Name: Fasting I 9th May 07 — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Uploaded: 2017-08-06
Duration: 59 min 18 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “Fasting I 9th May 07”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps. Covers: Sawm as eternal worship in spirit.

0:10 Bismillah Rehmane Raheem, wasallallah ala Nabiyil Kareem. بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم، وصلی اللہ علی النبی الکریم۔

0:20 Rabishrah li sadri, wayassir li amri, wah lul uqdatan min lisani yafqahu qawli. رب اشرح لی صدری، ویسر لی امری، واحل العقدۃ من لسانی یفقہ قولی۔

0:30 The topic for this day is Sawm, The topic for this day is Sawm,

0:40 that is fasting. that is fasting.

0:50 According to Hadith, there are five pillars of Islam: بنیان الاسلام اولی خمس، شہادت لا الہ الا اللہ، According to Hadith, there are five pillars of Islam: بنیان الاسلام اولی خمس، شہادت لا الہ الا اللہ،

1:01 وان محمد عبدہ ورسولہ، واقام الصلاۃ، واطاع الزکوۃ، وان محمد عبدہ ورسولہ، واقام الصلاۃ، واطاع الزکوۃ،

1:11 والحج، وصوم رمضان۔ والحج، وصوم رمضان۔

1:22 According to this Hadith, one of the five pillars of Islam is Sawm, that is fasting a Rosa. According to this Hadith, one of the five pillars of Islam is Sawm, that is fasting a Rosa.

1:32 Literally, Sawm means abstinence. Abstinence Literally, Sawm means abstinence. Abstinence

1:43 . .

1:53 Sawm is an annual worship. Sawm is an annual worship.

2:03 Every year in the month of Ramadan, believers are ordained to fast Every year in the month of Ramadan, believers are ordained to fast

2:14 Sawm, that is you can eat in the nighttime, but from the morning till light up to the Sawm, that is you can eat in the nighttime, but from the morning till light up to the

2:29 sunset, you must not take anything, neither food nor drink. sunset, you must not take anything, neither food nor drink.

2:45 So this is Rosa. So this is Rosa.

2:56 There are some other masails, some other aqam of Rosa, but in the present talk, I would like There are some other masails, some other aqam of Rosa, but in the present talk, I would like

3:06 to say a few words about the deeper meaning of Sawm, that is fasting. to say a few words about the deeper meaning of Sawm, that is fasting.

3:17 Generally, people are aware of the masails, but as far as the meaning and wisdom is concerned, people Generally, people are aware of the masails, but as far as the meaning and wisdom is concerned, people

3:24 know little about it. know little about it.

3:32 First of all, I would like to refer to the verse from the Quran. First of all, I would like to refer to the verse from the Quran.

3:39 In chapter Al-Baqarah number 2 In chapter Al-Baqarah number 2

3:47 , you can read this verse: "Ya ayyuhalladheen amanu, kutib 'alaykum as-siyam kama kutib 'alalladheen min qablikum, la lalukum tattaqoon." It means that Sawm's fasting was given , you can read this verse: "Ya ayyuhalladheen amanu, kutib 'alaykum as-siyam kama kutib 'alalladheen min qablikum, la lalukum tattaqoon." It means that Sawm's fasting was given

4:17 to all the prophets, all the Ummah. to all the prophets, all the Ummah.

4:24 In every period of history, all the prophets and all the Ummah were given this hukm. In every period of history, all the prophets and all the Ummah were given this hukm.

4:32 So everyone was fasting. So everyone was fasting.

4:39 It means that fasting has an It means that fasting has an

4:47 eternal value. eternal value.

4:53 Fasting has an eternal value. Fasting has an eternal value.

4:59 It is not simply only to the Shariah Islamiyah, but it is Shariah Abadiyah, eternal religion. It is not simply only to the Shariah Islamiyah, but it is Shariah Abadiyah, eternal religion.

5:05 It is a part of eternal religion. It is a part of eternal religion.

5:11 Now you know the first person Now you know the first person

5:17 was Adam, and also the first prophet was Adam. was Adam, and also the first prophet was Adam.

5:25 To what was Adam's Sawm? To what was Adam's Sawm?

5:32 What was Adam's fasting? What was Adam's fasting?

5:40 When we try to know this, we discover a very important fact, that although Sawm When we try to know this, we discover a very important fact, that although Sawm

5:48 in its present form is a specific ibadah, but in the previous history, there were some different forms. in its present form is a specific ibadah, but in the previous history, there were some different forms.

6:03 So when I say that Sawm was an eternal ibadah So when I say that Sawm was an eternal ibadah

6:18 right from the first person up to the present generation, so this was in terms of its spirit, right from the first person up to the present generation, so this was in terms of its spirit,

6:26 not in terms of form. not in terms of form.

6:33 To restore this point, I will elaborate. To restore this point, I will elaborate.

6:41 I will try to elaborate this point I will try to elaborate this point

6:48 .

6:55 You know, when God Almighty created Adam, He settled him in Paradise. You know, when God Almighty created Adam, He settled him in Paradise.

7:01 Perhaps it was a temporary form of Paradise. Perhaps it was a temporary form of Paradise.

7:07 According to the Biblical account, it was a garden in Eden. According to the Biblical account, it was a garden in Eden.

