It is only a few days before Egyptians, all fasting, will share in two of their most cherished spiritual journeys, their hearts raised to their Creator: the journey of the “Great Lent,” that lasts for 55 days that began the day before yesterday, and the journey of “Ramadan Fasting,” which the Muslims of Egypt will embark on for 30 days from the beginning of the next month. As our blessed homeland embraces all of us Egyptians, there is no doubt that the principle of fasting has always united us and elevated our souls to God our Creator. Throughout ages, Egyptians have paid great attention to their spiritual life, living it with strength and heartfelt commitment in a deep belief that it is the foundation of their true afterlife.
Fasting has always been a fundamental pillar of true worship, and one of the most significant practices known to humanity throughout its journey of life. It began with the creation of the first human, “the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”” After man disobeyed, God sent his prophets with commandments that invariably included the commandment of fasting.
In Christianity: “Consecrate a fast; call a sacred assembly.” Jesus Christ practiced fasting for forty days and forty nights before sermonizing about its importance, emphasizing that God sees it and rewards every person for it, and that when combined with prayer, it is a way to overcome Satan and evil.
In Islam, we find the obligation and importance of fasting: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous,” “And to fast is better for you, if only you knew,” and regarding fasting the month of Ramadan: “So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.” In the Hadith, it is mentioned that fasting is for God: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward for it.”
Fasting is associated with a number of spiritual practices and virtues, most importantly prayer and acts of charity. The scripture mentions what God desires from man in fasting:
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the [a]heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?”
Fasting is associated with repentance from evil and sin, which have become a heavy burden on man. Fasting is also closely linked to prayer, which elevates the soul to God, seeking true repentance, glorifying Him for the greatness of His works. Fasting is also associated with love for others and performing acts of charity and mercy that man seeks to offer to his fellow man, so that he may become merciful, imitating the merciful God who does good to all people.
Fasting is a training to control the physical desires of his body. It develops his patience, strengthens his spirit, and elevates it. In fasting, man is connected to others, as it makes him feel the needs of the needy, which increases compassion among people.
As for the fruits of fasting that please God, the scripture says: “Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” May all Egyptians have a blessed “Great Lent” and “Ramadan Fasting,” raising our hearts to God to accept our fasts and prayers, to bestow upon Egypt all blessings, goodness, and peace, and to protect the world from wars and catastrophes.
Stories in Beautiful Egypt are endless
The General Bishop
President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
العربية
