Refine both the body and the heart
Â
Jumuah Mubarak to our dear brothers and sisters.
As we continue through Shaban, we turn to the wisdom of Imam al-Ghazali, who teaches that fasting is more than abstaining from food and drinkit is a journey of purification, a means of refining both body and soul. [Read the work here]
He describes fasting in three levels:
1 The Fast of the Ordinary refraining from food, drink, and physical desires.
2 The Fast of the Righteous guarding the tongue, eyes, ears, and limbs from sin.
3 The Fast of the Elite emptying the heart of everything but Allah, where fasting becomes an act of completedevotion.
As Ramadan approaches, how can we elevate our fasting? Shaban is our training ground. It is in these days that we discipline our desires, increase our remembrance, and refine our character so that by the time Ramadan arrives, we are ready to experience its blessings at the highest level.
Thereal essence of fasting goes beyond hungerit is the effort to refine not just our bodies but our hearts.Â
What makes a fast meaningful? Speaking truth instead of gossip, choosing silence over harsh words, lowering our gaze from distractionsthese are the disciplines that transform fasting from a routine into a shieldfor the soul.
This Shaban, lets start training ourselves. Before our lips become parched from fasting, let them first be purified from idle speech. Before our hunger is tested, let our eyes be tested in what they choose to behold.
What habits will you begin now so that your Ramadan fasts are not just physical, butspiritual? Will you restrain the tongue from idle speech? Soften your heart with forgiveness? Fill your days with dhikr and salawat? Let's begin today.
May Allah make this Shaban a means of refining our fasts, purifying our intentions, and elevating our hearts.
Donate on this Jumuah of Sha'ban
Be the reason for someone's hope and conviction in Islam.
Some of our accomplishments this past year:
- Â 54 classes for free to our students who are seeking to learn Islam
- 20 New Muslims Program bookbags with English Qur'ans, prayer rugs, prayer books, kufi, and more. Value of $70.
- 5 sisters who have taken their shahadahÂ
Your support is more than just a donationits a lifeline for those seeking the truth.Â
Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like onewho did it. (Sahih Muslim 1893)
Imagine the rewards of being part of their journey to Islam. Every gift you give provides essential resources and heartfelt support to those embracing the path of Allah the Exalted.
Will you help us continue this blessed work?
May Allah multiply your rewards and place barakah in your wealth.
Jazakum Allahu Khair for being a part of this incrediblemission!
Jumuah KhutbahÂ
Live from 1:00 to 1:30pm EST
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.
M.E.C.C.A. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization.
Muslim Education and Converts Center of America (M.E.C.C.A.) is a non -profit organizationÂ
dedicated to providing educational and support services to Muslim and non-Muslim communities withÂ
a special focus on new converts to Islam.
Muslim Education and Converts Center of America
[email protected]
276 Fifth Avenue, 704-1571
New York NY 10001
US