Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

Ramadan starts next week. If you're in the USA, the first day of fasting will be May 16, God willing. For more information including dates worldwide please see: http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/ramadan/#dates
Note: While some people believe they must physically see the moon, we learn from Quran that sighting of the moon is not required to begin fasting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqQYyjNPxy0

Full details of fasting are given in Quran 2:183-187.


     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.


Fasting is one of the many opportunities God gives us to nourish our souls. Each of these are gifts from Him.

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

References:
Religious Duties: A Gift From God, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix15.html
Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam, http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix9.html
Ramadan, http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/ramadan/


Peace.