As Salaam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,
Isn’t it the case that when you try to explain a facet of Islam to a non-Muslim you focus on the physical aspect and ignore the spiritual? How can they understand the happy soul of the fasting Muslim, when they do not fast? How can they fathom the deep and direct connection we have with our Lord, Allah Ar-Rahman, when we place our head on the floor in sajud, when they do not believe and they do not pray? What could explain the tears of an “old” revert as they relive their moment watching a new Muslim enter into the ummah of Muhammad, salallahu alayhi wa sallam?
I’m sure we’ve all been in the awkward position, where a curious non-Muslim has asked us a simple question about our deen. We responded by stammering and stuttering something about, believing in the One True God, praying five times a day, giving charity, fasting for a month and going for pilgrimage at least once. By explaining Islam in this fashion, we’ve reduced it to a set of rituals that the non-Muslim has no way of truly understanding.
When we pray, we stand, bow, prostrate and sit but without humility and devotion (Al-Khushoo) it would only serve to make us tired. Not eating or drinking because no food is available or because your doctor insisted you have nothing after midnight the day before an appointment is not fasting.
As Ramadan approached one year, early into my Islam, I was explaining to a non-Muslim co-worker about the blessed month. I said something to the effect of: in Ramadan we don’t eat, drink, lie or have sex during the daylight hours. My co-worker politely nodded. A man, who overheard our conversation, felt no need for politeness. He said, “You can’t eat, drink or have sex in Ramadan? I don’t wanna go there!”. He said what my co-worker was too polite to say. I missed an opportunity to explain the value of fasting for the sake of Allah alone.
Compare my explanation to the explanation found in the Glorious Quran and you will see how deeply inadequate it really was. May Allah forgive my shortcomings.
O you who believe! Observing As-Saum is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun. Quran 2:183
The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion. So whoever of you sights the month, he must observe Saum that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him. Quran 2:185
Non-Muslims cannot fully understand why we approach Ramadan with excitement, zeal and enthusiasm. They cannot experience for themselves our beloved Ramadan, even if they fast. And we may never be able to adequately describe what this month means for us personally on a spiritual level. However, if we try focusing on the spiritual side of our deen, when explaining it to non-Muslims, perhaps those with soft hearts will pay heed and begin worshipping their Lord with humility and full submission.
All praise and thanks belong to Allah alone, Who made me a Muslim.
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