Podcasts about during ramadan

Ramadan Kareem! ☪️Thanks for joining us for this SPECIAL Ramadan episode of Lagos Meets London

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit bequranic.substack.comKey Themes and Concepts:1. Manifestations of Allah's Mercy (Rahmah):• Allah's Rahmah is demonstrated through His forgiveness.• Humans commit sins primarily due to a lack of self-control (Jahalah), not ignorance.• True repentance (Tawbah) involves acknowledging the wrongdoing, rectifying the error, and sincerely intending to not repeat it.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.2. Making Up Missed Worship (Qada):• If prayers (Salah), fasting, or Zakat were missed, they must be made up.• Calculation of missed Salah doesn't require precision; an estimate (ballpark figure) suffices.• Method suggested: Regularly pray additional Qada prayers after daily obligatory prayers. During Ramadan, Taraweeh prayers can also count toward Qada prayers.• Allah completes and forgives sincerely intended Qada that remain unfinished at death.3. Balancing Worship and Social Life:• Islam discourages isolating oneself from society for the sake of making up missed prayers or worship.• Worship and daily life can coexist without the need for complete isolation.4. Understanding of Ayat (Verses):• Allah repeats reminders through different angles and perspectives (multiple verses addressing the same topic) to foster deeper understanding.• Rejection of clear signs and reminders characterises criminals (Mujrimin).5. Rasulullah ﷺ as the “First Muslim”:• Not chronological but emphasising being foremost in dedication and sincerity.• Encouragement to excel spiritually and to always strive for the highest reward.

Join Hanif Khan, Amaar Ahmad & Rana Ata-ul-Rehman for Friday's show from 4-6pm where we will be discussing: 'Charity in Ramadan' and 'Neurodiversity' Charity in Ramadan Muslims are always encouraged to be charitable and share their blessings. During Ramadan, a month of increased worship, they are especially encouraged to give more in charity. In Islam, charity itself is considered an act of worship, and any worship performed in this sacred month holds greater reward than at other times. Join us as we explore the different types of charity in Islam. Neurodiversity In this episode we will explore neurodiversity—the idea that neurological differences like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are natural variations of the human experience rather than deficits. As society moves toward greater understanding and inclusion, what does Islam say about embracing different minds? How can we create a world that values every individual, regardless of how they think or process the world around them? Guests: Khaled Khalifa - Leads the UN Refugee Agency's Islamic philanthropy initiatives globally Mohammad Akmal Shareef - country director for Bangladesh, for organisation Action Against Hunger Producers: Misbah Tariq & Hania Mubarik & Azka Hina

Fasting during the lunar month of Ramadan (Feb 28 to March 30, 2025) is a core practice for Muslims across the world. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. However, during a singleton pregnancy, the ACOG recommends adding approximately 340 extra calories per day in the second trimester and 450 extra calories per day in the third trimester. Does fasting during Ramadan have negative perinatal outcomes due to the potential caloric restriction? In this episode, we will highlight a Clinical Opinion publication from AJOG (June 2023) to examine the data.

During Ramadan, halal markets in Kansas City are critical to the Islamic community's month-long celebration and traditions. Learn how some help make Ramadan in the metro feel like home. Also, for nearly a decade, Blip Coffee Roasters has offered Kansas City bikers a place to hang out and admire motorcycles. Meet the cast of regulars at a West Bottoms coffee shop.

During Ramadan, as Muslims in Australia fast and prepare for Eid, Sydney hosts the Ramadan Shopping Festival, attracting a large crowd. Learn more about it in this podcast. - رمضان کے با برکت مہینے میں جہاں روزے دار اپنے مذہبی فرائض پوری عقیدت سے انجام دیتے ہیں، وہیں عید کی تیاریوں میں بھی مصروف نظر آتے ہیں۔ آسٹریلیا میں مقیم مسلمانوں کی اس ضرورت کو سمجھتے ہوئے سڈنی میں رمضان شاپنگ فیسٹیول کا انعقاد کیا گیا جس سے عوام کی بڑی تعداد کو اپنی طرف مدعو کیا۔ مزید تفصیلات اس پوڈکاسٹ میں سنیے۔

During Ramadan, we aim to deepen our relationship with Allah SWT through various acts of worship, such as prayers, kindness, and charity. While focusing on prayer is crucial, there are also other important ways to strengthen our faith, such as maintaining spiritual resilience. Our guest, Dr. Zayn Ahmad, joins us to explore this topic, particularly in light of the challenging events unfolding in Gaza and why having spiritual resistance is vital. Tune in to this week's episode as we discuss meaningful ways to make this Ramadan distinct and more rewarding.

Today marks the first day of Ramadan. Muslims around the world have begun a month-long fasting period, with fasting being one of the five pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims strive for spiritual growth by purifying both body and mind. That means abstaining from food and water during daylight hours, reciting the Quran, and saying special prayers. It's a period of mutual support, where acts of violence and deceit are strictly forbidden. Even if you're not a Muslim yourself, in the past you may well have witnessed your Muslim neighbours or friends setting up tables in the street as night falls, in order to break their fast by dining outdoors. Of course, with Ramadan starting in March this year, temperatures are pretty low and you may not see such scenes at all.  Are you saying the start of Ramadan hinges on moon sightings? Does that mean Ramadan doesn't start on the same date in every country then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why is sugar bad for our memory? Does the law of attraction really work? How can I stay trendy buying only second hand clothes? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Raheel Ahmed and Salman Qamar for Thursday's show from 4-6pm where we will be discussing Anger Management and Laylatul Qadr Anger Management: Today we will be discussing how fasting during Ramadan can help us manage our anger and emotions. We will explore the science behind anger, its negative effects on our mental and physical health, and strategies for managing it. During Ramadan, we are not just abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, but we are also practicing self-discipline and controlling our emotions. Fasting can help us achieve this goal by providing an opportunity for mindfulness, self-reflection, and seeking forgiveness. Laylatul Qadr: The last ten days of Ramadan are the most anticipated time of the holy month– not because the month is ending – but because there is a coveted treasure hidden in these last ten days that Muslims eagerly search for. Join as we discuss what the night of destiny is and when we can reap the blessings of the time GUESTS: Abdul Rasheed Anwar- Missionary in charge for Canada Claire Newton- A South African psychologist, speaker and life coach Raza Ahmed Musawir Idress Naveed Mangla- Missionary serving in Canada Stephan Gabb Atta ul Haq-Missionary serving in Belize PRODUCERS : Haniya Javaid and Noor us Sabah

As the nights of destiny (Qadr) arrive, Muslims around the world seek ways to draw closer to Allah SWT. During Ramadan, the position of Imam Ali Ibn Abu Talib (as) holds great importance, particularly for Shia Muslims. In this podcast, our co-hosts Sayed Ali Radhawi and Ahmed Abbas discuss Laylat Al-Qadr and share their personal connection with Imam Ali.