7:14 Eden is a countr Eden is a countr

7:20 y. So according to Biblical account, it was like a large kind of farmhouse. But this is not mentioned in the Quran. In the Quran, the word is Jannah. So Adam was settled in Jannah, maybe in some part of the Jannah, or in y. So according to Biblical account, it was like a large kind of farmhouse. But this is not mentioned in the Quran. In the Quran, the word is Jannah. So Adam was settled in Jannah, maybe in some part of the Jannah, or in

7:50 a temporary kind of Paradise. a temporary kind of Paradise.

8:00 So at that time, God Almighty said to Adam: "Uskun anta buzojika, you and your wife, settle here So at that time, God Almighty said to Adam: "Uskun anta buzojika, you and your wife, settle here

8:11 in this Paradise." But there was in this Paradise." But there was

8:22 one more direction: "La taqraba hadhi shajara." Don't approach this tree. one more direction: "La taqraba hadhi shajara." Don't approach this tree.

8:32 So in that Paradise, there was a forbidden tree. So in that Paradise, there was a forbidden tree.

8:42 In that Paradise, there was a In that Paradise, there was a

8:52 forbidden tree. forbidden tree.

8:59 So Adam was free in this Paradise, but he was not free to approach this tree. So Adam was free in this Paradise, but he was not free to approach this tree.

9:07 So this was freedom, but a restricted freedom. So this was freedom, but a restricted freedom.

9:15 According to the Quranic account, Adam was completely free in this Paradise, but According to the Quranic account, Adam was completely free in this Paradise, but

9:23 with an exception, that he was not free to approach that forbidden tree. with an exception, that he was not free to approach that forbidden tree.

9:29 So I can say that it was a restricted freedom. Restricted freedom. So I can say that it was a restricted freedom. Restricted freedom.

9:35 This reference is very important. This reference is very important.

9:41 Very, very important. Very, very important.

9:47 And I can say that And I can say that

9:54 Sawm or fasting is a symbol of this kind of injunction. Sawm or fasting is a symbol of this kind of injunction.

10:04 What is required by man is to live in this world, but with restricted freedom. What is required by man is to live in this world, but with restricted freedom.

10:14 You know, philosophers say that the greatest boon You know, philosophers say that the greatest boon

10:24 for mankind is freedom. for mankind is freedom.

10:31 They take freedom as samambonam. They take freedom as samambonam.

10:39 They take freedom as samambonam, that is greatest blessing, greatest good, the highest good. They take freedom as samambonam, that is greatest blessing, greatest good, the highest good.

10:46 So according to philosophers and thinkers, freedom is the highest good So according to philosophers and thinkers, freedom is the highest good

10:54 for mankind. for mankind.

11:02 But Sawm reminds you that you are free, but you have only restricted freedom, not total freedom. But Sawm reminds you that you are free, but you have only restricted freedom, not total freedom.

11:10 This is very important. This is very important.

11:17 This is the basis of all teachings of divine religion. This is the basis of all teachings of divine religion.

11:25 According to Islamic teachings, man was created and he was settled in this world, and he was given According to Islamic teachings, man was created and he was settled in this world, and he was given

11:31 all these things which we find in this planet Earth. all these things which we find in this planet Earth.

11:37 But this was not as a reward. But this was not as a reward.

11:43 This was not as aright. This was not as aright.

11:49 But this was only given him only as a But this was only given him only as a

11:56 test paper. test paper.

12:00 So freedom is also a test paper. So freedom is also a test paper.

12:04 It is true that freedom is a samambonam. It is true that freedom is a samambonam.

12:09 Freedom is the highest good. Freedom is the highest good.

12:13 But freedom itself is a test paper. But freedom itself is a test paper.

12:17 You have to use this freedom in a restricted form, in a limited form. You have to use this freedom in a restricted form, in a limited form.

12:22 You cannot use You cannot use

12:26 this freedom without any limitations. No. this freedom without any limitations. No.

12:36 And it is this freedom that decides about your future. And it is this freedom that decides about your future.

12:46 Those people who use their freedom properly, according to the Those people who use their freedom properly, according to the

12:56 divine command, they will be rewarded Paradise. divine command, they will be rewarded Paradise.

13:06 And those who misuse their freedom, they go against the divine commands, so they will be cast down in Hell. And those who misuse their freedom, they go against the divine commands, so they will be cast down in Hell.

13:17 So I can say that So I can say that

13:27 Sawm or Rosa or fasting is a very important thing. Sawm or Rosa or fasting is a very important thing.

13:37 It plays a very important role in human life. It plays a very important role in human life.

13:47 Fasting or Sawm Fasting or Sawm

13:57 reminds you every year that although you are free, you cannot enjoy freedom, that your freedom is a reminds you every year that although you are free, you cannot enjoy freedom, that your freedom is a

14:07 limited freedom, a restricted freedom. limited freedom, a restricted freedom.

14:18 So you have to know consciously this fact. You So you have to know consciously this fact. You

14:28 have to restrict yourself. have to restrict yourself.

14:35 And this is the test paper. And this is the test paper.

14:43 So I think that from Adam up to the present believers, up to the Shariah of Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), this So I think that from Adam up to the present believers, up to the Shariah of Muhammad (صلى

14:51 was a lesson given to all mankind. الله عليه وسلم), this

14:58 And this lesson was given to him at the beginning, when God settled down Adam in Paradise, and was a lesson given to all mankind.

