Imam Mujahid Ramadan’s Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Radio Show aired its newest episode on April 2nd, 2022. The topic was titled ‘Fasting and the Spiritual Transformation.’ As always, the show was aired on KCEP 88.1 FM and sponsored by Silver Sage Foundation.
This month’s esteemed guests were Colby Jeffers (Baha’i, Rapper, Film Producer and Educator), Frank C Rodarte Jr. (President of Enumclaw Washington Stake’s Nevada, Las Vegas Mission), and Imam Abdel J. Nuriddin (Owner of Genesis Health & Nutrition Center. Columnist and Speaker).
Imam Ramadan opened the show by emphasizing on the importance of this year as major holidays of the Abrahamic religions converged roughly around the same time. The month of Ramadan, the season of Easter, and Passover coincided with each other in 2022’s March-April. He claimed that it is the perfect season for interfaith dialogue and understanding. He also spared some time to give special prayers to the people in Ukraine. As it’s the beginning of the month of Ramadan, the discussion started with Colby Jeffers’ rap music titled ‘The Fast.’ Even though the music was produced for the Baha’i faith’s fasting, the lyrics can be easily applied to most of the other major religions. This fact was used by Imam Ramadan as a starting point as fasting is one of the universally practiced forms of worship.
Jeffers described how fasting is prescribed in the holy scripture of Baha’i faith. It’s a way of observing God’s beauty and come closer to it. There are both spiritual and physical benefits even though it’s a bit difficult practice.
Rodarte Jr. continued the subject by describing how fasting is a part of the Church of Jesus Christ – Latter Day Saints. He quoted from the scripture how fasting helps people to break free of their physical needs and animalistic instincts. Fasting is also important as it encourages believers to help the people in need.
Imam Nuriddin delved into the topic by explaining the importance of fasting in Islam. He described how hard was it to practice for the first Muslims as they did this under blazing sun and burning sands. He quoted from the Quran that the month of Ramadan is the time in which the devil is chained and the possibility of doing good deeds is increased.
These were just the beginning remarks in this long and bountiful discussion. We advise everyone listen to the 1-hour long show to learn all about fasting in Baha’i faith, Christianity and Islam. It was also remarkable to hear the importance, different meanings and benefits of the practice called fasting.
We would like to thank Imam Ramadan for yet another great discussion. Special thanks to the honorable guests for their invaluable contributions. To get the latest updates on the future episodes, please follow our social media channels.
If you like to listen to the awesome rap song ‘The Fast’ buy Colby Jeffers, here is a link to the video:
