Of Hoofbeats and Zebra

Fasting is the only worship of Allah done in total secrecy. Only Allah knows … We pray openly in front of other people, it is seen. When we give charity, we give it out. But fasting is a secret between each person and Allah. And only Allah knows whether you do it or don’t do it. You can stay home and eat three meals a day and tell people you’re fasting. Nobody knows. Only Allah knows. And you know.

But fasting from food is just a small part of Ramadan. We have to fast from our anger. We have to fast from being greedy, being unkind, being unfriendly. We have to have a fast of speech. Only say things that we really mean. Only hear those things that are necessary for us to hear … No frivolity.

Think, think about how you will make your next Ramadan. And like anything that’s worth something, prepare for it.

Allah comes very close to the believers during Ramadan. He gives us the most wonderful opportunity to see who we are and how we are.