Had this been a site promoting a self development course then you would expect to find a list of benefits that you may gain by completing the workshops, the duration of the course and also the cost.
Well, the greatest self development course is taking place for more than 1 billion of the world's population from the 11th of August for a 30 day period. The invitation to take part in this character developing month was revealed to various nations through various revelations throughout the ages.
"Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain piety". Qur'an 2:183
The invitation still stands today, the personal benefits that one can gain through it have never gone out of fashion and the cost, well, it's free!
30 Days of Self-Development: Enter the month of Ramadan...
To complete the Month of Ramadan successfully you are required to abstain during the daylight hours from food, drink (except for the unwell) and marital relations. Why the emphasis on abstaining from these basic needs which we take for granted in our day to day life?
"The month of Ramadan, in which the Qur'an was sent down as guidance for people, and as clear signs of Guidance and the Criterion (between truth and falsehood). Therefore whoever of you is present this month, must fast it, and whoever is so ill that he cannot fast or on a journey (must fast the same) number of other days. God wills ease for you, and He does not will hardship for you, so that you can complete the number of the days required, and exalt God for He has guided you, and so it may be that you will give thanks (due to Him)". Qur'an 2:185
The Islamic lifestyle revolves around the worship of the Creator alone, without any partners. There are no intermediaries: no all-powerful clergy, no confessional priests, no saints to be called upon, no prophets to be sacrificed to, no deities to be appeased, no ancestors to be consulted. In Islam, worship is holistic, and all forms of worship are to be directed to the Lord of all the worlds: Allah, the One God. Worship is not confined to the ritual acts of praying, fasting, giving charity or reciting the Qur'an. It extends across the spectrum of life to include all manner of daily acts, such as eating, drinking and sleeping, to personal acts, such as hygiene, relieving oneself and enjoying marital relations, to actions of the heart, such as unconditional love, sincere devotion, fear and reliance.
With this in mind we can see that every day has meaning, everyday is an opportunity to put something forward toward our account with our Creator. Every smile, every act of charity, every job well done counts for something truly worthwhile –the worship of The Creator-and this being the purpose of creation.
"And by the soul and Him Who perfected it. And inspired it (with conscience of) what is wrong for it and (what is) right for it. He is indeed successful who causes it to grow. And he is indeed a failure who corrupts it". Qur'an 91: 7-10.
As was mentioned earlier there are over 1 billion others experiencing the benefits associated with this blessed month. It is extremely likely you work, study or even have a neighbor that's fasting at this very time. It is our hope that whilst you navigate through this site you begin to uncover a wealth of information that will inspire you to take a closer look into this way of life.
Join us on our Open-Days
We have a number of open days across various venues in London over the course of this month.
So, if you just want to pop down for some coffee, some light conversation, ask any questions or just have a look around at the exhibition. Feel free to come down and join us in this auspicious month.
