S.2 A.183-184
J.2
SECfION 23. 183. 0 ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you As it was prescribed 188 To those before you, That ye may (learn) Self-restraint.184. (Fasting) for a fixed l89 Number of days; But if any of you is ill, Or on a journey, 190 The prescribed number (Should be made up) From days later. For those who can do it 191
188. As it was prescribed: this does not mean that the Muslim fast is like the other fasts previously observed, in the number of days, in the time or manner of the fast, or in other incidents; it only means that the principle of self-denial by fasting is not a new one. 189. This verse should be read with the following verses. 185-88, in order that the incidents of the physical fast may be fully understood with reference to its spiritual meaning. The Muslim fast is not meant for self-torture. Although it is stricter than other fasts, it also provides alleviations for special circumstances. If it were merely a temporary abstention from food and drink, it would be salutary to many people, who habitually eat and drink to excess. The instincts for food. drink. and sex are strong in the animal nature. and temporary restraint from all these enables the attention to be directed to higher things. This is necessary through prayer. contemplation and acts of charity, not of the showy kind, but by seeking out those really in need. Certain standards are prescribed, but much higher standards are recommended. 190. For journeys, a minimum stllndard of three marches is prescribed by some Commentators: others make it more precise by naming a distance of 16 farsa!拢!ls, equivalent to 48 miles. A journey of 8 or 9 miles on foot is more tiring than 1I similar one by bullock cart. There are various degrees of fatigue in riding a given distllnce on horseback or by cllmel or in a comfortable train or by motor car or by steamer, aeroplane, or airship. In my opinion the standard must depend on the means of locomotion and on the relative resources of the traveller. It is bettcr to detcrmine it in each case according to circumstances. 191. Those who can do it with hardship: such as aged people, or persons specially circumstanccd. The Shaf'is would include a woman expecting a child, or one who is nursing a baby. but on this point opinion is not unanimous, some holding that they ought to put in the fasts later, when thcy can. ~~ v
- 75 -
V
v
V路v
V
v
v
,,'i""
v
v
y