable in giving evidence of our own lack of prudence.
Salam
Ramadan is sheer nonsense.
Fasting... my a s s.
All the Qataris I work with eat from sunet to sunrise, go home, and sleep during the day. They don't even come to work for the entire month of Ramadan.
They eat more, party more, go out more, indulge more during Ramadan than the entire rest of the year.
It's the poor labourers who have to deal with Ramadan since they have to acually work (not like the lazy Qataris I work with) as well as fast.
And how is it that most other Muslim countries can manage to have Ramadan without passing laws to stop people eating?
Do Gulf Muslims have no self control or something??
Our beliefs & customs are on us not others. I agree with Gypsy, that’s ridicules.
Just because one scholar decided that in 70’s, It doesn’t mean that it’s a tradition.
In my office all of my collegues are muslims except me.
During their fasting hours they used to prepare tea for me.
Since we are in a muslim country by our choice we must respect their beliefs and custom.
Magicdragon yes it depends on sunrise and sunset.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Jazak Allah Khair...realsomeone...intime post...just reminding us that Ramdan is near and be prepared urself that not let go this chance to accumulate as many Hassanat as possible...May Allah give us the will to oblige to the month of Blessings.....ameen
____________________________________________________
Have Courage To Live.
Anyone Can Die.
that's right, realsome. But the evening prayer should not be done in daylight. So the time of it depends on the sun's behavior.
Did i say i knew all muslims... did i even mentione that in my thread.. God you must be just scanning threads and looking for whatever scrap you can get to respond to it... Go back and read the threads...
Never say Never for fear of Forever!!
you said "so they sleep until sunset " so it means you know all muslims, wawwwww
don't judge people, understand what they do and why they do it. People must not be like you to be better .
Tallg, fasting starts morning prayer and finishes evening prayer no matter how many hours will this be .
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Ksarat we dont go away from religion we go for it, its part of our life, if its not important for you, Ignore it. simple
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Do Muslims in the UK have to strictly abide by the fasting during sunset hours rule? When Ramadan falls in the summer that would mean a long time without food - it doesn't get dark til after 10pm and is light again a few hours later.
Well everyone is accountable for what he do, so guys dont simply connect everyone to each other , most muslims strive to do good deeds and to make their remadan perfect dont just pick those who sleep all day.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Are you jealous that others have a higher purpose in life rather than merriment and enjoyment...
Murali that is fasting, eating early before morning prayer and eating evening but ramadan is not only not eating food there is more to Ramadan then eating. you can read the article it explains why ramadan.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
It's true... last meal should be finished before the dawn call to prayer by at least 10 mins... and most of them take ramadan off work so they sleep until sunset call to prayer to eat... so where is the fasting and true diligence to God there??? Hypocrite.. ???
Never say Never for fear of Forever!!
I belevie people eat early in the morining before the sunrise and in the evening after the sunset. Then where is the fasting happening when you have already ate early in the morning??
I don't know if this is true pelase correct if Iam wrong.
maybe you haven't been getting up early enough but sunrise is at 3:30am and sunset is at 6:30pm... thats a full 15 hours !!
And try getting up at 3:30am today and having breakfast at that time... see how much you feel like eating...
Seriously you guys cant get a life away from Religion can ya now...Christianity , Islam...whatever...just cant get over it...
Lots of people on this thread have gone on this feasting at night hypothesesis... I cannot speak on behalf of everyone because obviously cultural practises and eating behaviours differ. But atleast in my family, we don't 'feast' at night during Ramadan. We eat a very light meal. If you've fasted, you'd know that eating a heavy meal after fasting is not a pleasing proposition. You are better off eating light.
I do not deny that there are people feasting out there and food being wasted. But that is not what was advised by the religion. It was advised that you spend this month in devotion and prayer. That is why there are prayers at night on every night of Ramadan and prayers late night up to early morning which are widely practised on the last ten days. Actually, a devout muslim wouldn't even have the time to have a proper meal let alone a feast during Ramadan...