On this episode, I talked to the inspiring, Aliyah Umm Raiyaan. Aliyah's debut book, Ramadan Reflections has been flying off bookshop shelves around the world, totally selling out in the UK, and  becoming a Sunday Times best-seller!In this episode, we talk about her writing journey, and important topics around healing from trauma, forgiveness, truly understanding Allah (swt), being present, healing from your past and so much more. We talk about so many things, and Aliyah's wisdom and warmth oozes out, leaving us with so much to think about. Aliyah Umm Raiyaan converted to Islam 23 years ago and has been involved in UK dawah for over 20 years. In 2010, she founded Solace UK, a charity that helps women who have converted to Islam and find themselves in difficulty. In 2019 she launched a YouTube show called Honest Tea Talk which brought unscripted conversations to the table about raw unspoken topics related to the Muslim community. She continues to devote her time to helping women achieve their full potential whilst emphasising the importance of developing a personal and close relationship with Allah.  Her book, Ramadan Reflections, published by Penguin, is now available. She lives in East London where she home educates her children.This episode is part of a little mini-series for the month of Ramadan, focusing on spirituality and Islam. During Ramadan, millions of Muslims around the world are fasting, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk for 30 days, as part of a month of heightened spirituality and God-consciousness.If you enjoyed this episode, please do rate and review as it helps more people find the podcast. Also, I'd love to connect with you on social media:www.instagram.com/readwithsamiawww.instagram.com/thediversebookshelfpod Support the show

Fasting during the Month of Ramadan is the 4th pillar of Islam. The Holy Month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and can last 29 or 30 days. Muslims fast by abstaining from eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking, and partaking in any sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Fasting in Islam does not consist solely of refraining from food and drink; instead, you abstain from evil, selfish desire, and wrongdoing. The purpose of fasting is not merely for the body; instead, it's for the spirit as well.  Fasting during Ramadan is for the benefit of your soul, mind, and body. You are commanded to refrain from gossiping, backbiting, slandering, lying, cheating, looking at material that is prohibited, nursing a grudge, using sinful speech, and any wrongdoing. You must adhere to the morals of Islam strictly during your fast, as failure to do so can violate your fast.Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for every sane, healthy Muslim who is not ill nor traveling long distances, whether male or female, unless a female is on her menstruation cycle or experiencing post-childbirth bleeding. The primary reason Muslims fast is that God the Almighty has commanded us to do so in His Last and Final Revelation, the Holy Quran. "O, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may become righteous and (hopefully learn) self-restraint."      (Quran 2:183)Fasting is an act of worship beloved by God. The Holy Month of Ramadan and the prescribed fasting is a gift and mercy to you sent directly from the Almighty. God prescribes no rulings to his slaves unless they come complete with great wisdom and benefit. God, the Almighty, states the act of fasting and abstaining from what is prohibited will increase your Taqwa (God-fearing piety, righteousness, mindfulness, and consciousness of God, where you are aware God is always watching). Fasting develops spiritual endurance and self-restraint, helping you control your anger, words, and actions. Fasting helps one to resist unlawful desires and wicked habits, which in turn serves to guard against evil. Fasting during Ramadan suppresses worldly desires and strengthens one's spirituality.The Holy Month of Ramadan is special and blessed because the Holy Quran, God's final Book, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, peace be up him, in this special month. Therefore, Muslims recite the Holy Quran frequently in this blessed month. During Ramadan, Muslims try to establish or re-establish a relationship with their Creator and the Holy Quran so they may be guided down the right path. Ramadan is a month for deep inner reflection.

Fasting may have some general health benefits. It helps in weight loss, lowers bad cholesterol (Triglycerides, LDL-Cholesterol) and increases good cholesterol (HDL-C) and helps improve your blood sugar level. People with diabetes (PWD) should practice smart fasting .During Ramadan, PWD should have protein rich, high fiber meals at Sehari and should avoid high fat, high carb meals at Iftar. Instead of sharbat and juices opt for buttermilk, soups, lime water, jaljeera to keep yourself hydrated. During Navratri, try to eat at regular intervals and instead of fried food & sweets choose low fat foods, bhagar , kuttu ka aata, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and oilseeds. Avoid Vigorous exercises during fasting but be physically active. Monitor blood glucose frequently while fasting and also watch for low blood sugar. Recorded on 24th March 2023 at Akashwani Nagpur.

During Ramadan, observant Muslims who are able to fast from sunrise to sunset, eating and drinking nothing. It is not a surprise then that food takes on a special, and often celebratory, meaning during this month-long spiritual reset. And in the Bay Area, the food prepared during Ramadan, whether it's suhoor, the pre-sunrise meal before the fast begins or iftar, the meal eaten to break the fast, reflects the diversity of the Muslim diaspora itself. On the next “All You Can Eat,” our series on Bay Area food cultures, we'll talk with restaurateurs about how they mark this time, how they break fast, and what it's like to keep your restaurant open until the early morning hours for a meal that goes from dusk to dawn. What is your Ramadan tradition and how does the holiday change your relationship with food? Guests: Luke Tsai, food editor, KQED Arts & Culture Reem Assil, chef, Reem's California; author, "Arabiyya: Recipes From the Life of An Arab in Diaspora" Hisham Abdelfattah, founder and owner, El Halal Amigos

On this episode, I spoke to the wonderful Sofia Rehman, whose book reviews and recommendations on Instagram (@sofia_reading) have bought an immense amount of goodness in my life! Sofia's first book, A Treasury of Aisha bint Abu Bakr - Guidance from the Beloved of the Beloved was recently published by Kube Publishing.We talk about so much in this episode, including why we need more literature by and about women, Sofia's own writing journey, the pursuit of justice, love for Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and being patient with all that we pray and ask for.I loved every moment of speaking to Sofia. This conversation was full of so much depth, personal insight and beauty. I hope you too, find something healing and powerful to take from this. This episode is part of a little mini-series for the month of Ramadan, focusing on spirituality and Islam. During Ramadan, millions of Muslims around the world fast, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk for 30 days, as part of a month of heightened spirituality and God-consciousness.Please do follow Sofia on Instagram to learn more about her work: www.instagram.com/sofia_readingIf you enjoyed this episode, please do rate and review as it helps more people find the podcast. Also, I'd love to connect with you on social media:www.instagram.com/readwithsamiawww.instagram.com/thediversebookshelfpod Support the show

