#5 Kultum Ramadhan 1446 H

Summary

In this enlightening Ramadan talk, an Ustaz explains the deeper meaning behind fasting, drawing connections between the practice of past prophets like Adam, Ibrahim, and Musa. The Ustaz highlights that fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but about spiritual purification. He emphasizes three levels of fasting: physical (enduring hunger and thirst), emotional (controlling desires and speech), and spiritual (seeking closeness to Allah). The discussion also touches on the symbolic significance of bad breath during fasting, equating it to purging arrogance and pride, making it a deeply transformative experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of fasting (puasa) is explained in Surah Al-Baqarah (183) as a practice observed by previous prophets, including Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, and others.
• 😀 Prophets in the past, such as Nabi Adam, Nabi Musa, and Nabi Ibrahim, also observed fasting, often for extended periods, such as 40 days consecutively.
• 😀 The purpose of fasting is to return to Allah, to purify the heart, and to focus solely on Him, with a deep sense of repentance (taubat).
• 😀 The act of fasting is not only about physical abstinence from food but also a spiritual journey to cleanse the soul and heart.
• 😀 Despite the physical discomfort of fasting (such as bad breath), it has a spiritual significance, symbolizing the removal of pride and arrogance from the heart.
• 😀 Bad breath during fasting is a symbolic reminder to overcome negative behaviors, such as harsh words and actions that degrade others.
• 😀 Fasting has a deep connection to purifying oneself, both in terms of bodily needs and controlling one's desires (nafs).
• 😀 The spiritual goal of fasting is to achieve a state of complete devotion to Allah, where nothing but Him fills the heart and mind.
• 😀 In Islam, fasting holds special value as Allah specifically mentioned that fasting is for Him, making it a deeply personal and unique act of worship.
• 😀 The ultimate purpose of fasting is to draw closer to Allah and to carry out the fast in the best possible way, as a demonstration of sincere devotion.

Q & A

What is the significance of fasting in previous prophets, as mentioned in the script?

Fasting was practiced by earlier prophets like Prophet Ismail, Prophet Ishaq, Prophet Ibrahim, and even Prophet Adam, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183. Their fasting was a means to return to Allah and seek repentance, showing devotion and humility.

Why is fasting mentioned as a practice of previous nations?

The script mentions that fasting was a practice among earlier prophets and nations, including the first caliph, Prophet Adam. This suggests that fasting has always been a means of spiritual purification and drawing closer to Allah.

How long did previous prophets fast, according to the script?

Prophets like Nabi Musa and Nabi Adam fasted for 30 days, similar to the fasts of the Muslim Ummah. However, Prophet Musa's fast was extended to 40 days when Allah commanded him to complete his fast without using a miswak (tooth-stick), marking the completion of the 40-day period.

What does the script suggest about the concept of 'bad breath' during fasting?

The script explains that 'bad breath' during fasting, particularly from not eating or drinking, is symbolic. It represents the purification of one's heart from pride, arrogance, and negative speech. It reflects the internal cleansing that fasting aims to achieve.

What lesson is taught through the symbolism of 'bad breath' in the context of fasting?

The bad breath is not just a physical symptom, but a lesson in humility. It teaches Muslims to rid themselves of arrogance, harsh words, and negative emotions, aligning their hearts solely with Allah.

What are the three types of fasting described in the script?

The three types of fasting mentioned are: 1) The physical fast (siadaniyyah), which is the basic fasting of abstaining from food and drink. 2) The fast of the soul (amfsiyah), which involves controlling one's desires and emotions. 3) The spiritual fast, which is about cleansing oneself and focusing solely on Allah.

How does fasting help in controlling one's desires and emotions, as explained in the script?

Fasting helps by teaching self-discipline. By abstaining from food and drink, Muslims also learn to control their emotions and desires, preventing negative behaviors like speaking ill of others or being arrogant.

What is the deeper purpose of fasting, beyond abstaining from food and drink?

The deeper purpose of fasting is spiritual purification. It is about drawing closer to Allah, purging oneself from internal vices like pride, arrogance, and negative speech, and focusing on worship and devotion.

How does the script describe the special nature of fasting in relation to other deeds?

The script highlights that fasting is unique in that it is directly for Allah, as mentioned in a Hadith. All deeds are for the person performing them, except fasting, which is specifically designated as an act of worship for Allah alone.

What message does the script convey about the reward of fasting?

The reward for fasting is highly valued in Islam. Since fasting is a personal sacrifice, its reward is said to be special and not something that can be easily quantified. It is an act done solely for Allah’s pleasure, making it distinct from other acts of worship.