Ramadan 2011 benefits and calendar part 2
Rasul-allah's Advice
The Sermon given by the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam on the last Friday of Sha'ban on the reception of the month of Ramadhan
"O People!
Indeed ahead of you is the blessed month of Allah.
A month of blessing, mercy and forgiveness.
A month which with Allah is the best of months.
Its days, the best of days; its nights, the best of nights; and its hours, the best of hours.
It is the month which invites you to be the guests of Allah and invites you to be one of those near to Him.
Each breath you take glorifies Him; your sleep is worship, your deeds are accepted and your supplications are answered.
So, ask Allah, your Lord; to give you a sound body and an enlightened heart so you may be able to fast and recite His book, for only he is unhappy who is devoid of Allah's forgiveness during this great month.
Remember the hunger and thirst of the day of Qiyamah (Judgement) with your hunger and thirst; give alms to the needy and poor, honour your old, show kindness to the young ones, maintain relations with your blood relations; guard your tongues, close your eyes to that which is not permissible for your sight, close your ears to that which is forbidden to hear, show compassion to the orphans of people so compassion may be shown to your orphans.
Repent to Allah for your sins and raise your hands in dua during these times, for they are the best of times and Allah looks towards his creatures with kindness, replying to them during the hours and granting their needs if he is asked...
O People! Indeed your souls are dependant on your deeds, free it with Istighfar (repentance), lighten its loads by long prostrations; and know that Allah swears by his might: That there is no punishment for the one who prays and prostrates and he shall have no fear of the fire on the day when man stands before the Lord of the worlds.
O People! One who gives Iftaar to a fasting person during this month will be like one who has freed someone and his past sins will be forgiven."
Some of the people who were there then asked the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam: "Not all of us are able to invite those who are fasting?"
The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam replied:
"Allah gives this reward even if the Iftaar is a drink of water."
"One who has good morals (Akhlaq) during this month will be able to pass the 'Siraat'...on the day when feet will slip...
One who covers the faults of others will benefit in that Allah will curb His anger on the day of Judgement...
As for one who honours an orphan; Allah will honour him on the day of judgement.
And for the one who spreads his kindness, Allah will spread His mercy over him on the day of Judgement.
As for the one who cuts the ties of relation; Allah will cut His mercy from him...
Who so ever performs a recommended prayer in this month, Allah will keep the fire of Hell away from him...
Whoever performs an obligator prayer, Allah will reward him with seventy prayers [worth] in this month.
And who so ever prays a lot during this month will have his load lightened on the day of measure.
He who recites one verse of the Noble Qur'an will be given the rewards of reciting the whole Qur'an during other months.
O People! Indeed during this month the doors of heaven are open, therefore ask Allah not to close them for you;
The doors of hell are closed, so ask Allah to keep them closed for you.
During this month Shaytan (Satan) is imprisoned so ask your Lord not to let him have power over you."
Purification
Purification of the Mind
On the Benefits of the Month of Ramadhan
By Al Ghawth al Adham Shaykh Abd'al-Qadir al-ilani Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu
On the Benefits of the Month of Ramadhan
By Al Ghawth al Adham Shaykh Abd'al-Qadir al-ilani Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu
O young man, the word Ramadhan [1] consists of five letters: ra’, meem, dhad, alif and noon. The ra’ is derived from rahma [mercy], the meem from mujazat [recompense], mahabba [love] and minna [favour], the dhad from dhaman lilthawab [assurance of reward], the alif from ulfa [affinity] and qurb [nearness] and the noon from nur [light] and nawal [the receiving (of grace)]. If you give this month its due and act properly during it, these things will come to you from the True One (‘Azza wa Jall). They will come to you in this world as strengthening and enlightening for your hearts, and as favor and receiving of grace, outwardly and inwardly. In the hereafter there will come to you what no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard and has never occurred to any human heart. Most of you are out of touch with Ramadhan. Respect for a command comes in proportion to the respect shown to the commander. As for anyone who is out of touch with Allah (‘Azza wa Jall), His Messenger, His Prophets and the righteous among servants (Salawat Allah wa salamuh ‘alayhim ajma‘een), how can he be in touch with this month? Most of you have seen their fathers, mothers and neighbors fast, so they joined them in fasting, as a matter of habit not worship. They think that fasting is merely abstaining from food and drink, so they do not fulfill its conditions and requirements.
O people, give up habitual practice and keep to worship. Fast for the sake of Allah (‘Azza wa Jall). Do not get bored of fasting and worshipping in this month. Do righteous deeds during it, and make sure that you act with sincerity. Make a regular practice of the prayers of taraweeh.[2] Illuminate the mosques, for this will be a light for you on the Day of Resurrection. If you obey and respect Allah (‘Azza wa Jall) in this month, it will be an intercessor on your behalf in the presence of your Lord (‘Azza wa Jall) on the Day of Resurrection. It will beg Him to grant you a share of His favor, His generosity, His blessings, His grace, His graciousness, His subtle kindness and His safekeeping.
Woe unto you! What benefit would you derive from fasting if you break it on unlawful food and sleep during these noble nights having committed acts of disobedience? You fast out of dissimulation and hypocrisy as long as you are among creatures, and once you are on your own you break your fast! Then you come out and say: “I am keeping the fast”, while throughout the day you are involved in verbal abuse, leveling defamatory accusations, swearing false oaths and taking people’s money by way of defrauding, trickery and exaction. This sort of behavior makes you no good at all and does not count as a fast. The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allah ta‘ala ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “There are so many people who fast yet get nothing out of their fasting other than hunger and thirst and there are so many people who spend the night in worshipful acts yet earn nothing out of their worship other than fatigue and vigil”.
There are among you those who are Muslims outwardly but like idol worshippers inwardly. Woe unto you! Renew your Islam, your repentance, your apology and your sincerity in order that your Master (‘Azza wa Jall) will accept you and pardon your past sins. O you who are fasting, thank your Lord (‘Azza wa Jall) for preparing you for fasting and enabling you to keep it! When one of you fasts, let his ears, his sight, his hands, his legs, his limbs and organs and his heart all fast. Let all his outward and all his inward fast. When you fast, give up lying, giving false witness, backbiting, defaming people and embezzling their properties. In principle, you fast in order to purify yourselves of your sins and keep away from them, so what benefit could you derive from your fasting if you commit these sins yet again? Have you not heard the Prophet’s (Salla Allah ta‘ala ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: “Fasting is a suit of armor [junna]”, for it protects and covers the person who wears it. This is why the shield is called mijanna, as it protects its owner and prevents the arrows from striking him, and the person who is out of his mind is called majnun, as his mind has been covered up.[3] The fast is a suit of armour for anyone who fasts with pious restraint, fear of Allah and sincerity, for in this case it will prevent the tribulations of this world and the hereafter from striking him.
O you who are fasting, comfort the poor and the needy with a share of your food at the time of breaking your fast for it increases your reward and it is a sign of acceptance of your fast at the time of breaking it! All this will disappear and nothing will remain other than that which you do in preparation for yourselves in the hereafter. Therefore, do such preparations as long as you are able to prepare. On the Day of Resurrection, you will be gathered hungry, thirsty, naked, afraid, ashamed and terrified. The person who feeds the poor and the needy in this world will be fed on that Day. The person who provides clothing for the poor and the needy in this world will be supplied with clothes on that Day. The person who is afraid and feels ashamed before the True One (‘Azza wa Jall) in this world will be made to feel safe on that Day. As for the person who is merciful to others in this world, Allah (‘Azza wa Jall) will be merciful to him on that Day.
In this month, there is a night that is the greatest night of the year, which is Laylat al-Qadr. [4]This night has signs that the righteous can recognize. Among the servants of Allah (‘Azza wa Jall) there are those who have the veil removed from their eyes so they see the lights of divinity that is held in the hands of the angels, the light of their faces, the light of the doors of heaven and the light of the countenance of the True One (‘Azza wa Jall), because on that Night He manifests Himself to the people of the earth.
O people, do not make obtaining your food your concern because it is a low concern. You have been put to test through eating and drinking, but you have been saved the trouble of securing sustenance, so do not have any concern about it. Glory be to the Self Sustained One who never eats, drinks or sleeps. Your greedy keenness has increased, while your pious restraint and faith have decreased. Woe unto you! This world lasts for only one hour, so spend it in obedience.
[1] As written in the Arabic script.
[2] The taraweeh prayers are special prayers that are performed in the month of Ramadhan.
[3] The Arabic words mijanna and majnun both share with junna the same root.
[4] Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) is the night on which the first verses of the Noble Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allah ta‘ala ‘alayhi wa sallam).
Inner Dimensions
The Inner Dimensions of Fasting
From Inner Dimensions of Islamic WorshipBy Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali Rehhmatullahi alaih
Translated from Ihya' Uloom ad-Deen by Mukhtar Holland
Three Grades
It should be known that there are three grades of Fasting: ordinary, special and extra-special.
- Ordinary Fasting means abstaining from food, drink and sexual satisfaction.
- Special Fasting means keeping one's ears, eyes, tongue, hands and feet -- and all other organs -- free from sin.
- Extra-special Fasting means fasting of the heart from unworthy concerns and worldly thoughts, in total disregard of everything but Allah, Great and Glorious is He. This kind of Fast is broken by thinking of worldly matters, except for those conducive to religious ends, since these constitute provision for the Hereafter and are not of this lower world. Those versed in the spiritual life of the heart have even said that a sin is recorded against one who concerns himself all day with arrangements for breaking his Fast. Such anxiety stems from lack of trust in the bounty of Allah, Great and Glorious is He, and from lack of certain faith in His promised sustenance.
To this third degree belong the Prophets, the true awliya and the intimates of Allah. It does not lend itself to detailed examination in words, as its true nature is better revealed in action. It consists in utmost dedication to Allah, Great and Glorious is He, to the neglect of everything other than Allah, Exalted is He. It is bound up with the significance of His words: 'Say: "Allah (sent it down)": then leave them to play in their vain discussions.' [al-An'am, 6:91]
Inward Requirements
As for Special Fasting, this is the kind practiced by the righteous. It means keeping all one's organs free from sin and six things are required for its accomplishment:
1. See Not What Displeases Allah
A chaste regard, restrained from viewing anything that is blameworthy or reprehensible, or that distracts the heart and diverts it from the remembrance of Allah, Great and Glorious is He. Said the Beloved Prophet, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam:
"The furtive glance is one of the poisoned arrows of Satan, on him be Allah's curse. Whoever forsakes it for fear of Allah will receive from Him, Great and Glorious is He, a faith the sweetness of which he will find within his heart."
Jabir relates from Anas that Allah's Beloved Messenger, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, said:
"Five things break a man's Fast: lying, backbiting, gossiping, perjury and a lustful gaze."
2. Speak Not What Displeases Allah
Guarding one's tongue from idle chatter, lying, gossiping, obscenity, rudeness, arguing and controversy; making (the tongue) observe silence and occupying it with remembrance of Allah, Great and Glorious is He, and with recitation of Quran. This is the fasting of the tongue. Said Sufyan: 'Backbiting annuls the Fast.' Layth quotes Mujahid as saying: 'Two habits annul Fasting: backbiting and telling lies.' The Beloved Prophet, on him be peace, said:
"Fasting is a shield; so when one of you is Fasting he should not use foul or foolish talk. If someone attacks him or insults him, let him say: "I am Fasting, I am Fasting!"'
According to Tradition: "Two women were Fasting during the time of Allah's Beloved Messenger, on him be peace. They were so fatigued towards the end of the day, from hunger and thirst that they were on the verge of collapsing. They therefore sent a message to Allah's Beloved Messenger, on him be peace, requesting permission to break their Fast. In response, the Beloved Prophet, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, sent them a bowl and said: "Tell them to vomit into it what they have eaten." One of them vomited and half filled the bowl with fresh blood and tender meat, while the other brought up the same so that they filled it between them. The onlookers were astonished. Then the Beloved Prophet, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, said: "These two women have been Fasting from what Allah made lawful to them, and have broken their Fast on what Allah, Exalted is He, made unlawful to them. They sat together and indulged in backbiting, and here is the flesh of the people they maligned!"'
3. Hear Not What Displeases Allah
Closing one's ears to everything reprehensible; for everything unlawful to utter is likewise unlawful to listen to. That is why Allah, Great and Glorious is He, equated the eavesdropper with the profiteer, in His words, Exalted is He: "Listeners to falsehood, consumers of illicit gain." [al-Ma'idah, 5:42] Allah, Great and Glorious is He, also said: "Why do their rabbis and priests not forbid them to utter sin and consume unlawful profit?" [al-Ma'idah, 5:63] Silence in the face of backbiting is therefore unlawful. Allah, Exalted is He, said: "You are then just like them." [al-Nisa, 4:140] That is why the Prophet, on him be peace, said: "The backbiter and his listener are copartners in sin."
4. Do Not What Displeases Allah
Keeping all other limbs and organs away from sin: the hands and feet from reprehensible deeds, and the stomach from questionable food at the time for breaking Fast. It is meaningless to Fast -- to abstain from lawful food - only to break one's Fast on what is unlawful. A man who Fasts like this may be compared to one who builds a castle but demolishes a city. Lawful food is injurious in quantity not in quality, so Fasting is to reduce the former. A person might well give up excessive use of medicine, from fear of ill effects, but he would be a fool to switch to taking poison. The unlawful is a poison deadly to religion, while the lawful is a medicine, beneficial in small doses but harmful in excess. The object of Fasting is to induce moderation. Said the Beloved Prophet, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam: "How many of those who Fast get nothing from it but hunger and thirst!" This has been taken to mean those who break their Fast on unlawful food. Some say it refers to those who abstain from lawful food, but break their Fast on human flesh through backbiting, which is unlawful. Others consider it an allusion to those who do not guard their organs from sin.
5. Avoid Overeating
Not to over-indulge in lawful food at the time of breaking Fast, to the point of stuffing one's belly. There is no receptacle more odious to Allah, Great and Glorious is He, than a belly stuffed full with lawful food. Of what use is the Fast as a means of conquering Allah's enemy and abating appetite, if at the time of breaking it one not only makes up for all one has missed during the daytime, but perhaps also indulges in a variety of extra foods? It has even become the custom to stock up for Ramadan with all kinds of foodstuffs, so that more is consumed during that time than in the course of several other months put together. It is well known that the object of Fasting is to experience hunger and to check desire, in order to reinforce the soul in piety. If the stomach is starved from early morning till evening, so that its appetite is aroused and its craving intensified, and it is then offered delicacies and allowed to eat its fill, its taste for pleasure is increased and its force exaggerated; passions are activated which would have lain dormant under normal conditions. The spirit and secret nature of Fasting is to weaken the forces that are Satan's means of leading us back to evil. It is therefore essential to cut down one's intake to what one would consume on a normal night, when not Fasting. No benefit is derived from the Fast if one consumes as much as one would usually take during the day and night combined. Moreover, one of the properties consists in taking little sleep during the daytime, so that one feels the hunger and thirst and becomes conscious of the weakening of one's powers, with the consequent purification of the heart. One should let a certain degree of weakness carry over into the night, making it easier to perform the night Prayers (tahajjud) and to recite the praises (awrad). It may then be that Satan will not hover around one's heart, and that one will behold the Kingdom of Heaven. The Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr) represents the night on which something of this Kingdom is revealed. This is what is meant by the words of Allah, Exalted is He: "We surely revealed it on the Night of Power." [al-Qadr, 97:1] Anyone who puts a bag of food between his heart and his breast becomes blind to this revelation. Nor is keeping the stomach empty sufficient to remove the veil, unless one also empties the mind of everything but Allah, Great and Glorious is He. That is the entire matter, and the starting point of it all is cutting down on food.