Significant of Ramadan to Muslims Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a very significant time for Muslims all over the world. It is considered to be the holiest month in the Islamic calendar because it was during this month that the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims observe a month-long fast, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the basic religious obligations that all Muslims are required to follow. Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to reflect on their faith and to seek forgiveness for their sins. Muslims believe that during this month, the gates of heaven are open, and the gates of hell are closed, and so it is a time when they should strive to do good deeds and to increase their devotion to Allah. In addition to fasting, Muslims also engage in additional prayers, recitation of the Quran, and charitable activities during Ramadan. The month of Ramadan is also a time when families and communities come together to break their fasts at sunset and to celebrate the end of the month with the festival of Eid al-Fitr. Overall, Ramadan is a time for Muslims to deepen their faith, to seek forgiveness, and to engage in acts of charity and kindness towards others. What is the book in the Quran that teaches a good behavior to people specially to your khadama In the Quran, there are several chapters and verses that emphasize the importance of good behavior, respect, and kindness towards others, including one's servants or "khadama" in Arabic. One such chapter is Surah Al-Baqarah, which is the second chapter of the Quran. It includes numerous verses that teach good behavior and ethical conduct towards others. For example, in verse 83, it is said: "And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], "Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah [charity]." Furthermore, Surah An-Nisa, the fourth chapter of the Quran, also contains verses that emphasize good behavior towards servants and the importance of treating them with kindness and fairness. For example, in verse 36, it is said: "And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful." Overall, the Quran contains numerous teachings on good behavior, ethics, and treating others with kindness and respect, including one's servants or "khadama."

Today's episode is part of a little mini-series for the month of Ramadan, focusing on spirituality and Islam. During Ramadan, millions of Muslims around the world fast, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk for 30 days, as part of a month of heightened spirituality and God-consciousness.In today's episode, I chat to the lovely Ruzina Ahad, about her book, Dream, Dua, Do. Dream, Dua, Do is a self-help book and journal with a twist - it is grounded in Islamic thought and faith, giving us the tools to harness the power of prayer, while dreaming big and living our best lives.Ruzina is a British Bengali author, who lives in the UAE with her husband and kids. She has recently penned ‘dream du'a do' a book which is a refreshingly engaging how-to guide targeted at Millenial Muslim women, to encourage them to not just survive in today's world but thrive! She has been a teacher/teacher trainer for almost 15 years and has an MA in Leadership and management in education at Warwick university.I really enjoyed speaking to Ruzina, and hope you also love this episode.Please do follow, rate and review on your podcast platform of choice as it really helps more people find the podcast! Connect with me on social media:www.instagram.com/readwithsamiawww.instagram.com/thediversebookshelfpod Support the show

During Ramadan 2022 the ECB put on a stunning first of its kind prestige event as they hosted an Iftari at Lords Cricket ground I catch up with those behind organising it. Tameena Hussain, Ikra Farooq and Kate Miller of the ECB We discuss how the idea came around, what they wished to achieve with the event, was it a success and the importance of celebrating other faiths and backgrounds as well Please like, share, subscribe free Happy listening See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In April 2020, the American Influencer Council – AIC launched This Is Ramadan, a cultural education initiative to encourage tolerance, build community, debunk media-perpetuated myths, break stereotypes in everyday life, and combat belief-based biases. The program is led by Summer Albarcha, Chair of the AIC Learning & Development Committee and a pioneer of the modest fashion movement. During Ramadan, Summer is taking over the Creators with Influence Podcast to “spotlight GenZ and millennial creators who are using their tech-savviness, entrepreneurial ingenuity, personal style, and diverse culture to reimagine what it means to be a modern Muslim,” she said. In episode 10, Summer is joined by Alia Kemet, who is the Senior Vice President of Global Creative and Digital Transformation at McCormick & Company. Last year, Alia was named Adweek's Brand Leader of the Year and was part of the 2021 class of Ad Age's Leading Women. The two discuss the 22nd Edition of the McCormick Flavor Forecast, McCormick's first influencer innovation collaboration with Tabitha Brown, Ramadan food traditions, normalizing healthy eating on social media, and more! The AIC strives to promote inclusion by generating public goodwill for the diverse voices and storytellers that make up the creator economy. Learn more about #ThisIsRamadan and our 2022 collaborators: https://impact.americaninfluencercouncil.com/this-is-ramadan-2022 Engage with us on Instagram @americaninfluencercouncil @creatorswithinfluence; Follow us on Twitter @aic_tweets @creatorswithinfl; Join us on TikTok @creatorswithinfluence. #AICforALL #CreatorswithInfluence #AICEducation --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creators-with-influence/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creators-with-influence/support

During Ramadan, we will be speaking to 4 different people about their unique experiences during the month of Ramadan. Our third episode is with Fuad Dadabhoy and his perspective on charity. 

During Ramadan, we will be speaking to 4 different people about their unique experiences during the month of Ramadan. Our second episode is with Zeena Alkurdi on the single parent perspective. 

During Ramadan observant Muslims like Lubna Qureishi combine faith and modern life. 

During Ramadan, we will be speaking to 4 different people about their unique experiences during the month of Ramadan. Our first episode is with special guest Omar Mohamed, an Uyghur Refugee. Listening to his story makes you appreciate the freedom to practice our religion. 

