RAMADAN Join Us On this Journey

[floss]

It's a simple question, you're just making it more complicated.

any Muslim here has reached "God Consciousness"? yes or no...that's it

 

[Forever Light]

I get it, there are spiritual benefits/effects concerning fasting...but my question is still valid.

"Fasting so you can reach Taqwa [God Consciousness]"?
Have any Muslim reached "God Consciousness" yet?... LOL

I want to see if any Muslim here actually reached "God Consciousness"... so far none come forth.

Here, an example that I believe can be found in the KJAV Bible:

2 Esdras
5:20. And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as Uriel the angel commanded me.
5:21. And after seven days so it was, that the thoughts of my heart were very grievous unto me again,
5:22. And my soul recovered the spirit of Understanding, and I began to talk with The Most High again,

It says that Esdras (a prophet) had lost the spirit of Understanding, but that he was able to recover it again after he had fasted

 

[floss]

Here, an example that I believe can be found in the KJAV Bible:

2 Esdras
5:20. And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as Uriel the angel commanded me.
5:21. And after seven days so it was, that the thoughts of my heart were very grievous unto me again,
5:22. And my soul recovered the spirit of Understanding, and I began to talk with The Most High again,

It says that Esdras (a prophet) had lost the spirit of Understanding, but that he was able to recover it again after he had fasted

You're missing the point...

 

[Bacsi]

Ramadan 1439/2018 begins in KSA and many other countries on Thursday May 17th.

@floss: Please do not pollute the thread with your hatred and disdain. Consiciousness simply meaning to be aware that God is always watching us and knows all that we do. Here is the definition of taqwa if you were sincerely wanting to know:

Taqwa - A State of Submission

Taqwa is an Arabic word which is explained as a shield against wrongdoing and further expounded as to be “conscious of Allah” or to have “fear of Allah” or to be “cautiously aware of Allah”.

The origin of the word Taqwa is from the Arabic root letters wa’ ka’ ya (meaning shield) and its verb is from the word “Ittaki”. Ittaki means to be careful or to be protected or to be cautious.

Taqwa is an internal compass on the path that leads towards Allah. The broader meaning and character of Taqwa is to develop one’s behavior, so as to be cautiously aware in the worship of Allah and attain nearness to Him and in so doing, perfect oneself.

This consciousness and fear of Allah is understood as a protection and a shield against wrongdoing. The abstention of evil through this fear, consciousness and establishing a cautious awareness of Allah, ultimately develops one’s love of Him.

The universal principle of submission to the Divine Will is beautifully expressed in the character of one who is a servant of Allah, known as an “Abd-Allah” which is an ideal state of Taqwa.

Abu Darda (R) said: “From the completion of Taqwa is that the servant fears from His Lord even with regards to things, the weight of an atom." Abu Darda's advice for servants who wish to accomplish a character of 'taqwa' should fear to commit the smallest of sins.

The messenger of Allah said in a Hadith, reported in the Sahih Muslim that, “Taqwa is here”, and he pointed to his chest.

Taqwa is profoundly explained in a discussion between 'Umar and Ka'b who were companions of the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
'Umar asked Ka'b the meaning of 'taqwa,' as Ka'b was renowned for his deep understanding of the Qur'an Al Kareem.
Kaab (R) then inquired from Umar (R), whether he had walked through a thorny bush path with his cloak. Umar (R) replied that he had done so on numerous occasions. Kaab (R) asked Umar (R) to describe his movements through this thorny path. Umar (R) replied that he moved very cautiously, so as not to tear his clothing. Kaab (R) said that was the description and the meaning of Taqwa.

The path that inculcates and embraces a character of Taqwa is one that must be carefully and cautiously treaded. On this path one must be completely aware of oneself and one’s surroundings, to be disciplined with the correct action and behavior which will achieve one’s closeness to Allah.

Taqwa is one of the most profound concepts in Islam. It is an avenue by which Muslims relate to one another in society and a means to channel actions for the pleasure of Allah.