6. Look to Allah with Fear and Hope
After the Fast has been broken, the heart should swing like a pendulum between fear and hope. For one does not know if one's Fast will be accepted, so that one will find favor with Allah, or whether it will be rejected, leaving one among those He abhors. This is how one should be at the end of any act of worship one performs. It is related of al-Hasan ibn Abil Hasan al-Basri Radi Allahu anhu that he once passed by a group of people who were laughing merrily. He said: "Allah, Great and Glorious is He, has made the month of Ramadan a racecourse, on which His creatures compete in His worship. Some have come in first and won, while others have lagged behind and lost. It is absolutely amazing to find anybody laughing and playing about on the day when success attends the victors, and failure the wasters. By Allah, if the veil were lifted off, the doer of good would surely be preoccupied with his good works and the evildoer with his evil deeds. I am too full of joy to indulge in idle sport, while for one who has suffered rejection laughter will be precluded by remorse."
Of al-Ahnaf ibn Qays it is reported that he was once told: "You are an aged elder; Fasting would enfeeble you." But he replied: "By this I am making ready for a long journey: Obedience to Allah, Glorified is He, is easier to endure than His punishment." Such are the inwardly significant meanings of Fasting.
Al-Ghazali, Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship
Narrated Abu Huraira Radi Allahu anhu: Allah's Most Beloved Prophet, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said, "Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past [minor] sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari)
Shaykh Yahya's Advice
Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem
My dear respected brothers and sisters,
Assalamu Alaykum,
I hope and pray that all of you are in the best of iman and health. The holy month of Ramadan has come, and it is a special occasion to all, but especially to the People of Tasawwuf. This is the time where body, heart and mind purification occurs. But only if you expose yourself to it, with your presistant efforts, extra worship, and re-shaping yourself and your commitments.
Two things I would like you to to increase in this Holy month:
1] The numer of times you send your Salams to our Beloved Prophet, Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam.
2] The number of Ayahs of the Qu'ran you recite daily. As this is the month of Qur'an.
Remember, that some think this is the month to eat, when infact, this is the month not to eat a lot.
Remember that you do not only obstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset during this month, but to go to a higher level by:
1] Commanding your organs and limbs ( including tongue, eyes, ears, hands) to obstain from all that's not good. This is extremely important.
2] Commanding your thoughts that cross your mind to obstain from all that's not good. This comes with training, and perseverance, so please start.
Khutbah (Sermon) of the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam) about Ramadan
'O you who believe, prescribed for you is the Fast, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that haply you will have taqwa.' [Qur`an 2:183]
'A great month, a blessed month, a month containing a night which is better than a thousand months has approached you people. Allah has appointed the observance of fasting during it as an obligatory duty, and the passing of its nights in prayer as a voluntary practice. If someone draws near to Allah during it with some good act he will be like one who fulfills an obligatory duty in another month, and he who fulfills an obligatory duty in it will be like one who fulfills seventy obligatory duties in some other month. It is the month of endurance, and the reward of endurance is paradise. It is the month of sharing with others, and a month in which the believer's provision is increased. If someone gives one who has been fasting something with which to break his fast it will provide forgiveness of his wrong actions and save him from the Fire, and he will have a reward equal to the fasting man's reward without his reward being diminished in any way... Allah gives this reward to anyone who gives one who has been fasting some milk mixed with water, or a date, or a drink of water with which to break his fast, and anyone who gives a full meal to one who has been fasting will be given a drink by Allah and will not thirst until he enters Paradise. It is a month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness, and whose end is freedom from the Fire. If anyone makes things easy for his slave during it, Allah will forgive him and free him from the Fire.'
From a khutba (sermon) given by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, on the last day of Shaban.
Reported by Salman al-Farsi (Mishkat al Masabih).
Some Hadiths About Ramadan
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger as saying: 'Ramadan, a blessed month, has come to you during which Allah has made it obligatory for you to fast. In it the gates of the Garden are opened, the gates of the Fire are locked, and the rebellious Shaytan is chained. In it Allah has a night which is better than a thousand months. He who is deprived of its good indeed suffered deprivation.' Ahmad & Nasa'i transmitted it.
Every good deed will be rewarded from ten to seven hundred fold except fasting which is endured for My sake and which I shall reward.' Hadith Qudsi, Sahih al-Bukhari.
'By Him Who holds my life in His hand the breath of the fasting man's mouth is more fragrant before God and better pleasing to Him than redolent musk.' Sahih Muslim
'Paradise has a gate which is called al-Rayyan through which not one shall enter except those who have observed the fast.' Sahih al-Bukhari
'Two joys are prepared for him who observes the fast, the joy of breaking the fast and that of meeting his Lord.' Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim
Excerpts from the Book of the Mysteries of Fasting from the Ihya Ulum al-Deen of Imam al-Ghazali
'Praise be to Allah who has shown great favor to His servants, Who has frustrated the hopes and plans of Shaytan by making fasting a bulwark and a shield for His friends.'
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, 'The reward of the fasting man will be generous beyond imagination or estimate.' And so it should be because fasting belongs to Allah and by virtue of this relationship it has been rendered noble. The fast belongs to Allah in two respects. First because it is a form of desisting and relinquishing, in its very nature concealed from human sight, whereas all the other acts of worship are apparent and exposed to it. And secondly because it is a means of vanquishing the enemy of Allah, Shaytan, who works through the appetites and desires. These appetites and desires are increased by eating and drinking. For this reason the Prophet said, 'Shaytan affects the son of Adam by pervading his blood. Let him therefore make this difficult for Shaytan by means of hunger.' For the same reason he told A'isha, 'Persist in knocking on the door of Paradise.' When she asked what she should knock with he replied, 'With hunger.'
The excellence of fasting established, what follows is a basic description of the outward and inward conditions for fasting.
Outward conditions for fasting
1] The first outward duty is to watch the beginning of the month of Ramadan and announce it at the observation of the new moon (al-hilal). If clouds make the observation of the new moon impossible then the length of Shaban should be extended to thirty days. By observation we mean actual sighting of the new moon. Anyone who hears a trustworthy witness say that he has seen the new moon and believes him, fasting then becomes incumbent on him.
2] The second outward duty is intention (niyyah). Every night before the dawn of the following day one should specifically and deliberately entertain the intention of fasting. If he should entertain the intention to fast the month of Ramadan but fails to renew his intention every night his fast would not be valid ...
3] The third duty is that, as long as he remembers that he is fasting, the individual should abstain from intentionally allowing any material substance such as food, drink, snuff and enema, to enter his body ...
Whatever enters the body unintentionally, such as dust, or water, during the rinsing of the mouth will not invalidate the fast ...
4] The fourth duty is abstinence from sexual intercourse ...
5] The fifth duty is abstinence from deliberate seminal emission.
6] The sixth outward duty is abstinence from vomiting. If one cannot help it however, his fast remains intact and valid.
Practices connected with the Fast
1] Delaying the time of suhur (until near the time of daybreak).
2] Speeding the breaking of the fast by eating dates or drinking water before performing the prayer.
3] Generous giving throughout the month.
4] Special study of the Our' an.
5] Retreat (i'tikaf) into the mosque, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan (in which the Night of Power, laylat ul-Qadr, falls).
Inward conditions of fasting
Fasting is of three grades:
1] The fasting of the general public (sawm al-umun)
2] The fasting of the select few (sawm al-khusus)
3] The fasting of the elite among the select few (sawm kusus al-khusus)
The fasting of the general public involves refraining from satisfying the appetites of the stomach and the appetites of sex and is described in the section on Outward conditions.
The fasting of the select few is to keep the ears, the eyes, the tongue, and hands, the feet and other senses free from wrong actions. It consists of:
1] Refraining from looking at anything disapproved, or anything which occupies the person and distracts him from remembering Allah.
2] Keeping the tongue free from raving, lying, backbiting, tale-bearing, obscenity, abusive speech, wrangling and hypocrisy.
3] Closing the ears to every reprehensible thing because everything which is unlawful to utter is also unlawful to hear.
4] Restraining the limbs from wrong actions as well as avoiding questionable foods at the breaking of the fast.
5] Not overeating when breaking the fast.
6] Remaining in a state of suspense between fear and hope after breaking the fast as to whether or not the fast has been accepted by Allah.
The fast of the elite among the select few is the fast of the heart from mean thoughts and worldly worries and its complete unconcern with anything but Allah and the Last Day, as well as by concern over this world, except insofar as it promotes the deen (life-transaction), which belongs to the hereafter.
Every act of worship is possessed of an outward form and an inner secret, an external husk and internal path. The husks are of different grades and each grade has different layers. It is for you to choose whether to be content with the husk or join the company of the wise and learned.
Breaking the Fast
'A human being has not filled any vessel which is worse than a belly. Enough for the son of Adam are some mouthfuls which keep his back straight, but if there is not escape he should fill it a third with food, a third with drink, and leave a third empty.' (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
'Many a one who fasts gets nothing from his fasting but thirst and many a one who prays during the night gets nothing from his night prayers but sleeplessness.' (Tirmidhi)
The mercy of the fast of Ramadan penetrates all dimensions of man's existence, providing a holistic cure for all that ails him, rejuvenating the body as well as the spirit of man. Breaking the fast by overeating renders both these beneficial effects useless. And breaking the fast with the wrong foods in any amount will debilitate the one who fasts and make his spiritual efforts more difficult.
Allah exhorts us in the Our' an to eat of the purest foods and the practitioners of modern medicine are just beginning to realize the essential wisdom of this command along with the wisdom of the fast itself. The
therapeutic effect of fasting is well documented by actual clinical experience both in Europe and in the United States, leading to general acceptance of the principal that fasting is man's oldest and best healing method. And the kind and amount of food with which one breaks the fast to a large extent determines whether the fast is useful or a waste of time.
The main rule in breaking the fast is to remember why you are fasting and what you hope to obtain by it. There are several du'a [supplications] for breaking the fast which call one back to this reality, one of which is:
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate, O Allah, for You I have fasted and I have believed in You, And have broken my fast on Your bounty and so forgive me my past and present wrong actions. O Lord of the Worlds.
Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem
Allahumma laka sumtu wa bika aamantu
Wa 'alaa rizqika aftartu faghfirlee
Maa addamtu wa maa akhartu
Ya rabbil aalamen.
Wa 'alaa rizqika aftartu faghfirlee
Maa addamtu wa maa akhartu
Ya rabbil aalamen.
One of the sunnahs [practices] of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and give him peace, is to break the fast as soon as the Adhan [call to prayer] is heard before performing the Maghrib prayer, with a date and some water.
Ramadan Food Guideline
The rule of thumb of the amount of food to be consumed at the evening meal which follows is that it should be no more than is usually eaten at that time. In fact, if it is, the fast is technically invalid. Again one has to review what one's goal in Ramadan is -- to bury his head deep into a nose-bag full of food every evening after sunset and snore his nights away or to eat a light but nutritious evening meal and use the precious nights of Ramadan for dhikr [remembrance] and fikr [reflection].
The following is a guideline to the types of food which will enhance the natural purifying effect which the fast already has on the body and which will increase the one who incorporates them into his diet in energy, clarity and awareness:
1] Use as much as possible pure and organic foods, uncontaminated by artificial flavorings, colors, and preservatives.
2] Avoid eating too much meat too frequently. The Prophet, Sallallahu alayhi wa aalihi wa sallam, ate meat only twice a week. Needless to say it should be halal, but it is also recommended to find a source of free-range animals and to have as close a control as possible over the actual killing.
3] Include lots of vegetables and raw fruits in your diet.
4] Avoid overdoses of starches, particularly excessive amounts of polished white rice -- use whole grains when possible and then not too much of them.
5] Avoid too much sugar and substances containing caffeine -- they will unbalance the delicate endocrine system of the body.
6] Pay attention to the order in which you eat different foods and the combinations of foods which you eat. The medicine of the Prophet recommends limiting the number of different types of food eaten at one time as much as possible, and latest research has revealed that the reason for this is the stomach's ability to produce.
And finally, please do not forget me in your daily Du'a, May Allah bless you and make this month a success for all,
Wassalam,
Muhammad bin Yahya
Why Ramadan ?
Why is the month of Ramadan called Ramadan?
There are various narrations concerning the name, but some scholars have stated that the word Ramadan could be from the word 'Ramada' which refers to the spring rains, which causes the earth to be cleansed and well soaked, so that a healthy crop is achieved after the rains. Thus, the scholars have mentioned, that the rains of mercy and blessing in the month of Ramadan cause the heart to be cleansed and filled with light and blessings. This in turn prompts a person to become more pious, thus reaping the benefits of the Rains of Mercy. Whichever way one looks at Ramadan, it is definitely a month of Mercy and blessings.
Ramadan is also known by other names, such as The Month of Sabr (Patience), The Month of Good and The Month of Increase in Sustenance? Ramadan is referred to as the month of patience, because in Ramadan we keep fast and show much patience in doing so, by abstaining from even that which is halaal, during the duration of the fast. It is thus known as the Month of Patience. It is known as the Month of Good, because it is in this month that Muslims are usually more Allah fearing and give generously for the pleasure of Almighty Allah.
It is known as the Month of Increase in Sustenance, because it is in the Month of Ramadan, that sustenance can be found in abundance, so much so, that even the poor and downtrodden attain the blessings of this month through increase in their sustenance.
The Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Mujtaba Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said, There are eight doors in Jannat. One of the Doors is known as Raiyyaan and only those who keep fast will enter through it.
For the blessed names of Ramadan please check here
For a Novice
Ramadan for a Novice
By Ginger Rutland for the Sacramento Bee
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
I attended my first iftar earlier this month.
Iftar is the breaking of the fast that takes place every night in the homes of observant Muslims during the month of Ramadan. Hosted by the Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims, the iftar I attended was an interfaith event, intended to educate non-Muslims like me about the significance of Islam's holiest month.
Arden Fair Mall
I learned that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, the month Mohammed was supposed to have first received divine revelations from the Archangel Gabriel that became the Holy Qur'an. For a full lunar cycle, from full moon to crescent, adult Muslims around the world refrain from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn to sunset.
The fasting or sawm - the word in Arabic literally means self-restraint - is meant to build discipline. As Imam Azeez, the spiritual leader of the SALAM center, explained it, when people deny themselves the simple permissible pleasures - food, drink, sex - it becomes easier to refrain from the impermissible - alcohol or drugs or criminal behavior. While attention focuses on food and drink, the faithful are also supposed to refrain from foul language, gossip, evil thoughts and even war during Ramadan.
Fasting is also a way to build understanding and empathy for those who are suffering. Those who cannot fast because of illness or because they are pregnant are required to feed the poor each day that they themselves fail to refrain from.
Finally, Ramadan, we were told, is about family. At the end of the day, after prayer, families and friends come together for iftars, to break the fast. By tradition, the first foods eaten are dates and milk. At the SALAM center that Saturday night, a sumptuous feast of spiced rice, lamb, fried dumplings and sweets followed, all served in a joyful holiday spirit.
It felt like Christmas. Our hosts regaled us with tales of Ramadan back home in Egypt, Syria and Pakistan. They told us the month is very much like Christmas, a time when mothers prepare their favorite dishes and families and friends visit. On the last day of Ramadan, gifts are exchanged. In fact, in many Muslim countries, Ramadan, like Christmas, has become the principal shopping season and that has some worried that, like Christmas, Ramadan will become tainted by commercialism.
But as I've watched the Muslims I know this Ramadan and in the past, it seems unlikely. The central ritual of Ramadan, the fast itself, prevents the Muslim holy season from drifting too far from its spiritual roots.