Ramadan is a month of spirituality and moral values and is a great opportunity for parents to teach their children ethics and values. You can take advantage of this holy month by implanting the beauty of the month of Ramadan in your children's hearts and minds. During Ramadan, children build important memories which will influence how they feel about Ramadan and other Islamic traditions in later life. Let us try and create meaningful memories and habits by making the MOST of Ramadan WITH our kids. In  Episode 69 of the Raising Mums podcast, we talk about how we can make Ramadan meaningful for all the family. Make the most of Ramadan with your children by trying to:- Ramadan is a time to realign, revive and awaken sprituallySlow down everything, except your spirutal practicesWhen you slow down, you have more time to help your kids connect with the blessed month of RamadanReduce unnecessary commitmentsPreserve your energyRamadan is intrinsically beautiful and special Related: Get Hundreds of FREE Resources to help you educate your child at home. JOIN OUR FREE RESOURCES LIBRARY HERE: https://ourmuslimhomeschool.com/library Related: Meal Planning for Ramadan + FREE PRINTABLE HERE: https://ourmuslimhomeschool.com/2017/04/meal-planning-ramadan-free-printable.html How to Start Your Muslim Homeschool Launch Your Homeschool is an online course that will hold your hand and walk you through the beginning stages of homeschooling, built upon the framework of the Charlotte Mason philosophy. I teach you how to choose the right subjects for your homeschool, how to choose the right resources and plan out your year to create a homeschool experience that aligns with the values and beliefs of your family. Whether you are homeschooling in the UK, or elsewhere in the world, this programme will help you give your children an incredible education at home.  I show you the essential teaching techniques that you'll need to know to get started. There's even an entire module on how to manage your time so you can still cook, keep the house tidy and take care of yourself, all whilst homeschooling your children! Interested? Launch Your Homeschool enrolment is currently closed. Doors open Summer 2022, insha'Allah.  JOIN THE WAITING LIST Here: https://ourmuslimhomeschool.com/courses Peace and love,

The Koran and the Sunna (Mohammed's perfect pattern of life)are to be followed by all humanity. The trouble is that the Koran and the Sunna are not arranged in a way that allows easy interpretation. The Sharia is the codification of the knowledge of the Koran and Sunna. Sharia is frequently called law, Sharia law. However, the Sharia covers much more than legal issues. It also covers theology, prayer, charity and fasting. There is no aspect of life that the Sharia does not cover. It includes sex, how to say hello, and how to prepare a will. One of the most important things about the Sharia is that it is considered to be Allah's law and is superior to man-made law. Islamic law should rule over the Kafir, as well as the Muslim. For example, Muslims make demands that our culture change to accommodate Islam. Muslim factory workers demand time off for prayer. During Ramadan fasting, demands are made for Kafirs to not eat in front of Muslims. One of the main fronts for accommodation to Sharia is to establish separate courts for family law. The problem is that the accommodation to the Sharia has no end. The Sharia has different schools of thought that differ on small issues. However, all of the schools agree on the need for jihad and the inferior status of Christians, Jews, atheists and other Kafirs. Kafirs are forbidden by Sharia to contradict or argue about the Koran and the Sunna or criticize Mohammed. Historically, it is the Sharia which annihilates Christianity and other religions.

During Ramadan, Afraz Khan and Ustadha Amina gave reflections on the Quran. In this episode, they cover Juz 26 - 30.

During Ramadan, Afraz Khan and Ustadha Amina gave reflections on the Quran. In this episode, they cover Juz 21 - 25.

During Ramadan, Afraz Khan and Ustadha Amina gave reflections on the Quran. In this episode, they cover Juz 16 - 20.

During Ramadan, Afraz Khan and Ustadha Amina gave reflections on the Quran. In this episode, they cover Juz 11 - 15.

During Ramadan, Afraz Khan and Ustadha Amina gave reflections on the Quran. In this episode, they cover Juz 6 - 10.

During Ramadan, Afraz Khan and Ustadha Amina gave reflections on the Quran. In this episode, they cover Juz 1 - 5.

Curious about how Muslims approach prayer? During Ramadan, prayer is an especially hot topic for Muslims. Their prayers in this season are more important than any other time. Yet their prayers are not like yours. They are searching for what makes your prayers different. And you have something they are looking for. This episode is packed with stories and insight for how you can optimize prayer, one of the least-used fundamentals for sharing your biblical faith.  To take your learning deeper, sign up for iHOPE's weekly Insider eNewsletter. Just text the word "iHOPE" to 22828.  Or visit www.iHOPEministries.org for more resources.  

During Ramadan, The Habibis will have a mini-episode every day for your Suhoor, Iftar, or whenever you feel like listening to a tiny charge of games talk, Arab culture, or Ramadan cheer.

The Clear Evidence – Small but vital acts of kindness prove anyone can make a difference. With restrictions and social distancing measures being implemented across Middle Eastern countries, Non-government organisations and charities alike are finding alternative ways to help the less fortunate. As Ramadan tents have been suspended outside mosques, donors have resorted to online platforms to support the community and fulfill their religious offering (Zakat). Nauman Khan, a Pakistani expat, who has been living in Saudi Arabia for the past 10 years, established The Clear Evidence platform in 2018 with the purpose of raising awareness on Islam practices and fundraising projects. This year alone the website registered a 20% growth in contributions compared to 2019 during Ramadan. “The support has been overwhelmingly positive. Donations have reached an all-time high since many have turned to remote means of offering during lockdown” says Nauman. Other members of his family have also been actively involved within the charity initiatives. For example, his cousin Zeeshan, currently in Islamabad, has been providing food packages to low middle-class families experiencing job losses and income reduction due to the pandemic. Thanks to online donations and help by personal connections, he has been able to provide support for more than 800 households so far. “I could not sleep for days hearing stories of educated people struggling to provide food for their kids. The pandemic has created an unprecedented number of unemployed, who by the nature of their occupation are not eligible to receive Zakat … I knew I had to do something” said Zeeshan, while remembering the past month spent delivering rations in a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) suit. Being his first time as an active charity worker, he does not hide the difficulties of volunteering during COVID-19 times: “During Ramadan, the food requirements and prices increased…budget raised due to costly products such as dates and sweet drinks. Having to deliver packages while fasting was challenging along with prioritizing everyone's health and wellbeing. Our efforts, although, have not gone unnoticed; it feels amazing receiving the prayers of those we could help and the ongoing support of strangers.” said Zeeshan. In light of the unexpected achievements, more projects are set to kickstart and continue over the course of months and possibly years, at the occasion of future Ramadan celebrations. “My intention was to create a platform on Islam accessible to everyone, but as a community, we have created so much more. The past weeks have been a mix of emotions; it can be hard getting to personally know the suffering of those in need, but it feels incredible seeing others joining forces for the cause. I feel proud and hopeful for the future” says Nauman. Giorgia Rapella is a Journalism and Public Communication student at the University of Technology (UTS), Sydney. Continue Reading: Muslim Community United During Ramadan: A Sign of Hope in COVID-19 Times - Giorgia Rapella