Possessors of Tawqa are called Al-Muttaqun or Muttaqeen.
The following verse of the Qur`an Surah 2 Al Bakarah, Verse 183 confirms that Taqwa is for everyone and not for a select group:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.”

This verse confirms two points. Firstly, that fasting is for everyone and secondly, that the development and attaining of Taqwa is an essential part for all who aspire for tranquility and a contented heart. To establish Taqwa is for the rich and the poor, the knowledgeable and the uneducated, the leader and the follower, the ruler and the ruled, the old and the young, the man and the women. All must develop and enhance Taqwa.
The most honored in the sight of Allah is the believer with the most Taqwa, i.e. the most conscious and aware of Him.
The Glorious Qur`an illustrates this in Surah 49 Al Hujurat (the Inner Apartments), Verse 13:

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you (Muttaqi). And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”

The ideal Islamic society is a Taqwa conscious society, conferring its highest respect on those considered to be high in Taqwa.
Though Taqwa is a state of the heart, we cannot judge the Taqwa of others, but many aspects of Taqwa will have a reflection in their character and behavior. The Qur`an though, prohibits anyone from claims of self-purity.
In Surah 53 An Najm (The Clans), Verse 32 reminds us that:

“Hold not yourself purified. Allah knows best who has Taqwa.”


In Islam there is only one Shari'ah (Divine Law) and one scale of righteousness for everyone and that is measured through a character of Taqwa.

The word Taqwa has been mentioned 151 times in the Noble Qur`an. Allah has taken us through the various aspects of His Guidance and Blessings in the Glorious Qur`an. The Qur`anic descriptions of Taqwa are so precise and distinct that it is an indication of the importance of the involvement of this concept in the life of Muslims. These numerous verses elaborate the different dynamics and dimensions of inner meanings of Taqwa that enables Muslims to be an ideal and a living example as a vicegerent of Allah.
The four verses in Surah 2 Al Bakarah Verse 2-5 summarizes the guiding principle in the Noble Qur`an for the people of Taqwa:

2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear (or are conscious) of Allah (Taqwa).
3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
5. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.

The Muttaqun are those that believe, fear Allah and look to what He has ordained in carrying out His actions to avoid His displeasure and sadness. These people are involved and active in his/her life with the Ummah (the Muslim community), concerned with the affairs of humanity, whilst at the same time praying , fasting, spending in Allah’s cause, having good morals, are forgiving and just. All these descriptions can be attributed to a person who has Taqwa and will be assured and successful in the Hereafter.
Hence, for the moral development and correct behavior of a good Muslim it necessary that he strictly analyze and establish his Taqwa, but never claims to be a possessor of it.


Nuradeen - JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA.

Good answer. I see religion as super complicated. Life is simpler than that. All those nice intricate theories, and look what people are doing in the real life. Muslims killing Christians, Christians killing Muslims, Muslims killing Shamanists, Buddhists killing Muslims etc.

When it comes to practice, all religions fail miserably.

 

[Light_Of_Divergence]

I get it, there are spiritual benefits/effects concerning fasting...but my question is still valid.

"Fasting so you can reach Taqwa [God Consciousness]"?
Have any Muslim reached "God Consciousness" yet?... LOL

I want to see if any Muslim here actually reached "God Consciousness"... so far none come forth.

Taqwa is awareness/ being concious of God in your life, not becoming a God. There is a very clear disctinction between those too, if taken in the right context.

However, if you want to nitpick, go ahead.

 

[EpistemiX]

After much deliberation, I have decided to join Muslims on this journey for at least a part of the way. A time for spiritual reflection and an attempt to get closer to god!

Just a few questions: what is the best time to start the fast and the best time to stop it? and would it be ok for me to go into a mosque and meet some imams?

 

[Damien50]

You're missing the point...

What is your point?

 

[Light_Of_Divergence]

After much deliberation, I have decided to join Muslims on this journey for at least a part of the way. A time for spiritual reflection and an attempt to get closer to god!

Just a few questions: what is the best time to start the fast and the best time to stop it? and would it be ok for me to go into a mosque and meet some imams?

