Messenger Audio 23 (17-Dec-1982)

(0:06) Fasting, reinforce and divide. (0:12) A'udhu Billahi Minash Shaitanir Rajeem. Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. (0:16) All you who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you (0:23) that you may attain salvation. (0:26) So fasting was decreed before. (0:30) It was originally, read the footnote. (0:34) Just like all religious practices in Islam, fasting was decreed through Abraham. (0:41) The injunction prohibiting intercourse throughout the month of fasting (0:46) is revised here to allow intercourse during the night of fasting. (0:51) So when fasting was decreed first through Abraham, (0:56) there was no intercourse throughout the whole month of Ramadan. (1:05) It was part of the fasting from food, drink and sex throughout the whole month. (1:13) As you will see here in the next, actually it's in verse 187, (1:20) you see that this was modified to allow intercourse during the nights of Ramadan. (1:30) Verse 184, you shall fast during the specified days. (1:37) Specified days means the ninth month of the lunar calendar. (1:42) The month of Ramadan existed before Muhammad was born. (1:51) You shall fast during the specified days. (1:54) Specified days are identified by the appearance of the moon, the new moon of the ninth month (2:01) and end by the appearance of the new moon of the tenth month. (2:08) Those who are ill or traveling may fast an equal number of other days. (2:15) And those who find it too difficult may substitute the feeding of a poor person for each day of fasting. (2:22) You see, God gave us all kinds of outlets. (2:28) Whatever the reasons, if you cannot fast, there is always an outlet. (2:31) You can feed a poor person for every day. (2:34) If you are ill, or traveling, or heart sick, you can postpone the fasting. (2:40) All these are our associations and allowances from God. (2:48) Those who find it too difficult may substitute the feeding of a poor person for each day of fasting. (2:54) If they volunteer to feed more people, it would be better. (3:00) And then, notice the end of the verse. (3:03) But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. (3:07) So after all these allowances, whatever the excuses, the reasons, (3:13) even though God gives you permission to break your fasting, (3:19) fasting is best for you. (3:20) So if you can, by any way, fast, then go ahead. (3:27) It is best for you to fast. (3:32) Nobody dies from abstention from water and food for one day, 24 hours. (3:39) Of course, it is not 24 hours, it is only a maximum of 16 hours. (3:45) Nobody will die from lack of food and water. (3:51) So, it is best for us to carry out this commandment of fasting. (3:58) 185. Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed. (4:04) This is a very important statement. (4:07) Because the legends and stories and so forth tell you that the Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years. (4:17) Obviously, it is not true. (4:19) Because this verse says, Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed. (4:26) The fact is, throughout the Quran, it was told that the Prophet Muhammad was taken (4:32) on the night of Tawwah, the 27th night of Ramadan of that year. (4:37) That first day, he was taken up to the highest horizon. (4:42) And the Quran was put in his heart, the whole Quran, on that one night. (4:50) Just like you and I have in our heart the knowledge that God is the Lord of the Universe. (4:57) We bore witness that God is our Lord. (5:03) But we don't remember that because it is inside our heart. (5:07) We don't perceive it. (5:09) It is in our instinct. (5:11) And in the same way, the Quran was put in Muhammad's heart. (5:17) Surah 53 gives the details. (5:19) How he was taken to the highest horizon. (5:23) And the whole Quran was put in his heart. (5:27) Subsequent to this, Gabriel will go and bring out a portion of Quran. (5:37) A portion that is small enough for the Prophet and his companions to memorize. (5:43) We find this in surah 17. (5:44) It says, we release the Quran in small portions in order that we may memorize it. (5:53) Now all these references are shown at the very beginning of the book. (5:56) Go look at the beginning of the first few pages. (6:02) There is one with big words, one page. (6:05) It says, on the 27th night of Ramadan. (6:08) You see that page? (6:11) On the 27th night of Ramadan of the year 1304H, that is 610AD, (6:18) the Prophet Muhammad was summoned to the highest possible point, al-Masjid al-Aqsa. (6:24) Al-Masjid al-Aqsa is the highest possible point. (6:28) And this Quran was placed into his heart. (6:33) As we see in 297, 17, 1, 4, 4, 3, 53, 1, 2, 18, and 97, 1, 2, 5. (6:40) Subsequently, the Quran was released through Muhammad's mouth over a period of 23 