Ramadan And Thanksgiving

Ramadan and Thanksgiving

Ramadan is the ninth lunar month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims (Submitters) all over the world fast each day of this month from dawn to the sunset. During fasting, the Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking and sexual encounter. This is God’s law and stated in the Quran:
" …You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are God’s laws; you shall not transgress them. God thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation[/color]. (2:187)

Contrary to what many people believe, Muhammad is not the founder of Islam (Submission). He was a follower of Abraham to whom God taught the religious duties Submitters practice today (2:128). Muhammad’s role was to deliver the Quran to mankind, and purify the message and the practices of religion distorted by the idol worshippers.

" Ibrahim (Abraham) was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa (Islamic Monotheism - to worship none but Allah Alone) and he was not of Al-Mushrikun.Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim (Abraham) are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Muhammad SAW) and those who have believed (Muslims). And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers." 3:67-68

" Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Allah has spoken the truth; follow the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) Hanifa (Islamic Monotheism, i.e. he used to worship Allah Alone), and he was not of Al-Mushrikun." 3:95

God revealed the Quran into Muhammad’s memory during Ramadan in the Night of Power ( 44:3, 97:1-5). It was then gradually released from his memory in accordance with God’s will and written down by him with the help of Gabriel over a period of 23 years.
" Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]."44:3
" Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree...." 97:1-5

" Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. God wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify God for guiding you, and to express your appreciation." (2:185)

The religious practices instituted by God are blessings from God. If we can practice our religious duties as we are supposed to, we draw many benefits. Furthermore, these practices allow us to be more conscious of God in our lives. They essentially constitute the nourishment required for the growth and development of our souls to make it to Heaven. They are for our own good. God is in no need of any of our prayers and worship.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the obligatory duties for the Submitters. Since Ramadan is a lunar month and the lunar calendar moves through our Gregorian calendar, it makes Ramadan move through the seasons. Fasting allows us to learn self-discipline and restraint. It allows our soul to control our body and not our physical appetites and desires to control us. Fasting is therefore important for our salvation:
" O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation." (2:183)

Thanking God
God tells us to fast in order to glorify God and to express our appreciation to Him for guiding us.

The Quran gives us specific examples of what happens to the communities when they fail to remain appreciative of God’s blessings."Allah sets forth a Parable: a city enjoying security and quiet, abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: Yet was it ungrateful for the favours of Allah: so Allah made it taste of hunger and terror (in extremes) (closing in on it) like a garment (from every side), because of the (evil) which (its people) wrought." (16:112)

Furthermore, God gives us the example of Sheba's homeland. When they became unappreciative, God turned their beautiful, productive gardens into gardens with thorny plants and skimpy harvest  "There was, for Saba, aforetime, a Sign in their home-land - two Gardens to the right and to the left. "Eat of the Sustenance (provided) by your Lord, and be grateful to Him: a territory fair and happy, and a Lord Oft-Forgiving!But they turned away (from Allah), and We sent against them the Flood (released) from the dams, and We converted their two garden (rows) into "gardens" producing bitter fruit, and tamarisks, and some few (stunted) Lote-trees.That was the Requital We gave them because they ungratefully rejected Faith: and never do We give (such) requital except to such as are ungrateful rejecters." (34:15-17).

Thanksgiving Day :
Each year on the fourth Thursday in November, Americans gather for a day of feasting, football and family. While today’s Thanksgiving celebrations would likely be unrecognizable to attendees of the original 1621 harvest meal, it continues to be a day for Americans to come together around the table—albeit with some updates to pilgrim’s menu.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln designated the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving. However, in 1939, after a request from the National Retail Dry Goods Association, President Franklin Roosevelt decreed that the holiday should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month(and never the occasional fifth, as occurred in 1939) in order to extend the holiday shopping season by a week. The decision sparked great controversy, and was still unresolved two years later, when the House of Representatives passed a resolution making the last Thursday in November a legal national holiday. The Senate amended the resolution, setting the date as the fourth Thursday, and the House eventually agreed.

So ,We have to thank our God - Allah - everyday ,every time any time any moment ...to Get His Forgiveness.Not only on THURSDAY in November !!!

" Do ye not see that Allah has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and on earth, and has made his bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, (both) seen and unseen ?" 31:20

"And remember! your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): "If ye are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; But if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." 14:7

Allah Asks and Urges us to remember His and thank His Blessings  : "Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith." 2:152