15:06 He said that, "Here is a forbidden tree. And this lesson was given to him at the beginning, when God settled down Adam in Paradise, and

15:13 Don't approach this tree." So in the beginning, God He said that, "Here is a forbidden tree.

15:21 Don't approach this tree." So in the beginning, God Don't approach this tree." So in the beginning, God

15:29 gave him this lesson, that you have freedom, but you have a restricted freedom. Restricted freedom. gave him this lesson, that you have freedom, but you have a restricted freedom. Restricted freedom.

15:44 This is the greatest lesson given to Adam, and also this is the greatest lesson which is This is the greatest lesson given to Adam, and also this is the greatest lesson which is

15:59 a part of Islamic Shariah, a part of Sawm or fasting. a part of Islamic Shariah, a part of Sawm or fasting.

16:15 Then, you know, man has many mean desires, different kinds of desires. For example, Then, you know, man has many mean desires, different kinds of desires. For example,

16:32 self-interest or other kinds of desires. self-interest or other kinds of desires.

16:38 So these desires are given to man not as an evil. So these desires are given to man not as an evil.

16:44 These desires are also as a test paper. These desires are also as a test paper.

16:50 And we have to control these desires. And we have to control these desires.

16:56 And Sawm only prepares us And Sawm only prepares us

17:02 .

17:08 Sawm enables us to control these desires. Sawm enables us to control these desires.

17:14 Here, I would like to say that these things are not evil, but they have two aspects, positive Here, I would like to say that these things are not evil, but they have two aspects, positive

17:21 aspect and negative aspect. aspect and negative aspect.

17:27 Let us take the example of ego. Everyone Let us take the example of ego. Everyone

17:33 has ego. has ego.

17:38 Everybody is born with ego. Everybody is born with ego.

17:43 Ego is a part of human life. Ego is a part of human life.

17:48 But ego is not an evil. But ego is not an evil.

17:53 There are two aspects of ego, positive or negative. There are two aspects of ego, positive or negative.

17:58 The positive aspect of ego is that it gives you determin The positive aspect of ego is that it gives you determin

18:03 ation. ation.

18:08 It gives you assertion. It gives you assertion.

18:13 Without ego, you cannot assert. Without ego, you cannot assert.

18:18 So ego is the source of determinism. So ego is the source of determinism.

18:23 This is the positive point of ego. This is the positive point of ego.

18:28 But the negative point is that sometimes your ego is so But the negative point is that sometimes your ego is so

18:33 inflammated that you become arrogant. inflammated that you become arrogant.

18:43 So if your ego turns into arrogance, then it is the negative aspect of ego. So if your ego turns into arrogance, then it is the negative aspect of ego.

18:54 But if it gives you assertion and determinism, then it is the positive aspect of ego. So But if it gives you assertion and determinism, then it is the positive aspect of ego. So

19:04 Sawm enables you to manage your ego. Sawm enables you to manage your ego.

19:14 When you, in Sawm, in the during fasting, you are trained to manage your desires, desires of drink, When you, in Sawm, in the during fasting, you are trained to manage your desires, desires of drink,

19:24 desires of food desires of food

19:35 , and other desires. So you are trained to control your desires. You are trained to manage your desires. So this ability makes you able to manage your ego also. So if you manage your ego, then it is good for you. But if you fail , and other desires. So you are trained to control your desires. You are trained to manage your desires. So this ability makes you able to manage your ego also. So if you manage your ego, then it is good for you. But if you fail

20:05 to manage your ego, then it is not good for you. to manage your ego, then it is not good for you.

20:10 So is the case of self-interest. So is the case of self-interest.

20:15 Self-interest is not bad. Self-interest is not bad.

20:20 There are two aspects. There are two aspects.

20:25 Again, there are two aspects of self-interest, positive or negative. Again, there are two aspects of self-interest, positive or negative.

20:31 The positive aspect of self-interest is that The positive aspect of self-interest is that

20:36 the positive aspect of self-interest is that it gives you motivation, incentive. the positive aspect of self-interest is that it gives you motivation, incentive.

20:42 Without self-interest, there is no motivation. Without self-interest, there is no motivation.

20:48 Self-interest is a motivative force. Self-interest is a motivative force.

20:55 It motivates you. It motivates you.

21:01 It serves as an incentive force. It serves as an incentive force.

21:08 So in this sense, self-interest is good. But if self-interest becomes exploitation, then it is not good. It is bad. So the training of Sawm makes you able to refrain y So in this sense, self-interest is good. But if self-interest becomes exploitation, then it is not good. It is bad. So the training of Sawm makes you able to refrain y

21:38 ourselves from becoming an exploiter. ourself from becoming an exploiter.

21:48 If you train yourself through Sawm, through fasting, you will be able to manage your self-interest. If you train yourself through Sawm, through fasting, you will be able to manage your self-interest.

21:58 You will be able to restrict your self-interest to its pos You will be able to restrict your self-interest to its pos

22:08 itive limit. itive limit.

22:14 This is the function of Sawm in terms of desire management. This is the function of Sawm in terms of desire management.

22:21 So it is very important. So it is very important.

22:27 Very, very important. Very, very important.

22:34 The Prophet of Islam has said that, The Prophet of Islam has said that,

22:40 "Kullu amal ibni Bani Adam is bashri amsaliha." Waqala Allah Ta'ala illa Sawm. "Kullu amal ibni Bani Adam is bashri amsaliha." Waqala Allah Ta'ala illa Sawm.

