The Truest Freedom (Rising above Desires)

True freedom for the Muslim is rising above and overpowering his base desires. This does not come about except by the success of Allah and the person’s discipline to practice and train himself. It requires a level of detachment from the sensual world which necessitates strength and true bravery. For most, submission to the pleasures of the world is an easier path and that is why the majority choose that way. Allah said:

And judge, [O Muhammad], between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations and beware of them, lest they tempt you away from some of what Allah has revealed to you. And if they turn away - then know that Allah only intends to afflict them with some of their [own] sins. And indeed, many among the people are defiantly disobedient.
myquran
Holy Quran
Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:49)

Allah also said regarding the soul and its inclination to do falsehood;

And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.
myquran
Holy Quran
Surah Yusuf (12:53)

One such example of striving and overcoming the base desires is fasting which is one of the pillars of Islam. A Muslim abstains from a number of things most of which are normally permissible such as eating, drinking and having relations between the spouses during the fasting hours. Someone may do all of these things and hide them from people. But the true believer abstains for the pleasure of Allah and to attain taqwa, which means consciousness of Allah, fear of His wrath and general obedience to His commands. Allah says this in the verse:

Fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous
myquran
Holy Quran
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)

Someone may ask; Why fast and deprive yourself of these pleasures? Firstly, we must understand that eating, drinking and having sexual relations with spouses is held off for a limited time only, which is the daylight hours of the month of Ramadhan. Allah says:

[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship], a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
myquran
Holy Quran
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184)

This restriction is to train oneself to be conscious of Allah by obeying him as well as training ourselves to be able to overcome the desire for what we crave. Few see the ridiculous notion of a woman starving herself to be a “supermodel” or restricting her diet in order to lose weight, or a female football player being prohibited from having children for five years in order to play for a team.

Similar to this verse is another, also in Surah al Baqarah in which Allah said:

Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not
myquran
Holy Quran
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216)

Both of these verses show that a Muslim does what he is commanded to do by Allah, even if not easy on himself because he wants to please his Creator and because he knows that by obedience to His command, he will attain His rewards and become stronger. The Messenger of Allah Peace be upon him said;

The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, but there is goodness in both of them. Be eager for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not be frustrated. If something befalls you, then do not say: If only I had done something else. Rather say: Allah has decreed what he wills. Verily, the phrase ‘if only’ opens the way for the work of Satan
Sahih Muslim
Abu Huraira
Sahih Muslim (2664)

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Jamah Salah TimesCongregational Prayer Times for Roseau Masjid.

  • Fajr
    Dawn Prayer 5:30 AM
  • Dhuhr
    Noon Prayer 1:15 PM
  • Jummah
    Friday Prayer 1:20 PM
  • Asr
    Afternoon Prayer 4:15 PM
  • Magrib
    Sunset Prayer 6:25 PM
  • Esha
    Evening Prayer 8:30 PM
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2020-21 Islamic DatesSubject to local sightings of the new moon

  • Ramadan (Islamic Month of Fasting)

    March 11th, 2024
    1st Ramadan, 1445 H
  • Eid ul-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast)

    April 10th, 2024
    1st Shawwal, 1445 H
  • Hajj (Annual Pilgrimage to Mecca)

    June 14th - 16th, 2024
    8th Dhul-Hijjah, 1445 H
  • Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of the Sacrifice)

    June 16th, 2024
    10th Dhul-Hijjah, 1445 H
  • New Year (Islamic New Year)

    July 7th, 2024
    1st Muharram, 1446 H
  • Ashura (Exodus of Moses from Egypt)

    July 16th, 2024
    10th Muharram, 1446 H