Monday, December 17, 2007

Fasting copied from Hinduism

This is one of the most absurd claims in this article. The question in return is that who did the Hindus copy it from? More questions arise, why don’t Hindus fast today? Why is their very limited fasting so much different from Muslims such as having fruit and vegetables fasting, water fasting etc?

[002:183] Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you just as it was prescribed for those before you. Perhaps you would attain piety!

[002:184] (Fasting is obligatory for) a certain number of specified days. But if any of you is sick or on a journey, then the same number of other days (may be substituted). The one who suffers hardship (because of fasting) may (redeem himself and) feed a needy person. If he, of his own accord, does better (and feeds more than one person), then he would do so for his own good. However, it is much better for you to fast, if you only knew!

[002:185] Ramadhan is the month during which the Qur’an was revealed. It is (not only) the guidance for mankind, (but is also) the self-evident proof of (the truth of) that guidance, and (it is) the criterion (of the right and the wrong conduct). Whoever among you lives to see that month, must observe fasts (during that month). Whoever among you is sick or on a journey, (must fast) the same number of other days. Allah wants to make matters easy for you; He does not want to impose hardships on you. So complete the period (of fasting). Glorify Allah (and thank Him) for the guidance He has granted. Perhaps, you would be grateful!

[002:187] It is permissible for you to approach your wives (sexually) during the night of the fasting (day). They are (like) your garments _ (close to you: they clothe your nakedness, and your passions) _ and you are (like) their garments. Of course, Allah knows that you (had succumbed to desire and) were cheating yourself (by engaging in sexual activity during the nights of fasting). He has accepted your repentance and has pardoned you. Now, you may have (social and sexual) relations with your wives (during the night of fasting). Seek from their company that _ (peace and progeny) _ which Allah has ordained for you. (You may) eat and drink until the white streak (of dawn) becomes visible (on the horizon) against the darkness. Thereafter, complete the fast till nightfall. Do not have (sexual) contact with your wives when you confine yourself in a mosque (to worship). These are the bounds of Allah. Do not approach them (much less exceed them). Thus, Allah makes His revelations manifestly clear for mankind. Perhaps, you would fear (Allah) and attain piety!

[002:196] Carry out and conclude (the rites of) Hajj _ (the pilgrimage), or the ‘umrah’ _ (the visit); do so for the sake of Allah. If you are held back (by circumstances), then make an offering you can afford with ease. Do not shave off your head (the last of the rituals of Hajj or Umrah) till the offering has reached its destination. The one who is sick, or suffers from an affliction of the scalp, may redeem himself by fasting, giving alms, or making an offering. When you are safe (and in Makkah), and anyone wishes to perform the ‘umrah’ before (it is time for) Hajj, he should make an offering he can afford with ease. But if he cannot afford to make an offering, he should fast three days during Hajj, and seven days when he returns (home). That makes ten days of fasting in all. This applies to the one whose family is not present at the Holy house of worship. Fear Allah, and know (for sure) that Allah is indeed very severe in (inflicting) punishment.

[005:095] Oh you who believe! Do not kill (or hunt) a game animal while you are in a state of ‘Ihram’ _ (the attire of pilgrimage). The penance for anyone of you who hunts (during ‘Ihram’) is an offering at the Kaaba similar to what was killed _ as judged by two just men among you. The atonement (for that act) is the feeding of the poor, or fasting for an equivalent number of days, so he may taste the consequence of his evil act. Allah forgives whatever has happened in the past, but He will exact retribution if anyone repeats (the offense). Allah is the most Powerful; He is the Lord of Revenge!

[066:005] In case the prophet divorces you all, his Lord would perhaps grant him other wives _ widows or maidens, in your place. They would be better than you, more obedient, believing, pious, penitent and fond of fasting!

From the above verses, a question arises; how is it similar to the very limited or almost non-existent Hindu fasting system?

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