years. (6:49) Namely between 610 and 632AD. (6:55) At the moment of release, it was crucifously written down and divinely guarded since then. (7:02) Now this is not what the majority of Muslims around the world believe or think. (7:07) They have stories taken from Hadith and from other sources, storytellers, (7:15) that the Prophet was sitting in a cave and Gabriel came to him and said, read. (7:20) And he said, I don't know how to read, and so forth. (7:23) So he said this, a storyteller. (7:25) The Quran says something else. (7:28) The Quran says he was taken to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, way up in the 7th heaven. (7:34) So at the time, of course, there was no such thing as Masjid al-Aqsa on earth. (7:39) But most people don't think of it that way. (7:42) Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem was built after the fact, 70 years after the Quran. (7:48) And then the storytellers made up the story of how he came down from Mecca to Jerusalem and then up to heaven. (7:54) He was taken from Mecca to heaven, straight. (7:58) And this is the origin of the Quran. (8:04) It's the same thing. (8:05) It's not from one another. (8:09) That wasn't the first day of revelation of the Quran. (8:12) This is the first day of revelation. (8:13) The 27th month of Ramadan. (8:15) When Muhammad was appointed a messenger. (8:22) So when we look in the Quran and put all these facts together, you reach the truth. (8:30) I want you to look at Surah 44, verse 3, for example. (8:37) 44, 3. (8:46) Therefore, the subject is very clear. (8:48) But it's amazing how the average Muslim, when reading, gets insulted when we look at the truth of the Quran. (8:58) Look at Muhammad in Buruq. (9:00) We see it in Arabic. (9:02) Let me look at it in Arabic. (9:04) 44, 3. (9:23) Verse 3, it says what? (9:32) We sent it down in a blessed night. (9:43) We have revealed the Quran in a blessed night. (9:47) So the Quran was revealed in one night. (9:52) So it means it was revealed in one night and then released over 23 years. (10:02) Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, came and revealed a few verses. (10:11) This is what the order of revelation comes. (10:15) The first thing that was released was Surah 96. (10:19) The first 5 verses. (10:21) 19 words, as you know. (10:24) The second release was 38 words of Surah 68. (10:30) The third release was 57 words of Surah 74. (10:36) The fourth release was up to the number 19 of Surah 75. (10:41) The fifth release was the first complete Surah, Al-Fatihah. (10:46) Which means the 19 letters, Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, came immediately after the number 19. (10:52) It's mentioned in the Quran. (10:57) So the sequence is known. (11:05) He received the Quran. (11:06) He didn't know anything about the Quran. (11:08) He received the Quran in his heart. (11:11) He was taken out in the seventh day. (11:13) He received the Quran in his heart. (11:17) He didn't know anything about it. (11:19) He wasn't able to recite the Quran? (11:23) So the... (11:24) He didn't even know. (11:29) The angel Gabriel would come and would take him over and would bring out a number of verses. (11:37) He was aware that he had it in his heart. (11:40) Meaning that he couldn't bring it out. (11:42) He was definitely aware that something happened. (11:46) He was definitely aware that... (11:49) Because... (11:52) God says to show him our marvels. (11:57) He was absolutely, he was completely aware. (11:59) Surah 53 says he was... (12:01) He was definitely aware. (12:04) He was not imagining things. (12:06) He was seeing reality. (12:08) So he was aware. (12:10) That he was being appointed as a final prophet. (12:14) That he was given a message. (12:17) But like some other verses tell us... (12:20) It tells the prophet not to hurry the revelation. (12:25) So what I'm saying, was he aware... (12:29) You know, that it was there in him. (12:32) Even if it wasn't quite clear that he could read it. (12:35) Yes. (12:36) He was aware. (12:40) Because Gabriel was telling him everything. (12:43) When Gabriel came, not just to release the Quran. (12:46) He came with a whole bunch of instructions along with the Quran. (12:48) Like for example, these verses belong in surah 19 or surah 16. (12:53) In the specific position. (12:55) And... (12:57) Or... (12:57) This is now a new surah and it shall be entitled Jonah. (13:02) So the instructions. (13:04) Or as of now you pray towards Jerusalem. (13:09) Or as of now you turn to Mecca. (13:14) Or it is written in the Quran. (13:15) Are those details recorded in history? (13:19) Well, they are recorded in the Quran. (13:22) No, I mean... (13:23) With that kind of instruction. (13:26) Yes. (13:29) Gabriel was telling him that. (13:32) Right. (13:33) That's