22:51 "Fainnehu li wana ajzi bihi." These are sayings of the Prophet of Islam. "Fainnehu li wana ajzi bihi." These are sayings of the Prophet of Islam.

23:02 It means that It means that

23:13 the reward of every good deed multiplies by tenfolds up to seven hundredfold. the reward of every good deed multiplies by tenfolds up to seven hundredfold.

23:28 But God Almighty says that, "Sawm is for M But God Almighty says that, "Sawm is for M

23:44 e, and I will reward beyond measure." So why is there such importance of Sawm, of fasting, Islamic fasting e, and I will reward beyond measure." So why is there such importance of Sawm, of fasting, Islamic fasting

24:14 ? Why? ? Why?

24:22 I can say that the reason is that Sawm is the most important aspect of Islamic teachings in I can say that the reason is that Sawm is the most important aspect of Islamic teachings in

24:30 terms of spirit, not in terms of form. terms of spirit, not in terms of form.

24:38 The spirit of Sawm is that The spirit of Sawm is that

24:46 you must live in this world with restrictions, with self-control, with self-restraint, with self-restraint, with self-discipline. you must live in this world with restrictions, with self-control, with self-restraint, with self-restraint, with self-discipline.

24:57 This is the most important aspect of Sawm. This is the most important aspect of Sawm.

25:07 Sawm inculcates in your personality the spirit of self-discipline, Sawm inculcates in your personality the spirit of self-discipline,

25:17 self-control, self-restraint, and it enables you to live with restricted freedom. self-control, self-restraint, and it enables you to live with restricted freedom.

25:25 So this is the most important part of Islamic life. So this is the most important part of Islamic life.

25:34 The whole Krishna plot of God is based on this concept. The whole Krishna plot of God is based on this concept.

25:42 God created man God created man

25:50 as an God created man and gave him freedom, total freedom. as an God created man and gave him freedom, total freedom.

25:58 But this freedom was not as aright, not as a reward, as a blessing, but it was as But this freedom was not as aright, not as a reward, as a blessing, but it was as

26:07 a test paper. a test paper.

26:15 So the most crucial test is that you must use your freedom in a restricted manner. So the most crucial test is that you must use your freedom in a restricted manner.

26:23 This is the base of the whole Krishna plot. This is the base of the whole Krishna plot.

26:29 The greatest blessing to man is freedom. The greatest blessing to man is freedom.

26:34 And freedom is the crucial test. And freedom is the crucial test.

26:39 If you misuse your freedom, then your case is a failure case. If you misuse your freedom, then your case is a failure case.

26:44 Your case is a case of failure. Your case is a case of failure.

26:50 And if you And if you

26:55 use it properly, then you are a success. use it properly, then you are a success.

27:03 So according to the Krishna plot of God, the most important thing is the concept of freedom, the So according to the Krishna plot of God, the most important thing is the concept of freedom, the

27:10 concept of restricted freedom. concept of restricted freedom.

27:18 Because of due to this importance, under this Because of due to this importance, under this

27:26 by taking this injunction, by taking this concept, you can understand that Hadith, that God Almighty will reward by taking this injunction, by taking this concept, you can understand that Hadith, that God Almighty will reward

27:36 the greatest blessing to those people who perform Sawm with this true spirit. the greatest blessing to those people who perform Sawm with this true spirit.

27:46 Here, I would like to Here, I would like to

27:56 add that Sawm is not anything else. add that Sawm is not anything else.

28:02 Rituals are not simply a form. Rituals are not simply a form.

28:08 Sawm is a spirit. Sawm is a spirit.

28:14 It is the spirit that is Sawm and not simply its form. It is the spirit that is Sawm and not simply its form.

28:21 There is a Hadith the Prophet of Islam has said, There is a Hadith the Prophet of Islam has said,

28:27 "La izarun naso bikhairin ma'ajjalul fitr." It means that people will be on good until they don't delay "La izarun naso bikhairin ma'ajjalul fitr." It means that people will be on good until they don't delay

28:42 in iftar, until they don't delay in i in iftar, until they don't delay in i

28:57 ftar. ftar.

29:03 Now, what it means? Now, what it means?

29:09 It means that when people when the spirit of Hisham is alive, they don't say that we have It means that when people when the spirit of Hisham is alive, they don't say that we have

29:15 to wait for five minutes as ahtiaat, as precaution. to wait for five minutes as ahtiaat, as precaution.

29:21 When the spirit is dead, when the true spirit of Hisham is dead, then people used When the spirit is dead, when the true spirit of Hisham is dead, then people used

29:27 to say that we must delay for five minutes as an ahtiaat. to say that we must delay for five minutes as an ahtiaat.

29:37 But when the spirit of Hisham is alive, they say that we have to do iftar just at But when the spirit of Hisham is alive, they say that we have to do iftar just at

29:48 the time of sunset. Don't delay. Why the time of sunset. Don't delay. Why

29:58 ? Because when Islam is alive, it means that they emphasize on the spirit. And when Islam is not alive, they emphasize on the form. When Sawm becomes simply ? Because when Islam is alive, it means that they emphasize on the spirit. And when Islam is not alive, they emphasize on the form. When Sawm becomes simply

30:28 a set of rituals, when Sawm becomes simply a form, then people say that, "Oh, we have to a set of rituals, when Sawm becomes simply a form, then people say that, "Oh, we have to

30:36 delay for five minutes as an ahtiaat, as a precaution." From this Hadith, you can understand one a delay for five minutes as an ahtiaat, as a precaution." From this Hadith, you can understand one a

30:45 very well-known Hadith. very well-known Hadith.

