Living by example

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Before I begin, just wanted to share that my father replied my short email with a very lengthy one! It seems my brothers haven't been emailing him much and worst of all, he doesn't get to talk to us much because this month we're always at terawih when he calls. I miss him very much and I really pray that he will be home with us for Hari Raya. Insyaallah... if God willing...

Actually, the purpose of this entry is to write about the three levels of fasting that I've learnt these past few days during the short takzirah after terawih. And again I read it this morning on 'Happy muslim husband and wife'. So I guess that's a sign that I should write what I learnt.

From their website:

Three Grades:-

It should be known that there are three grades of Fasting: ordinary, special and extra-special.

Ordinary Fasting means abstaining from food, drink and sexual satisfaction.

Special Fasting means keeping one's ears, eyes, tongue, hands and feet -- and all other organs -- free from sin.

Extra-special Fasting means fasting of the heart from unworthy concerns and worldly thoughts, in total disregard of everything but Allah, Great and Glorious is He. This kind of Fast is broken by thinking of worldly matters, except for those conducive to religious ends, since these constitute provision for the Hereafter and are not of this lower world. Those versed in the spiritual life of the heart have even said that a sin is recorded against one who concerns himself all day with arrangements for breaking his Fast. Such anxiety stems from lack of trust in the bounty of Allah, Great and Glorious is He, and from lack of certain faith in His promised sustenance.

To this third degree belong the Prophets, the true awliya and the intimates of Allah. It does not lend itself to detailed examination in words, as its true nature is better revealed in action. It consists in utmost dedication to Allah, Great and Glorious is He, to the neglect of everything other than Allah, Exalted is He. It is bound up with the significance of His words: 'Say: "Allah (sent it down)": then leave them to play in their vain discussions.' [al-An'am,6:91]

The above is just a segment of it. But it is something that is often repeated during Ramadhan by our ustads and ustazahs...

It makes you think doesn't it... at which level are you fasting at right now? And how many days were you able to sustain that level? Did you try for the extra-special fast and do you think you succeeded?

But something Ustad said last night, really resonated within me. He said that Nabi Muhammad s.a.w, despite being the key opener of syurga, still sets an example by spending his days fasting and his nights praying. In fact he had asked permission from his wives to excuse him during Ramadhan to allow him to be only with Allah. I was truly touched by that...

And yet, here we are, as his ummah, taking for granted that we'd go to heaven too eventually and we do not put in much effort into our ibadah. Ustad reminded us that Ramadhan is our practicing ground. If we do something during Ramadhan (like night prayers), then we should continue with it throughout the year; not just be good during Ramadhan. Insyaallah... I will try...

However, I must say that sometimes other worldly concerns are more applicable to men than women. Women still have to concern themselves with worldly considerations... like cooking for the breaking of fast, laundry, taking care of the children and keeping the house clean so it is more conducive for ibadah. But I am sure that if they do it with the sincerest of hearts, to seek His pleasure, then I'm sure He will reward these women for always remembering Him.

As much as we can, we must follow the examples set by our Prophet s.a.w, his companions and his wives.

Wallahualam Bissawab...