Don't you really read the thread or your just ignorant...??? I'm just stating that there should be leniancy here.. as Mis- Cat said, to be questioned about letting kids under the age of 12 eat?? Come on... that is going too far... but for the sake of culture and religon and respect i do abide by the rules... i'm making a verbal comment here and if that is also forbidden here then what are we doing on the site if you can't comment!!!
Never say Never for fear of Forever!!
thanks for that, in our company you can see muslims greeting others in Christmas and Feast, in Ramadan others are not forbidden from eating or drinking. but some of them choose not to do so. why ppl cannot liv with each other in peace?
I belevie people eat early in the morining before the sunrise and in the evening after the sunset. Then where is the fasting happening when you have already ate early in the morning??
I don't know if this is true pelase correct if Iam wrong.
I'm very considerate to the people in my office fasting, I don't eat in front of them of course. But I don't see how a restuarant being open is a problem, Muslims should simply not go to the restuarants during fasting hours.
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LOL oops! Freudian slip! :P
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Mis-cat children are not obliged to fast.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
It's not just restaurants either, it's not being allowed to even drink a bottle of water (:P) in my car!
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Gypsy I always wondered where you got your fiesty side from - "bottle of war".
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." Barack Obama
In the Uk all muslims are allowed to practice their belief and there is restrictions that can not fast. Now look on the other side of the coin. Here also there is no reasons for non muslims to fast. Howevr the norm and culture of the muslim world does find it pleasant to eat openly. All our collegaues get their tea in their office, they just try to be as much considerate to the one that are fasting.
So the conclusion is Tolernace and understanding
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HE WHO DARES WINS
so go back to these countries if you don't like and for all remeber the subject it is why WE fast ramadan, WE not others. all that hatred for Qatar, leave it guys and go enjoy your time somewhere else. why are you here from the first place?
and for gypsy, please don't speak about other . no one informed us that you are the lawyer of persecuted muslims
I got told of once for allowing my kids to eat in the car..now correct me if I'm wrong but I didn't think that children under the age of 12 have to fast....
"Your born, You Live, You Die, given this premise, one can conclude since we have no control over when we are born and when we die, the only thing that matters to us should be how we live, simple really?" Mis-Cat to her philosophy Lecturer.
Not angry at all. I actually find these things very amusing.
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bikinimuna.... i m not at all here pal ....LOL
GM by the way .... LOL
koko37, you're joking. This "very conservative" country makes about 30 million Riyals revenue from the sales of alcohol every month!
samyaUk, i agree.... the bottom line here is that THIS IS A MUSLIM COUNTRY... for F's sake, accept it. if you dont like it here, why the hell are you here?? there are going to be rules that apply to muslims.. this country is ruled by them, obviously!!!!!! you realy are just angry gyps... you need to de-stress or something, find you chi or your ying or yang... whoooosa!
"And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course" -Khalil Gibran
rizksmatic get out of here..... :)
Sorry guys if i said somthing that might have p!$$ed anyone off, but look on the bright side.. We all respect all religions and their beliefs and customs. We should start a QL religion then no one can argue...
This is not just a Muslim country.. it is a very conservative Muslim country. I've lived in Jordan, Palestine, Dubai, Egypt and they all keep their shops and resturants open during the fasting hours..
Never say Never for fear of Forever!!
well, True, Christians do fast if they want to do it. But they don't force others to do the same.
This isn't really about religion, it's about laws the force non-Muslims to comply to religious laws.