30:53 In a Hadith, the Prophet of Islam has said that In a Hadith, the Prophet of Islam has said that

31:02 previous nations nations means religious communities previous communities divided into seventy-two factions. previous nations nations means religious communities previous communities divided into seventy-two factions.

31:17 Previous religious communities divided into seventy-two fac Previous religious communities divided into seventy-two fac

31:32 tions. tions.

31:39 And my Ummah, Ummah Muhammadiyah, will divide into seventy-three factions. And my Ummah, Ummah Muhammadiyah, will divide into seventy-three factions.

31:47 Then God then the Prophet of Islam has said, "Kullu hum fi nar illa millatu waahida." All will Then God then the Prophet of Islam has said, "Kullu hum fi nar illa millatu waahida." All will

31:54 go to hell except one that follows my path go to hell except one that follows my path

32:02 . .

32:06 I think it is a language of hammering. I think it is a language of hammering.

32:10 Don't take it in a literal sense. Don't take it in a literal sense.

32:15 Don't take it in a literal sense. Don't take it in a literal sense.

32:19 It is a language of hammering, a language of hammering. It is a language of hammering, a language of hammering.

32:23 But we have to know what is the meaning of this Hadith. But we have to know what is the meaning of this Hadith.

32:28 I can say that when Islam is based on the spirit, I can say that when Islam is based on the spirit,

32:32 then there is no faction, there is no division. then there is no faction, there is no division.

32:39 When Islam becomes simply a form, it is a form. When Islam becomes simply a form, it is a form.

32:45 It is a religion based on a form. It is a religion based on a form.

32:52 It is a phenomenon of a form rather than a spirit. It is a phenomenon of a form rather than a spirit.

32:58 This kind of This kind of

33:04 division and faction is a phenomenon of form rather than a spirit. division and faction is a phenomenon of form rather than a spirit.

33:09 There is no faction in spirits. There is no faction in spirits.

33:13 When people are on the spirit, there is no faction. When people are on the spirit, there is no faction.

33:17 There is no division. There is no division.

33:22 Just like during the Prophet of during the companions of the Prophet of Islam, at that time there Just like during the Prophet of during the companions of the Prophet of Islam, at that time there

33:26 was no faction. was no faction.

33:30 So when people So when people

33:35 live on the spirit, then there is no faction, no division, no infighting. live on the spirit, then there is no faction, no division, no infighting.

33:50 But when religion becomes simply a form, then there are factions, there are divisions. But when religion becomes simply a form, then there are factions, there are divisions.

34:06 So it is a phenomenon of form rather than a spirit. So it is a phenomenon of form rather than a spirit.

34:18 From this Hadith, I have derived this meaning, that the Prophet of Islam has warned us that don't From this Hadith, I have derived this meaning, that the Prophet of Islam has warned us that don't

34:29 reduce Islam to form. And reduce Islam to form. And

34:41 it is the and how we recognize that communities are on form or spirit. it is the and how we recognize that communities are on form or spirit.

34:49 What is the criterion to understand that the Muslim community or a religious community is on the spirit, What is the criterion to understand that the Muslim community or a religious community is on the spirit,

34:56 is living on the spirit or it is living on form? is living on the spirit or it is living on form?

35:04 So this is the criterion. So this is the criterion.

35:12 Because if it is living on the spirit, then there is no faction, no division. Because if it is living on the spirit, then there is no faction, no division.

35:19 The spirit does not accept division. The spirit does not accept division.

35:27 The spirit does not accept factions. The spirit does not accept factions.

35:35 It is a form that becomes it is a form that accepts factions. It is a form that becomes it is a form that accepts factions.

35:42 So I think that it is also a Sawm spirit that we have to save from to save So I think that it is also a Sawm spirit that we have to save from to save

35:52 ourselves from that kind of degeneration when form becomes the religion. ourselves from that kind of degeneration when form becomes the religion.

36:02 It is also a very important It is also a very important

36:13 aspect of Sawm or fasting. aspect of Sawm or fasting.

36:23 Then there is a Hadith the Prophet of Islam said at the time of iftar at the time of iftar. Then there is a Hadith the Prophet of Islam said at the time of iftar at the time of iftar.

36:33 He said, "Zahabaz zama He said, "Zahabaz zama

36:43 o wa ptallatil aruq wa sabadil ajru, Inshallahu Ta'ala." Now, there is no thirst and no hunger. So I think that in one aspect, Sawm is to give us that kind of experience when we know o wa ptallatil aruq wa sabadil ajru, Inshallahu Ta'ala." Now, there is no thirst and no hunger. So I think that in one aspect, Sawm is to give us that kind of experience when we know

37:13 the importance of water as part of food. the importance of water as part of food.

37:19 When we take food and water freely, then we fail to understand the importance of water and food When we take food and water freely, then we fail to understand the importance of water and food

37:25 for our life. for our life.

37:31 We take it for granted. We take it for granted.

37:37 We take everything as for We take everything as for

37:43 granted. granted.

