The Quran

185

Preface

شَهرُ رَمَضانَ الَّذي أُنزِلَ فيهِ القُرآنُ هُدًى لِلنّاسِ وَبَيِّناتٍ مِنَ الهُدىٰ وَالفُرقانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهرَ فَليَصُمهُ ۖ وَمَن كانَ مَريضًا أَو عَلىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِن أَيّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُريدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ اليُسرَ وَلا يُريدُ بِكُمُ العُسرَ وَلِتُكمِلُوا العِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلىٰ ما هَداكُم وَلَعَلَّكُم تَشكُرونَ

Yusuf Ali

Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur-ān, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment¹ (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him² in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

Judgment (between right and wrong): Furqan = the criterion or standard by which we judge between right and wrong. See 2:53 n. 68.
The regulations are again and again coupled with an insistence on two things: (a) the facilities and concessions given, and (b) the spiritual significance of die fast, without which it is like an empty shell without a kernel. If we realise this, we shall look upon Ramadān, not as a burden, but as a blessing, and shall be duly grateful for the lead given to us in this matter.