# Messenger Audio 23 (17-Dec-1982) {% embed url="" %} (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 --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://rashad-khalifa-audios-and-videos.gitbook.io/rashad-khalifa-audios-and-videos/messenger-audios/messenger-audio-23-17-dec-1982.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.