Talk to a Dr. Berg Keto Consultant today and get the help you need on your journey (free consultation). Call 1-540-299-1557 with your questions about Keto, Intermittent Fasting or the use of Dr. Berg products. Consultants are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 9 pm EST. Saturday & Sunday 9 am to 5 pm EST. USA Only. Take Dr. Berg's Free Keto Mini-Course! Today we're going to talk about the relationship between fasting during Ramadan, and it's immune effects. Ramadan lasts between 29 and 30 days. During Ramadan, you're required to not eat or drink anything from just before sunrise to just after sunset. This is a dry fast, which means you're not drinking any water. What you eat before and after you fast is going to make or break your success. Having junk food or refined carbohydrates before and after your fast could inhibit some of the effects you could achieve from fasting. However, low-carb, keto-friendly foods may be much more beneficial to have during your meals. Ketones are even anti-microbial. Benefits of fasting: • Decreased cytokines • Increased macrophages • Increase the microbiome • Increased resistance to stress • Decrease in oxidative stress • Increased autophagy and xenophagy Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio: Dr. Berg, 51 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in weight loss through nutritional & natural methods. His private practice is located in Alexandria, Virginia. His clients include senior officials in the U.S. government & the Justice Department, ambassadors, medical doctors, high-level executives of prominent corporations, scientists, engineers, professors, and other clients from all walks of life. He is the author of The 7 Principles of Fat Burning. FACEBOOK: fb.me/DrEricBerg?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Anchor TWITTER: http://twitter.com/DrBergDC?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=Daily%20Post YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/user/drericberg123?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Anchor DR. BERG'S SHOP: https://shop.drberg.com/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Anchor MESSENGER: https://www.messenger.com/t/drericberg?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Anchor DR. BERG'S VIDEO BLOG: https://www.drberg.com/blog?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Anchor

For reporter Saba Hashmi and her family, Ramadan is not only about fasting; it is also a time for giving and undertaking charity work, spending time with family and friends, spiritual reflection and prayers. This year, however, Ramadan is not going to be like previous years. During Ramadan, Mosques are usually a place of congregation for people to break their fast and pray together. With isolation measures due to COVID-19, this cannot happen this year. But this doesn't mean Saba and her family can't still celebrate the holy month. Here's her story of how she spends Ramadan this year in Melbourne, Australia.

During Ramadan, we're giving concerted attention to what makes for a healthy moral life. In a time characterised by clamour and empty chatter, it's never been more important — or more difficult — to reclaim the importance of silence.

