Thought I sent this earllier in the day, yes? Sorry for the duplication,
in case I did.

Madiba.

On Tue, 28 Nov 2000, Madiba Saidy wrote:

> Sawm and the Fasting of Ramadan
>
>
> What is Sawm?
> Sawm or Fasting, during the holy month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of
> Islam. The fast is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a
> richer perception of God. Sawm during Ramadan or any time is recognized as
> physically demanding but spiritually rewarding.
>
> It is the duty of all healthy Muslims to observe the fast for this whole
> month. It is done so that we will know what humility really is. Fasting is
> also an exercise in self-control whereby one's sensitivity is heightened to
> the sufferings of the poor.
>
> Who is it prescribed upon?
> Fasting of Ramadan is a worship act which ordained upon every adult Muslim,
> male or female if he/she is mentally and physically fit and not on a
> journey. Exceptions: women during their period of menstruation and while
> nursing their child, and also in case of travel and sickness for both men
> and women. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy
> person for every day missed.
>
> Abstention and self control
> Abstention means abstention completely from eating, drinking and intimate
> sexual contact from dawn to sunset and curbing even the smallest of evil
> intentions and desires.
> It is not a month of starvation since nutrition and hydration are ensured at
> night although it is recommended to be taken in a mood of asceticism. As one
> conquers the daily habits and endures hunger and thirst, Ramadan furnishes a
> first class drill in self-restraint and will power (and what would humanity
> be if the faculty of self restraint is gone?)
>
> Eating and Drinking
> Ramadan also is a joyful month. Muslims break their fast at sunset with a
> special meal, iftar, "break-fast; "perform additional worship, tarawih,
> after evening prayer; and throng the streets in moods that are festive and
> communal.
>
> Improving physical and mental health
> A fast does have positive health benefits, the stomach has been working for
> 24 hours a day non stop fasting will give it a rest. Although beneficial to
> health it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By
> cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting
> person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in
> one's spiritual life. Fasting is a very enriching experience as one
> transcends the needs of our material component and cherishes the spiritual.
> The month feels like going "into maintenance" and is almost like charging
> your batteries for the rest of the year.
>
> Teaching Mankind
> It teaches man the principle of sincere love to God. Fasting teaches man
> patience, unselfishness, moderation, willpower, discipline, spirit of social
> belonging, unity and brotherhood.
> It is not difficult to do so and this is only for one month. Is it too much
> to ask? The poor are forced to do it for the 24 hours a day all year round.
> When we know how lucky we are to live a comfortable live and our duty next
> is to help the poor.
>
> When does it occur?
> Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It begins with the
> sighting of the new moon. The month of Ramadan is part of the lunar
> calendar, and since this is eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar,
> Ramadan comes eleven days earlier every year which allows fasting in various
> seasons and weather throughout a life time.
>
> What happens at the End of Ramadan
> Intensified worship and charity are a feature of the month. At its
> conclusion Muslims perform a special collective morning prayer. Celebration
> start at the end of the Eid with a spirit of joyous achievement by four days
> of celebration called eid al-fitr, the feast of the Breaking of the Fast.
> Customarily, it is a time for family reunion and the favored holiday for
> children who receive new clothing and gifts from family members and friends.
>

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