To deny oneself all food and drink for 12 hours - not even a sip of water is permitted - is very hard. To do that not just for a day or a week, but for a full month, represents a commitment to faith that is rare and precious and real. Certainly, it seems so to someone like me, who has a hard time walking past the candy vending machine at work, even after I've just had lunch. So, I left my first iftar impressed and deeply moved.
The Family
The Family in Ramadan
All Praise is due to the: One, Who in His Sublimity is: Unique, & Blessings of our: Sovereign [Allah] upon the Best of Creation: [Sayyiduna] Muhammad,[salla Allahu 'alayhi wa alihiwa sahbihiwa sallam]& the Progeny: Showers of Generosity & the Companions: Clouds of Benevolence.Allah be well pleased with them all & those who follow their way.
It is one of the blessings of Allah to the Muslim that He enables him to fast in Ramadaan and to spend its nights in prayer. It is a month in which good deeds are multiplied and people are raised in status, when Allah frees some people from the Fire. So the Muslim should strive to make the most of this month and the goodness it brings; he should hasten to spend his life in worship. How many people have been deprived of this month because of sickness, death or misguidance.
The Muslim must make the most of his time during this month; he has an unavoidable duty towards his children, to raise them well and bring them up properly, to urge them to do all kinds of goodness and make them get used to that – because the child will grow up in the manner to which his parents makes him get accustomed.
During these blessed days, the father and mother have a role to play in making the most of this time, and we can offer parents the following advice:
1 – Checking on the children’s fasting and encouraging those who fall short in this regard.
2 – Reminding them about the real nature of fasting, and that it is not just giving up food and drink, but it is a means of attaining taqwa (piety), and that it is an opportunity for sins to be forgiven and expiated.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ascended the minbar and said: “Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.” It was said to him, “O Messenger of Allah, why did you do that?” He said, “Jibreel said to me, ‘May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person who Ramadan comes and his sins are not forgiven,’ and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise,’ and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,’ and I said, ‘Ameen.’”
Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah, 1888; al-Tirmidhi, 3545; Ahmad, 7444; Ibn Hibban, 908. See Sahih al-Jami', 3501.
3 – Teaching them the etiquette and rulings on eating, such as eating with the right hand from what is directly in front of them; reminding them that extravagance is haraam and is harmful to the body.
4 – Not letting them spend too long on eating iftaar so that they miss praying Maghrib in congregation.
5 – Reminding them about the situation of the poor and destitute who cannot find even a mouthful of food to quench the fires of hunger; reminding them of the situation of those who have migrated or are fighting in jihad for the sake of Allah in all places.
6 – These gatherings offer an opportunity to bring relatives together and uphold the ties of kinship. This custom still exists in some countries, and it is an opportunity to reconcile and mend broken ties between relatives.
7 – Helping the mother to prepare the food, and to clean up and keep the food fit for eating.
8 – Reminding them to pray qiyaam (taraweeh) and to prepare for it by not eating too much and to get ready in time to perform the prayer in the mosque.
9 – With regard to suhoor, the parents should remind the family of the barakah (blessing) of suhoor and that it gives a person the strength to fast.
10 – Allowing enough time before Fajr prayer so that those who have not prayed Witr may do so, and so that those who have delayed their prayer until the end of the night may pray, and so that each person may make du’aa’ to his Lord as he wishes.
11 – Paying attention to praying Fajr on time in congregation in the mosque, for those who are required to do so. We have seen many people who wake up at the end of the night to eat, then they go back to bed and neglect Fajr prayer.
12 – It was the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in the last ten days of Ramadan to stay up at night and wake his family. This indicates that the family should pay attention to making the most of this blessed time in doing things that are pleasing to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. So the husband should wake his wife and children to do that which will bring them closer to their Lord.
13 – There may be small children in the house who need to be encouraged to fast, so the father should urge them to get up for suhoor, and encourage them to fast by praising them and giving a reward to the one who fasts the whole month or half of it, and so on.
It was narrated that al-Rubayyi' bint Mu’awwidh said: On the morning of 'Ashura' the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent word to the villages of the Ansaar saying, “Whoever started out not fasting, let him not eat for the rest of the day, and whoever started the day fasting, let him fast.” She said: We used to fast and make our children fast, [and take them to the mosques] and make toys for them out of wool, then if one of them cried for food we would give him that toy until iftaar.
Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1859; Muslim, 1136 – the words in square brackets were narrated by Muslim.
Al-Nawawi said:
This hadith shows that we should train children to do acts of worship and get them used to that, but they are not accountable. Al-Qadi said: It was narrated from 'Urwah that when they are able to fast it becomes obligatory upon them. This is a mistake which is disproven by the saheeh hadeeth, "The Pen is lifted from three: from the child until he reaches adolescence…" And Allah knows best.
Sharh Muslim, 8/14
14 – If possible, the father and mother should take the family for 'Umrah in Ramadan, and that is something that will benefit them in the Hereafter, themselves and their family, for 'Umrah during Ramadan has the same reward as Hajj. It is better to go at the beginning of Ramadan so as to avoid the crowds.
15 – The husband should not overburden his wife with more than she can bear of having to prepare food and sweets. Many people take this month to prepare fancy foods and drinks, and they go extremes in that. This detracts from the sweetness of this month and goes against the reason for fasting, which is to attain piety.
16 – The month of Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, so we suggest that each family gets together to read Qur’an. The father should teach his family to recite Qur’an and help them to understand the meanings of the verses. In the same gathering they may also read a book about the rulings and etiquette of fasting. Allah has enabled many scholars and seekers of knowledge to write books which can be used for preaching and teaching during Ramadan; the books are divided into thirty parts, so one topic can be read each day, and this will benefit everyone.
17 – They should be encouraged to spend and check on their neighbours and the needy.
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was at his most generous during Ramadan when Jibreel met him. He would meet him each night and revise the Qur’aan with him. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was more generous than the blowing wind.
Narrated by al-Bukhari, 6; Muslim, 2308.
18 – The parents should prevent their families and children from staying up late at night and wasting their time in things that are of no benefit, let alone things that are haraam. For the devils among mankind are more active in this month in promoting evil things and acts of immorality to those who are fasting, during the nights of Ramadan and during the days.
19 – They should remember the family’s meeting in Allah’s Paradise in the Hereafter, and the great joy of meeting there under the shade of His throne. These blessed gatherings in this world and coming together to obey Allah by seeking knowledge, fasting and praying are only the means that lead to attaining that happiness.
Health Guide
Health Guidelines for Ramadhan
This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadhan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadhan.
During the blessed month of Ramadhan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadhan is an ideal time to normalise one's weight.
In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.
Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, whole meal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).
Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates).
Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry), marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of beetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc.
The foods eaten should be well-balanced, from each food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products.
Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heart-burn, and weight problems.
AVOID
Fried and fatty foods.
Foods containing too much sugar.
Over-eating especially at sehri.
Too much tea at sehri. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.
Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadhan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely.
EAT
Complex carbohydrates at sehri so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry.
Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food.
Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.
Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat.
Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.
DRINK
As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.
Remedies
CONSTIPATION
Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.
Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet.
Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making roti.
INDIGESTION AND WIND
Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.
Remedy: Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods, add ajmor to wind-producing foods.
LETHARGY ('low blood pressure')
Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon.
Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.
Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.
Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadhan. They should consult their doctor.
HEADACHE
Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.
Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadhan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganise your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.
Causes in non-diabetics: Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates especially at suhur (sehri). The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.
Remedy: Eat something at sehri and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks.
Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor.
MUSCLE CRAMPS
Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.
Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.
Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.
PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIA
Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadhan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend up to the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.
Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadhan.
KIDNEY STONES
Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.
JOINT PAINS
Causes: During Ramadhan, when extra Salah are performed the pressure on the knee joints increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort.
Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadhan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being physically fit allows greater fulfillment, thus enabling one to be able to perform Salah with ease.
Diet
Diet during Ramadan
Mohammad Zafar A. Nomani, Ph.D., R.D.
Professor of Nutrition,
West Virginia University,
Abstract: It is a globally recognized and foremost part of dietary guidelines that eating a variety of food using principles of moderation and balance. This is particularly true during the Islamic month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
To be healthy, one must consume food from the major food groups: bread and cereal, milk and dairy product, meat and bean, vegetable and fruit.
During the month long fast of Ramadan the metabolic rate of a fasting person slows down and other regulatory mechanisms start functioning. Body and dietary fat is efficiently utilized. Consuming total food intake that is less than the total food intake during normal days is sufficient to maintain a person's health.
Intake of fruits after a meal is strongly suggested. A balanced diet improves blood cholesterol profile, reduces gastric acidity, prevents constipation and other digestive problems, and contributes to an active and healthy life style. (Int. J. Ramadan Fasting Research, 3:1-6, 1999)
INTRODUCTION
Fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan can be good for one's health and personal development.
Ramadan fasting is not just about disciplining the body to restrain from eating food and drinking water from predawn until sunset. The eyes, the ears, the tongue, and even the private parts are equally obligated to be restrained if a Muslim wants to gain the total rewards of fasting. Ramadan is also about restraining anger, doing good deeds, exercising personal discipline, and preparing oneself to serve as a good Muslim and a good person during and after Ramadan.
This is why the Beloved Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) has been attributed, by Hazrat Abu Hurairah in hadith, to say: "He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah has no need that he didn't eat or drink." (Bukhari, Muslim). In another hadith by Hazrat Abu Harairah, the Beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "Fasting is not only from food and drink, fasting is to refrain from obscene (acts). If someone verbally abuses you or acts ignorantly toward you, say (to them) 'I am fasting; I am fasting." (Ibn Khuzaoinah). Restraint from food, water, and undesirable behavior makes a person more mentally disciplined and less prone to unhealthy behavior. In an investigation in Jordan (1), a significant reduction of parasuicidal cases was noted during the month of Ramadan. In the United Kingdom, the Ramadan model has been used by various health departments and organizations to reduce cigarette smoking among the masses, especially among Africans and Asians (2).
Ramadan fasting has spiritual, physical, psychological, and social benefits; however, manmade problems may occur, if fasting is not properly practiced. First of all, there is no need to consume excess food at iftar (the food eaten immediately after sunset to break fast), dinner or sahur ( the light meal generally eaten about half an hour to one hour before dawn). The body has regulatory mechanisms that activate during fasting. There is efficient utilization of body fat, El Ati et al. (3) . Basal metabolism slows down during Ramadan fasting, Husain et al. (4). A diet that is less than a normal amount of food intake but balanced is sufficient enough to keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan.
Health problems can emerge as a result of excess food intake, foods that make the diet unbalanced, and insufficient sleep (5, 6). Ultimately also, such a lifestyle contradicts the essential requirements and spirit of Ramadan.
DIET DURING RAMADAN
According to Sunna (the practices of the beloved Prophet Muhammad) and research findings referred in this report, a dietary plan is given:
1. Bread/Cereal/Rice, Pasta, Biscuits and Cracker Group: 6-11 servings/day; 2. Meat/Beans/ Nut Group: 2-3 servings/day. 3. Milk and Milk Product Group: 2-3 servings/day. 4. Vegetable Group: 3-5 servings/day; 5. Fruit Group: 2-4 servings/day. 6. Added sugar (table sugar, sucrose): sparingly. 7. Added fat, polyunsaturated oil 4-7 table spoons.
Breakfast, iftar:
Dates, three
Juice, 1 serving (4 oz.)
Vegetable soup with some pasta or graham crackers, 1 cup
The body's immediate need at the time of iftar is to get an easily available energy source in the form of glucose for every living cell, particularly the brain and nerve cells. Dates and juices are good sources of sugars. Dates and juice in the above quantity are sufficient to bring low blood glucose levels to normal levels. Juice and soup help maintain water and mineral balance in the body. An unbalanced diet and too many servings of sherbets and sweets with added sugar have been found to be unhealthy, Gumma et al. (7).
Dinner:
Consume foods from all the following food groups:
Meat/Bean Group: Chicken, beef, lamb, goat, fish, 1-2 servings (serving size = a slice =1 oz); green pea, chickpea (garbanzo, chana, humus), green gram, black gram, lentil, lima bean and other beans, 1 serving (half cup). Meat and beans are a good source of protein, minerals, and certain vitamins. Beans are a good source of dietary fiber, as well.
Bread/Cereal Group: Whole wheat bread, 2 servings (serving size = 1 oz) or cooked rice, one cup or combination. This group is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy and provide some protein, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Milk Group: milk or butter-milk (lassi without sugar), yogurt or cottage cheese (one cup). Those who can not tolerate whole milk must try fermented products such as butter-milk and yogurt. Milk and dairy products are good sources of protein and calcium, which are essential for body tissue maintenance and several physiological functions.
Vegetable Group: Mixed vegetable salad, 1 serving (one cup), (lettuce, carrot, parsley, cucumber, broccoli, coriander leaves, cauliflower or other vegetables as desired.) Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil or any polyunsaturated oil and 2 spoons of vinegar. Polyunsaturated fat provides the body with essential fatty acids and keto acids. Cooked vegetables such as guar beans, French beans, okra (bhindi), eggplant (baigan), bottle gourd (loki), cabbage, spinach, 1 serving (4 oz). Vegetables are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, carotene, lycopenes, and other phytochemicals, which are antioxidants. These are helpful in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and many other health problems.
Fruits Group: 1-2 servings of citrus and/or other fruits. Eat fruits as the last item of the dinner or soon after dinner, to facilitate digestion and prevent many gastrointestinal problems. Citrus fruits provide vitamin C. Fruits are a good source of dietary fibre.
Fruits and mixed nuts may be eaten as a snack after dinner or tarawiaha or before sleep.
Pre-dawn Meal (sahur):
Consume a light sahur. Eat whole wheat or oat cereal or whole wheat bread, 1-2 serving with a cup of milk. Add 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil or any other monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats in a salad or the cereal. Eat 1-2 servings of fruits, as a last item.
DISCUSSION
Blood cholesterol and uric acid levels are sometimes elevated during the month of Ramadan (8). Contrary to popular thinking, it was found that intake of a moderately high-fat diet, around 36% of the total energy (calories), improved blood cholesterol profile, Nomani, et al. (9) and Nomani (10). It also prevents the elevation of blood uric acid level (8-10). The normal recommended guideline for fat is 30% or less energy. On weight basis, suggested fat intake during Ramadan is almost the same as at normal days. Fat is required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and carotenoids. Essential fatty acids are an important component of the cell membrane. They also are required for the synthesis of the hormone prostaglandin. Keto-acids from fat are especially beneficial during Ramadan to meet the energy requirement of brain and nerve cells. Keto-acids also are useful in the synthesis of glucose through the metabolic pathway of gluconeogenesis. This reduces the breakdown of body proteins for glucose synthesis. Therefore, the energy equivalent of 1-2 bread/cereal servings may be replaced with polyunsaturated fat.
During Ramadan increased gastric acidity is often noticed, Iraki, et al. (5), exhibiting itself with symptoms such as a burning feeling in the stomach, a heaviness in the stomach, and a sour mouth. Whole wheat bread, vegetables, humus, beans, and fruits -- excellent sources of dietary fiber -- trigger muscular action, churning and mixing food, breaking food into small particles, binding bile acids, opening the area between the stomach and the deudenum-jejunum and moving digesta in the small intestine, Kay (11). Thus, dietary fiber helps reduce gastric acidity and excess bile acids, Rydning et al. (12). In view of dietary fiber's role in moving digesta, it prevents constipation. It's strongly suggested that peptic ulcer patients avoid spicy foods and consult a doctor for appropriate medicine and diet. Diabetic subjects, particularly severe type I (insulin dependent) or type II (non-insulin dependent), must consult their doctor for the type and dosage of medicine, and diet and precautions to be taken during the month. Generally diabetes mellitus, type II, is manageable through proper diet during Ramadan, Azizi and Siahkolah (13).