I. What is a Hypocrite? What is a hypocrite? The word actually comes from the ancient Greek, and it means an actor - somebody who acts for a profession. In other words in ancient Greece, a performer would get dressed up in a costume, hold a mask in front of this or her face, and would play a role. These kind of plays were very popular in ancient Greece. Oftentimes, the acting troops were small and one person had to play several different roles. You'd always know which role was being played by which mask was being held up in front of the actor's face. So, to an ancient Greek, a hypocrite was an actor who played something that they really weren't. To a lot of non-Christians here in America, a hypocrite is somebody who goes to church. Have you ever dealt with that before? If you go to church, you're a hypocrite. Or if, for example, you believe that there's such a thing as absolute truth, or if you believe that your sins have been forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ, or if you hold to a standard and desire to live a righteous life, to some people, you're a hypocrite. In the dictionary, a hypocrite is a person who fakes beliefs or feelings or virtues that one does not truly possess. But to Jesus Christ, a hypocrite is somebody who outwardly goes through the motions of love for God or love for neighbor, but their heart is actually far from God and far from their neighbor. It says in Matthew 15:7, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." This, to Jesus, is a hypocrite. In this day and age, this modern technological society we live in, reality, and truth, and that which is just an illusion is getting harder and harder to differentiate. I saw recently on PBS a program about the use of computers in making films in which it was noted that in the popular movie, Titanic, a lot of the scenes in which there are large crowds in the boat waving are all computer-generated people. They weren't real people. They got a couple of actors or actresses to do the motions, and then they worked it into the film by computer. You might wonder why they didn't have more closeups - apparently the technology is not good enough yet to get hair right. Once they get that problem solved, do you know what they think will happen? There will be a computer-generated actor or actress who doesn't exist at all. You'll go to see movies this person is in , and you might even write them fan mail or say that he's my favorite actor, and he doesn't even exist. Isn't that a little bit strange? That may be 10, 15 years down the road, but it's coming and they may not even tell you. Won't you feel foolish when you find out there wasn't even a human being behind it, it's all computers? I don't really know if we're actually heading to that, but that's something that people are facing on the Internet. They'll interact with somebody and they can create a whole image of a life, and it's not even there. Jesus says it’s a real issue with the church, namely that there be reality, there be truth behind what is presented, that people be truly members of the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 6, Jesus turns a corner. In order to understand where we are, we have to look to where we've been. We've already been through the chapters on the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus is talking about the kingdom of heaven. He's talking about what it's like to be in the kingdom of heaven. Remember, He begins with The Beatitudes, which is a series of heart characteristics of those who are truly in the kingdom of heaven, truly saved. Shall I say truly born again? He says the whole thing starts with being a spiritual beggar - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. As a beggar, you go into a hungering, a yearning for God. and that extends into every single thing you do. A spiritual beggar is hungry and thirsty, also merciful and kind to others because they know that they, themselves, are really in need of forgiveness from God. From that original set of characteristics, and Jesus moves on and begins to deal with the proper role of the law in the life of a Christian as we've seen in chapter 5. Remember Jesus said that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you'll certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. He takes the law, and moves through a series of cases, a series of issues, in which He's dealing with the negative side of the law. The law had a negative and a positive side; the negative side is to restrain evil. It's a number of “thou shalt nots”: thou shalt not murder, thou shalt not commit adultery. thou shalt not steal, etcetera. So the law restrains evil. But remember what Jesus did? He takes the law and probes down deeper into the heart. He says, "Alright, you may not murder, but are you angry? You may not commit adultery, but is there lust in your heart?" and so on. Jesus is looking at the heart in terms of the restriction of evil. II. Christian Piety in Religious Duties In chapter six, we get to the positive side of the law. As well as restrictions, the law also encourages pious actions. It encourages giving, praying, and fasting, while asking , “What is your motive? What is your reason?" That's what's before us today as we look at these first 21 verses. The first three cases are all drawn together with a similar theme, namely that we should fight against hypocrisy, and make our righteous acts truly heart righteous. Listen now to Jesus' words in Matthew 6: 1-4, "Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." Skipping down to verse 16, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly, I tell you they have received their reward in full. . . . Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." You may wonder why I included these last verses, verses 19, 20, and 21. Some think these verses teach only about materialism, but I think they actually knit the whole chapter together. This chapter is broken up into two sections. Verse 1 through 21 is Christian piety in religious duties, and the key principle we see right at the beginning, verse one, "Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before others to be seen by them." Then Jesus bring us through these three case studies giving to the poor without hypocrisy, verses 2 through 4; praying without hypocrisy, verses 5 and 6; and then fasting without hypocrisy, verses 16 through 18. Then there's a transition set of verses, from 19 through 21, about storing up treasure in Heaven. Jesus then moves on to talk about Christian piety in freedom from materialism - being free from care about material wealth in verses 19 through 24; freedom from daily anxiety in verses 25 through 34; and then, in general, a freedom to live for Heaven and for God. The danger of hypocrisy is a major theme in the beginning of chapter six. Right at the beginning Jesus says, "Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven." Jesus here is getting to the issue of motive. Why do you do what you do? Do you really know why you do what you do? Sometimes, I don't think we really do. Our hearts are so complex, aren't they? Our motivations, the things that move us, that, shall I say, manipulate us. What influences us? Do we really know? Jesus says there's something about which we need to be careful. So Jesus uses this kind of language: be careful, or be on guard, or be diligent, that you not do your acts of righteousness before men. He thinks this is a danger, a real problem for us, and He's speaking to people in the kingdom of heaven. People who are included in the kingdom of heaven have to be on their guard to purify their motives for everything they do. The danger here is the danger of hypocrisy. In other words, seeming to love God, seeming to love neighbor, but your real motive is something different. Like an actor, the outward appearance is very different from the true reality. Saint Augustine said, "The love of honor is the deadly bane of true piety. Other vices bring forth evil works, but this brings forth good works in an evil way." Do you see the danger when you're loving reputation, you're loving honor from other people? If your motives are anything but true heart relationship with God, then it's hypocrisy, and it's dangerous because it brings forth good deeds in an evil way. I think that behind idolatry, the worship of false gods, hypocrisy was the second most significant sin in Israel. They were a very religious people, constantly thinking about outward expressions of religion. And Jesus said, "You've got to get to the heart. What is your heart relationship with God, and is it right?" Hypocrisy was not just a problem for Israel, but it's a problem for the church today, isn't it? Have any of you tried to share the Gospel with co-workers, with neighbors, with friends? Very soon, you'll run into the issue of hypocrites in the church. How many times have you heard about hypocrites in the church? Are there hypocrites in the church? Yes, there are. Are there hypocrites outside the church? Yes, there are. I think this is a great place to come and get cured of hypocrisy, and it's a passage just like this that'll do it. If you get somebody that'll preach the Word and talk to you honestly about it, maybe you can get cured of your hypocrisy. We all have it to some degree. I remember talking to a guy I used to work with who was so skeptical about religion and Christianity. He said, " The church is just full of hypocrites." I said to him, "What's a hypocrite?" He said, "Well, I don't know, I've never really thought about it." It's funny how he puts the label on the church, but he doesn't really know what he means. He said, "I don't know. I guess, a hypocrite is somebody who has a certain standard, but they don't live up to it." I said, "Well, what would you say are your standards for life? If you could make up five or 10 good rules for living, what would they be?" He said, "I don't know. I've never really thought about it." His was an unreflected life, not really thinking much about these things, but I forced him to it. So he was thinking about it, and he said, "Well, I started to make some rules and regulation." I said, “What you ought to do is just write them down. Write down five or 10 just and good rules for living. Get them from anywhere you want. And then just watch yourself