1. Turning Client Vision Into Results 1 Ramadhan and Taq’wa A More On Islam Series Presentation. Edited by: A.S. Hashim, MD

2. 2 Time to purify and train body and soul The Blessed Month of Fasting RAMADHAN A quick and easy summary on the meaning, purpose and benefits of fasting in Islam. A More On Islam Series Presentation.

3. 3 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 3 A warm welcome to you! The month of Ramadhan is almost over. This, we expect, would help to explore more about Ramadhan, and appreciate the significance of this blessed month. We hope that this presentation will make your fasting purposeful and rewarding. In another way, this is Ramadan gift for you. Introduction

4. 4 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 4 Ramadan – sacred month in the Islamic Calendar Muharram Safar Rabi al Awwal Rabi at thani Jumadi al Awwal Jumadi al Awwal Jumadi at thani Jumadi at thani Rajab Shaban Ramadan Shawwal Dhu al Qaidah Dhu al Hijjah Islamic Calendar or the Hijri Calendar is based on the lunar year. 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 11 12 10 It is obligatory on Muslims to fast in this month.

5. 5 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 5 Fasting means abstinence X To stop eating, drinking and sexual activity from dawn until dusk X Smoking is also prohibited during fasting ! X

6. 6 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 6 People who are exempted from fasting Aged*Sick** Pregnant Women** Suckling Women** Menstruating Women** * Should donate a meal to the needy * * Should fast an equivalent number of days afterwards Minors Traveler** Very natural, very considerate religion Mentally Retarded “… but whoever is sick or upon a journey, then he shall fast a like number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and He desires that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks.” -Quran- 2:185 “… but whoever is sick or upon a journey, then he shall fast a like number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and He desires that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks.” -Quran- 2:185

7. 7 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 7 Why fasting? The goal of fasting is to develop self-restraint. Holy Quran Holy Quran states: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so you may develop Taq'wa (self-restraint) ” [2:183] Fear of GodLove of God+ What is Ta’qwa? Taq'wa is an Arabic word. It is the state of heart that motivates virtuous conduct and prevents or avoids evil action. leads to Taq'wa (Self-restraint) Example: God says about Mary in the Quran that she said: “Verily!, I have vowed a fast to the Most High…[Maryam 19:26]. Taq'wa is the ability to safe-guard.

8. 8 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 8 Taq'wa  Taq'wa is the Islamic concept of having self-restraint.  It is used 251 times in the Holy Quran as either a noun or a verb.  The term Taq'wa comes from the Arabic root “wa-qa-ya” which means “protection.”  It is important to note that Taq'wa is not about performing religious obligations such as prayer and fasting; Taq'wa is about living a pious life.  A person attaining Taq'wa abandons living an animalistic life and chooses to live a moral life.  The concept of human beings having to fear God actually refers to fearing the rule of divine justice. This notion is seen in the following supplication: من لا يرجی الا فضله ، ولا يخاف الا عدله O Who is not hoped but for His favor, and is not feared but His justice

9. 9 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 9 “A great blessed month…”  People, a great blessed month has come upon you.  Allah has made fasting during it an obligation, and steadfastly observing its nights in worship a voluntary act.  Whoever undertakes an act of obedience to Allah during this month with a righteous deed, it is as if he has performed an obligatory act at other times,  and whoever performs an obligatory act during it is as one who performed seventy obligations at other times.  It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise.  It is the month of goodwill, during which provisions are multiplied. Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) address on the eve of Ramadhan: “ ”

10. 10 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 10 Ramadhan Time-table: What does fasting involve? Eating before dawn Break fast Day Night Eating, drinking and sexual activity permitted Eating, drinking and sexual activity forbidden Special Prayers

11. 11 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 11 Fasting and sins don’t go together “ Allah has no need for the hunger and the thirst of the person who does not restrain from telling lies and acting on them even while observing fast.” Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “ When one of you is fasting, He should abstain from indecent acts and foul talk, and if someone begins an obscene conversation or tries to pick an argument, he should simply tell him, ‘I am fasting.’”