Pregnant and lactating women's needs for energy and nutrients are more critical than the needs of men (14). There is a possibility of health complications to the pregnant woman and the fetus or the lactating mother and the breastfed child, if energy and nutrient requirements are not met during the month of Ramadan (15-19). Governments, communities, and heads of the family must give highest priority to meet women's dietary needs. In African countries, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and many other places malnutrition is a major problem, especially among women from low-income groups. Further more, it is common among these women to perform strenuous work on farms or in factories, and other places. Malnutrition and strenuous conditions may lead to medical problems and danger to life. Under these conditions one must consult a medical doctor for treatment and maulana or shaykh for postponement or other suggestions regarding fasting. Qur'an Al-Hakeem and Hadith allow pregnant women and lactating mothers flexibility during the month of Ramadan.
For practical purposes and estimation of nutrients a diet was formulated, given below:
Iftar: 3 dates, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of vegetable soup, 2 plain graham crackers; dinner: 1 cup of vegetable salad with two teaspoons of corn oil and two teaspoon of vinegar, 2 oz. of chicken, 1/2 cup of okra, 4 oz. of cooked whole chana (garbanzo), 3 tea spoon of oil while cooking main dishes, 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 cup of cooked rice, 3/4 cup of plain yogurt, one orange, 1/2 cup grapes, 1 oz of nuts-mixed roasted-without salt; sahur: 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable salad with two teaspoons of corn oil and two teaspoons of vinegar, 1 skinned apple, 2 teaspoons of sugar with tea or coffee.
Nutritionist IV (20) was used to estimate energy and nutrient content in the above diet, which was as follows: energy, 2136 kilocalories; protein, 70g; carbohydrate , 286g; fat, 87g, 35 % of energy of the total intake, (saturated fat 16.9g; mono saturated, 28.4g; poly unsaturated, 34g; other 7.3g; - oleic, 25.6g; linoleic, 29.5; linolenic, 0.6g; EPA-Omega-3, 0.006g; DHA-omega-3, 0.023g; dietary fiber 34g; calcium, 1013mg; sodium, 3252 mg; potassium, 2963mg; iron 13.3mg; zinc, 10mg. When the nutrients were compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), for an adult non-pregnant and non-lactating female (14), the diet met 100% or more of the RDA for protein, calcium, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folate, and C. The energy was close to the RDA, (97%). The dietary fiber level also was met as per the recommendation (11). Consuming food in the above amount by pregnant or lactating female may not meet the RDA for all of the nutrients. They may need supplementation of some minerals and vitamins such as, iron vitamin D, and more energy through bread or rice.
Further suggestions:
Drink sufficient water between Iftar and sleep to avoid dehydration.
Consume sufficient vegetables at meal s. Eat fruits at the end of the meal.
Avoid intake of high sugar (table sugar, sucrose) foods through sweets or other forms.
Avoid spicy foods.
Avoid caffeine drinks such as coke, coffee or tea. Caffeine is a diuretic. Three days to five days before Ramadan gradually reduce the intake of these drinks. A sudden decrease in caffeine prompts headaches, mood swings and irritability.
Smoking is a health risk factor. Avoid smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking negatively affects utilization of various vitamins, metabolites and enzyme systems in the body.
Do not forget to brush or Miswak (tender neem tree branch, Azhardicta indica or other appropriate plant in a country, about 1/4-1/2 inch diameter and 6-8 inches length, tip partially chewed and made brush like). Brush your teeth before sleep and after sahur. Brush more than two times or as many times as practicable.
Normal or overweight people should not gain weight. For overweight people Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to lose weight. Underweight or marginally normal weight people are discouraged from losing weight. Analyzing a diet's energy and nutritional component, using food composition tables or computer software, will be useful in planning an appropriate diet.
It is recommended that everyone engage in some kind of light exercise, such as stretching or walking. It's important to follow good time management practices for Ibada (prayer and other religious activities), sleep, studies, job, and physical activities or exercise.
In summary, intake of a balanced diet is critical to maintain good health, sustain an active lifestyle and attain the full benefits of Ramadan.
Community Health
Ramadan and Community Health
By Dr. Muhammad Karim Beebani
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam enjoined upon Muslims by Almighty Allah as mentioned in verse 183 of chapter 2: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may learn self restraint."
Reduced Crime and Higher Morale
The enormous impact of Ramadan on a Muslim society is seen from the fact that as compared to the other months, the number of all sorts of crimes and the magnitude of corruption, indecency, vicious behaviour and immoral acts are all reduced markedly. The rate of crimes in Muslim societies is already lower than other societies and it declines even more in the holy month of Ramadan.
Violence and crime impose a great burden on the health budget of any country. As a matter of fact in most developed countries they supersede the expenditure and agony caused even by the road traffic accidents. In a Muslim country like Saudi Arabia the crime rate is already much lower than other countries and it becomes minimal in the month of Ramadan.
Fasting is not just the act of refraining from food and water; rather it is a devotion to fulfill the religious duties as well as to behave in a manner which is harmless to others, so that even if someone incites a person to quarrel, he has to pacify him by acting upon this saying of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (May Allah shower His Infinite Blessings upon Him), "Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins, if one of you is fasting, he should avoid quarrelling and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him he should say I am fasting."
In another Hadith, Allah's Most Beloved (May Allah shower His Infinite Blessings upon Him) says, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving food and drink."
Although such good teachings of Islam are not confined to the month of Ramadan alone, yet they are best observed in this month. Hence, one can notice a great fall in the crime rate, violence, loss of working days due to offensive injuries and a great reduction in the cost of medico-legal expenditure which has a pronounced effect on the health budget of a given community.
There is no doubt in saying that the number of offensive injuries and trauma cases reported to the emergency rooms in a Muslim country is far less in the month of Ramadan than in any other month. Ramadan, in other words, is a training period for the Muslims in which the foundations of a subtle character are laid whose gains can also be seen round the year and this has a positive effect on the morale of the whole society.
Happiness and Reduced Stress
Now, to come to another blessedness of Ramadan. In today's stressful time when every third person is suffering from a psychological problem even though it might be a mild depression, the advent of Ramadan means an era of happiness and felicity for all Muslims.
Social insecurity is the root cause of today's psychological chaos and bereavement. Ramadan, in contrast, is a month of optimum social interaction and familiarization with each other. Mosques are thronged with worshippers, people invite intimate friends to iftar, shopping centers are packed with crowds and Eid offers a rainbow of joyous moments, although the real happiness which the believers derive comes from the fulfillment of Allah's order about which He says that fasting is for Him alone and He will pay its reward.
Ramadan has its own culture, a glimpse of which can be seen at Iftar when the whole family joins together to dine. Allah's Most Beloved Messenger (May Allah shower His Infinite Blessings upon Him) says, "There are two pleasures for the fasting person: one, at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. Then he will be pleased because of his fasting."
Not surprisingly, due to the decreased stress the human body's steroid level, which is raised in stress and anxiety, has been found to be decreased among Muslims in the month of Ramadan.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is the hallmark of Islamic virtues. Although according to Islamic teachings, a good Muslim offering his prayers regularly is supposed to be neat and tidy, in the month of Ramadan personal cleanliness among the Muslims reaches its peak. I need not mention that a high level of cleanliness in the days of Ramadan will deter infections. The zeal to offer prayers in Ramadan continues in other days as well, more and more people form the habit of offering prayers regularly, which by itself is a spiritual and health package for Muslims.
Advice to Muslims
Brother Muslim, Sister Muslima:
1. Fast Ramadhan with belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah the Most High so that He may forgive you your past sins.
2. Beware of breaking your fast during the days of Ramadhan without a valid Islamic excuse, for it is from the greatest of sins.
3. Pray Salat ut-Taraweeh and the night prayer during the nights of Ramadhan - especially on Layatul-Qadr - based on belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah, so that Allah may forgive you your past sins.
4. Make sure that your food, your drink and your clothing are from halal means, in order that your actions be accepted, and your supplications answered. Beware of refraining from the halal while fasting and breaking your fast with the haram.
5. Give food to some fasting people to gain a reward similar to theirs.
6. Perform your five prayers on time in congregation to gain the reward and Allah's protection.
7. Give a lot of charity for the best charity is that of Ramadhan.
8. Beware of spending your time without performing righteous deeds, for you will be responsible and reckoned for it and will be rewarded for all you do during your time.
9. Perform `umrah in Ramadhan for `Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to Hajj.
10. Seek help for fasting during the day by eating the sahoor meal in the last part of the night before the appearance of Fajr.
11. Hasten breaking your fast after the sun has truly set in order to gain the love of Allah.
12. Perform ghusl before fajr if you need to purify yourself from the state of major impurity so that you are able to do acts of worship in a state of purity and cleanliness.
13. Cease the opportunity of being in Ramadhan and spend it with the good that has been revealed in it - by reciting the noble Qur'an and pondering and reflection of its meanings so that it be a proof for you with your Lord and an intercessor for you on the Day of Reckoning.
14. Preserve your tongue from lying, cursing, backbiting and slander for it decreases the reward of fasting.
15. Do not let fasting cause you cross your boundaries by getting upset due to the slightest of reasons. Rather, fating should be a cause of peacefulness and tranquility of your soul.
16. Upon completion of fasting, be in a state of taqwa of Allah the Most High, being aware of Allah watching you in secret and in public, in thankfulness for His favors, and steadfastness upon obedience of Allah by doing all what He has ordered and shunning all that He has prohibited.
17. Increase in remembrance of Allah, seeking of forgiveness, asking for Paradise and protection against the Fire, especially when fasting, while breaking the fast and during suhoor, for these actions are among greatest causes of attaining Allah's forgiveness.
18. Increase in supplication for yourself, your parents, your children and Muslims, for Allah has ordered making of supplications and has guaranteed acceptance.
19. Repent to Allah with a sincere repentance in all times by leaving sins, regretting those that you have done before and firmly deciding not to return to them in the future, for Allah accepts repentance of those who repent.
20. Fast six days of Shawwal, for whoever fasts Ramadhan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasts all the time.
21. Fast on the Day of `Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the last year and the coming year.
22. Fast on the day of `Aashuraa', the 10th of Muharram, along with the 9th, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the past year.
23. Continue being in a state of iman and taqwa and perform righteous actions after the month of Ramadhan, until you die. "And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (i.e. death)". [Qur'an 15:99]
24. Ensure that you attain the positive effects of your acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, zakat and hajj, sincere repentance and leaving of customs that are in variance with the Sharee`ah.
25. Invoke a lot of salawat and salam upon the Messenger of Allah, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him, his Companions and all those who follow them until the Day of Judgment.
'O Allah make us and all Muslims of those who fast and stand in prayer during the month of Ramadhan based on belief and truly seeking Your reward so that we are forgiven our past and future sins.
'O Allah make us of those who fasted the month, attained full reward, witnessed Layatul-Qadr and attained success by permission of the Lord, Blessed and Most High.
'O Allah, verily you are Forgiver, like to forgive, so forgive us.
'O Lord, accept from us, verily you are the All-Hearing, all-Seeing, O Living, O Independent, O Owner of all majesty and honour.
And may Allah's Blessings and Peace be upon His Beloved Muhammad, his Blessed Family and his Noble Companions.
Skipping meals
Ramadan is not about skipping Meals!
Ramadan is the spring season for goodness and virtues when
righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities
righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities
By Khalid Baig
Fasting during Ramadan was ordained during the second year of Hijrah. Why not earlier? In Makkah, the economic conditions of the Muslims was bad. They were being persecuted. Often days would go by before they had anything to eat. It is easy to skip meals if you don't have any. Obviously fasting would have been easier under the circumstances. So why not then?
The answer may be that Ramadan is not only about skipping meals. While fasting is an integral and paramount part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul. The entire program required the peace and security that was offered by Madinah Shareef.
Yes, Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab --- two full months before Ramadan --- the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings upon him) used to supplicate thus: "O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha'ban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health)."
During Ramadan, the believers get busy seeking Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala's mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. "If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan," said the great scholar and reformer Shaykh Ahmed Farooqi (Mujaddad Alif Thani) -may Allah be pleased with him. It offers every Muslim an opportunity to strengthen his Iman, purify his heart and soul, and to remove the evil effects of the sins committed by him.
"Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven," said the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings upon him). Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward, will have his previous sins forgiven." As other AHadith tell us, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan.
Along with the possibility of a great reward, there is the risk of a terrible loss. If we let any other month pass by carelessly, we just lost a month. If we do the same during Ramadan, we have lost everything. The person who misses just one day's fast without a legitimate reason, cannot really make up for it even if he were to fast everyday for the rest of his life.
One who does not fast is answerable to Allah, but so also is the person who fasts and prays but makes no effort to stay away from sins or attain purity of the heart through the numerous opportunities offered by Ramadan. The Beloved Prophet (Peace and Blessings upon him) warned us: "There are those who get nothing from their fast, but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers, but loss of sleep."
We know that the term Ibada (worship and obedience) in Islam applies not only to the formal acts of worship and devotion like Salat , Tilawa, and Dhikr, but it also applies to worldly acts when performed in obedience to Shariah and with the intention of pleasing Allah. Thus a believer going to work is performing Ibada when he seeks Halal income to discharge his responsibility as a bread-winner for the family. However a distinction must be made between the two. The first category consists of direct Ibada, acts that are required for their own sake. The second category consists of indirect Ibada --- worldly acts that become Ibada through proper intention and observation of Shariah. While the second category is important for it extends the idea of Ibada to our entire life, there is also a danger because by their very nature these acts can camouflage other motives. (Is my going to work really Ibada or am I actually in the rat race?). Here the direct Ibada comes to the rescue. Through them we can purify our motives, and re-establish our relationship with Allah.
Islam does not approve of monasticism. It does not ask us to permanently isolate ourselves from this world, since our test is in living here according to the Commands of our Creator. But it does ask us to take periodic breaks from it. The mandatory Salat (five daily prayers) is one example. For a few minutes everyday, we leave the affairs of this world and appear before Allah to remind ourselves that none but He is worthy of worship and of our unfaltering obedience. Ramadan takes this to the next higher plane, providing intense training for a whole month.
This spirit is captured in I'tikaf, a unique Ibada associated with Ramadan, in which a person gives up all his normal activities and enters a mosque for a specific period. There is great merit in it and every Muslim community is encouraged to provide at least one person who will perform I'tikaf for the last ten days of Ramadan. But even those who cannot spare ten days are encouraged to spend as much time in the mosque as possible.
Through direct Ibada we "charge our batteries"; the indirect ones allow us to use the power so accumulated in driving the vehicle of our life. Ramadan is the month for rebuilding our spiritual strength. How much we benefit from it is up to us.
Morality
Morality in Fasting
The Objects of Fasting
The object of fasting is to attain a higher degree of Taqwa or righteousness. The important question is how does fasting enable one to guard against evil and become more righteous?
Sympathy and consideration for others are Islamic virtues which fasting helps one to develop. One is able to realise the pangs of hunger, thirst and other discomforts suffered by one's less fortunate brethren and stirs one to offers charity where it is needed. One is also reminded of the noble and charitable character of the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) of Islam who was constantly distributing his possessions to the poor. Fasting enables one to become more in sympathy with suffering humanity.