over the course of the year, and see if you, yourself, live up to your own standards. Pretty soon you may join the rest of us ranks of hypocrites.” Nobody lives up to the standard that they espouse and they uphold. III. Living for God’s Honor Rather Than Selfish Honor But there is a deeper issue here of hypocrisy, isn't there? Hypocrisy in a Christian is somebody pretending to love God, but inside not loving God. That's a more dangerous issue. That's a case of somebody who, I don't know, walked the aisle or said some prayer at some point 20, 30 years ago, but there's really been no continuation from that point. There's no true love for God. As someone once said, "A life for Christ is far more significant than a decision for Christ." A true decision for Christ always leads to a life for Christ. We get to the issue here about the delicate balance in the Christian life. Didn't we just hear in Matthew 5:16, ”Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father who is in heaven." You're supposed to be doing your good deeds in front of everybody, so that they can see them. But here in Matthew 6: 1 it says, "Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them." Doesn't this seem like a contradiction? Well, what is it? Are we supposed to shine our light or are we supposed to not do our deeds before men to be seen by them? It's only a contradiction on the surface. The real issue has to do with why you do what you do. It has to do with motive. Look at the motive of Matthew 5:16. It says, "Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds... " and what? "And praise your Father in heaven." Who gets the honor or glory from those good deeds? Your Father in heaven. But Matthew 6:1 is a different story - ”Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men in order to be seen by them," which reflects an entirely different motive. We're doing it for show, so that people can see and comment on what a good person we are. We see, therefore, that the contradiction is only on the surface. A.B. Bruce put it in perspective for us. He said, "If you just want to sort this thing out, this is what I'd recommend to you. Play off your temptations. Do the opposite of whatever you're tempted to do. When you're tempted to hide, show. When you're tempted to show, hide." You see? Satan's always working opposite to what God wants. God wants us to let our light shine. We're supposed to have an influence in society; we're supposed to preach the Gospel, but instead we pull in. We're cowardly, we're afraid. We never say a word about Jesus; we don't make any influence on society around. But do the opposite, when tempted to hide, show. God Pleasing or People Pleasing We hear people say, “He’s a man of prayer,” or “What a woman of God.” When you' see these people, you need to be careful. I love good encouragement, but it can be a dangerous thing, because all of a sudden your eyes get off glory for God, and you're starting to want that applause. You're starting to want the praise. So “play off your temptations,” says A.B.Bruce. As we look across this section, Christ is basically putting before us three choices: The first choice is this: pleasing self or pleasing God. Which is it going to be? Are we going to please ourselves or are we going to please God? Some might think that the choice here is actually a choice between pleasing men and pleasing God. A human audience, this kind of thing. But I don't think so. Why is it that we want to please people? Is it because we love people so much, and want them really to be happy? No. The reason we want to please people is so they'll be nice to us or think well of us or give us good things. It really comes back to self, doesn't it? That's why we become people pleasers, because it benefits us. It's not because we're so altruistic, thinking about others, wanting them to happy. It comes back to self. The difference between pleasing self and pleasing God. Actually, I think that whole thing of being tempted to hide when we should show or show, when we’re tempted to hide is just two sides of the same coin, isn't it? The reason we don't evangelize is we don't want people to think poorly of us. We don't want to be seen as a holy roller or something like that. And so we hide because of human reputation. The flip side also is true. We show before other people who will recognize our righteousness for the same reason, human reputation. It's two sides of the same coin. The issue here is are we going to please self or are we going to please God? Present vs. Future Rewards The second choice is, are we going to live for present or for future rewards. Which is it going to be? You have to choose. Are we going to live for present or future rewards. The issue of rewards seems somehow unchristian, doesn't it? We should just be willing to do what's right, just because it's right. Isn't that true? Doesn't that sound so holy? If that's the way we should think, then why does Jesus talk about rewards so much? Is it just a concession to our weakness? No. He's trying to shape our faith. He's trying to get us to think about what truly matters, the pleasure of God. We're going to talk more about rewards when we get to Matthew 6:19 through 21, but the truth is, Jesus is consistently laying rewards before us, isn't He? He's laying rewards that are eternal, that do not go away. Look what He says in Matthew 5:12, talking to the persecuted one. He says, "Rejoice and be glad, because," what? “great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Do you want a prophet's reward? Then stand up under persecution. What is Jesus doing? Is he appealing to our weakness here, trying to tempt us like a tempter? No. He's saying you should want rewards, but you should want the right reward. Be willing to stand up under persecution. Matthew 5:46, "If you love those who love you," what does He say? "What reward will you get?" We should be concerned about rewards says Jesus. "If you do your work before men, you'll have no reward from your Father in heaven." The danger is you'll lose your reward. And again, in verse 2 and verse 5 and verse 16, He says three times, "Truly I say to you, they have received their reward in full." The real choice is not about reward or no reward. The real choice is do you want your reward here and now, or do you want it eternally? That's the choice you have to make. Living before a Living God or not The third choice is the choice between living constantly before an invisible God or not. Genesis 16:13 says, "You are the God who sees me." Meditate on that. Psalm 139:7 says, "Where can I go from Your spirit? Where I can flee from Your presence? If I say that the darkness will hide me, even the darkness is as light to You." God sees everything we do. And Jesus says three times, "Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." On judgment day, when you stand before God, won't you want it to be the case that the things you did in secret were righteous things and not sinful things? God can see it all. So there's the choice. The choice is between living before an invisible God who sees everything you do or turning away from that and pretending that He doesn't see you. IV. Alms Giving Let's look more carefully at each of these cases. The first case is the case of alms giving or giving to the poor, giving without hypocrisy. The Jews believed that giving to the poor was the highest act of righteousness. As a matter of fact, they thought that if you gave money to the poor, it would pay for sin. Listen to Tobit 12:8. Tobit,an apocryphal book, written by Jews about 100 or 200 years before Jesus, says, [it is not Scripture by the way], "It is better to give to charity than to lay up gold, for charity will save a man from death. It will atone for any sin." Is that a biblical idea— that you can pay for your sins with money? Only one thing pays for sin, the blood of Jesus Christ. There is nothing else that pays for sin. I don't care how many good works that you do, they'll never pay for sin. The whole issue with good works is that God expected them all along anyway. There's no extra credit for doing what God expected, therefore you can't use your good deeds to pay for your sin. That's what the Jews believed. Listen to this Wisdom of Sirach another book of the Apocrypha. In the Wisdom of Sirach 3:30, "As water will quench a flaming fire, so charity or giving to the poor will atone for sin." Wrong, it does not, but that's what they believed. The Roman Catholic church bought into this idea. Pope Leo the Great said this, "By prayer, we seek to appease God; by fasting, we extinguish the lust of the flesh; and by alms giving, we redeem our sins. "Nothing can wash away sin, but the blood of Jesus Christ, but that's what they believed. Back in Jesus' day, there were looking for more than just the forgiveness of sins though. They wanted something else. They wanted something here and now. So what did they do? They announced their alms giving with trumpets. "Everyone notice, I want you to know how much I'm giving. I am giving five dinari to this poor person. Did you see that? You see him, he's here every day, and I'm giving five dinari. Okay, everyone clap for me, very good," announces the trumpets. They're not just looking for forgiveness for sins, they're looking for something here and now. What is it they want here and now? They want respect, they want honor, they want somebody to say, "Oh, what a righteous man. What a generous person." That's what they want. I don't find anywhere an actual account from archaeology of people who announced giving with trumpets. I think Jesus is just using a figure of speech saying, "People who trumpets their righteousness." People who proclaim what good people they are. Are there any forms of modern trumpet blowing? We call it blowing your own trumpet today. I saw an example in a Christian magazine recently. You can give to a charity and they will send you a plaque, and they will put your name on the plaque and the amount that you gave and you can hang it up there on your wall. You know what I would say to you? Go ahead and hang it. Truly I say to you, you have received your reward in full. There's lots of modern trumpet blowing, but the deeper issue here is, do you really want it now? Do you want your reward now? You should say, "No, I