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Ibn Kathir Tafsir of the Glorious Qur'an |
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FASTING ESTABLISHES SUPREMACY OF THE
SOUL
By Muhaddith
Shah Waliullah
THE preponderance of animality in man is an obstacle in the
path of the manifestation of angelic and celestial attributes.
Therefore, it has become necessary to subjugate this attribute
of animality in man.
Since the dominance and power of bestial attributes are
caused by eating, drinking and excessive indulgence in lowly
desires - the latter playing the dominant role in the
assertion of bestial attributes - it is essential to curtail
and curb the onslaught of the flesh by a reduction in these
factors (eating, drinking and indulgence in desire). Precisely
for this reason do we find unanimity among all those who
desire the supremacy of the soul and the subjugation of the
flesh. All such men are unanimous in their assertion that the
method of establishing the supremacy of the soul over the body
is to reduce indulgence in eating, drinking and lowly desire.
A remarkable fact is that this unanimity exists despite the
different religions and lands of these men (i.e. those who
desire the supremacy of the soul).
It is of prime importance that the animal body remains
within the power and control of the higher soul so that it
(the body) becomes infused with the nobility and transcendence
of the higher soul. It is likewise essential that the
celestial soul remains aloof of the flesh in a way that will
protect it from coming under the sway and control of the
animal body. There is no better method of asserting the
supremacy of the soul over the body than denial of the
material and animal wants and desires of the body. Self-denial
compels the animal body into obedience and submission of the
celestial soul. Material dictates and animal desires are
attributes of the animal self, therefore, by self-denial man
aligns himself with the angelic realm. And, this purpose is
achieved by means of fasting.
Ramadhaan 1419
Source: Jamiatul Ulama (Kwazulu-Natal)
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