Salaam and Greetings of Peace:
Contrary to what many people believe, The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is not the founder of Islam (Submission to God). He was a follower of Abraham, to whom God taught the religious duties that Muslims, those who submit to the One God, practice today (Qur’an 2:128). The Prophet’s (pbuh) role was to deliver the Qur’an to mankind, and purify the message and the practices of religion distorted by the idol worshippers.
God revealed the Qur’an into Muhammad’s memory during Ramadan in the Night of Power (Qur’an 17:1, 44:3, 97:1-5). It was then gradually released from his memory in accordance with God’s will and written down by him with the help of Gabriel over a period of 23 years.
Ramadan is the month during which the Qur’an was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. God wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify God for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. – Qur’an 2:185
…You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are God’s laws; you shall not transgress them. God thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation. – Qur’an 2:187
Inshallah, God willing, the first day of Ramadan is July 31, 2011, and the last day of Ramadan is August 29, 2011 for most of USA and Canada. Alaska, Hawaii and certain parts of northwest USA along the coast will end earlier (August 28th).
The first day of Ramadan is August 1, 2011, and the last day of Ramadan is August 29, 2011 for the Middle East, Turkey, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand etc.
The Night of Destiny (Night of Power) will be, inshallah, on August 25, 2011 for those places that start fasting on July 31, and August 26, 2011 for those countries that start Ramadan on August 1.
Rumi’s Ramadan Poem
O moon-faced Beloved,
the month of Ramadan has arrived
Cover the table
and open the path of praise.
O fickle busybody,
it’s time to change your ways.
Can you see the one who’s selling the halvah
how long will it be the halvah you desire?
Just a glimpse of the halvah-maker
has made you so sweet even honey says,
“I’ll put myself beneath your feet, like soil;
I’ll worship at your shrine.”
Your chick frets within the egg
with all your eating and choking.
Break out of your shell that your wings may grow.
Let yourself fly.
The lips of the Master are parched
from calling the Beloved.
The sound of your call resounds
through the horn of your empty belly.
Let nothing be inside of you.
Be empty: give your lips to the lips of the reed.
When like a reed you fill with His breath,
then you’ll taste sweetness.
Sweetness is hidden in the Breath
that fills the reed.
Be like Mary – by that sweet breath
a child grew within her.
May Allah bless our fasting and accept our prayers. Ameen!
Note: Scroll down or click HERE for the 30 Daily Ramadan Prayers 2011/1432.