What are you thankful for?

I’m thankful for the fact that this year, Muslims are given an opportunity to be way more thankful to Allah on this American holiday. It just so happens the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, referred to as the day of ‘Arafat, is the same day as Thanksgiving. It’s a blessed day where fasting is highly recommended.

Abu Qatadah reports the Prophet (may Allah’s Blessings and Peace be upon him) as saying:
“Fasting the Day of Arafat will be credited by Allah with forgiving one’s sins of the previous year and the coming year.”

I’m thankful to Allah for the enormous reward given for fasting on this day. Though, the irony of this year’s timing is quite hilarious, but also something to think about. My friend Abdullah, from Orlando, posted this interesting thought on Facebook:

So true.

A Muslim fasts in order to obey his/her Lord, and to appreciate what s/he has been given. It applies two very important concepts in Islam:

1. Sabr – the patience to deal with not eating or drinking from sunup to sundown, as well as refraining from vulgar speech, anger, and relations.

2. Shukr – thankfulness for the food, drink, and the other blessings that Allah bestowed on you.

The American way of celebrating is to cook a large meal (eating much of the day) for dinner where all the family comes together to eat. The Muslims stay away from even water all day, until the night when they can really “say grace” (i.e. Bismillah wa ‘ala barakatillah) and appreciate the meal before them (whether it’s large or small).

Thanksgiving is a beautiful holiday with honorable values embedded in it such as thankfulness (obviously) and kinship.

But the truth is, who’s really going to be celebrating Thanksgiving correctly? The Americans, or the Muslims (from America and even in foreign countries).

Keep in mind that this day upon us is here to serve a purpose and send one message: Allah is Dhul-Jalali-wal-Ikraam (translated as the Lord of Majesty and Generosity).

One day. One message. Even though it technically is two different ‘holidays’.

Enjoy this day, and try to remember about turkey!

Of course, I meant to read about the glory days of the Muslim Ottoman Empire in Turkey!

and an early Eid Mubarak to you all.

Share.

Add to: Facebook | Digg |  Stumbleupon | Twitter