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important, people are fasting during the day that is why shops are closed they need to rest ok. and please for you are not a muslim, don't judge muslims you don't know anything about their religion and please go and ask a Nun why she covers, and ask christians why do they fast and not eat meat .Enough leave religion issues and talk about fashion
Listen i agree that u as a non muslim shouldnt be forced not to eat, but no one is forcing u not 2 eat, i cant see how u think that... The resturants and fast food places are closed during fasting hours, which i guess sucks and isnt fair for you but again i said so many times your in a Muslim country, what do u expect, and Ramadan is for muslims... Its not just about food for us, i cant even wear makeup of perfume which sucks lool i always look sick in Ramadan so at u least u get that... and i dont think its a case of temptation, i think they have this rule as more of respect for the people fasting.. Oh i dont know, ive got myself all confused..
What changes to the shops in the US and UK make, except put up decorations and respond to consumer demand? If a shop in the UK or US is owned by a Muslim and he doesn't want to put up Christmas decorations, he doesn't have too. Why do you make non-Muslim owners here close their shops?
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In the US & UK Muslims do not accept the Christmas.. they do nothing but complain on the radio and news papers, at least here we complain in the net we only a few see it.. it's not public... and who the hell are you to say that i am only here for the money... what do you know about me... my situation.. my thoughts.. my religion... as i said earlier... there may be people here not by choice... and get over yourselves.. why can't muslims take criticism when they critize christans.. get over it!!
Never say Never for fear of Forever!!
aahh !! not again "WAR ON RELIGION's" ....
WitchStick I used to think that of Gypsy til I met her...
The laws are the laws and I enjoy the different cultures in different countries...its all part of the flavour we call life. I dont suffer at all, so long as its not in full view of the locals I drink and eat whatever, whenever.
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." Barack Obama
I agree with you totally, It's as I always say if you believe in your faith strongly enough than no amount of temptation will sway you...
"Your born, You Live, You Die, given this premise, one can conclude since we have no control over when we are born and when we die, the only thing that matters to us should be how we live, simple really?" Mis-Cat to her philosophy Lecturer.
respect to you tallg.... and i do agree that in a lot of countries a lot of people have forgotten the true meaning of it... its a religious thing and should be between you and God... but yes, some people do lose the true meaning of it i think...
"And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course" -Khalil Gibran
I support gypsy 100%. Why censor the Internet? A good muslim does not visit ugly Web Sites. Why cover women? A good muslim looks away. Why close shops during Ramadan? A good muslim is not tempted to eat during the fasting periods. So what is it all about? Forcing other people to behave in a certain way!
Sure, I find them silly, and enjoy pointing out the obvious silliness.
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why in Christmas in UK or USA things must be done, and all shops and places make changes . aren't their muslims their but they accet it with an open heart. another thing this is a muslim country whether you like or not. if not just leave it you are all here for the sake of money and you don't even respect the culture. go back to your countries and don't think you are better than people
Tallg, as human nature yes Muslims are just like anyone else and in Islam its always good idea to remind Muslims about their religious duties.
Children are not obliged to fast, only adults. but this list is also for Non Muslims to understand more about why Muslims fast.
thanks for asking.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
gyps, lol, from all your posts, you are a very angry young lady and clearly this country is not solving your problem... instead of being so anti-islam/anti-any religion, why dont you make a conscious decision to leave... maybe you will be happier elsewhere... leave each to their own.. is there a valid/serious reason you ALWAYS have to comment/criticise people's religious posts?
"And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course" -Khalil Gibran
How am I eating in public if I go to Chillis at lunch? Or McDonalds. Here's a thought, if you're fasting, don't go to restuarants! :-O
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how can you judge people and they this forced, are you inside their hearts. and if you met a case or two this doesn't mean that all are like that. another time make fun of yourself not of people and their believes
realsomeone - I'm interested to know if some Muslims (especially children) have forgotten the true meaning of Ramadan, in the same way that for some Christians Christmas has become commercialised and just an excuse for a party. I heard that people really look forward to Ramadan because they work less hours and get to party every night at different iftars, and that the monetary gifts given to children are becoming ridiculously large. Interested to hear your thoughts on it.
btw, for what it's worth I have no problem observing the rules during Ramadan, we're guests in a Muslim country after all.
