Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

God willing, the first fast of Ramadan starts at dawn tomorrow, Friday (May 26th), in America. Submitters fast from the beginning of dawn to sunset. God gives us many opportunities to grow our souls (e.g., Contact Prayers, charity, fasting, observing His commandments). Each of these are gifts and a test if we are appreciative. 

Full details of fasting are given in Quran 2:183-187: http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/noframes/ch2.html#183 
For more information on dates including for the Night of Destiny and the last day of fasting, please see: http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/ramadan/#dates

     Fasting Emphasized and Modified*
[Quran 2:183-5] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.
  Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew.
  Ramadan is the month during which the Quran 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.

*2:183-187 Like all duties in Submission, fasting was decreed through Abraham (22:78, Appendices 9 & 15). Prior to revelation of the Quran, sexual intercourse was prohibited throughout the fasting period. This rule is modified in 2:187 to allow intercourse during the nights of Ramadan.


May God bless us to observe the month of Ramadan successfully, glorify Him for guiding us, and express our appreciation.

References:
Ramadan, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/ramadan/
Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix9.html
Religious Duties: A Gift From God, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix15.html
Thoughts on Ramadan from Submitters around the world, http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/2016/jun/page1.html

Peace.