Beyond the Physical: The Spiritual Significance of Fasting and Repentance

Summary

Student In The Ministry Lyle Muhammad opens the program by welcoming the audience and thanking them for their presence . He emphasizes the safety and peace of the gathering, noting the -year-old search procedure in place . He also wishes everyone a Happy Savior’s Day and Ramadan Mubarak .

Lyle Muhammad addresses the historical practice of the Nation of Islam observing Ramadan in December, explaining the rationale provided by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan based on the revelation of the Holy Quran in December and the concept of those who are “sick” or “on a journey” being able to compensate for missed days . He encourages the audience to subscribe to The Final Call newspaper, highlighting it as the number one Black newspaper in America and a vital messenger of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Honorable Elijah Muhammad

He also promotes the Final Call Radio app as a / source of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s teachings . Lyle Muhammad stresses the blessing of being present and hearing the words of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad as taught by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the “only man that you know of…that said he met and was taught by God”  He touches on the importance of reading the Holy Quran thoughtfully, referencing a message by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan about it being revealed in parts for meditation .

He draws a parallel between Master Fard Muhammad giving the Holy Quran to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Allah telling Prophet Muhammad to “read” (Iqra), emphasizing seeking God’s help in delivering a clear message . Lyle Muhammad then introduces Student Assistant Minister Joseph Muhammad as the keynote speaker .

The keynote address by Student Assistant Minister Joseph Muhammad focuses on “The Great Fast of Ramadan: A time to put on sackcloth and ashes and repent to all our God for our sins” . He explains the symbolic nature of sackcloth and ashes as representing mourning, repentance, and abasement . Joseph Muhammad emphasizes the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad from “How to Eat to Live”, stating that the right way to eat for a long life comes through Allah in the person of Master Fard Muhammad .

He highlights the health benefits of fasting, citing it as a greater cure for mental and physical ills than drugs and medicine . He discusses various physical benefits of fasting, including protection against neurologic degenerative diseases, building willpower, improving insulin levels, increasing human growth hormone, reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, boosting metabolism for fat loss, extending lifespan, and reducing oxidative damage and inflammation .

Joseph Muhammad elaborates on the three ten-day periods of Ramadan: the first for mercy, the second for forgiveness (Maghfira), and the third for protection from the hellfire . He discusses the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah for sins and striving for spiritual growth . He touches on the concept of sin and the need to look at ourselves under a spiritual microscope . Joseph Muhammad connects the idea of repentance with the message delivered on Savior’s Day about being unconscious of sins in a world facing divine judgment, referencing global events as evidence . He emphasizes the importance of humility and overcoming the ego .

Joseph Muhammad contrasts the teachings of Islam as taught by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad with the actions of some in the East . He draws a parallel between the city of Nineveh and modern America, emphasizing the need for repentance and heeding the message of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan . He stresses that Allah has called an end to Satan’s world and encourages listeners to repent from transgressions . He highlights the responsibility of those who teach God’s people . Joseph Muhammad concludes by referencing Surah  (Al-Falaq) and Surah  (An-Nas), emphasizing seeking refuge in Allah from evil and the whisperings of the slinking devil within ourselves . He underscores that Allah is the center of everything and that self-improvement is the basis for community development .