This article usually comes during the Muslim month of fasting (Ramadan). This is a good occasion to share some background about fasting for Muslims.
Religions before Islam dictated some type of fasting as part of the worship obligation, but Islam is the only religion that required it for a month every year. In Islam, fasting is one of five pillars of worship that are required from every Muslim.
Muslims fast from food, drinking any liquids, sex and smoking from the breach of dawn until the sunset. They are allowed those things before dawn and after sunset. It is the only worship that is accomplished by abstaining. All other acts of worship are doing tasks or supplications. God also made a special reward for those who do fasting the proper way.
During the month of Ramadan, we are encouraged to do more praying especially at night. Also, more supplications and reciting of the Holy Quran. We are encouraged to think of and help those who have less. Those who cannot afford the expenses of life. Good deeds have a higher reward from God during the fasting month. Muslims are required to stay with their normal schedules. In other words, you should not take off from work or school because you are fasting. Also, you cannot skip fasting because you are working or in college.
While fasting is obligatory for every Muslim, if you are sick, old and in poor health, pregnant or nursing a baby or having a medical situation that requires you to take medicine or food during the day, then you are excused from fasting. Instead of fasting for those groups who have the excuse not to fast, a needy person should be provided with food as a means of making up for not fasting. Some people cannot fast and cannot provide food for a needy person and in that case, they do not have to.
What is more important than fasting is the spiritual purification that one goes through during the month of Ramadan. Everyone rises with their spirit and connects to God through reflection and extra acts of worship. When you are closer to God you are better in every aspect of you. You are better for yourself, your family, your community and humanity.
While you are fasting, take the time to think about what is happening around you. Think of all the violence that is happening and try to figure out how to be an agent of peace. Think of all the nonsense killings and try to practice respect for your life and that of others around you. Think of how free you think when you surrender your will to God and try not to be a slave for any desires of bad habits. Think of the weak, poor and needy and explore ways to empower them and avail help for them. Respect others around you even if you have more. Do not hesitate to share your blessings because they are a gift from God to you.
When fasting is finished, feast on the knowledge that you are now better and more able to make a positive impact on others around you. Reach out to others, let us make rounds of goodness that can make our community better and stronger.
My word to everyone who lives here, please seek to be just in a complete manner. Half justice delivered is no justice. Half solutions are no solutions. Selective adherence to rules and laws is vailed discrimination. If your brother comes walking toward you, run toward them and embrace them with your heart before your arms. The Muslims in Burlington have been dedicating their time, resources and efforts to making Burlington a better place for everyone. Let us, in the spirit of goodness during this Ramadan, at least be as receptive and positive towards the Muslim community and their needs. Let us not ignore their needs under excuses that are, at best, lame.
We are not better by rules on the books. We are better by inclusion and collaboration.
And I end by saying Burlington's best marketing to anyone is its openness to include and provide for everyone. When we include everyone, then we can bring jobs, opportunities and resources to our town, and not the other way around.
Shaher Sayed is congregation leader at Burlington Masjid, 1908 S. Mebane St., Burlington. Contact him at Burlington.Masjid@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Times-News: Sayed: Fasting during the Muslim month Ramadan, making a difference in our community