how the B instead of M. (13:37) The things that are unusual. (13:40) In your divine orbit. (13:43) Because you can say back there as well. (13:45) You have a call, you know. (13:46) You have to know this law. (13:49) You say back there. (13:50) The Prophet may have... (13:51) Gabriel had a call or something. (13:54) The first sign he made for the people was back there. (13:57) Hey Gabriel, are you sure it is back there? (14:00) Yes, it's back there. (14:03) So he would make it very clear that this should be written with a B. (14:07) And as I was showing Brother Muhammad today, (14:10) if it was written with an M, (14:12) the whole system would collapse. (14:13) The whole system would collapse. (14:16) Because it is really overwhelming (14:22) that God picked out a word that is most familiar to the Arabs at that time. (14:26) Prophet Muhammad was born there. (14:28) It is his town. (14:29) It is known as Mecca. (14:30) The people go north and south. (14:32) They live there. (14:33) They know it is Mecca. (14:34) So what makes it back there? (14:36) Also shows the absolute obedience to the revelation. (14:42) Gabriel said this is to be written with a B. (14:44) Fine. (14:45) Somebody said to you, (14:51) I want you to write down, stand down, (14:54) a true sign with a B. (14:55) A true sign. (15:01) That is ridiculous. (15:02) Because we know it is true sign. (15:05) But then when the divine authors came to write it with a B, (15:09) that's it. (15:10) Nowhere else. (15:12) It only means there was no country in the book. (15:15) Yes, there was no country. (15:17) And it stands like this. (15:19) The generations that came after that didn't think of correcting it. (15:24) They know that it is Mecca, (15:27) but they didn't dare. (15:29) Of course, you must remember, (15:31) God guaranteed the preservation of Quran. (15:34) So even if they tried, (15:37) they perished. (15:39) I'm sure some people tried. (15:41) It's very interesting because (15:43) this not only shows that (15:46) the spelling, which was not the normal one, (15:50) has been preserved. (15:52) But later on, (15:54) people begin to notice that there is a difference. (15:57) Then they begin to say, (15:59) oh, this is another name. (16:01) But then there is no proof for that. (16:04) They speculate that this is another name. (16:08) When the most possible explanation is that (16:13) it was there from the beginning and nobody wanted to touch it. (16:16) They were afraid. (16:19) It's interesting how when people (16:22) make up an interpretation, (16:24) they back it up with a whole bunch of stories. (16:27) For example, (16:30) Abu al-A'ya al-Mawludi (16:35) said that the letters before the surahs, for example, (16:39) were put at the beginning of the surahs (16:41) to gain the attention of the people. (16:44) To say, how? (16:46) What Quran is Majeed? (16:48) So people would say, what? What is this? (16:50) To get their attention. (16:52) And he said that this was a common thing in the Arabic literature. (16:56) This is to back up his interpretation. (17:01) It's very simple. (17:02) All you need to do is show us from literature where they have these letters. (17:05) It's not true. (17:09) And you know, it used to get me all upset (17:11) when they say things like that. (17:13) Why do you make a statement like that? (17:14) It was very common in the ancient Arabic literature. (17:17) I studied ancient Arabic literature, (17:19) and we have it recorded everywhere. (17:21) You know, Paisan, like that, all these things. (17:23) And there isn't no such thing. (17:26) These letters are not common at all. (17:28) In fact, they were never used. (17:29) Under any circumstances. (17:31) Well, if Mawludi follows his own thinking, (17:35) he should put A-N before his books. (17:37) He would say, what's A-N? (17:38) He would say, Abu al-A'ya al-Mawludi. (17:40) Get your attention. (17:43) No, that is guesswork. (17:47) Why we explain it only to someone who needs attention, (17:51) Exactly. This is another point. (17:53) Why do we have the letters in front of only twenty-nine chapters? (17:57) When God doesn't want us to pay attention to other chapters, what? (18:02) But people, the interpreters will back up their interpretations (18:07) with stories that have absolutely no basis. (18:13) What I don't understand, Josh, (18:15) is whenever one of these revelations came out, (18:22) there was always somebody else writing about it? (18:24) Right. (18:25) Yeah? (18:26) Now, I don't know how to differentiate the two, man, (18:30) but there's something that you were saying, (18:31) or maybe it's actually my rationality and revelation. (18:35) I don't really get onto it. (18:37) Of course, Muhammad couldn't miss the visit of Gabi. (18:40) If Gabi visits you, you can't miss