The word ‘Sawm’ (fasting) fundamentally means to abstain or stop. This encompasses ceasing from eating and drinking, halting speech, or even pausing physical activity. The Quranic verse from Surah Maryam references a vow of abstinence. Historically, ‘Sawm’ in pre-Islamic Arabian society denoted refraining from desires, including sexual activity. It also described a horse standing perfectly still. The term was adopted by the Quran to define the act of fasting as a form of worship, signifying a complete cessation of bodily needs and worldly distractions. It’s a comprehensive cessation, not merely from food and drink, but from all impulsive desires and worldly engagements.

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علامہ اقبال نے برعظیم پاک و ہند میں ایک علیحدہ مسلم مملکت کے قیام کی تین بنیادی وجوہات بیان کی ہیں۔ اول، یہ متحدہ ہندوستان میں مسلمانوں اور ہندوؤں کے درمیان جاری کشمکش کا واحد حل تھا۔ دوم، اس مملکت کے ذریعے مسلمانوں کو اسلام کا حقیقی نظام، جو محمد عربی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے قائم کیا تھا، بحال کرنے کا موقع ملے گا۔ یہ نظام خلافت راشدین پر مبنی ہے، جو ملوکیت کے دور میں فراموش ہو گیا تھا۔ سوم، اقبال نے کہا کہ پاکستان، بھارت کا سب سے بڑا محافظ ثابت ہوگا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ یہ ملک شمال مغربی سرحد پر بھارت کی حفاظت کرے گا۔

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This lecture emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between remembrance of God and God’s remembrance of His servant, referencing a sacred tradition. It explains that sincere remembrance in gatherings is witnessed by angels and leads to divine favor. The speaker clarifies permissible levels of worldly love—for spouses, children, and parents—while stressing that ultimate devotion must remain reserved for God. Exceeding these limits constitutes *shirk* (associating partners with God), elevating another being to a level equal to the divine. True love is conditional on God's permission and should not surpass the boundaries set by faith.

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A nation claims to believe in God, the Prophet, the Quran, and Sharia, yet fails to fully implement it. Partial adherence is deemed worse than outright rejection. The Quran, specifically Surah Baqarah verse 85, warns that selective acceptance of divine law leads to severe punishment. Those who choose this path face disgrace in this world and intense torment on the Day of Judgment. This lecture emphasizes the necessity of complete submission to the entirety of Sharia for true faith and salvation.

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This excerpt emphasizes the Quran as both guidance and mercy specifically for those who believe. It reiterates that divine favor and mercy are the ultimate blessings, surpassing worldly possessions. The verses from Surah Yunus (10) highlight that true joy lies in recognizing and accepting these gifts from God. The Quranic message is not merely instruction but a source of compassion and solace for the faithful.

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This lecture discusses the proper method of fasting, emphasizing avoiding unnecessary delay in breaking the fast (iftar) after sunset. It discourages rushing the pre-dawn meal (sehri) and highlights the importance of adhering to established timings. The speaker cautions against self-imposed restrictions and anxieties regarding fasting, urging a balanced approach rooted in piety. The discussion also touches upon the permissibility of eating or drinking during the call to prayer (azaan) before dawn.

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