I'm sorry, but fasting is a time for challenging temptation. So, if everyone is not allowed to eat then there is no temptation. So by closing all the bars, fast food joints, cateteria's at work, what astaining from temptation are you doing? NONE.. Gypsy, you are right.. if Islam is a choice, then why force it upon others... and why does someone always have to say "If you don't like it then leave" God this sentence is annoying... maybe we are here because we have to be... just because we don't like it it doesn't mean we have an option to leave it... Chill people... we are all allowed to have an opinion here, why jump down others throat if they disagree with yours...
Never say Never for fear of Forever!!
What do u mean we cant follow our own religion with it being enforced on us??? Gypsy wake up... No one said u cant eat, just b descrete about it because for sombody fasting its hard watching someone eat or smoke, i fasted every year in London and it was a nightmare, smoke it my face, people eating fish & chips but that was London... its only 1 month in the year, and again we are living in a Muslim country, so u can dress modest because u live in Qatar, isnt that forcing u to do somthing u dont want? Travel out of Do7a for Ramadan if u really feel u NEED to eat in public....
A Hypocrite? Because I don't believe Religion should be forced on people? How is that a hypocrite.
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why you are living in Qatar then , so you are a Hypocrite or you are here for money only and please be bold and say this infront of a qatari not here hiding
Oh blah blah blah, respect the culture, blah blah. It's positively ridiculous that we are made to suffer because people can't follow their own religion without it being enforced on them.
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Dont b so ignorant...
That is so true.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
""It seems the only purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to piss off people who aren't Muslim my not allowing them to eat.""
Chick your living in a Muslim country... Back in Canada and the UK you can eat anywhere in Ramadan but your in Qatar so u have to respect their customs...
if you hate it that much, travel during Ramadan or simply leave the country. And you don't have to downgrade a worship of others dear
A hungry person? After you gorge yourself all night long? You're hardly dying of starvation. Why should the rest of us be stuck sneaking around trying to get food simply because none of you have the willpower to follow through with your fasting.
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Why is that gypy? you are allowed to eat, but you are not allowed to eat in Public. Why would you want to eat in front of hungry person.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
It seems the only purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to piss off people who aren't Muslim my not allowing them to eat.
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welcome & thank you brothers and sister.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
You can't teach experience
You can't teach experience
Good reminder, thanks for sharing realsomeone..
Hmmm, interesting, well seams there isn't enough misery in the world and people needs to see how it is to live without pleasures, christan priests and nuns are the ones who aren't supposed to have sex all their lifes, i still didn't understand how feasting makes you look better than the one that doesn't, just wondering, is it bad for a muslim not to fast?
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha ha ha
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
I have noticed the amount food wasted by the locals around. Just check it out guys at the food courts in city centre or anywhere... Goo dthey compensate in that 30 days.. though they hogg during the night.
Fasting..!! NO comments
of this becoming a mud slinging, which it can easily turn into, for me, I have never understood how abstaining only during daylight hours can make someone appreciate anything.
Come on, think about it, taking about s*xual abstaining, I mean how many people do end up having s*x during the day. Most of us are to busy working.
Abstaining from food during the day, and gorging yourself at night, what does that prove? The starving people on the streets, don't get to eat abundantly after their day of scrounging around for their measly tidbits.
So, you aren't allowed to smoke? But you can have sheesha in a Ramadan tent at night? Hmmmmm
The only reason you have to give up alcohol, is because non of the bars or the QDC is open during this time, or guarenteed, that would be consumed at night too;-)
To get the true feeling of giving up something, one needs to live the life of a monk/priest for one month, then the true spirit of fasting becomes a reality.
BTW - I like Ramadan. I got to work only 6 hours a day for 1 month :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
Got it :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me
I don't have to give up intercourse for a month to appricite its value. I know I how priceless it is since I was 14 years old :)
Ban Spoon Feeding not Me