that. (18:44) No, his question, I think, is this. (18:48) His question is this, that (18:50) how did the people around him, (18:52) when the Prophet was reciting, (18:55) alright, when the Prophet was reciting, (18:57) how would the people around him know (18:59) that now he's reciting Quran, (19:01) but at other times he's just talking from his own self. (19:05) How did the people know? (19:06) That is the question. (19:07) I understood the question. (19:08) I'm sorry. (19:09) My answer was, you can't miss Gabi's visit. (19:12) So when Gabi comes and says, (19:15) Qul huwa allahu ahad, allahu samad, (19:17) wa naribun an yunat, (19:18) wa lam yakun lahu kufran ahad, (19:21) and I'm telling him this is the Quran, (19:23) then he will still stay with Muhammad, (19:24) until Muhammad memorizes it. (19:27) And then he'll say it to the revelation writers, (19:31) he has some more Quran now. (19:34) He'll say, what is it? (19:34) He'll say, Qul huwa allahu ahad, allahu samad, (19:37) and they write it down, (19:38) and then they sit and study it, (19:39) and memorize it, (19:40) just like we're doing now. (19:43) Actually, that was, (19:45) but that actually is, (19:46) may I answer some of his questions? (19:48) This itself is really one of the wonderful things. (19:52) If the shirat al-nabi, (19:54) the mystery of the Biography of the Prophet, (19:56) is to be believed, (19:58) the people around him knew. (20:00) They knew very well when he was under inspiration. (20:06) And then they themselves would hear what he was saying, (20:09) and they would memorize it. (20:11) The people around him. (20:12) They were actually with him. (20:14) They knew. (20:15) The people knew the difference. (20:17) And this is a very, very beautiful thing. (20:19) They also know when he would just speak, you know, (20:22) ordinary things. (20:23) Although I don't know how true it is, (20:24) that in the shirat al-nabi, he changes. (20:27) Because in some ways it's a form of, (20:29) he becomes an instrument. (20:32) They know from his face and his utterance. (20:36) It's not his. (20:37) It's not his language. (20:40) It's just like, for example, all of us now. (20:42) We know how the way he talks to us. (20:45) But imagine if you're talking like Shakespeare. (20:47) We all know that it's not you. (20:50) No, this is a very wonderful phenomenon, (20:51) how the people, the chief, (20:53) would know that it's a revelation, (20:54) and they would themselves memorize it (20:56) when he is uttering. (20:57) As far as the physical changes are concerned, (21:01) I really don't buy that. (21:02) He used to paint and wear all these things. (21:10) Some doctors diagnosed that it's epilepsy. (21:16) I really don't buy that. (21:18) I don't get that far. (21:19) I only say that there are some things they know, (21:21) but that is a pleasure to be called. (21:23) But it is something that exists in the books. (21:25) They say that he would paint, (21:27) he is unconscious, all these things. (21:30) But according to a doctor, a Jesuit doctor in the Philippines, (21:34) an American doctor, (21:36) he's saying, and he does not believe in the Quran, (21:39) he's even an enemy of Islam, (21:41) but this man told us very clearly (21:42) from the medical point of view, (21:45) these recitations would not have come from an epileptic disease. (21:49) Yes, but that's an epileptic story. (21:52) I don't blame them because they make up these stories. (21:56) But if you look at 17-106. (22:00) Chapter? (22:02) 17. (22:04) 106. (22:05) This is page 196 at the top. (22:07) It says, this is the Quran that will be agreed to be released to the people by you (22:11) over a long period, (22:13) though we sent it down all at once. (22:19) This is very good. (22:21) That's a good one, but there is one (22:35) there is one (22:42) there is one (22:44) to fix it in your memory. (22:51) I'm going to find it for you, it is important. (22:53) It says that we released it over a long period (22:56) in order to fix it in your memory. (22:58) So, this would indicate to me (23:00) that Jabir would release (23:03) a few verses (23:05) and then would (23:07) sit with Muhammad until he memorized it. (23:10) I want to remind you also of the angels (23:13) that went to Abraham, visited him (23:15) in the form of human beings. (23:18) Then Abraham went (23:19) and slaughtered the calf for them. (23:22) He roasted the calf (23:23) and brought it to them. (23:24) Angels don't eat like we do. (23:27) They don't have the same digestive system (23:28) that we have or the needs that we have. (23:32) Neither would you (23:33) in the real life you would not need. (23:36) Maybe you would. (23:37) Let me not go into this. (23:38) But anyway, the angels wouldn't eat (23:40) the roasted calf that Abraham