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[Dr. Shabbir]

From Salaatforum.com

My respected brother Hamdani is quite right in treating WA-KULOO WASHRABOO idiomatically (enjoy, relax, partake, feel free, go ahead with your routines).[2:183-187]

[HAMDANI: The term “kulu wa-ishrabu” translated as “eat and drink” is used five times in the Quran in 7:31, 52:19, 69:24, and 77:43. In all these instances this term refers to being at ease, being satisfied. I understand this term to mean to relax and rejoice, charge your physical and emotional batteries, and prepare for the next day.]

There is only one occasion where God ordains people to rejoice and that is the month of revelation of the Qur'an (Ramadhan). How can we rejoice by denying ourselves the basic needs of life, food and drink? In fact, those who fast strictly, are often seen to be lethargic, ill-tempered and irritable, not to mention carrying a foul breath around. And SAUM denotes self-control.

Saudi Arabia had to pass a royal decree in 1971 to encourage the non-Muslim Filipinos to join their labor force since the fasting Muslims were failing to do justice with their work!

10:57 O Mankind! There has now come to you Enlightenment from your Sustainer, and a healing for all that troubles your hearts; and guidance and grace to all who embrace it.

10:58 Say, “In this bounty of God and in His grace – in this, then, let them rejoice. It is better than all the treasures that they may amass.”
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Wassalam,
SA