Break Free from Excess: Prepare for a Meaningful Ramadan
Ramadan Workshop on Feb 22
Jumuah Mubarak to our dear brothers and sisters.
As we inch closer to Ramadan, the month of discipline and renewal, let us continue to reflect on one of its deeper purposes. Fasting is not simply about abstaining from food during the dayonly to indulge in excess at night. Imam Al-Ghazali warnsus:
"Nothing is more odious to Allah than a belly stuffed with lawful food. Of what use is the fast as a means of conquering oneself, if when you break it, you simply make up for all that you missed eating?"
(From the Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship)
Fasting is meant to tame the self, not indulge it. It is meant to weaken the grip of the nafs (lower self), to humble our cravings, and to remind us that we are more than bodies in need of sustenancewe are souls in need of purification.
Imam Al-Ghazali reminds us that hunger is not a punishment, but a tool:
"Fasting is to experience hunger and to check desire, in order to reinforce the soul in piety... The spirit and secret nature of Fasting is to weaken Satans means of leading us back to evil."
Yet, how often do we see the spirit of fasting lost in overindulgence? The wisdom of hunger is undone when we turn iftar (breakingof the fast) into a feast. The very purpose of fastingself-restraintis defeated when we replace daytime deprivation with nighttime excess.
True fasting extends beyond the hours of abstention. It is a state of the heart. It is to empty ourselves of distraction, to break free from indulgence, and to step closer to Allah with a soul unburdened.
This Ramadan, let us fast with intentionnourishing our bodies with simplicity, while allowing our souls to grow lighter and more focused on Allah. Let us break free from excess and embrace mindfulness in both our eating and our worship. By doing so, we create space for spiritual growth, filling our hearts with devotion and drawing closer to the One who is Most Merciful.
Are you ready for Ramadan?
Allah tells us:
Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqw (God-consciousness. (Quran2:183)
Take the next step in your preparationjoin our free Ramadan Preparation Workshop with Ustadh Tariq. Equip yourself with the knowledge to fast with sincerity, wisdom, and purpose, so that every moment of this blessedmonth brings you closer to Allah. Reserve your spot now and ensure youre ready to experience Ramadan in its fullest, most transformative light.
Saturday, February 22nd | 6-8 PM EST
This is for New Muslims, lifelong learners,and anyone seeking clarity and connection this Ramadan.
When you sign up, youll also receive:
Readings on fasting from Imam Ghazali Dive deep into the wisdom of Ramadan.
Workshop slides & notes Review key takeawaysanytime.
A Free Ramadan Planner Stay on track with daily reflections, goals, and worship planning.
Free sign up for the Ramadan Workshop
Let this be the year you fast with meaning and embrace Ramadan with knowledge and purpose. Join us!
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Jumuah Khutbah
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Imam Kemal is unfortunately feeling unwell. Please keep him in your prayers. You are still free to tune into the imam replacing him. Join to listen to the khutbah with the link below.
Please be advised that this Zoom meeting is being hosted by Fairfield University. Consequently, there might be unforeseen technical difficulties or schedule changes that,regrettably, M.E.C.C.A. cannot address.
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a special focus on new converts to Islam.
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