brought. (23:43) So this tells us that the angels (23:46) come (23:46) to the people in the form (23:49) of human beings. (23:50) They came to Abraham (23:52) and there is no reason (23:55) why Jabir wouldn't come to Muhammad (23:57) in the form of a human being (23:58) and help him release the Quran (24:00) and make him memorize it. (24:04) Oh, here is the (24:08) This is very important (24:10) because we are talking about revelation in the Quran. (24:21) 25, 32 (24:24) Surah 25 (24:25) verse 32 (24:29) You guys are (24:30) the most informed people in the world. (24:33) That's what Quran says. (24:35) Phase 247 (24:41) Verse 32 says (24:42) The disbelievers said, (24:43) How come the Quran was not revealed through him all at once? (24:48) We thus released it (24:49) gradually in order to (24:51) fix it in your memory. (24:53) That's the reason why (24:54) it was released over a period of 23 (24:58) years. (25:00) To fix it in the Prophet's memory (25:02) and the companions of course who were around him (25:04) they were also memorizing it along with him. (25:12) They didn't know how to read or write (25:13) but God gave them a soft memory (25:15) and gave them a lot of time. (25:17) Nothing else to do. (25:20) Because really (25:21) it takes a lot of time (25:22) to memorize it and to keep it alive (25:24) in their memory. (25:29) So to fix it (25:31) in their memory indicates (25:35) that Jabir (25:37) would release it (25:39) in few verses and then would (25:41) make sure that Muhammad (25:42) knows it memorized it. (25:44) So whether the revelation writers were there or not (25:48) when the Prophet met them (25:50) he would send somebody to bring them (25:52) and he would tell them (25:53) I have some new Quran for you (25:57) and they would write it down. (26:00) Would it also (26:02) would it not be reasonable to say (26:07) that it makes sense (26:08) why the Quran has to be (26:10) among other reasons (26:13) and referring only to some verses (26:15) it makes sense why the Quran has to be (26:18) revealed on different occasions (26:20) because some of them are really (26:22) guides for specific occasions (26:24) for example (26:27) after the battle of Badr (26:29) after the battle of Uhud (26:31) how can a revelation talk (26:32) about the results of (26:34) the battle of Uhud if (26:36) before it takes place (26:39) So that's why if I'm allowed (26:42) to use (26:43) a kind of philosophical (26:46) language that the Quran (26:49) as you say (26:50) is given as a rule (26:52) put in the heart of the Prophet (26:54) and released (26:56) at different time (26:59) the releasing (27:00) it's there (27:02) actually in the heart (27:04) but potentially (27:06) for certain occasions (27:10) and when the occasion comes (27:12) it becomes actualized (27:13) relative to the occasion (27:17) The occasion of Zayd (27:19) and the divorce of his wife (27:20) Now the Quran was written before the earth was created (27:24) and it was put in Muhammad's heart (27:26) before these things took place (27:28) it's one of the miraculous cases of Quran (27:30) so when Zayd (27:32) divorced his wife and the Prophet (27:33) was to marry Zayd's wife (27:36) then these verses were released (27:39) that was the time for it (27:40) so this is a very good point (27:42) that Bin Maqood just raised (27:46) Okay, back to (27:55) Right, because it was against the traditions (27:58) of the people (28:00) who were the people saying (28:02) what do they think they were saying (28:03) The first rule was because (28:05) he was aware of (28:07) at least somewhat of what was said (28:13) When we go to that verse (28:15) it's very interesting (28:17) but it's very interesting because (28:19) you know (28:21) because actually it was there but he was (28:23) keeping it, did you remember? (28:28) Yes, he was (28:29) it was there, it was supposed to come out (28:31) in the revelation but he (28:33) I think (28:34) he's scolded by the Quran, did you not point it out? (28:38) He's scolded (28:40) But there are many (28:42) different kinds of inspiration (28:44) in the revelation (28:47) there is a kind (28:48) where you are put in a situation (28:50) where you either submit to God (28:52) or you object (28:54) so he was put in that kind (28:56) of situation (29:00) situation (29:00) where he was afraid of what (29:01) would the people think of him (29:04) but when a certain (29:06) inspiration comes to you (29:07) sometimes it just takes over (29:09) and you just can't think of anything else (29:11) like Moses' mother for example (29:13) throwing her baby in the river (29:16) have you ever heard of (29:18) of Linda throwing Aisha (29:19) in the river (29:22) or any mother (29:25) but no mother in the world (29:26) would do that (29:32) but it was (29:33) some kind of