don't want it now." I was with my daughter at an inner city ministry. There they have to motivate the children to get them to sit down and be quiet so that they an teach. You know how they motivated them? The gave candy awards to those that are sitting most quietly. My daughter happened to get a reward. We had been talking about rewards that week. She was looking at the candy bar, and we started talking about it. I said to her, “You have a choice. You can eat it now or you can eat it in heaven, which do you want to do?" She said, "I want to eat it in heaven." I said, "Well how can you do that?" She said, "Give it away." She found somebody who had been sitting quietly but didn't get candy, and she gave it them. I asked her why she did that, and she said, "'Cause it lasts longer in heaven." Isn't that great? And so Jesus is trying to appeal to us saying, "Get out of this area. Don't store up treasure on earth where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal. Store up treasure in heaven where it'll last forever. Do things and don't tell anyone about it. Do things because an invisible God sees what you're doing, not because you want something here on earth." It is shocking when Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full." Do you know in Scripture there's two places in which Jesus uses this kind of language? One of them is when His hands are stretched out on the cross. Do you remember His last words in John's Gospel? "It is finished." This was a wording that was used to say that a debt had been paid in full. When Jesus' blood was poured out, He paid the debt in full, because there was nothing left. You're free from your sins forever by faith in Jesus Christ— paid in full. Here in Matthew is the second time the phrase is used: “ A good deed you do here on earth to be seen by other people is payment in full. Don't expect anything on judgment day, I'll give you nothing. You got what you were looking for. You were looking for praise from people and you got it. But if you're seeking praise from heaven, if you're seeking the praise of your heavenly Father you'll get that too, not yet, you wait by faith. You wait by faith and you'll get it then.” This is the whole issue, it's the right pursuit of rewards. V. Prayer The second case study is the issue of praying without hypocrisy. Jesus says, "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the streets to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. When you pray, go into your room, close the door, pray to your Father who is unseen, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." It's a promise. He'll give the reward to you, if you do secret private prayer. Isn't really this the same teaching, just a different spiritual discipline? Are you living before an invisible God or are you making a show of it? These hypocrites, the Pharisees and scribes and others, were standing up on the street corners of all places, praying, "Oh, God." They're lifting up their hands. It may seem righteous, but it's really so self-serving. "They love the places of honor at the banquets and the most important seats at the synagogue," said Jesus in Matthew 23. That's what they want — earthly rewards, earthly esteem. So they think that by praying, they'll get it. In that kind of society where people really did esteem prayer, they did get the praise. Oh, how long and how ornate and elaborate the prayers are. When I get up here to pray in front of you, I must remember who I'm talking to. When I get up to pray, I like to pause for a minute and just think. I'm not standing in front of an audience of people, I'm standing in front of God, so that when I make my prayer it may be to Him, that's my desire. Jesus is talking here about praying before God, not before people. Consider whether your prayers are a little more ornate, a little more elaborate when you pray with other people than they are when you're alone. Realize this: Jesus is not against a prayer meeting; He's not against Christians gathering together to pray. There's nothing wrong with public prayer, the issue is your motive for praying. What are you trying for in your prayer life? Jesus is saying that true prayer is prayer offered to an invisible God who sees what you're doing. Jonathan Edwards, who was a pastor in western Massachusetts during the time of the 18th century Great Awakening was an astute observer of the moving of the Spirit and of the effect grace had on the human heart. He circled private prayer as one of the key marks of true salvation. It's what you do in secret in prayer, that is a mark on whether you're born again or not. He wrote a whole sermon on it entitled, "Hypocrites Deficient in Private Prayer." VI. Fasting The third issue here is the issue of fasting without hypocrisy. Jesus says, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do." Isn't that so sad? They're putting on a mask and so the conversation goes: “Oh I'm so hungry." “Why are you hungry?” "Well, I just happen to be fasting today." “How long have you been fasting for?” "Since this morning." “How much longer are you going to fast? “ “I don't know, I'll let you know when I'm done.” It's hypocritical; it's an outward show of fasting. I find that in all religions of the world, fasting and alms giving get you in- a salvation by works- your good deeds paying for your sin. That's the way they look at it. I've been in a Muslim country, where in giving to the poor, the poor expects that the givers thank them because they just helped them earn their salvation a little bit more. It's a totally backward way to look at it, and it's the same thing with prayer and with fasting. During Ramadan, the month of fasting, more food in fact is actually consumed by the Muslims than in any other month because they eat more during the non-fasting time to make up for the times of fasting - strange. Why should we fast? I think there are three reasons. Number one, mourning or grief over sin. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”, remember? One of the ways we show sadness or mourning over sin is by fasting. Jesus linked the two, Matthew 9:15, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn when He is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom," [Jesus]“will be taken away from them, then they will fast." Jesus links fasting and mourning. Remember the revival under Jonah's preaching, and Nineveh was going to be destroyed, but the people repented. What did they do? They fasted, showing that they were sad for their sins. Mourning over sin is one reason for fasting. The second reason for fasting is discipline of the body, discipline of the drives or the appetites of the body. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul says, "I beat my body and make it my slave, lest after I preach to others I myself might be disqualified." How does he beat his body? He disciplines himself. Fasting is a physical discipline. It's also a good way to lose weight, but you shouldn't go on too long, you need to keep eating regularly. But the point is that fasting controls appetites, it controls drives, and it affects you in that way. The third reason for fasting is seriousness in prayer. In Acts 13, "The church in Antioch fasted and prayed before they sent out missionaries." Jesus gives us an example of this in that He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert. Fasting was one of the ways He showed His total control over His bodily appetites. Fasting may be one of the forgotten disciplines of the Christian life. How often have you fasted in the last year or two years? A fast is a choice to abstain from food and drink for a period of time for spiritual purposes. Jesus didn't say, “If you fast", He said "When you fast, put oil on your head, and wash your face," etcetera; so, fasting should be the part of the Christian life. The bottom line here is the same as the other two case studies. Don't make a big show of it, don't tell people that you're fasting, do it in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. VII. Application How are we going to apply this to ourselves now today? I guess the first thing I'd like to do is speak to somebody who doesn't know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In the many years that I've been sharing the gospel with people, inevitably I find that people who do not trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and yet think that there will be a judgment day coming, are clinging to good works. They're counting on good things they do to outweigh their bad. I don't know where this idea comes from, but it's in there—your good deeds can somehow pay for your sins. Let me say it again, nothing can cleanse you from sin but the blood of Jesus Christ. If today you are trusting in your good deeds, you will get nothing for it. Your good deeds cannot pay for your sin. Come to Jesus today. Give your faith to Him. Trust in His shed blood for your eternal salvation. Now let me speak to those who are Christians, who are members of the kingdom of heaven. “Do not store for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where is your heart today? What are you counting on? What are you thinking of? And in terms of your righteous acts, have you stored it up on earth? Or have you committed it to an invisible Father who sees everything you do? My first question to you is simply this, do you live a disciplined life? Do you give to the needy? Do you pray? Do you fast? Is this part of your life? Jesus assumed it would be part of your life. We live in a different age now than the Jews back then did. Maybe you're not tempted to show your righteousness because there's nothing to show. And nobody would respect you for it anyway these days. But the first test is, is this part of your life? The second is to dig down, and look at your heart motive for everything you do. Are you doing it because you want to please an invisible God, or are you doing it for some earthbound reason? That's the very thing that Jesus wants us to do as we sift through our good deeds. Don't be an actor. Don't be like one of those computer-generated people where there's all outward show and no reality behind it. Don't be a hypocrite. But be somebody who truly loves God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and truly loves neighbor as self.