37:48 We take everything for granted. We take everything for granted.

37:52 So we lose the spirit of shukr. So we lose the spirit of shukr.

37:57 You know, the greatest ibadah is shukr, shukr, thanksgiving to God. You know, the greatest ibadah is shukr, shukr, thanksgiving to God.

38:01 Shukr means acknowledgment to God. Shukr means acknowledgment to God.

38:05 Water is a blessing. Water is a blessing.

38:10 Food is a blessing. Food is a blessing.

38:14 Everything is a blessing. So when you are using all these things freely without any restriction, so you are deprived of the spirit of shukr. So in the month of Ramadan and by the way of fasting, y Everything is a blessing. So when you are using all these things freely without any restriction, so you are deprived of the spirit of shukr. So in the month of Ramadan and by the way of fasting, y

38:44 ou are reminded. ou are reminded.

38:49 So Sawm is like a reminder. So Sawm is like a reminder.

38:55 Sawm or fasting is like a reminder. Sawm or fasting is like a reminder.

39:00 It reminds you that water is a great blessing. It reminds you that water is a great blessing.

39:05 Food is a great blessing. Food is a great blessing.

39:10 All these things are great blessings. All these things are great blessings.

39:15 So when you So when you

39:21 are hungry, when you are thirsty in the daytime, and then in the evening you take food, you are hungry, when you are thirsty in the daytime, and then in the evening you take food, you

39:36 take water, then you feel that, "What a great boon is this." So after thirst, after hunger, you feel take water, then you feel that, "What a great boon is this." So after thirst, after hunger, you feel

39:51 that it is a great boon, a great blessing. that it is a great boon, a great blessing.

40:01 So Sawm inculcates in your personality the spirit of shukr, the spirit of thanksgiving. So Sawm inculcates in your personality the spirit of shukr, the spirit of thanksgiving.

40:11 The Quran says, "Laallakum tashkurun." "Laallakum tashkurun." So The Quran says, "Laallakum tashkurun." "Laallakum tashkurun." So

40:21 that you may be so that you may acknowledge the bounty of God, so that you may acknowledge that you may be so that you may acknowledge the bounty of God, so that you may acknowledge

40:32 the blessings of God. the blessings of God.

40:42 So according to the Quran, there are two basic aspects of Sawm: "Laallakum tattaqoon, laallakum tashkurun." So according to the Quran, there are two basic aspects of Sawm: "Laallakum tattaqoon, laallakum tashkurun."

40:52 So when we are thirsty, when we are hungry, then you feel the importance of water and food. So when we are thirsty, when we are hungry, then you feel the importance of water and food.

41:02 So Sawm is a reminder for you. So Sawm is a reminder for you.

41:12 Sawm tells you that all these things are great, great blessings of God. So Sawm tells you that all these things are great, great blessings of God. So

41:22 you have to acknowledge God. you have to acknowledge God.

41:30 You have to present shukr before God. You have to present shukr before God.

41:38 Then the other aspect is "Laallakum tattaqoon, taqwa." "Khatib 'alaykum as-salam kama khatib 'aladhiin miqabdikum, laallakum tattaqoon." Taqwa means restraint. Then the other aspect is "Laallakum tattaqoon, taqwa." "Khatib 'alaykum as-salam kama khatib 'aladhiin miqabdikum, laallakum tattaqoon." Taqwa means restraint.

41:46 It is self-restraint. It is self-restraint.

41:53 The spirit of Sawm is self-restraint. The spirit of Sawm is self-restraint.

42:01 When you control your hunger and your thirst and defray yourself from taking food and water, that is When you control your hunger and your thirst and defray yourself from taking food and water, that is

42:09 restraint, that is self-restraint. restraint, that is self-restraint.

42:17 So Sawm is a training So Sawm is a training

42:25 towards self-restraint life. That is the life of taqwa, laallakum tattaqoon. Self-restraint, self-control, self-discipline, these are the basic aspects of Sawm or fasting. And these are the most important teach towards self-restraint life. That is the life of taqwa, laallakum tattaqoon. Self-restraint, self-control, self-discipline, these are the basic aspects of Sawm or fasting. And these are the most important teach

42:55 ings of Islam. ings of Islam.

43:09 Then Sawm or fasting makes you able to fight your greatest enemy, that is Satan. Satan. Then Sawm or fasting makes you able to fight your greatest enemy, that is Satan. Satan.

43:23 There is a verse in the Quran that, "Wh There is a verse in the Quran that, "Wh

43:37 ile people ask you about myself, about God, tell them that God is very close to you. ile people ask you about myself, about God, tell them that God is very close to you.

43:54 You can contact anytime with God." This verse you can read in the Surah Al-Baqarah, in Chapter Al-Baqarah. You can contact anytime with God." This verse you can read in the Surah Al-Baqarah, in Chapter Al-Baqarah.

44:11 I think that this verse tells us that it tells us the spiritual aspect of Sawm, the spiritual I think that this verse tells us that it tells us the spiritual aspect of Sawm, the spiritual

44:21 aspect of Sawm, the spiritual content of Sawm. aspect of Sawm, the spiritual content of Sawm.

44:31 When you restrain yourself from water, from food, from When you restrain yourself from water, from food, from

44:42 other comforts, then it is spirituality. other comforts, then it is spirituality.