an impulse (29:36) see we all know (29:37) what a loving mother you are (29:40) Aisha is an example for that (29:47) we'll see what kind (29:48) of mother Dana is (29:50) she'll probably beat him (29:55) very soon (29:56) very soon (30:00) but this is the kind of inspiration (30:02) that just takes over (30:03) and there's nothing else you can do (30:15) or direct (30:17) Gabriel Tolkien (30:22) Gabriel Tolkien (30:23) but God wanted to marry (30:25) Zayn's wife to establish (30:26) a law, a precedent (30:28) that was the idea (30:31) I mean it could be in any form (30:34) and the Quran (30:39) ok back to (30:40) 185, Ramadan is the month during (30:42) which the Quran was revealed (30:44) and I think we really start at this point (30:46) to bring in (30:49) guidance (30:50) clear guidelines and the statute book (30:53) statute book (30:54) in the book of laws (30:57) regulations (30:58) the final law (31:04) initially the commandment (31:05) you shall not kill for example (31:06) that's it (31:09) but the Quran gives details (31:11) about the equivalence (31:14) the law of equivalence (31:15) the harboring (31:19) man for the man (31:20) the woman for the woman (31:34) God wishes convenience for you (31:36) rather than hardship (31:40) he wishes (31:40) he wishes to enable you (31:41) to fulfill your duties (31:44) and to glorify God (31:46) and to show (31:48) your appreciation (31:50) I mean when you say (31:51) I believe in God you have to do something about it (31:54) you can't just say I believe in God (31:56) and then you don't pray the five prayers (31:59) or you don't fast the month of Ramadan (32:02) yeah (32:11) hardship (32:12) the idea is hardship (32:15) if I take the plane (32:17) if I take the plane (32:18) from here to New York (32:19) I wouldn't break my fast (32:21) because it's really nice and comfortable (32:23) lazy (32:25) but when they travel by cabin (32:28) it was really hard (32:29) it was really hard (32:30) there were sand storms (32:42) that's why the Quran says (32:43) even if you can't do it (32:44) you can feed one poor person (32:46) and then it ends by saying (32:48) it's best to fast (32:51) even in the hard long days (32:53) nobody will die from (32:56) abstention from food and drink (32:57) for 16 hours (32:59) it's hard (33:00) it's not easy (33:02) this will show your appreciation of God (33:04) that you really believe in God (33:05) and when he says you fast in the month of Ramadan (33:08) you fast no matter what (33:11) and as you know (33:13) pregnancy (33:15) yes if it's hard (33:17) it's hard (33:18) you can (33:21) do it some other time (33:23) you can fast some other time (33:25) if you can do it, it's better for you (33:27) and for the baby, you can be sure (33:29) because God says it's best for you (33:31) look at Adam (33:37) did you fast? (33:47) but you're fasting Quran (33:49) you're cheating someone (33:51) that's why he's so big (33:53) that's why he's so big (33:56) just rest (33:57) you're going to be bigger than daddy (33:58) in a few months (34:06) oh I want to say that (34:11) you know how (34:14) God designed (34:15) the whole life for the test (34:17) for those saying that (34:19) Ramadan comes in the short days (34:21) in the winter (34:23) where the day is only 8 hours (34:25) and fasting is really nothing (34:27) it's just between (34:29) your breakfast and lunch (34:31) most people (34:32) so there's nothing to it (34:34) and let's take 100 people (34:37) who would fast when the day is short (34:40) and then (34:40) Ramadan moves (34:43) and the days become longer (34:45) and 15 people (34:47) will drop out when the day is 10 hours (34:49) then we'll have 85 (34:51) people fasting (34:52) and then the day becomes (34:54) 14 hours (34:56) the fasting day (34:58) and 20 more people drop out (35:00) so we have 65 people left (35:01) and then the day goes on to (35:03) 15 hours and (35:05) 20 more people drop out (35:08) because it's too long (35:09) then you have 45 people (35:12) left and then the day is (35:13) 16 hours long (35:16) and half, 16 hours (35:18) and you have 20 more people (35:21) 25% (35:22) left (35:23) these are the 25 die hard (35:26) believers who will fast (35:27) no matter what (35:29) and you can see how the test (35:32) is designed, the whole university (35:34) is designed (35:35) for that test, the same with the prayers (35:39) now you are (35:40) praying Fajr before sunrise (35:42) whether you like it or not (35:44) because the sunrise is (35:45) 7.30, you have to be at work (35:48) at 8 o'clock (35:50) or whatever, so you're praying (35:52) now are you praying Fajr (35:54) before sunrise because (35:56) God says you pray before sunrise (35:58) or because you have to go to work (36:00) at 8 o'clock (36:02) now the true you (36:04) this