Fasting enables one to feel more grateful to Allah Almighty for all His blessings. When one denies oneself nourishment throughout the day, one appreciates it all the more and reminds one to be ever grateful to Allah Almighty for His favours. Not only should one show and express gratitude to Allah Almighty for providing one with good food but one should also express gratitude for the numerous other kinds of blessings which one enjoys. Allah Almighty reminds us in the Noble Qur'an al kareem:
And truly the Lord is gracious to mankind, but most of them are not grateful. (27:74)
Be grateful to Allah for whosoever is grateful, is grateful for the good of his own soul. (31:3)
It should also be emphasised that gratitude is rewarded by Allah Almighty:
And Allah will certainly reward the grateful. (3:145)
Obedience to Allah Almighty is essential. A Muslim fasts in obedience to Allah Almighty's command.
A Muslim undergoes the rigours of fasting from dawn until sunset during the month of Ramadan primarily because the fast has been prescribed by Allah Almighty. He is fasting in obdience to Allah Almighty's command and while fasting he should be mindful of the need to obey all other commandments of Allah Almighty also.
Fasting is a religious practice, in one form or another, has been prescribed or recommended by religions of the world as it is recognised that a certain degree of abstinence from worldly and physical inclinations is conducive for spiritual development.
The Moral and Spiritual Progress
There is no doubt that observation of the Islamic fast during the month of Ramadan calls for resolve, determination and steadfastness which is forcefully demonstrated particularly by Muslims fasting under climatic conditions which are hard to bear or who are in parts of the world where the duration of the day is very long. There are also other conditions which could be mentioned such as service in the armed forces. On the other hand, there are other conditions far less rigorous where the days are short and the climate very pleasant. Nevertheless under all conditions steadfastness of purpose is required in order to observe and maintain the rules of fasting. The cultivation of steadfastness is an essential quality for progress in the spiritual field and this quality is developed through fasting about which we read in the Noble Qur'an al kareem:
And we will surely try you until we distinguish those among you who strive for the cause of Allah and those who are steadfast. (47:32)
Verily the steadfast will have their reward without measure (39:11)
The spiritual advantages gained from observing the Islamic fast are numerable which have have been testified by millions of devout Muslims who have experienced them and borne witness to the words of Allah in the Noble Qur'an al kareem:
And fasting is good for you, if you only knew. (2:185)
Fast as a Shield and Intercession
Abu Huraira reported the Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam saying: "Allah said: "Every action of the son of Adam is for him except fasting for that is solely for Me. I give the reward for it. The fast is a shield. If one is fasting, he should not use foul language, raise his voice, or behave foolishly. If someone reviles him or fights with him he should say, 'I am fasting, `twice. By the One in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the breath of the one who is fasting is better in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection than the smell of musk. The one who is fasting is happy at two times: when he opens his fast he is happy with it, and when he meets his Lord he will be happy that he has fasted,"[Ahmad, Muslim, and an-Nasa'i]
Abu S'aid al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam , said: "No servant fasts on a day in the path of Allah except that Allah removes the hellfire seventy years farther away his face."
Abdullah ibn'Amr reported that Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said: "The fast and the Qur'an al kareem are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. "The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.'The Qur'an al kareem will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.'And their intercession will be accepted."[Ahmad]
Deed to Enter Paradise
Abu Umama reported: " I came to the Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.'He said: 'Stick to fasting as there is no equivalent to it'. Then I came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting'. [Ahmad, an-Nasa'I, and al-Hakim].
Sahl ibn Sa'd reported that the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said: "There is a gate to Paradise that is called ar-Raiyan. On the Day of Resurrection it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last one has passed through the gate. It will be locked."[al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- A Gift from Allah
- Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. It has been an integral part of all major religions.
- Fasting a Mean of Taqwa
Prescribing fasting the Qur'an al kareem says: "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was to those before you. That you may (learn) self-restraint."(2:183).
The original Arabic word translated here is self-restraint is Taqwa, which has a much broader significance.
Reward by Allah
It is well known that the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam regularly observed fasting in other parts of the year besides Ramadan, and he always exhorted his followers to do the same. But it is in the month of Ramadan when the entire Muslim community all over the world observes fasting that a special meaning emerges. It transforms fasting into an institution that elevates the human soul to unprecedented heights. The beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said "Every good deed is rewarded from ten to seven hundred times over but Allah says fasting is the exception, it is for Me, and My servant forgoes his eating and drinking for My sake, so I Myself will reward My servant for it."
Ramadan the Month of Morality and Spirituality
It is a chaste and divinely Purified moth who’s arrival is anxiously awaited for eleven months by every believer. In this blessed month a particular obligation (Fard) of Allah is observed by Muslims with the purest of feeling of dedication, which results in self-purification, as well as the disappearance of hypocrisy from the heart of the Mu’min. The Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said that when Ramadan begins, the gates of the Heavens are open. A further saying is that the doors of Paradise are opened and those of Hell are shut. In another occasion the beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam says that two doors of Paradise are opened, Hadrat Suhail bin Sa’d Radi Allahu anhu says that the Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said that there are eight gates leading to Paradise- one is named Bab-ur-Rayyan, and this gate is reserved exclusively for entry to Paradise by those who observed fast (Bukhari).
Hadrat Abu Huraira Radi Allahu anhu reported that the Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said, "when the first day of Ramadan begins, the Shaitan and rebellious jinns are imprisoned and the gates of Hell are shut. In fact no exits of Hell are opened and a proclaimer proclaims: “All those seeking good, and all those with evil intention, refrain from evil! And Allah is a fair is a fair Judge. He frees people from Hell. And this action of Allah continues every night during this month". In other words that proclaimer proclaims this every night and Allah through His mercy frees many from the fires of hell.
While fasting one should not only abstain from eating, drinking, and indulging in pleasure but also exert caution in talking, work, business, and other matters. The hands and feet should not endeavour in vice; the tongue should refrain from foul language, anything forbidden by the Shari’a. In other words, the one who is fasting should become a practical example of Taqwa.
The commentators of Quran Majid have observed that the words in verse 183 of Chapter 2 namely:
'Fasting has been ordained for you'
apply to each every limb of the human body:
- Fasting of the tongue is to restrain it from wrongs it is liable to commit.
- Fasting of the ear is to restrain it from listening to profane talk;
- Fasting of the eyes mean abstinence from obscene scenes or sights for fun and frolic.
- Fasting by the 'inner self' is to get rid of green and passion.
- Fasting by the heart is to cast out love of worldly things
- Fasting of the 'spirit' is to refrain imagining to oneself the pleasure of the Hereafter
- Fasting of the soul is the total rejection of all except Allah
Month of Blessing
The most beautiful month of Ramadan is a month of grace and blessing. Upon arrival of this blessed month, Allah Most High causes His blessings and forgiveness to descend upon the one who gives this month its rights. Ramadan is the month in which Allah Most High showers His blessings upon our homes, and upon those who enter the mosques, especially the House of Allah – the Ka'bah. During Ramadan, the Mercy of Allah Most High falls upon us, like rain falling from the clouds.
One can liken the virtue of Ramadan with charity, which is of two kinds. The first kind is where one gives charity to someone whom one meets along the street or on the path. The second kind is likened to one who visits another with the intention of giving charity. Ramadan is likened to the latter; where Allah Most High causes His blessings to descend upon the ummah of the Blessed Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam (Allah bless him and give him peace). It is during this time, that little effort has the ability to earn high rewards, no matter where one is, be it in the Sacred Precinct in Makkah or in one’s home.
Allah Most High is the creator of all things. He created each year, month, day and hour. In the same way that Allah Most High has elevated the status of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) over the whole of creation; and the status of the Ka'bah over other places of worship, He has elevated and raised the month of Ramadan over all other months. This is entirely the will of Allah Most High, and a manifestation of His Omnipotent Power and Divine Will.
Allah Most High chose to reveal His Uncreated Speech – the Qur'an al kareem, in this blessed month, to His final and Most Beloved Prophet – Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam (Allah bless him and give him peace). Allah Most High says in the Qur'an al kareem:
"The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for the people, and clear verses of guidance and a criterion." [Surat al-Baqarah, ayah 185]
Imam al-Tabari writes that Wathilah (Allah be well pleased with him) narrated that the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
The Scrolls of Abraham were revealed on the first night of the month of Ramadan, the Torah was revealed on the sixth of Ramadan, the Bible on the thirteenth, and the Qur'an al kareem was revealed on the twenty-fourth of Ramadan.
He also writes that Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him) said:
Allah caused the Qur'an to descend to the heaven of this world, on Laylat al-Qadr, and then when Allah wished to reveal anything from it, He revealed it. And that is what is meant by His Words, ‘Verily We have revealed the Quran in Laylat al-Qadr’.
[Tafsir al-Tabari, by Imam al-Tabari, surat al-Qadr]
Allah Most High says in the Qur'an al kareem :
O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain unto piety. [Surat al-Baqarah, Ayah 183]
Imam al-Tabari writes that Hadrat Qatadah (Allah be well pleased with him) said, in reference to this ayah:
The month of Ramadan has been prescribed for the people as it was prescribed for those before them. Allah has prescribed the fast of three days of each month, before revealing the fast of Ramadan. [Tafsir al-Tabari, by Imam al-Tabari, surat al-Qadr]
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory and is done solely for Allah Most High. In a hadith qudsi Allah Most High says:
Every action of the son of Adam belongs to him except the fast. It is Mine, and I repay him for it. [Muslim]
There can be neither false pretension nor showing off on the part of the one who is fasting. If one is offering prayers, giving zakah, making pilgrimage or any other form of worship, others can see one’s worship but fasting is distinguished by the fact that only Allah Most High can see who is fasting and who is not.
The polytheists may perform various acts of worship for their false gods to please them. They may make vows to them, make tawaf around them, travel for them and fight in their names. However, they do not fast for them nor has it ever been recorded that they fasted for them. Indeed it is clear that the fast of Islam is the fast of the Truth.
Hafiz al-'Asqalani (May Allah be pleased with him), quoting from Imam al-Qurtubi, mentions the following hadith:
The bankrupt person is he who shall come on the Day of Judgment with prayer, charity and fast, but he had also swore at another person, beat another, and consumed the wealth of another. His good deeds will be taken from him, and the other person will take his good deeds. And when his good deeds are no more, before what is due upon him has been paid, he takes from their bad deeds. They will be thrown at him. Then he will be flung into the Fire.
He continues to says that there is a narration from by Hadrat Abu Hurayrah (Allah be well pleased with him), in which Allah Most High says:
All actions are atonement, except for fasting. Fasting is for Me and I reward it.
[Fath al-Bari, by Hafiz al-'Asqalani, Book of Fasting]
It can be concluded that Allah Most High loves the fast of a Muslim, as it is a means for him to become more aware and fearful of Allah Most High.
Names
The Blessed Names of the Month of Ramadan
Name & Meaning :
Shahru Ramadan - The month of Ramadan
Shahr ul Bishara - The month of Glad Tidings
Shahr ul Burhan - The month of the Proof
Shahr ul Ghufran - The month of Forgiveness
Shahr ul Ibada - The month of the Worship of Allah
Shahr ul Ihsan - The month of Goodness
Shahr ul iman - The month of True Faith
Shahru Laylatil Qadr - The month of the Blessed Night of Power for night-long worship
Shahr ul Mahamid - The month of the Praises of Allah
Shahr ul Masabih - The month of Luminous Lamps
Shahr ul Masajid - The month of the Mosques
Shahru Nabiyyuna Muhammad alayhis salatu was salam - The month of our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him
Shahr ul Qiyam - The month of Standing-up for Prayer
Shahr ul Quran - The month of the Quran, when it was first revealed
Shahr us Saada - The month of Happiness, the month of Salvation
Shahr ush Shahada- The month of Witnessing
Shahr us Siyam - The month of Fasting
Shahr ut Tahara The month of Purification, of body, heart and soul
Shahr ut Tarawih - The month of Tarawih prayers
Shahr ut Tawba - The month of Repentance
Shahr uz Ziyada - The month of Increase (in Allah's Blessings)
Source: Tawdi Shahru Ramadan (Farewell to the Month of Ramadan), a qasida (poem) in Tabaraka Dhul Ula (Blessed is He, The Exalted), by Hujjat ud Din Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz al-Waraq
Note: Various other attributive names of the month of Ramadan can be found in many other kutub (books).
Du'a:
O Allah! Give us good health to fast the whole month of Ramadan, protect us from evil, bestow peace on all the Muslims in the whole world, accept our worship and make the month of Ramadan a means of our salvation and a means by which non-Muslims accept Islam.
amin
Mercy
The Month of Mercy
By Dr. Yunus Aidaroos
"Ramadan is a month whose beginning is Mercy, whose middle is Forgiveness and whose end is freedom from the fire." - Hadith of the Most Beloved Prophet (May Allah Bless him and give him peace)
Mercy * Forgiveness * Freedom from Fire
Ponder on the inherent logical sequence ( subhan'Allah ) of the above! We cannot be exempt from fire without first being forgiven. And to be forgiven, we must be graced by Allah's mercy.
The first one third of Ramadan (10 days ) is MERCY from Allah
1]. Can we expect to receive mercy if we only deprive our bodies of food and drink? Of course not. Because Ramadan is meant for SPIRITUAL development through fasting. Physiologically, by fasting the body eliminates toxins efficiently and the mind becomes clear for "power thinking" so that one may ponder on the meaning of the Qur'an, Hadith and the necessity of dhikr. One must also do some self-analysis to monitor and correct one's behaviour if necessary. With meditation the mind becomes quiet and so should our tongues!
2]. Allah is looking for a sincere commitment from us and not just physical starvation till sunset and then returning to the status quo. Ramadan does not end at every iftar. It ends only on sighting the hilal of Shawwal. So the hard spiritual work must carry on for the whole of the month.
3]. One must plead for mercy and sincerely cry to receive it because without it, we are stuck at stage one and our prospects of "freedom from fire" will be bleak.
4]. Therefore this stage one is for sincere confession to Allah that we are weak and sinful and that we desperately need His mercy. We have only about 10 days to qualify to stage two.
The second one third of Ramadan is ----- FORGIVENESS
1]. We must now beg for Allah's forgiveness because we have broken so many of His rules and covenants and disobeyed His commands during the year, both knowingly and unknowingly. We must say istighfaar day and night and ask in every sajda for forgiveness. We must be afraid that if Allah does not forgive, we will surely be among the losers. Here again, Allah will be assessing the degree of sincerity in our repentance. He looks not for lip service but for soul service!
2]. We must also be forgiving to other people's mistakes and tempers.
The last one third of Ramadan is ......... FREEDOM FROM FIRE
These are our last ten days or so. Instead of just focusing on Laylat Al-Qadar (the night of power) one should intensify supplications for the whole last third of Ramadan. If possible and affordable then do go for Umrah ... it will be probably the most spiritually fulfilling experience you will have, aside from Hajj. And Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to having done a Hajj with our Most Beloved Rasool (May Allah Bless him and give him peace) ! At the completion of the last fast, be optimistically hopeful that you will be alive to give similar pious worship during the forthcoming Ramadans. And if you remain guided in your life then you'll be will be admitted to Paradise, insha'Allah, by the Ryan gate of Paradise! Indeed Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala does not break His promise to his slaves.
NOTE:
The month after Ramadan is Shaw'wal.
Those who fast just 6 days of this month, get the reward of fasting the WHOLE of the year! So if one has missed fasting for 12 yrs of his/her life, just 6 days ( in any order) of Shaw'wal fasting gives one an opportunity to make up for our past deficiency of fasting days. SubhanAllah , isn't Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala indeed SUPER-MERCIFUL?
Virtues & Rulings
Fasting in Ramadan, Its Virtues & Rulings
Abu Umamah Radi Allahu anhu said: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, tell me of an action by which I may enter Paradise'. He said: 'Take to Fasting, there is nothing like it.' " [An-Nasa'i, Ibn Hibban, Al-Hakim, Sahih]
In this hadith, the beloved Prophet Muhaammad Mustafa Mujtaba Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam singled out fasting when asked about a deed that leads its doer to the best of rewards, Paradise. This fact alone is sufficient for us to understand the greatness of fasting.