Welcome! Peace to you on this journey.

The fast starts when the white thread is distinguished from the dark thread (in the night) which means that you should stop eating before the first thread of light is visible. You can download an app or a list for your area that tells you when Fajr (the morning prayer) begins, you need to eat your breakfast before that prayer starts in your area.

It would be OK for you to go into a mosque, but if you are a non muslim it is better to announce that you are coming so you can meet the imams without disturbing them when they are working, and they will be very busy during Ramadan it is also better to not come at prayer times if you do not pray with the congregation, you might disturb others. But many mosques organise informal iftar (meal to break the fast) which will allow you to meet people (and possibly imams) and talk about your interest in Islam.

The fast is broken after the call to the evening prayer (maghrib), with a light snack consisting of water and dates to quell the hunger and thirst of the day. After the evening prayer people eat a meal and at night many pray an extra prayer called Taraweeh during Ramadan.

 

[floss]

What is your point?

For the last time, I want to know if any Muslim has reached God Consciousness. That’s what I got from DR’s post regarding fasting.

 

[Light_Of_Divergence]

For the last time, I want to know if any Muslim has reached God Consciousness. That’s what I got from DR’s post regarding fasting.

I just explained to you what Taqwa means in simple terms. You will not get an answer to this question because it ignores the meaning of Taqwa.

 

[floss]

Taqwa is awareness/ being concious of God in your life, not becoming a God. There is a very clear disctinction between those too, if taken in the right context.

However, if you want to nitpick, go ahead.

That’s not what DR’s post said that’s why I asked.

 

[floss]

I just explained to you what Taqwa means in simple terms. You will not get an answer to this question because it ignores the meaning of Taqwa.

Then what DR posted was incorrect.

 

[grateful servant]

From the article DR linked to and I posted in full.....The Qur`an though, prohibits anyone from claims of self-purity.

God says in the Quran that which translates to mean: “Hold not yourself purified. Allah knows best who has Taqwa.”

@EpistemiX May Almighty God, Creator of Heavens and earth and all that exists, bestow His Mercy, Blessings and Forgiveness on you and all who submit to Him with a pure heart Ameen. May He gather us all with the prophets and righteous people on ..." The Day when there will not benefit [anyone] wealth or children. But only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart." (Quran 26:88,89)

Welcome to beautiful and blessed Ramadan, the best month which contains in it the best night of the year!

 

[Light_Of_Divergence]

Then what DR posted was incorrect.

It was not incorrect, the nuance of the translation was just different.

 

[Orwell's mentor]

Then what DR posted was incorrect.

Perhaps you're too fixated on wanting your question answered, or it's a reading comprehension issue, but DR and Vytas talk about the meaning of Taqwa here and here. Both discuss in further detail about what it means.

 

[grateful servant]

His soul is restless, that is why the flurry of opposition and attacks.
May God guide him to what is better for him, Amen.

 

[Damien50]

For the last time, I want to know if any Muslim has reached God Consciousness. That’s what I got from DR’s post regarding fasting.

Could have sworn you had been answered several times.

 

[floss]

His soul is restless, that is why the flurry of opposition and attacks.
May God guide him to what is better for him, Amen.

Asking a question related to a post is an attacks now? Lol

Maybe the post from DR shouldn’t used the word “God Consciousness”... that was misleading and reeked of New Age

Regarding Islam, you’ll always need to go back the Arabic for the true meaning. Just like the quran and hadiths.

 

[grateful servant]

It wasn't misleading. You tried to make it sound that way, not anybody else, that's what is meant by opposing attacks. Arabic of Qur'an and Hadiths is Fus-ha, pure Arabic language. Ask any serious and sincere convert if they find it a hindrance to read Quran and pray formal prayers in Arabic - I guarantee you will not find one. It is a journey and a blessing that God guides and gives to whom He wills. May He the Most High guide you too, Amen.

 

[yiksmes]

Hearing Qur'an in Arabic is the most relaxing and beautiful sound