Easter eggs Mass Iftar

Samoosa sales dropped dramatically as the month of fasting, Ramadan, has ended. A thirty-hour old moon was clearly seen to end the month a day short of thirty days. While some are happy that the month is now behind us, there is also the need to reflect and build on the positives of this month. A few questions were raised regarding Muslim actions, its relevance or its misguidance. It is necessary to highlight these and correct wrongs, discuss matters that need further understanding.

The first point is not directly related to Ramadan but because this occurred in Ramadan, we will raise it anyway. The aspect of halal food is often a misunderstood concept. Most merely look for the stamp of a halal authority. The ingredients of a product may be halal, but there is another aspect to it. If food is dedicated to a god other than Allah, then that food becomes haram. Easter is one such period that has attached to it specific foods of which easter eggs and hot cross buns are common. Easter is related to pagan beliefs. However, Christians have adopted this period as the time of the crucifixion of Jesus (Eesa peace be upon him). Whether you dismiss the pagan aspect, then the Christian view too is contrary to Quran and thus Islam. To partake in foods relating to events that are against what Allah has revealed, then that is to transgress the word of Allah. The same goes for engaging in any of their, the Christians, affairs regarding Easter, whether it is verbal or otherwise. We remain quiet and understand that to them their religion and to us ours. Jesus – peace be upon him – was not crucified and he did not die for our sins. Jesus – peace be upon him – is not god or the son of god, but he was raised to the heavens as per Quran. We leave them to worship as they please and we worship according to the dictates of Quran and sunnah.

Talking about food, the mass iftars are becoming a thing. There are instances where desperately poor people are fed and then there are any other excuse to get together, including the interfaith iftars. Fasting is sacred and everything attached to it is sacred. The time before Maghrib (the prayer at sunset) is sacred and doubly so for the fasting person. How do you spend our time then other than supplicating to Him, Allah. Where is the sunnah in hastening to break your fast and hastening to establish the Maghrib prayer? Is it not time that you return and be firm on the sunnah? Are there not eleven months of the year to invite people to share a meal? Or if you really believe in feeding the fasting person, why not just do it at the masjid while following the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ?

As for tarawih. Those that are not able to recite the Quran in full in one month, were you attending tarawih to get the blessing of Quran?

Lastly, I hope the only scale that benefited in increase in weight is our scale of good deeds – an I definitely talking to myself first on this one. Yaa Allah, accept our fasting and all our acts of worship in the month of Ramadan (Ramadan without the “l” )

These are just what is observed and encountered. We all will want to do better and if this message can at least make you consider the points raised. Guidance is only from Allah. Allah guide and protect us all.

 

 

Also click and read: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Samoosa - what you need to know (capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com)

Picture courtesy: www.news24.com