Mere knowledge of the importance and superiority of fasting, however, is not enough for a Muslim to attain Allah's pleasure and then, insha' Allah, His great reward.
Indeed, the beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Mujtaba Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam has said: "Perhaps a person fasting will receive nothing from his fasting except hunger and thirst." [Ibn Majah, Ad-Darimee, Ahmad, al-Baihaqi, Sahih] This hadith should raise our concern about fasting and increase our desire to perform this act of worship with the best intention and in accordance with the Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Mujtaba Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam.
The first step for a Muslim to realise is the fact that fasting the month of Ramadhan is obligatory and that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has prescribed it for us in His Book:
"Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa." [2:183]
Thus Allah Ta'ala teaches us that Fasting is an obligation and a means to attain taqwa, that which increases believers in their ranks with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala:
"The most honoured by Allah amongst you are those best in taqwa." [49:13]
Furthermore, we should realise the words of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Mujtaba Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam in which he tells us that Allah the Exalted said: "The most beloved deeds with which my slave comes closer to Me are the obligatory deeds." [Sahih al-Jami']
Virtues
Virtues of Fasting as mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah
- The reward for fasting is immense, as mentioned in the following Hadith:
"Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed receiving then times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High said, 'Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me.' for the fasting person there are two times of joy; a time when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of musk." [al-Bukhari]
Also, Sahl ibn Sa'd said that the beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Mujtaba Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said: "Indeed there is a gate of Paradise called ar-Rayan. On the day of Resurrection those who fast will enter through it; no one enters it except for them, and when they have entered, it is closed so that no one enters it, so when the last of them enters it, it is closed, and whoever enters it drinks, and whoever drinks never becomes thirsty." [Ibn Khuzaimah, Sahih].
- Fasting is a shield against the Fire:
"Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire." [Ahmad, Sahih]
- On the Day of Judgement, "Fasting will say: O My Lord I prevented him from food an desires so accept my intercession for him." [Ahmad, al-Hakim and Abu Nu'aim, Hasan]
- Fasting is a means for one's sins to be forgiven. The beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Mujtaba Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said: "He who fasts Ramadhan, due to Iman and hoping for reward (from Allah) then his past sins are forgiven." [al-Bukhari, Muslim]
- The supplication of the fasting person is answered: "There are in the month of Ramadhan in every day and night those to whom Allah grants freedom from the Fire, and there is for every Muslim an supplication which he can make and will be granted." [al-Bazar, Ahmad, Sahih]
- Fasting is an expiation for various sins, as mentioned in the Qur'an, in verses: 2:196, 4:92, 5:89, 5:95 and 58:3-4.
- The fasting person will be among the true followers of the prophets and the martyrs: 'Amr ibn Murrah al-Juhani Radi Allahu anhu. said: "A man came to the beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Mujtaba Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam and said: 'O Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, what if I testify that none has the right to worshipped but Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and that you are the Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, and I observe the five daily prayers, and I pay the zakah, and I fast and stand in prayer in Ramadhan, then amongst whom shall I be?' He said: 'Amongst the true followers of the prophets and the martyrs.' " [Ibn Hibban, Sahih]
- Fasting is a shield against one's base desires, as the beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Mujtaba Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam told the youth: "O youths, whoever amongst you is able to marry then let him do so, since it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts, and he who is unable, then let him fast because it is a shield for him." [al-Bukhari, Muslim]
Once we realise the greatness of fasting and what achievement it leads to, we must put all our efforts in performing fasting in the best manner possible. And since fasting is worship, it must be done solely for Allah's sake, and no intention is accepted, other than pleasing Allah and seeking His Face with all one's sincerity. Without a correct intention, no deed is of any value in the Hereafter. We Muslims must constantly verify our intentions and consider why we perform fasting. Do we do so merely because it is the practice of our parents and friends, or do we do so because it is part of our tradition, or perhaps because we simply want to conform to our environment in order to avoid any problems? A Muslim who realises that only that which is with Allah remains, and that He is the only One who grants and withholds, would not be of those to which the beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Mujtaba Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam alluded in the Hadith: "On the Day of Judgement, a caller will cry out, 'Whoever performed a deed for someone other than Allah may seek his reward from that for which he performed the deed' " [Sahih al-Jami].
Tarawih
Importance of Tarawih
Source: M. I. H. Pirzada, Islamic way of Worship
Tarawih prayer is Sunnah Mu'akkadah for men and women since the blessed Messenger Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said:
The intention for Tarawih is to intend to pray Tarawih or Sunnah of the time, or the night standing in Ramadan. And its time is after 'Isha prayer and it is twenty rak`ats with ten salams. Yazid ibn Ruman says: in the time of Hadrat 'Umar (radi Allahu anhu) people used to pray twenty three rak`ats (inclusive of the three rak`ats of witr)." (Muwatta Imam Malik)
It is desirable to sit and rest for a while after every four rak`ats as Tarawih is derived from the word raha (to rest). One can remain silent if he wishes or recite La ilaha illallah or recite the Glorious Qur'an or send blessings upon the Messenger or pray nafl alone or read the tasbih:
Whoever prays 'Isha alone it is permissible for him to pray Tarawih with the imam. If he has missed some rak'ats of Tarawih it is still permissible for him to pray witr with the congregation and then complete the Tarawih afterwards or alternatively he can complete the Tarawih and pray witr alone. The scholars differ on the priority of the two.
I say that it is better to pray witr with the congregation since congregational prayer is better than praying alone.
'The month in which Allah has prescribed for you fasting and I have initiated for you the night prayer.Whoever fasts in it and prays with sincerity and faith, sins leave him clean and the day his mother gave birth to him'. (Ibn Maja)The Tarawih with congregation is more virtuous since Hadrat 'Umar (radi Allahu anhu) established it with the congregation and the congregational prayer is a communal Sunnah. If no one prayed it in the Mosque all the people have sinned and missed the Sunnah.
The intention for Tarawih is to intend to pray Tarawih or Sunnah of the time, or the night standing in Ramadan. And its time is after 'Isha prayer and it is twenty rak`ats with ten salams. Yazid ibn Ruman says: in the time of Hadrat 'Umar (radi Allahu anhu) people used to pray twenty three rak`ats (inclusive of the three rak`ats of witr)." (Muwatta Imam Malik)
It is desirable to sit and rest for a while after every four rak`ats as Tarawih is derived from the word raha (to rest). One can remain silent if he wishes or recite La ilaha illallah or recite the Glorious Qur'an or send blessings upon the Messenger or pray nafl alone or read the tasbih:
"subHana dhil-mulki wal-malakut, subHana dhil-'izzati wal-'azmati wal-haybati wal-qudrati wal-kibri-ya 'i wal-jabarut, subhanal-malikil-Hayyil-ladhi la yanamu wa la yamut, subbuHun quddusun rabbuna wa rabbul-mala 'ikati war-ruH, Allahumma ajirna minannar, ya mujiru ya mujiru ya mujir"Which means:
"Glory to Lord of power and Kingdom. Glory to the Noble and the Great, the One who possesses Majesty, Authority, Grandeur and Dominance. Glory to the King Who is living and neither sleeps nor dies. The Glorified, the Holy, our Lord and Lord of the angels and soul. O Lord save us from the hell fire O Saver, O Saver, O Saver"It is Sunnah to complete the glorious Qur'an once in the month and if people find it difficult to cope with, then less should be read to avoid their annoyance. The recitation of blessings should not be left out in tashah-hud. Similarly the thana and tasbihs in ruku' and sajdah must not be left out. There is no need to make up (qada) missed Tarawih since qada is only for fard and wajib.
Whoever prays 'Isha alone it is permissible for him to pray Tarawih with the imam. If he has missed some rak'ats of Tarawih it is still permissible for him to pray witr with the congregation and then complete the Tarawih afterwards or alternatively he can complete the Tarawih and pray witr alone. The scholars differ on the priority of the two.
I say that it is better to pray witr with the congregation since congregational prayer is better than praying alone.
Hadiths on Fasting
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Most Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said:
When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.
[Bukhari and Muslim]
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu also narrated that the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said:
Whomsoever fasts the month of Ramadan, with faith, seeking reward from Allah, his past sins will be forgiven.
[Bukhari & Muslim]
It has also been narrated by Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu that the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said:
Allah Mighty and Majestic says, 'Every action of the son of Adam belongs to him except the fast. It is Mine, and I repay him for it.' Fasting is a protection. When one of you has a day of fasting, he should then speak neither obscenely nor too loudly; and if someone seeks to curse him or fight with him, let him say, 'I am fasting.' By Him in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, the smell of the mouth of the one who fasts is more delectable to Allah than the scent of musk. The one who fasts has two joys in which to delight: when he breaks his fast, he rejoices; and when he meets his Lord, he rejoices in his fast.
[Muslim]
Hadrat Sahl bin Sa'd Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said:
Verily there is a gate in Paradise which is called 'al-Rayyan'. Those who fasted will enter it on the Day of Judgement, and none shall enter it except them. It will be said, 'Where are those who fasted?' They will come forward and none shall enter it except them. When they have entered, the gate will be closed and none shall enter it except them.
[Bukhari & Muslim]
Fasting is to refrain from things that break the fast with the intention of worshiping Allah Most High. The levels of the fast are three:
1) to simply refraining from food and drink, and other things which invalidate the fast;
2) in addition to (1) above, to protect one's eyes, ears, tongue and all other parts of the body from disobedience to Allah Most High;
3) and in addition to (1) and (2) above, to devote oneself entirely to Allah Most High, through repentance, worship and abstinence from all that distracts one from Allah Most High.
Allah Most High rewards each level of fasting, accordingly.
Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for every one who:
a) is Muslim;
b) has reached puberty;
c) is sane;
d) is capable of bearing the fast;
e) and if female, is not in the period of menstruation or postnatal bleeding (nifas).
One must make the intention to fast for each day one fasts.
Pangs of Hunger
Hadrat Abu Talha Radi allahu 'Anhu says: "We complained to Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam about the severe pangs of hunger, and showed him the stones fastened on our stomachs. A stone was fastened on the stomach of every one of us due to severe hunger. Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam showed us two stones fastened onto his stomach". (Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam experienced more hunger than we did, and he had spent a longer period than us since he had last eaten).
Commentary
It was a custom among the people of Madinah that they fastened stones onto their stomachs when they experienced severe pangs of hunger. This was done so that they do not feel weak while walking and that wind might not build up in the stomach. Some of the 'ulama are of the opinion that this is a special type of stone of Madinah known as mishba'ah. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has put this peculiarity in this stone that if it is worn it will cool the pangs of hunger. The first explanation is clearer, because even today this is done, that when severe hunger is experienced a cloth is tightly fastened around the stomach, which is beneficial for weakness and soothes the pangs of hunger. Some 'ulama say it is possible that wind collects in an empty stomach, and by fastening a stone or a heavy object, it gives relief from hunger. Some of the 'ulama have written that when the stomach is altogether empty, it is feared that the intestines will come down, especially when walking, and by fastening the stomach this fear does not remain. Also when the stomach becomes altogether empty, the back also becomes bent. It is possible that worms may appear. An objection may occur that in many ahaadith it is stated Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam fasted for many days continuously, and when the sahaba intended to do so, Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam forbade them to do so, and said: 'This is specially for me, that I can fast for many days without eating, because Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala feeds me and gives me to drink'. How is this eating and drinking? This is on its place, but we find that by outwardly not eating, hunger did not have an effect on Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam. In this case the necessity to fasten a stone on the stomach does not remain. Since there are many ahaadith on the fasting of Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, for this reason some of the 'ulama have according to the principles and rules of hadith regarded this as a da'eef (weak) hadith but the findings of the majority of the muhadditheen is that there are many narrations on this subject. The differences between this hadith and the ones on fasting are not of such a nature, that it cannot be said that these were on different occasions. Therefore, the necessity does not arise to judge these ahaadith as weak.
Many sayings have been mentioned on these two hadith. (a.) The narration of fastening a stone was in the early periods. It is a fact that Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam progressed spiritually as time went by. Therefore the narration on fasting will be that of a later period. (b.) The eating and drinking are particular with fasting. This is witnessed by the general Muslims too, that while in the state of fasting one does not feel the effects of hunger and tiredness as much as when one is not fasting. In this case what could be said regarding Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam when his fasting was of a high calibre and reached completeness. (c.) According to the different times both conditions are of Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, like it is with the mashaykh of suluk (spiritual guides), that at different times they experience different conditions. In this manner it will not be necessary to regard this hadith as that of the early periods. It is possible that in later times both conditions were experienced. (d.) Surely the effect of hunger did not affect Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam. The fastening of stones was in sympathy and joining the poor and needy by becoming part of them. It is a general rule, that when the great experience some hardships, the fortunate young ones do not pay much attention to their own difficulties. In this case, what could be said of the sahaba Radiyallahu 'Anhum? whose love for Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam knew no bounds. (e.) Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala feeding Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam was surely in honouring him, and not something incumbent. At times when the sahaba experienced great poverty and hunger, and it reached such a stage where stones had to be fastened on the stomach, at such a time Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam did not take the benefit of such favours.
When a child suffers hunger, food does not go down a mother's gullet. In such a manner what could be said about Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, when his love for the ummah exceeded the love of thousands of mothers.
Dislikes of fasting
Hadrat Anas Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said:
Take the pre-dawn meal, for verily in the pre-dawn meal there is a blessing.
[Bukhari & Muslim]
Hadrat Sahl Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said:
The people will remain on the correct path as long as they hasten to break the fast.
[Bukhari & Muslim]
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said:
The one who does not refrain from falsehood and acting in accordance with it, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has no need for him leaving his food and drink.
[Bukhari & Muslim]
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu also narrated that the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said:
Many a fasting person gets nothing from his fasting but thirst. Many a man standing for worship gets nothing from his standing but sleeplessness.
[Darimi]
It is disliked whilst fasting:
To taste or chew anything,
To exaggerate in rinsing the mouth and in drawing the water into the nostrils,
To rinse the mouth unnecessarily,
To keep saliva together in the mouth, then to swallow it,
Not to eat or drink anything between fast-days (wisal),
To keep silent all day until night, when there is no need to,
To make useless talk,
To delay the pre-dawn meal (suhur) to such an extent that one fears that the fast has already begun;
To use toothpaste and the like.
It is not disliked during the fast:
To use a tooth-stick (miswak)
To line the eyes with kohl, even if its taste is felt in the throat.
My Plans
My Plans This Ramadhan
Ayub A. Hamid
How should we -- simple, ordinary Muslims -- spend this fasting month so that at the end of the month we feel inner joy and true happiness knowing that our 'Eid day will be the day of celebrating rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'aala?Here is a sample plan that you can use as your personal plan or use it as a model to develop your own personal plan:
This Ramadhan, I will establish a close relationship with the Qur'an. I will give top priority to increasing my knowledge and understanding of the contents and message of the Qur'an al kareem. I will recite and study the Qur'an al kareem with translation and tafseer regularly and steadily throughout the month. I will not sleep after Fajr, but instead study the Qur'an at least for half an hour until I am ready to go to school or work. Throughout the day, I will find time to revise and re-learn the Soorahs and Aayaat I already know. Once that is completed, I will learn at least one Aayah a day from a Soorah I do not already know.
This Ramadhan, I will sleep early, soon after Ishaa. I will go to bed with clear and conscious intention of fasting the next day, as well as with the intention of getting up early for Tahajjud. Then, while remembering Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, I will fall asleep. I will get up well before Suhoor time, thanking Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for giving me life, offer Tahajjud and then make special Du'a for the mercy of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala on our Ummah, His help for its success and well being, and His interference to foil the plans of the enemy. I will also make special Du'a that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala protects my Ummah, my family and me from the Dajjaal and his Fitnah.