44:49 It means that you are trying to live above the material things. It means that you are trying to live above the material things.

44:57 You are trying to live by detaching yourself from materialism. You are trying to live by detaching yourself from materialism.

45:05 You are trying to live beyond You are trying to live beyond

45:13 material things. material things.

45:20 This is spirituality. This is spirituality.

45:28 This is spirituality. This is spirituality.

45:36 So fasting or Sawm is a way of life in which you restrain yourself from indulging in material thing So fasting or Sawm is a way of life in which you restrain yourself from indulging in material thing

45:44 s. s.

45:49 You try to live you try to live above the material things. You try to live you try to live above the material things.

45:55 It is a kind of detachment. It is a kind of detachment.

46:00 You try to detach yourself from material things. You try to detach yourself from material things.

46:05 And this is spirituality. And this is spirituality.

46:10 Spirituality is living beyond materialism. Spirituality is living beyond materialism.

46:16 So this is also one aspect of Sawm or fasting, that it inculcates in your personality, in your So this is also one aspect of Sawm or fasting, that it inculcates in your personality, in your

46:31 mind, the spirit of spirituality. Then mind, the spirit of spirituality. Then

46:47 this spirit is very important. this spirit is very important.

46:55 It is important to every other aspect. It is important to every other aspect.

47:02 It is this spirit that gives you light, gives you energy, gives you strength, gives you conviction. It is this spirit that gives you light, gives you energy, gives you strength, gives you conviction.

47:10 So all these things So all these things

47:18 are only a byproduct of spirituality. are only a byproduct of spirituality.

47:33 So it is also a very important aspect of Sawm or fasting. Then So it is also a very important aspect of Sawm or fasting. Then

47:49 there is a the Prophet of Islam used to go to i'tikaf in every month of Ramadan. there is a the Prophet of Islam used to go to i'tikaf in every month of Ramadan.

48:00 I'tikaf means going to seclusion. I'tikaf means going to seclusion.

48:11 So a few days the Prophet of Islam used to go to the mosque So a few days the Prophet of Islam used to go to the mosque

48:22 and live in the mosque there at night. and live in the mosque there at night.

48:26 And this was called i'tikaf, living in seclusion. And this was called i'tikaf, living in seclusion.

48:30 So what is this seclusion? So what is this seclusion?

48:34 It is spiritual seclusion. It is spiritual seclusion.

48:38 It is divine seclusion. It is divine seclusion.

48:42 It is detachment. It is detachment.

48:46 When you are in i'tikaf, you are living in detachment. When you are in i'tikaf, you are living in detachment.

48:50 You have detached yourself from other things. You have detached yourself from other things.

48:54 You are living in seclusion so that you may find time for remembering God, for studying the Quran, You are living in seclusion so that you may find time for remembering God, for studying the Quran,

49:02 for worship, for contemplation. for worship, for contemplation.

49:10 So i'tikaf is for this purpose. So i'tikaf is for this purpose.

49:18 I'tikaf is the superior ritual. I'tikaf is the superior ritual.

49:26 I'tikaf is a living practice, living practice. I'tikaf is a living practice, living practice.

49:32 I can say that i'tikaf is to develop your mind. I can say that i'tikaf is to develop your mind.

49:38 It is a way of intellectual development. It is a way of intellectual development.

49:44 This kind of intellectual development is very important. This kind of intellectual development is very important.

49:50 You see, there are You see, there are

49:56 dozens of verses in the Quran that say that, "Afala taqaroon, afala tadabbaroon, afala tadakkaroon." Do you not think? dozens of verses in the Quran that say that, "Afala taqaroon, afala tadabbaroon, afala tadakkaroon." Do you not think?

50:05 Why are you not thinking? Why are you not thinking?

50:13 Why are you not using your reason? Why are you not using your reason?

50:21 So there are dozens of verses that So there are dozens of verses that

50:29 describe this reality. describe this reality.

50:38 And what is this reality? And what is this reality?

50:46 It is that we are our greatest enemy is Satan, adhuvul lakum, faza ruhum. It is that we are our greatest enemy is Satan, adhuvul lakum, faza ruhum.

50:55 So the Quran declares that the greatest enemy of men and women is Satan. So the Quran declares that the greatest enemy of men and women is Satan.

51:03 Satan always attacks you through your emotions. You know, every human being is composed of two faculties: reason and emotion. Reason and emotion. So Satan always attacks through emotions. Emotions are the penetrating point for Satan. Satan always attacks you through your emotions. You know, every human being is composed of two faculties: reason and emotion. Reason and emotion. So Satan always attacks through emotions. Emotions are the penetrating point for Satan.

51:33 Here Satan finds a vulnerable point to penetrate in human personality. Here Satan finds a vulnerable point to penetrate in human personality.

51:43 So you have to know the art of management, the art of managing your emotions. So you have to know the art of management, the art of managing your emotions.

51:53 So when you feel that Satan has attacked through your emotions, So when you feel that Satan has attacked through your emotions,

52:04 use your reason against that Satan. use your reason against that Satan.

52:10 Through your reason you can cope with Satan. Through your reason you can cope with Satan.

52:16 Through your reason you can cope with Satan. Through your reason you can cope with Satan.

52:22 Satan or here, they are our enemy. Satan or here, they are our enemy.

52:28 And without S And without S

52:34 atan there was no test. atan there was no test.

