TLDR;
This video explores the deeper, spiritual meaning of fasting according to the 13th-century mystic Ibn Arabi. It challenges the conventional understanding of fasting as a mere act of abstaining from food and drink, presenting it instead as a state of being that mirrors divine qualities.
- Fasting is not just an action but a state of being.
- It's about embodying divine qualities like self-sufficiency.
- It challenges our modern obsession with constant action and productivity.
Introduction to the Mystical Understanding of Fasting [0:00]
The video introduces the concept of fasting as more than just abstaining from food and drink, suggesting it has a hidden, deeper meaning. It references the work of Ibn Arabi, a 13th-century mystic, and his interpretation of fasting's spiritual significance in his masterpiece, "The Meccan Revelations." The video aims to explore this profound understanding of fasting.
Fasting as Non-Action: A Paradox [0:44]
Ibn Arabi views the physical act of fasting as a symbol pointing to a deeper spiritual reality. He presents fasting as an act of "non-action," emphasizing that it's not about what one is doing, but what one is not doing. This non-action allows individuals to mirror a quality of God, specifically absolute self-reliance.
Connecting Physical Rules to Spiritual Ideas [1:52]
The video explains that fasting is unique because it's defined by the absence of action, embodying a divine quality called "samadania," or total self-sufficiency. The physical rules of fasting, such as not eating or drinking and avoiding anger, are connected to higher spiritual ideas like reflecting God's independence and embodying divine tranquility. This transforms fasting into a spiritual training, shedding human needs to reflect divine qualities.
The Unique Relationship Between Fasting and God [3:55]
Fasting has a special relationship with God because it reflects a divine quality of self-sufficiency, setting it apart from other acts of worship. The prophet Muhammad stated that every action belongs to humans except fasting, which belongs to God. Ibn Arabi emphasizes that fasting, like God, is unique and has no equal, belonging to the one who also has no equal.
Challenging Modern Obsessions [5:06]
The concept of fasting challenges the modern obsession with constant action and productivity, prompting a rethinking of achievement. It poses the question of what one could accomplish by focusing on simply being, even for a moment, in a world that constantly demands more action.