Because time is a precious gift of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for effective use of which I will be held responsible, I will try to weed out any time wasting activities from my daily routine. I will re-examine my day-to-day activities and use the discipline of this month to abandon at least one activity that is not conducive to or effective in the attainment of Islamic objectives for which Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has guided us to Islam. Because the value of time increases several hundred folds during this month, to make time for other more important Islamic activities, just for this month, I will not watch TV at all, not even the news. My knowing of what is shown in the news does not affect any affairs of the world. Watching the news causes only frustration, despair and anxiety. If I do not watch for a month, it will not have any impact either on me, my Ummah or the world at large. In addition, I can get a quick update of news from a website in a few minutes any way. Thus, I rather save my time from TV and spend it on my personal improvement and building a close, personal relationship with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, rather than on an activity where I cannot make any difference. (Unless I am one of those few Muslims who write letters, articles or op-ed pieces to TV producers / anchors, paper editors / columnists, politicians and media in general to make Islamic points or to stand up for the Ummah. If I am one of those, I will continue this Jihaad in Ramadhan).
While fasting, I will make a special effort to speak only to add value and to say only what is true, factual, positive, meaningful and useful. When I do not have anything good and useful to talk about, instead of saying anything else, I will remember Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala through the beautiful words taught by our Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Ta'ala 'alayhi wa sallam, while paying attention to their meanings and feeling the impact of the words on my heart, my mind, my thoughts and my attitude. Or, if I do not know them, I will learn those words of remembrance or prayer. Or, I will spend those moments reciting the portions of the Qur'an al kareem that I know or learning those I do not.
I will not lend my ears to anything that is useless, indecent, negative, spiteful or inappropriate. In my car, I will listen to the Qur'an al kareem or some good speech of a reputed scholar. If my car CD player has a feature that allows it to repeat the same piece over and over again, I will use it to help me learn new verses or Soorah. Similarly, while riding the transit or subway, I will use my pocket-sized Qur'an al kareem or book of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allah Ta'alau 'alayhi wa sallam's Du'as to recite, practise or revise those I know or learn those I do not know.
This Ramadhan, I will particularly watch my gaze. While glancing on a member of opposite sex, I will move my gaze away before I start evaluating or assessing the attractive features of looks, appearance or personality or before I start paying attention to or begin enjoying those attractions. I will not participate or listen to the comments of sexual nature that my colleagues, peers or friends make.
While remembering Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala in many other ways, I will more frequently ask for Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala's mercy in the first 10 days of Ramadhan (Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoomu, bi-rahmatika astagheethu) , invoke Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala's forgiveness in the second 10 days (astaghfirullaah- al-azheem- alladzi laa ilaaha illaa huwa-al Hayyu-l-Qayyoomu wa atoobu ilayh) and seek salvation from the Fire in the last 10 days (Rabbana atinaa fi-ddunya hasanatanwa fil-aakhirati ĥasanatanwa qinaa adzaab-annaar). During the last ten nights, I will frequent the Du'a: Allah humma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul 'afwa, fa'fu 'annee.
This Ramadhan, I will be exceptionally charitable. The tears that fill my eyes when I see the scenes of devastation, disease, starvation, agony, displacement, killings, blown up bodies and severed limbs of poor, helpless people of Lebanon, Palestine, Afghanistan, Chechnya and Kashmir will ameliorate my heart and open my purse. I will send all my Zakaah to them right at the beginning of Ramadhan through trustworthy Islamic charities. In addition to my Zakaah, I will pay whatever I can spare from my family’s necessities for helping those in dire need. If I have been paying my Zakaah to my relatives, this Ramadhan, I will help my relatives from my other savings and resources, so that I can pay Zakaah to the victims of state terrorism and occupation forces. I will avoid spending money on non-essentials and non-necessities such as excessive home decoration, getting new clothes for 'Eid when closets are already full or buying more video games and toys for my children, so that those who are in more need than me and my family can be helped. I will even pay my Fitrah very early in Ramadhan so that it can reach those displaced from their homes before the severity of winter.
Also this Ramadhan, I will be generous and forgiving to my family, friends and the Muslim community at large. I will clear my heart from anger complaints, suspicion, jealousy, grudges or dislike against any of them. I will be extra kind, accommodating, courteous, supportive and helpful to my non-Muslims neighbours and colleagues. I will find ways to have them participate in the blessings of Ramadhan and happiness of 'Eid by sharing my food specialties with them or giving gifts and chocolates to them.
This Ramadhan, I am going to take my vacations in its last 10 days, so that the precious opportunity offered by those days can be fully utilized for developing my personal relationship with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.
I will kick at least one of my bad habits such as arriving late for appointments or breaking promises. I will show up or do what I indicate I will do and I will show up or do so on time. If I am a smoker, this Ramadhan, I will not smoke even after Iftaar, before Suhoor or at night. I will keep my mouth odour free for prayers and Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala remembrance and my lungs, blood and heart from disease.
If I am a university student under pressure for tests and assignments, my act of worship is to do my utmost best to study hard and get the best possible results, given that any moment that is not spent on studying is not spent in any other pursuit except in the remembrance of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala or study of the Qur'an al kareem. While travelling to/from or within campus or while taking a break from studies, I will automatically shift to remembrance of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala or recitation of the Qur'an al kareem. For my studies, I will keep timings that are consistent with the spirit of Ramadhan, i.e. sleep early and get up very early. Instead of staying up late at the risk of missing Suhoor or Fajr, I will adjust my body clock to Islamic lifestyle instead of the western lifestyle. When I get up to study at 2 or 3 AM, I will start with two Rak'at of Tahajjud and then continue with my studies. After Fajr, I will still spend 15-20 minutes on the study of Tafseer daily without exception.
If we succeed this Ramadhan in living as planned above, we will be able to look back and rejoice on the day of 'Eid.
Copyright © 2004-2006 Ayub A. Hamid
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Al-Ghunya li-Talibi
Excepts taken from : Al-Ghunya li-Talibi [Tariq al-Haqq]
Begins with Mercy : 1st 10 days,
Middle is Forgiveness : 2nd 20 days,
Ends with deliverance from Hell :3rd 30 days
Who ever fasts will walk through the 8th gate of Heaven called Rayyan. It is reserved only for the people of fasting. It is the month of Sabr – patient and charitable sharing.
Cultivate 4 practices and repeat them frequently which; will earn your Lords pleasure you just cannot afford to do without:
- 1st Dhikr of Shahadah la-e-laha-illal-lah
- 2nd Begging for Forgiveness i.e. Astaghfirullah, Rab-bigh-fir-lee
- 3rd Imploring to be granted the Garden of Paradise
- 4th Taking Refuge from the Fire of Hell i.e. Allahumma jarnee min-nan-nar
Three types of people pray are answered, one of them is the one Fasting. So ask many du'as while fasting. Also the fast is a junna (suit of armour, protective shield) for the one who fast.
While doing voluntarily ibadh like nafl or dhikr at night, read from the noble Qur'an the verse
That person will receive a guarantee of safekeeping for the whole year. So read it frequently.
Every month one should try to fast al-ayyum al-bid – [White nights] which is 13th 14th 15th nights of every month as the reward from the 1st is 10,000 rewards, 2nd 30,000 rewards, 3rd 300,000 rewards.
Every Sajdah – prostration is 1700 rewards. Also every nafl has the equivalent of a fard pray that is 70 times. As a fard is 70 times more than a nafl pray.
Only on Friday and Shahru Ramadhan there is no Hisaab – [reckoning] given if you spend your wealth. For you will be questioned on how to spent your wealth on the day of Reckoning, expect Friday and Shahru Ramadhan.
The garden of Paradise will be refurbished and re-decorated every month of Ramadhan and the maidens of Paradise will splendidly adorn themselves and be requesting for a suitor to marry.
No servant who keeps the fast at least one day of the month of Ramadhan, can possibly fail to be married to a wife from brides of Paradise.
Who ever provides Iftar –[breaking of Fast] for someone, will be forgiven for their sins and earn freeing from hellfire, also be granted the rewards of actions of the one fasting, without the one fasting losing anything. Even if giving a dried date, you will be rewarded. Providing a satisfying Iftar you will be rewarded by drinking from the hawd –[Basin] of Allah; you will never feel thirsty after drinking it.
In this Month Allah will ask 3 times "Does anyone have a request to make, so I may grant his request? Is there anyone who wishes to repent, so that I may relent towards him and accept his repentance? Is there anyone wishing to seek forgiveness, so I may forgive him?…"
Warning !!
Do not say Ramadhan in a sentence, say like the Qur'an says 'Shahru Ramadhan' 2:185
There are many that fast by the day and get nothing but hunger and thirst and by the night spend it in qiyam layla – [ night vigil ]pray and get nothing but insomnia. Why? Looking with desire, backbite, lying breaks the fast.
There are 4 exception who will not be forgiven in the month of Ramadhan
1. Addicted to alcohol
2. Disobedient and disrespectful towards parents
3. Guilty of disrupting bonds of kinship – relatives and families fighting
4. Reluctant to abandon a grudge and stubbornly unwilling to accept the restoration of good relations with anyone who has offended him
Composed by : Muhammad Sajad Ali Qadiri Noshahi
Excerpts from Al-Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq Vol.3 by Shaykh 'Abdul Qadir Jilani
Reflection
Ramadan : A time of Reflection not Ritual
Our Most beloved Prophet, Peace and Blessings upon him, had taught us that there are three signs of a hypocrite: "When he speaks, he lies; when he is entrusted, he breaches his trust, when he makes a promise, he breaks it." This hadith is a perfect standard for every Muslim to check if he is one-third, two-thirds or a complete hypocrite. I think very few Muslims today will be to satisfy themselves that they do not suffer from one or more of these signs of hypocrisy…
Now let us see why we have come to this impasse? We repeat every day in one form or another that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad (Peace and blessings upon him) is His beloved servant and Messenger but our outward behaviour fails to testify that we even understand the meaning of shahadah, let alone act and behave according to this belief.
Our masjids are still full but seldom a face betrays the signs of humility, piety and fear of Allah which should be the direct outcome of salat (al Qur'an - 29:45).
We fast in Ramadan but abstinence from what Allah has prohibited is not visible in our daily lives. Ramadan, instead, has become a season for culinary competition and gluttony in all Muslim societies. The month of abstinence is the month of wasteful consumption for us.
We go to Hajj, which is the combination of all Islamic forms of worship, but the returning hajis show that almost nothing has changed in their lives. They were more busy shopping for the latest electronic gadgets in Makkah and Madinah than spending time in the blessed House of Allah and the beloved Prophet's (peace and blessings upon him) Mosque.
Some of us still pay zakat but not as an obligation and responsibility but as a favour to the poor. No attempt is made to pay it to a reliable fund or to the beneficiaries named by Allah (1. Poor, 2. needy, 3. collectors of zakat, 4. new converts, 5. [to set free] prisoners, 6. debtor, 7. in the cause of Allah and 8. travellers - Qur'an - 9:60). Rather zakat is paid these days to the seasonal beggars who make a beeline to the doors of wealthy Muslims during Ramadan or to the mushrooming madrasahs whose entitlement to zakat is questionable except to the extent of spending zakat on poor students. These days a few known madrasahs mop up most of the zakat funds while really needy Muslims remain deprived, especially those who do not beg whom Allah has specifically named as a beneficiary of charity (51:19, 70:25).
Having deprived every Islamic "pillar" of its spirit, we have turned them into rituals. Every religious act today is a mere ritual which is performed again and again without any attempt to understand its underlying spirit and demands on our daily life and character as individuals and as a community.
Ramadan, when life slows down all over the world of Islam, is a good time to pause, think and try to regain some lost ground. This alone will change our plight: "Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves" (al Qur'an 13:11).
The Last Third
Duties of Muslims in the Last Third of Ramadan
By Dr. Muhammad Abu Laylah
The last third of Ramadan is the time for the release from Hell-fire, as the Most Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in the Hadith reported by Hadrat Salman Al-Farsi Radi Allahu anhu:
"O people, a great and a blessed month is approaching you. In this month there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Allah has made fasting during its daytime obligatory and prayers at night commendable during this month. Whosoever will do a voluntary good deed during this month, it is as if he performed an obligatory good deed at another time and whosoever will perform an obligatory good deed, it is as if he performed seventy obligatory good deeds at another time. This is the month of patience and the reward of patience is Paradise. This is the month of kindness and charity. In this month the believer’s provision is enlarged. Anyone who will give food to a fasting person in this month, it will bring forgiveness for his sins, will save him from the hellfire and he shall have his reward without the person who is fed losing any of his reward….The first third of the month of Ramadan is the time for Rahmah (Mercy), the second third is for forgiveness, the third is for the release from Hellfire…"
"O people, a great and a blessed month is approaching you. In this month there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Allah has made fasting during its daytime obligatory and prayers at night commendable during this month. Whosoever will do a voluntary good deed during this month, it is as if he performed an obligatory good deed at another time and whosoever will perform an obligatory good deed, it is as if he performed seventy obligatory good deeds at another time. This is the month of patience and the reward of patience is Paradise. This is the month of kindness and charity. In this month the believer’s provision is enlarged. Anyone who will give food to a fasting person in this month, it will bring forgiveness for his sins, will save him from the hellfire and he shall have his reward without the person who is fed losing any of his reward….The first third of the month of Ramadan is the time for Rahmah (Mercy), the second third is for forgiveness, the third is for the release from Hellfire…"
The duties of the Muslim in this last third of Ramadan are to try his best to perfect his fasting, to avoid any shortcomings or sins that can harm his fasting, to offer more prayers, preferably in congregation, to advance in reading the Qur'an, making dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and helping others to be more committed to religion, to enter i`tikaf (seclusion) if it is possible for him/her, and to remember that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to give extra attention to the last ten days of Ramadan. He could hardly sleep, and his family used also to stay in vigilance with him. The Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) generosity in this month and particularly in the last ten days was compared to a fast wind.
We should not miss to remind you and all Muslims to try to settle disputes. It is the best occasion to forgive one another and forget about all enmities and grudges. We should come out of Ramadan in a better shape, understanding, and moral behavior. The Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made it clear that:
"If any Muslim comes out of Ramadan without gaining forgiveness and goodness, he/she is a real loser."
Last 10 Days
Last Ten Days of Ramadan
Though the entire month of Ramadan is full of blessings and rewards, its last ten days hold a special status reflected in the recommendations and practices of the Beloved Messenger of Allah, Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, and his Noble Companions. The focus here is on the three major practices of the Beloved Prophet, Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, and his noble Companions during these days.
1. Praying in the last ten nights of Ramadan
Al-Bukhari and Muslim record from Hadrat 'Aishah Radi Allahu anha that during the last ten days of Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). A narration in Muslim states: "He would strive [to do acts of worship during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time." Hadrat 'Aishah Radi Allahu anha reported that with the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray throughout the night, and also used to keep his family awake for their prayers. [Bukhari]
2. Performing I'tikaaf in the Masjid (seclusion in the Mosque)
I'tikaaf is the seclusion and staying in the mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. This was the practise of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, during the last ten days of Ramadan especially. He would do it during other months as well.
Hadrat 'Aishah Radi Allahu anha reported that the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, used to practise I'tikaaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadhan" [Bukhari]
3. Seeking Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)
It is the greatest night of the year like the Day of 'Arafah is the greatest day of the year. It is a night about which Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala revealed a full Surah, Surat al-Qadr [97:1-5] and the 3rd to the 6th verses of Surat ad-Dukhan [44:3-6]
It is the night when the Qur'an al kareem was revealed. It is the night when the Message (the Final and Seal of all messages) sent to Hadrat Muhammad, Salla Allahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, started; It is the night when the light, that would illuminate mankind to the end of life, started. It is the night when every matter of ordainment is decreed. A person who misses Laylat al-Qadr is really a deprived person!
