Around this time of year, we are reminded of the tremendous sacrifice of Ibrahim (A.S) and his family.
The Hajj is the ultimate symbol of their many sacrifices for the sake of Allah.
But for those millions of us who may not be able to perform this sacred rite, Allah has blessed us with another great opportunity to sacrifice… and we are not talking about the udhiya/qurbani you give every year.
We are talking about fasting on the day of ‘Arafah.
The Prophet ﷺ said regarding this day:
“It will expiate the sins of the previous and upcoming years.”
[Sahih Muslim]
While many of us know of this great sunnah, how many of us truly internalize the spiritual aspect of this noble act?
One of the ways you can make the day of ‘Arafah truly transformative is to focus on the inner dimensions of fasting; to go beyond simply going through the motions and draining hunger, and remind yourself of what you are giving up for the sake of Allah.
Your State: SINCERITY (Ikhlas)
The only way that your actions count is if they are sincere, and fasting beyond the month of Ramadan is a true demonstration of sincerity.
Why? Because nobody else knows.
It is a silent ‘ibadah, a secret between you and your Lord, for the attention of none but Him.
The individual acts that no one else is involved in, develops a special link with Allāh.
Your Battle: FIGHTING DESIRE
This is where the element of sacrifice shines through.
When a Muslim is fasting, they forgo what is permissible for them; food, drink, intimacy with their spouse, all for the sake of Allah.
You are giving up the most base urges built into all human beings even in their halal form…
So if you can give up what is halal for us for an entire day, despite every urge you may feel, what about what is haram?
Fasting helps you to build resistance and resilience against your desires, but it also is a testament to your self that you are able to control yourself, no matter what the Shaytan wants you to believe.
Your Goal: PIETY (Taqwa)
“O you who Believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was for those before you, that
you may achieve Taqwa.”
[Quran, 2:183]
Taqwa is to erect a barrier/wall to protect oneself against Allah’s punishment, and to
increase upon this way.
A part of Taqwa is to know that Allah is constantly watchful of you.
There is nothing stopping you from breaking your fast, especially one that is voluntary.
Nobody standing over your shoulder, listening to you in private.
So why commit to this hunger?
It is to seek the pleasure of Allah alone, a dedication and sacrifice in the hope of attaining His reward and forgiveness.
As the day of ‘Arafah approaches, do not enter the state of fasting blindly or aimlessly. Do it with purpose, with the intention of not only attaining Allah’s forgiveness on that day, but to gain nearness to Him for the rest of your life.
May Allah accept your fasting on the blessed day to come.
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