52:45 But at the same time, God Almighty has given us reason, logic. But at the same time, God Almighty has given us reason, logic.

52:56 I can say according to my own experience that if you notice that Satan has attacked, I can say according to my own experience that if you notice that Satan has attacked,

53:08 if you feel that Satan has attacked, at the same time you become alert, you activate your reason, if you feel that Satan has attacked, at the same time you become alert, you activate your reason,

53:14 you apply your logic, then Satan will leave you. you apply your logic, then Satan will leave you.

53:20 Satan cannot stand against reason. Satan cannot stand against reason.

53:26 It is a fact. It is a fact.

53:32 Satan cannot stand against Satan cannot stand against

53:38 reason. reason.

53:45 Satan always exploits your emotions. Satan always exploits your emotions.

53:53 So you have to know this fact, that your emotions are your vulnerable point. So you have to know this fact, that your emotions are your vulnerable point.

54:00 And through reason you can cope with Satan. And through reason you can cope with Satan.

54:08 And as far as my experience is concerned, one aspect of Sawm is that Sawm awakened your mind. And as far as my experience is concerned, one aspect of Sawm is that Sawm awakened your mind.

54:18 Fasting is very fasting is not something as a ritual. Fasting is very fasting is not something as a ritual.

54:28 Fasting is not simply a form. During fast Fasting is not simply a form. During fast

54:38 ing, during Sawm, you study the Quran. ing, during Sawm, you study the Quran.

54:44 You know there is a verse in the Quran in this regard, "Shahr Ramadan alladhi unzalafihi al-Quran, hudal You know there is a verse in the Quran in this regard, "Shahr Ramadan alladhi unzalafihi al-Quran, hudal

54:50 din-naas, wabainatilih minahuda wal-furqan." It means that the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan. din-naas, wabainatilih minahuda wal-furqan." It means that the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan.

54:56 So you have to fast in this month. So you have to fast in this month.

55:02 The Quran was The Quran was

55:08 revealed in the month of Ramadan. revealed in the month of Ramadan.

55:16 So in this month we are asked to fast, to go to fast. So in this month we are asked to fast, to go to fast.

55:24 And you know, the most important ibadah in Ramadan is to read the Quran, to study the Quran. And you know, the most important ibadah in Ramadan is to read the Quran, to study the Quran.

55:31 Because of this there is Taraweeh Because of this there is Taraweeh

55:39 .

55:43 In Taraweeh we read the Quran. In Taraweeh we read the Quran.

55:48 Then we recite the Quran. Then we recite the Quran.

55:52 The Quran the study of the Quran is the most important part, the most important aspect of the The Quran the study of the Quran is the most important part, the most important aspect of the

55:56 month of Ramadan. month of Ramadan.

56:00 And when you read the Quran, when you study the Quran, it will awaken your mind. And when you read the Quran, when you study the Quran, it will awaken your mind.

56:05 The Quran is The Quran is

56:09 the greatest source of intellectual development. the greatest source of intellectual development.

56:20 The Quran is a divine book. The Quran is a divine book.

56:30 And the Quran is the most important in this regard. And the Quran is the most important in this regard.

56:41 So the Quran awakens your mind. So the Quran awakens your mind.

56:48 The Quran makes you intellectual development. The Quran makes you intellectual development.

56:56 And when there is intellectual development you are able to cope with Satan. And when there is intellectual development you are able to cope with Satan.

57:03 The greatest sword, the greatest arm against Satan is your own mind, your intellectual develop The greatest sword, the greatest arm against Satan is your own mind, your intellectual develop

57:11 ment. ment.

57:19 And one aspect of Sawm is that it helps you it helps you to develop your mind. And one aspect of Sawm is that it helps you it helps you to develop your mind.

57:26 Intellectual development is directly related to the Sawm of Ramadan. Intellectual development is directly related to the Sawm of Ramadan.

57:34 Because during Ramadan you read more and more Because during Ramadan you read more and more

57:42 the Quran, the Book of God. the Quran, the Book of God.

57:49 So it is a fact that an intellectual mind can cope with Satan successfully. So it is a fact that an intellectual mind can cope with Satan successfully.

57:57 This is the greatest message of the Quran. This is the greatest message of the Quran.

58:05 This is the greatest message of the Quran. This is the greatest message of the Quran.

58:13 Develop your spirituality, develop your mind, develop your thinking, develop your consciousness. Develop your spirituality, develop your mind, develop your thinking, develop your consciousness.

58:20 And you will be able to cope with Satan. And you will be able to cope with Satan.

58:28 You will be able to fight successfully with Satan. You will be able to fight successfully with Satan.

58:35 So in this sense Sawm is So in this sense Sawm is

58:43 an arm for you. an arm for you.

58:50 There is a hadith, "Asyaamujunnah." Sawm is an arm for a mumin. There is a hadith, "Asyaamujunnah." Sawm is an arm for a mumin.

58:56 Because Sawm develops your mind. Because Sawm develops your mind.

59:03 Sawm increases your spirituality. Sawm increases your spirituality.

59:10 Sawm makes you stronger Sawm makes you stronger

59:17 in strong in spirituality, in strong in intellectual development. "Aqulu qawli haza, wa astaghfirullah li walukhu ajma'in." in strong in spirituality, in strong in intellectual development. "Aqulu qawli haza, wa astaghfirullah li walukhu ajma'in."