In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Fasting during the July full moon has unveiled profound insights into the intricate balance of our existence. It has brought to light the importance of aligning ourselves with nature’s inherent rhythms, a dance of contraction and expansion orchestrated by the Divine. Through fasting, I have come to feel intimately connected with two of Allah’s attributes, Al Qābid (the constrictor) and Al Bāsit (the expander).
The Dance of Contradiction:
During fasting, an intriguing paradox unfolds. While the physical form constricts, the spiritual essence expands. Conversely, when not fasting, the physical self expands while the spiritual self often becomes constricted by the density of food. This ebb and flow offer a gradual growth of both the soul and body, preventing the hypnotic rhythm of existence from taking hold.
The Discipline of Fasting:
Imagine fasting every day; it would lead to a constant state of scarcity in our relationship with food, fostering temptations and desires. The act of fasting might lose its profound connection. Without the discipline of fasting, we risk overindulgence, acting impulsively, and drifting into unconscious behaviors governed by a hypnotic rhythm.
The Sunnah Days and Balance:
Fasting on the sunnah days, such as Mondays, Thursdays, and three white full moon days, strikes a harmonious balance between body and mind. These days are thoughtfully spaced, allowing for a natural rhythm of expansion and contraction, creating harmony within ourselves and our surroundings.
Gratitude and Conscious Eating:
Fasting teaches us gratitude. On non-fasting days, even a small amount of food becomes a source of deep appreciation. We realize our privilege to possess free will and partake in nourishment whenever we desire. Eating transforms into a conscious and mindful act.
The Peril of Overstimulation:
In the absence of fasting, we often overstimulate our bodies with food, hoping to satisfy our yearning for spiritual connection, balance, and harmony. However, the body is insatiable, leading to unrest within. This creates a cycle of constant indulgence, making us believe that “nothing is ever enough.”
Cultivating Ingratitude:
As the mind succumbs to ingratitude in one area of life, this sentiment spreads like a virus, infecting other aspects. We become dissatisfied, losing appreciation for what we possess. The mind spirals into chaos while the spiritual essence remains constricted, deprived of nourishment.
Fasting as a Simple Solution:
Remarkably, fasting addresses numerous psychological and emotional imbalances without the need for self-help books or extensive reading. The act of self-discipline and food restraint for a few hours serves as a powerful agent of healing.
The Holistic Self:
We must remember that we possess many bodies—physical, emotional, and astral. Focusing solely on the physical body denies growth in the others. Balance between contraction and expansion allows each facet of our holistic self to flourish in harmony and alignment.
The Importance of Spiritual Intelligence:
In our quest for growth, we must not neglect “spiritual intelligence.” This form of intelligence grants us a profound understanding of the world through a spiritual lens. It allows us to grasp Allah’s encompassing perspective and recognize the balance inherent in nature’s divine orchestration.
Embracing Spiritual Wisdom:
Wisdom cannot be fully understood through books alone. At some point, we must transcend our ego-driven knowledge and embrace humility, acknowledging that we know very little. Wisdom arises from experience and witnessing the benefits of our actions, aligning us with God’s truth.
A Prayer for Guidance:
In conclusion, I pray to Allah to bless us all and forgive any words spoken from ego. May we hold tightly to the rope of Allah, continuing our journey of self-purification. May Allah protect us from grief, fear, and despair and shield us from the influence of Shayateen, the cursed.
May our fasting and spiritual pursuits lead us to greater harmony, gratitude, and understanding of the Divine natural order.
Ameen.
