Replay Jumu'ah LIve: "The Power To Seek and To Grant Forgiveness" (4)

2: 183. O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint.

     185. Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong).  So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later.  Allah intends every facility for you, He does not want to put you to difficulties.  (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

Abdullah b. Mas'ud reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: There is none amongst you with whom is not attached to a jinn (devil). They (the Companions) said: Allah's Messenger, with you too? Thereupon he said: Yes, but Allah helps me against him and so I am safe from his hand and he does not command me but for good.

The essence of the power to seek and to grant forgiveness [as we are presenting it here] is grounded in Self-awareness and G’d consciousness [Consciousness of Allah’s will and plan for Humanity; See  “Pleased and Pleasing”], in a word “TAQWA”.  By Self-awareness I mean Nafs-awareness. The full breadth of this particular series ABOUT THE POWER TO SEEK AND TO GRANT FORGIVENESS [as we are presenting it] is grounded in promoting the ability to be aware of our Own Nafs on the first of three levels.  The ability to be aware of our Own Nafs in relationship to those who provoke in us our less redeeming qualities.