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September 2009
1. DEAR ABE: I am a young Submitter, and I observe Ramadan fasting. On the first day this year, I kept my fast. But before the end of fasting in the evening, I ate something by mistake. What should I do now, is there any prayers or make up that I can do? I am feeling guilty. – SAARAH, HYDERABAD
DEAR SAARAH: We learn from the Quranic verses regarding dietary prohibitions that as long as your actions were not deliberate or malicious and it was a mistake, then you have incurred no sin and it is Okay [1]. If you want you can make up for that day later on, but it is up to your judgment [2].
Relevant Verses: [1] 2:173, 6:145, 16:115; [2] 2:184-185.
2. DEAR ABE: Why is the Islam fasting based off the Lunar Calendar? Is following the current Western Gregorian Calendar un-Islamic? – JALEEL, GEORGIA
DEAR JALEEL: Although the Ramadan fasting and the Hajj pilgrimage are based on the Moon Calendar [1], God also informs us that He established a 12 month calendar to live by [2]. And both the “Sun” and Moon Calendar are calculated on a 12 month system. We live our daily lives based on the Western Gregorian Calendar, which combines the Julian Calendar from 45 B.C. and the Christian Calendar, based on the year of Jesus’ birth. The Quran tells of Jesus’ birth in Sura 21, verse 91: “As for the one who maintained her virginity, we blew into her from our spirit, and thus, we made her and her son a portent for the whole world.” Jesus’ birth has significance to everyone, the Quran mentions that [3]. So following our society’s calendar based on that birth should not be considered “un-Islamic.”
Relevant Quran Verses: [1] 2:189, 2:197; [2] 9:36; [3] 21:91.
3. DEAR ABE: Can you give me wars that the Quran would approve? For example, would the Crusades be considered legitimate? – BEN, FLORIDA
DEAR BEN: The basic law regulating relations with unbelievers is in Quran Sura 60, Verses 8 and 9: “GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable. GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors.” [1] Also, you can fight a war to preserve freedom so that people can practice their religion(s) freely [2]. We must also not forget that when the enemy refrains, and offers peace, then you have no excuse to fight them [3].
Relevant Quran Verses: [1] 60:8-9; [2] 2:190-193, 4:75-76; [3] 4:90-91.
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