12. 12 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 12 Annual training for character-building Ramadhan Rest of the year Ramadhan provides an annual training opportunity that is meant to fulfil the character- building needs for the rest of the year.

13. 13 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 13 Benefits of Fasting in Islam : How character-building is achieved… Taq'wa (Self- restraint) Fasting Patience Self-control Self-discipline Responsibility Obedience Purification of soul God-fearing nature Afterlife Accountability

14. 14 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 14 Days of Ramadan 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 God’s Forgiveness Salvation from Hell-fire God’s Mercy Accordingly, Let's beg for Allah’s mercy, His forgiveness and salvation from the hell-fire

15. 15 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 15 Reward of fasting “Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed receiving ten times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High said, ‘Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me.’ for the fasting person there are two times of joy; a time when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of musk.” Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) proclaimed the reward of fasting:

16. 16 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 16 Developing ethics through fasting: Social responsibility and Individual morality “Two-fold, I learned is the purpose of fasting. One has to abstain from food and drink in order to feel in one’s body what the poor and hungry feel. Thus, social responsibility is being hammered into religious consciousness as a religious postulate. The other purpose of fasting during Ramadan is self- discipline, an aspect of individual morality strongly accentuated in all Islamic teachings (as for instance in the total prohibition of all intoxicants which Islam regards as too easy avenue of escape from consciousness and responsibility). In these two elements- brotherhood of man and individual self-discipline- began to discern the outlines of Islam’s ethical outlook.” Muhammad Asad (formerly Leopold Weiss) perspective on fasting in his book Road to Mecca Social responsibilit y Self- discipline Islamic Ethics

17. 17 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 17 Ramadhan: Cultivating feelings for poor and hungry These are familiar images from Africa. But poor and hungry people may be present in your neighbourhood. These are familiar images from Africa. But poor and hungry people may be present in your neighbourhood. Do you feel how the hungry and thirsty feel? The condition of hunger gets highlighted on each fasting person leading to:  Care and concern for the poor and hungry  Helping attitude towards have-nots  Charity and donations  Refrain from wasting food and drinks.  Social responsibility Photo courtesy: Reliefonline.org and refugeecamp.org

18. 18 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 18 The month of the Revelation of the Holy Quran “The month of Ramadhan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction”- Holy Quran 2:185 And in truth We have made the Quran easy to remember; but is there any that remembers? - Holy Quran 54:17 Do you know this about the Quran?

19. 19 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 19 Fasting for good health “Fast and you shall become healthy” -Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) “Fast and you shall become healthy” -Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) 1.“Fasting gives the body the environment to heal itself--physiologic rest” 2.“Abstinence from food for a short time can in no way operate to the disadvantage of a normal person.” 3.“In fact, individuals affected with certain types of gastrointestinal disorders are benefited by fasting.” 4.“Fasting has also been used in cases of diabetes and obesity.” 5.“It is a cleansing process and a physiologic or functional rest which prepares the body for future correct living.” Recent Perspectives by others Stated 1400 years ago Stated 1400 years ago

20. 20 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 20 The role of fasting according to Dr Jack Goldstein* It promotes elimination of metabolic wastes It allows the body to adjust and normalize its biochemistry and also its secretions It lets the body break down and absorb swellings, deposits, diseased tissues, and abnormal growths; It restores a youthful condition to the cells and tissues It increases the powers of digestion and assimilation ( absorption and utilization of food into the system) It permits the conservation and re-routing of energy; It clears and strengthens the mind; * From the Book Triumph Over Disease By Fasting and Natural Diet It gives vital organs a complete rest Fasting is good for the human body

21. 21 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 21 Misbeliefs about fasting*  Fasting does not:  cause the stomach to atrophy  paralyze the bowels  deplete the blood  produce anemia  cause the heart to weaken or collapse  produce deficiency or mal-nutritional disease  reduce resistance to disease  harm the teeth, the nervous system, glands or vital organs  weaken the vital powers or cause mental disturbances. Blood sugar is little depressed; it is synthesized from protein. * From the Book Triumph Over Disease By Fasting and Natural Diet

