Edward Palmer, The Qur’ân (1880)
those who are fit to fast 1 may redeem it by feeding a poor man; but he who follows an impulse to a good work it is better for him; and if ye fast it is better for you, if ye did but know.
The month of Ramadhân, wherein was revealed the Qur’ân, for a guidance to men, and for manifestations of guidance, and for a Discrimination. And he amongst you who beholds this month 2 then let him fast it; but he who is sick or on a journey, then another number of days; — God desires for you what is easy, and desires not for you what is difficult, — that ye may complete the number, and say, ‘Great is God,’ for that He has guided you; haply ye may give thanks.
When my servants ask thee concerning me, then, verily, I am near; I answer the prayer’s prayer whene’er he prays to me. So let them ask me for an answer, and let them believe in me; haply they may be directed aright.
Lawful for you on the night of the fast is commerce with your wives; they are a garment unto you, and ye a garment unto them. God knows that ye did defraud yourselves, wherefore He has turned towards you and forgiven you; so now go in unto them and crave what God has prescribed for you, and eat and drink until a white thread can be distinguished by you from a black one at the dawn. Then fulfil the fast until the night, and go not in unto them, and ye at your -devotions in the mosques the while. These are the bounds that God has set, so draw not near thereto. Thus does God make
1 I.e. able to fast but do not.
2 I.e. who is at home during the month Ramadhân and not on a journey, or in a place where it is impossible to keep the fast.
