02/07/2016
A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Muslim writer, Sarah Joseph.
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Script
Good morning.
The last ten days of Ramadan are widely considered to be the most important by Muslims. Within this period many search for βThe Night of Powerβ, which the Qurβan describes as βbetter than a thousand months.βΒ On this night, the angels are said to come down nearer to earth and, by Godβs permission, deal with every matter.
We donβt know however, exactly when this night will be, and so Muslims often stay up throughout all the nights of the last ten days.
The Night of Power is considered a chance to have all oneβs sins forgiven and to shape oneβs destiny by being at prayer, beseeching oneβs Lord, when the mystical night is beheld.
I donβt know the exact dynamics of how this works. My mystical and rational sides often collide.
I accept fully the power of prayer, but I donβt abdicate the work I have to do. As the Prophet tells us: Trust in God, and tie up your camel.
However I believe in the power of being humble before God. That humility in front of the Lord of the Universe opens up the potential for good in our lives, by shaping our characters, and relinquishing our desire for absolute control over our affairs.
And I am appreciative of the strength and determination it takes to fast 30 days, let alone to remain pretty much sleepless for so many nights. That faith is power in and of itself, and can, I believe, help us shape our lives.
Dear Lord β help us to work good in the world. Help us to accept Your Will into our lives, and to beseech You for Your Help β for as the Qurβan reminds, βOnly You do we worship, and only You do we ask for Help.β Ameen
Broadcast
- Sat 2 Jul 2016 05:43ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4