22. 22 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com Major Events in Ramadhan DateYear Hijrah.Year ADMajor Events 17 Ramadhan2624Battle of Badr 15 Ramadhan3625Birth of Imam Hasan 10 Ramadhan8630Prophet: Conquered Mecca 3 Ramadhan9631set out for the Battle of Tabuk 10 Ramadhan3 yrs before H.617Khadijah died 19 Ramadhan40667Wounding of Ali, while praying 21 Ramadhan40667Wafat of Imam Ali: on Leilatul Qadr 10 Ramadhan60691Husain receives the first deputation of 35 letters urging him to go to Kufa 7 Ramadhan361970Construction of Al-Azhar by the Fatimi 8 Ramadhan13331925Destruction of Ahlul Bayt shrines in Medina

23. 23 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com Special Days in Ramadhan: RevelationsPsalms QuranQadr 6th 18th12th TorahBible Ramadhan

24. 24 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 24 In a Nutshell:  Ramadhan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship.  Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam.  The fast (sawn) begins at dawn and ends at sunset.  In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and generally sinful speech and behavior.  The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from impurities.  Ramadhan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self- discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).zakat

25. 25 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 25 About Taq’wa  Taq'wa is the prerequisite for a person who wants to live his life by certain principles, whether they are religious or not, and he is to have a clear direction in order to move towards a specific goal.  In religious context, Taq'wa is the quality of those who protect themselves from all what is considered by religion as wrong and sinful.  In stating this, there are two kinds of Taq'wa:  the first is just to avoid facing situations, in which sins may take place and this is the quality of the weak people and leads to seclusion and isolation, (Preventive)  while the second is to face challenges and remain persistent and this is the quality of those who are strong in their faith and can play an active role in society. (Proactive)

26. 26 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 26 About Taq’wa  The Quran prescribes fasting for believers in these words:  يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ  “O you who believe, the fasts have been enjoined upon you as they were enjoined upon those before you, so you may attain Taq'wa” ( 2:183 ). 2:183  Taq'wa in Ramadhan is a measure of a man’s genuine worth.  The best of men is the one with the most Taq'wa.  In Allah’s measure, the worth are not the ones with riches and position, but rather those with Taq'wa especially in Ramadhan.  The faithful Muslim endeavors to attain Taq'wa, especially in Ramadhan.

27. 27 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 27 About compensation for Taq’wa  وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ  And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord; and a Garden as extensive as the heavens and the earth, it is for individuals of Taq'wa.  When asked, the Messenger of Allah pointed to his heart saying: “Taq'wa is over here” three times,  In fact, Taq'wa in Ramadhan is a level of earnestness one can’t guarantee effectively.  Ramadhan in any event gives and encourages a gigantic chance to land at such level of Taq’wa, if the guidelines of Ramadan were watched honorably.

28. 28 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 28 :Taq’wa سورة آل عمران - سورة 3 - آية 102-103سورة آل عمران The Commandment to pursue Taq’wa:  يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ  وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا ۚ وَاذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ كُنْتُمْ أَعْدَاءً فَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُمْ بِنِعْمَتِهِ إِخْوَانًا  وَكُنْتُمْ عَلَىٰ شَفَا حُفْرَةٍ مِنَ النَّارِ فَأَنْقَذَكُمْ مِنْهَا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ آيَاتِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ  O ye who believe! HEED ALLAH as He should be heeded, and die not except in a state of Islam.  And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited,  and remember the favor of Allah on you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts so by His favor you became brethren;  and you were on the brink of a pit of fire, then He saved you from it, thus does Allah make His Signs clear to you, that you may follow the right way.

29. 29 This presentation is a part of More on Islam presentation series. For other titles please contact moreonislam@hotmail.com 29 Learn more… For further information, suggestions and comments contact moreonislam@hotmail.com Please get to know more and change your life. Thank you and May Allah bless you and reward you aplenty for your fasting Dr. Hashim