question will be (36:06) answered when sunrise is (36:07) 4 o'clock (36:10) gonna pray Fajr before sunrise (36:13) or gonna pray (36:14) at 7 o'clock as usual (36:16) anyway (36:17) that will show you (36:22) whether you are praying (36:23) Fajr because God said so or because (36:25) your boss said come to work at 7 o'clock (36:28) the whole (36:29) universe is designed (36:32) for the test (36:33) the axis of the earth is (36:35) tilted 23 degrees (36:37) just so the days will be longer (36:39) the sunrise will be different (36:42) just to test (36:43) you (36:49) you see the point (36:53) when God says you pray morning (36:55) before sunrise (36:56) this means as a die hard believer (36:59) as one who really believes in God (37:00) who runs your life (37:02) and provides for you (37:03) and promises to make you a king or queen (37:06) you believe the Quran (37:08) you know all these things (37:09) then you will get up to pray Fajr (37:11) even if the sunrise is at 4, 3 or whatever (37:14) doesn't matter (37:18) this is what (37:19) this verse means by showing you (37:20) appreciation of God (37:23) appreciation of God means (37:24) that he is the master, he is the king (37:26) whatever he says must go (37:29) he doesn't want to (37:31) bother you and disturb you (37:32) and get you up at 4 o'clock in the morning (37:35) he doesn't mean (37:37) I will pray (37:39) but this is (37:41) what's good for you (37:42) this is what prepares you (37:45) for you to join my kingdom (37:46) this is what God says (37:51) the day will come (37:53) when you are resurrected (37:54) to enter the eternal life (37:57) the real life (37:58) you can close your eyes a few minutes (38:00) and imagine that you are opening them (38:02) on the day of resurrection (38:04) now what would your position be (38:07) are you qualified to join (38:09) the kingdom of God (38:12) or were you lazy (38:15) you couldn't get up (38:16) before sunrise for God (38:19) but when your boss (38:21) says you come (38:21) you are going to have an emergency (38:23) and you have to come at 3 o'clock every morning (38:26) for the next two weeks (38:28) will you go (38:29) at 3 o'clock every morning for two weeks (38:33) will you want (38:34) you will get fired (38:41) but that's what distinguishes (38:43) the believer from (38:44) the lazy person (38:49) now don't be discouraged (38:50) if you understand (38:51) when you are praying one prayer a day (38:55) well (38:57) hopefully you will (38:58) you will always progress (39:00) that's what counts (39:04) this is the motto of (39:06) General Electric (39:07) progress is our most important product (39:11) progress is our most important (39:13) the important thing is that (39:14) you do not regress (39:15) into not praying (39:17) you must progress into doing two prayers a day (39:21) and from that (39:23) you progress to doing (39:24) three prayers a day (39:27) and so forth (39:28) you make a point of never regressing (39:32) maybe you will never pray morning (39:33) before sunrise (39:35) don't be discouraged (39:38) because (39:38) your body is a wild horse (39:40) that is trying to train (39:44) it's a real (39:45) real wild horse (39:46) your body is real wild (39:47) it doesn't want to get up in the morning (39:49) it's very difficult to get up in the morning (39:52) and this is the whole idea (39:53) because if you are strong (39:55) you will make your body get up (39:58) now if your body is stronger than your soul (40:01) that is you (40:02) you are in deep trouble (40:04) try to exercise your soul (40:06) until you are stronger than your body (40:08) because your body is going to die (40:10) and you are going to stay on (40:12) you are going to stay on as a strong person (40:14) or as a weak (40:16) weak baby (40:19) so it's very important to (40:21) don't be discouraged (40:22) and to make progress your most important product (40:26) progress from one prayer a day (40:28) to two prayers a day (40:28) until you do the five prayers a day (40:30) and then you progress to (40:32) praying better every day (40:35) because God says so (40:39) so (40:40) God here says he wishes that you (40:42) fulfill your duties (40:43) he wants you to fulfill your duties (40:45) but the test requires that God does not interfere (40:47) so satan and angels are not crying out (40:52) the idea is that God (40:54) does not interfere (40:55) but God wants you to be saved (40:57) God wants you to join his kingdom (40:59) he wants you to be a king or queen (41:01) on earth (41:04) he wants you to have (41:05) absolutely no masters (41:09) except him (41:11) so that's what this verse is saying (41:13) he wishes to enable you (41:15) to fulfill your duties (41:16) he wants you to pass the test (41:21) but people insist on climbing the fence (41:23) into hell (41:24) God puts fences (41:25) in front of them to prevent them from going to hell (41:28) but they insist (41:35) God wishes to enable you (41:37) to fulfill your duty and to fulfill (41:39) to glorify God (41:40) for guiding you (41:42) and to show your appreciation (41:45) by fasting the month of Ramadan (41:47) by praying the five prayers (41:50) in their time (41:51) by giving to charity (41:53) being charitable (41:55) kind (41:58) this country (41:59) this country is under (41:59) a terrible test right now (42:01) with all the transients and the poor people (42:04) and you should hear all the (42:06) mean, average Americans (42:07) take them all and throw them in hell (42:10) you know (42:12) they were thinking in Phoenix (42:14) of building a park for the transients (42:16) to give them some refuge (42:19) and you should hear all the (42:20) people speaking against this (42:21) we are dirty of this city (42:23) it's like (42:25) it's their choice (42:27) to be poor or hungry (42:29) but this is a test (42:31) it's a test for this country (42:33) and a Muslim must be charitable (42:35) must be kind (42:38) must be thankful that (42:39) he's not put in that (42:41) position, they are human beings (42:45) they're having (42:45) their own test in their own way (42:53) so (42:53) these are the (42:55) duties that God (42:58) wants us to fulfill (43:01) Salah, prayer, Zakat, charity (43:03) the fasting of Ramadan (43:11) look at (43:13) 186 (43:14) and when my servants ask you about (43:17) me, I am always (43:19) mean (43:21) I respond to the (43:23) call of any caller who calls (43:25) on me (43:27) therefore (43:27) you shall respond to me (43:29) and believe in me (43:31) that they may (43:34) attain (43:35) righteousness (43:37) so these are the requirements (43:39) that your prayer be answered (43:41) are your prayers answered? (43:45) they should be, always (43:46) if you fulfill the requirements (43:49) respond to me (43:51) respond to God (43:53) and believe in me (43:54) believe in God (43:55) people who believe in God and respond to him (43:58) respond meaning (44:00) they follow his commandments (44:02) then he hears your calls (44:04) I say when you call (44:06) God says he's closer to you (44:08) than the jugular vein (44:09) what does this mean? (44:11) closer to you than this (44:12) how can he be closer? (44:14) God controls the count of blood (44:17) in your vein (44:18) controls that (44:19) the flow of your blood in your vein (44:21) it is closer to you than your (44:26) jugular vein (44:28) I think it's surah 86 (44:29) but let me look it up (44:51) 50, 16 (44:54) surah 50 (44:55) verse 16 (45:11) since we created (45:12) the human being we are fully aware of (45:14) his innermost thoughts (45:15) we are closer to him than his jugular vein (45:22) you still cold Latifa? (45:26) I was going to turn the heater down (45:29) oh is it off? ok (45:35) so when my servants ask you about me (45:37) I am always near (45:42) now you may (45:43) pray for something (45:46) and because you are a good believer (45:48) your prayer is answered (45:50) but not exactly (45:52) at the time you want it (45:53) because (45:55) God is not (46:02) sometimes we say (46:03) don't say (46:04) I don't know how to put this (46:06) as a king or queen on earth (46:09) the angels are all around you (46:11) and they are eager to fulfill (46:13) whatever you want (46:14) so sometimes you may make (46:16) statements and they rush into (46:18) fulfilling those statements (46:20) on their own (46:22) because they don't know your thoughts (46:24) you may get in trouble this way (46:26) but God is (46:28) when you pray to God he knows (46:30) what is best for you, what is the best time (46:32) so you may pray for something (46:34) that is not good for you at this particular time (46:37) and your prayer will come (46:38) to pass at the exact (46:40) best time for you, at the right time (46:42) and if you recall (46:44) I gave you an example of where (46:46) I thought that the prayer takes 3 to 6 months (46:48) to get fulfilled (46:50) remember that story? (46:53) I was thinking of 7 (46:55) universities and how far it is (46:57) and I said well (47:00) I noticed (47:02) that was my conclusion (47:03) that when I pray for something (47:05) it is fulfilled but it takes 3 or 6 months (47:08) so I came to the final conclusion (47:10) that it takes 3 to 6 months (47:12) for God to answer the prayer (47:16) and the day I came to that conclusion (47:20) I was driving down (47:22) the street in Tripoli, Libya (47:24) and I hit that kid in the head (47:26) in the head (47:28) and I was going so fast it took me a half (47:30) a block to stop (47:32) that kid was lying down (47:34) on the side of the street and was supposed to be dead