25 Questions
Last Ten Days of Ramadan .....
Ask Yourself these 25 Questions
Ramadan, as usual, has flown by. Despite planning beforehand, many of us may have got caught up in a routine after accustoming ourselves to the change in schedule the blessed month brings.
This may have affected our initial plans to increase our worship, contemplation and to seek Allah's Forgiveness and Mercy with greater fervor. But the last ten days and nights of Ramadan are still ahead for us to benefit from. Ask yourself these questions and see what you can do to make the most of what's left of Ramadan this year.
1] Have I kept pace with the amount of Qur'an I wanted to read, or have I fallen behind?
2] If so, how much do I have to read on a daily basis the rest of Ramadan to catch up?
3] Have I tried to attend Taraweeh regularly, or did I use weak excuses to get out of it?
4] Did I ever pray the night prayer?
5] Did I try praying my five daily prayers with more sincerity, concentration, and focus than usual?
6] Did I invite anyone over for Iftaar (breaking the fast)?
7] Did I help any needy person, even a beggar, when I was fasting?
8] Did I regularly seek Allah's Forgiveness and Mercy with sincerity, fear and hope?
9] Did I encourage my family to fast or participate in regular opportunities for more rewards that come with Ramadan (i.e. good deeds in general, but also Taraweeh, more reading of the Qur'an, etc).
10] Did I memorise any more Qur'an than what I knew before Ramadan started?
11] Did I try to be more patient in Ramadan than I normally am?
12] Did I try to control my anger, especially while fasting?
13] Did I try harder to avoid backbiting and slander?
14] Did I constantly check my intentions, to make sure that my good deeds were for the sake of Allah alone, not to impress others, gain their favour or to show off?
15] Was there even an atom of pride in my heart?
16] Was I quieter and more contemplative?
17] Did I cry in my prayers?
18] Did I read more Islamic literature apart from the Qur'an?
19] Did I make sincere repentance to Allah, really feeling sorry for my sins?
20] Did I forgive those who hurt me?
21] Did I avoid hurting anyone with my attitude, words, intentions or actions?
22] Did I give any more Sadaqah (charity) than I normally give?
23] Did I share the message of Ramadan and Islam with a non-Muslim?
24] Did I share the message of Ramadan and Islam with a non-practising Muslim family member or friend?
25] Did I feel annoyed at being hungry while fasting or did I rejoice?
I'tikaaf
I'TIKAAF - SECLUSION IN THE MASJID
The meaning of 'I'tikaaf' is to seclude oneself in the Mosque, with the express intention (Niyyat)of 'I'tikaaf'. According to the Hanafi school of thought, this may be of three different types:
Waajib I'tikaaf (Obligatory I'tikaaf)
I'tikaaf becomes compulsory when a person makes it obligatory upon himself. For example, when a person makes a vow to Allah that if Allah fulfils a certain wish of his, he shall perform so many days 'I'tikaaf', in this case, the moment his wish is fulfilled, the I'tikaaf becomes compulsory. Or a person may just make an unconditional vow, whereby he makes I'tikaaf Waajib upon himself for a certain number of days; this becomes obligatory for him from that moment onwards.
Sunnat I'tikaaf
This was the general practice of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam. It means to seclude oneself in the Masjid for the last ten days of Ramadhan.
Nafl I'tikaaf
For the third category i.e. Nafl I'tikaaf, no special time and no specific number of days are fixed. A person may make a Niyyah (intention) for any number of days at any time, even for his whole life.
While Imam al A'zam Abu Hanifa Radi Allahu anhu states that I'tikaaf must be for not less than a full day, Imam Muhammad states that there is no limit as to the minimum period of time. The 'Fatwa'confirms this latter view. Therefore, it is desirable for anyone entering a Masjid to make the 'Niyyah' (intention) of I'tikaaf for the period that he will remain in the Masjid; so that, while he is in Ibaadah, he also earns the reward of I'tikaaf.
OBJECTS OF I'TIKAAF AND ITS ADVANTAGES
In view of the above, it is advisable that everyone entering the Masjid to join the congregational prayer should, on entering the Masjid, make the Niyyat for 'I'tikaaf', in that case it means that as long as he remain busy with Salaat, dhikr, listening to lectures or sermons he also receive reward for the I'tikaaf. I always observed that my late father used to make 'Niyyat' for I'tikaaf whenever he entered the Masjid. Occasionally, by way of teaching and reminding his followers, he would raise his voice when reciting when reciting the words for 'Niyyah'. The reward for I'tikaaf is great as indicated by the fact that the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam always used to perform I'tikaaf. The example of him who resides in the Masjid in I'tikaaf is that of a person who, having gone to a certain place to appeal for something, remains there until it is granted. When someone comes begging at our door and then refuses to leave until he has been granted his request.
I am sure that even the person with the hardest heart amongst us will eventually give in to his request. How much more Merciful is Allah, and when someone persistently sits at His door, what doubt can there be in the fulfilment of his wishes. The actual aim is to divert the heart away from everything except Allah, and to make it come near to Allah, thereby forming a complete spiritual connection with the Creator. All wordly connections are thus cut off, for the sake of gaining Allah's attention and all thoughts, desires, love and devotion become centred around Him. As a result, an attachment with Allah is attained - a love and friendship that will be the only support in loneliness of the grave. One can possibly imagine the great ecstacy with which that time in the grave will be spent.
In Maraaiqul Falaah, the author writes that I'tikaaf, when properly and sincerely performed, is among the most virtuous deeds. One cannot possibly enumerate all the great advantages and benefits in it. In actual fact, what takes place in I'tikaaf is that the heart is drawn away from everything else except the Creator, while the soul is actually laidat His door-step. All the time, one remains in a state of 'Ibaadah', even when one is asleep, one is still in His worship striving for nearness to Him. And Allah says (according to a Hadith): "Whoever draws near to Me (the length of) one hand, then I draw nearer to him (the length of) two hands, and whoever draws near to Me by walking, I draw nearer to him by running." Moreover, in I'tikaaf one seeks refuge in the house of Allah, and is safe therein from all enemies.
WHERE TO PERFORM I'TIKAAF
The best of places for I'tikaaf are the two sacred haram shareefs, that is the Masjid al Haram in Makkah, and the Masjid an-Nabawiy in Madinah, and the next best is Bayt al Muqaddas. Thereafter, comes the Jaame Masjid in one's own region, and last but not least, the Masjid nearest to one's home. Imam Abu Hanifa Radi Allahu anhu stipulates that the Masjid should be one wherein the five daily Salaat are regularly performed, while Imam Abu Yusuf Rehmatullahi alaih and Imam Muhammad Rehmatullahi alaih agree that any Masjid acceptable to the Shari'ah can be entered for I'tikaaf.
The above applies to the males. As for the females, they should perform It'ikaaf in the private prayer room (Masjid set aside in their own homes). Where, however, no such demarcated place exists, any one room or part of the house should be set aside for this purpose. I'tikaaf is thus in fact an easier task for women. The domestic duties can be performed by daughters or servants under her supervision and the woman in I'tikaaf, while remaining in a section of her own house, is spiritually rewarded for it. It is so very unfortunate that, in spite of this relative ease, our womenfolk still remain deprived of the blessings of I'tikaaf.
..and after Ramadan
Allahumma Salle ala Muhammadin kolah mazakara hoza kae ruh-na
va kolah magafala anzik-rae-hil ga fae luhn
va kolah magafala anzik-rae-hil ga fae luhn
O' Allah shower blessings upon the Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and his children whenever he is remembered by those who remember him and shower blessings upon Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his family whenever he is not remembered by the negligent and grant him peace constantly in abundance.
We leave the blessed month of Ramadan, its beautiful days and its fragrant nights. We leave the month of the Qur'an, taqwa, patience, jihad, mercy, forgiveness and freedom from hellfire. Have we fulfilled the requirements of taqwa and graduated from the Ramadan school with the diploma of the god-fearing?
Have we fought our souls and desires and defeated them, or have we been overtaken by our customs and blind imitations?
Have we performed our actions in a way that fulfills the conditions for receiving mercy, forgiveness and release from the Fire?
Many questions and numerous thoughts come to the heart of the sincere Muslim, who asks and answers with truthfulness.
What Have We Gained From Ramadan?
Ramadan is a school of iman and a 'stop to recharge one's spiritual batteries' - to acquire one's provision for the rest of the year. For when will one take a lesson and change for better if not in the month of Ramadan?
The noble month is a true school of transformation in which we change our actions, habits and manners that are in variance with the Law of Allah 'azza wa jall.
"Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." [Ar-Ra'd, 11]
If you are from those who benefited from Ramadan, fulfilled the requirements of taqwa, truly fasted the month, prayed in it with truthfulness, and strove against you soul, then praise and thank Allah, and ask Him for steadfastness upon it until you meet your death.
Be not like one who has sewn a shirt and then destroyed it... Have you seen one who sewed a shirt or thawb, so when she looked at it, she liked it. Then she destroyed it pulling a thread by thread for no reason. What would people say about such a person?! Or have you seen one who earns a fortune trading throughout the day, then when the night comes, he throws away all that he earned, dirham by dirham. What would people say about such a person?!
This is the condition of one who returns to sinning and evildoing after Ramadan and leaves obedience and righteous actions. So after he was favored with the blessing of obedience and enjoyment of communicating with Allah he returned to the blaze of sins and evil actions. How evil are the people who know Allah only in Ramadan!
My dear ones,
falling short in one's commitment to Islam after Ramadan is manifested in many ways, including:
1] Men leaving the five prayers in congregation, after they filled mosques for Taraweeh prayers, thus going to the masjid for recommended prayers and leaving obligatory ones.
Have we fought our souls and desires and defeated them, or have we been overtaken by our customs and blind imitations?
Have we performed our actions in a way that fulfills the conditions for receiving mercy, forgiveness and release from the Fire?
Many questions and numerous thoughts come to the heart of the sincere Muslim, who asks and answers with truthfulness.
What Have We Gained From Ramadan?
Ramadan is a school of iman and a 'stop to recharge one's spiritual batteries' - to acquire one's provision for the rest of the year. For when will one take a lesson and change for better if not in the month of Ramadan?
The noble month is a true school of transformation in which we change our actions, habits and manners that are in variance with the Law of Allah 'azza wa jall.
"Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." [Ar-Ra'd, 11]
If you are from those who benefited from Ramadan, fulfilled the requirements of taqwa, truly fasted the month, prayed in it with truthfulness, and strove against you soul, then praise and thank Allah, and ask Him for steadfastness upon it until you meet your death.
Be not like one who has sewn a shirt and then destroyed it... Have you seen one who sewed a shirt or thawb, so when she looked at it, she liked it. Then she destroyed it pulling a thread by thread for no reason. What would people say about such a person?! Or have you seen one who earns a fortune trading throughout the day, then when the night comes, he throws away all that he earned, dirham by dirham. What would people say about such a person?!
This is the condition of one who returns to sinning and evildoing after Ramadan and leaves obedience and righteous actions. So after he was favored with the blessing of obedience and enjoyment of communicating with Allah he returned to the blaze of sins and evil actions. How evil are the people who know Allah only in Ramadan!
My dear ones,
falling short in one's commitment to Islam after Ramadan is manifested in many ways, including:
1] Men leaving the five prayers in congregation, after they filled mosques for Taraweeh prayers, thus going to the masjid for recommended prayers and leaving obligatory ones.
2] Return to musical entertainment, forbidden films, women displaying their adornment beyond that which ordinarily appears thereof, free mixing etc.
This is not thankfulness for blessings and favors, nor is it the sign of acceptance of one's actions, rather this is opposition to favors and absence of thankfulness.
These are from signs of one's deeds not being accepted - and Allah's refuge is sought - for one who truly fasts rejoices on the occasion of 'eid, praises his Lord for helping him complete the fast, and remains fearful that Allah may not accept his fasting, just as the Salaf would continue asking for acceptance of their actions in Ramadan for six months after it.
From signs that one's deeds are accepted is that he or she has improved in his or her obedience to Allah 'azza wa jall.
"And remember when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour]…" [Ibrahim, 7]
Increase you in good, faith and righteous actions. So if the servant is truly thankful to his Lord, you will see him guided to more obedience and distanced from sinfulness. Thankfulness is leaving sins, as the early Muslims said.
"And worship your Lord until there comes you to the certainty [i.e. death]." [al-Hijr, 99]
The Muslim must continuously be in the state of obedience of Allah, firm upon His Shari'ah, steadfast upon His Deen, so that he or she is not of those who worship Allah only during one month or only in one place. Rather, the believer knows that the Lord of Ramadan is also the Lord of other months, and that He is the Lord of all times and places, so he is steadfast upon the Sharee'ah of Allah until he meets Him while He is pleased with him. Allah ta'ala said,
"So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah]." [Hud, 112]
And,
"So take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness." [Fussilat, 6]
And the Beloved Prophet, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa Sallam, said,
"Say 'I believe in Allah', then be steadfast." [Muslim]
If the fasting in Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary fasting, such as fasting six days in Shawwal, on Mondays and Thursdays, the three days in the middle of the month, the days of 'Aashoora and 'Arafat, and others.
If standing in prayer at night during Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary night prayer throughout the year.
"They used to sleep but little of the night." [Adh-Dhariyat, 17]
If the charity in Ramadan and zakat ul-fitr have ended, then there is the obligatory Zakat, and also there are many other open doors to charity, voluntary actions and jihad.
Reading of the Qur'an al kareem and contemplating it is not only for Ramadan, rather it is for all times.
Righteous actions are for all times and all places, so strive – O my brother and sister – and beware of laziness. And remember that it is not allowed for us to leave the obligatory actions or delay them, such as the five daily prayers on time, in congregation etc.
And do not fall into forbidden actions, such as forbidden sayings, food and drinks, or by looking at or listening to what is forbidden.
Be steadfast and upright upon the Deen of Allah at all times, for you do not know when you'll meet the Angel of Death. Beware of him taking you while you are in a state of sin.
"O Allah, Who turns the hearts, keep our hearts steadfast upon Your Deen."
I ask Allah to accept from us and you our fasting, our prayers and other righteous actions, that our condition after Ramadan be a better one, that the state of our Ummah improves, that we are granted honour and that we truly turn to our Lord…Ameen
Adapted from "Wa madha ba'da Ramadan"
Spirit of Ramadan
| Keep the Spirit of Ramadhan Alive All Year As we enter upon the month of Shawwal, let us not leave off the many acts of worship we performed during the blessed month of Ramadhan. Ramadhan, for most of us, was a time of renewal and re-establishment of our commitment to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and His religion. We fasted, gave charity, read Qur'an al kareem and performed the night prayer. We avoided gossip, slander and every evil that would invalidate our fasting. But now that Ramadhan is over, the majority of us, unfortunately, will put the al Qur'an back on the shelves, will suspend fasting until next year and will abandon the night prayer. This is not the way it should be, because all of these acts of worship carry rewards and are of benefit to us throughout the year, in addition to the fact that there is no divine prescription limiting them to Ramadhan. The Qur'an al kareem It's sad, but true, that many of us have fallen into the bad habit of only reciting the al Qur'an during the month of Ramadhan. By doing this, we cheat ourselves out of the abundant blessings that come from reading the words of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Reading the al Qur'an is the best way to remember Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, it is a protection from the Satan and in it are cures for what ails us. For Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says (what means): "O mankind, there has come to you a protection from your Lord and a healing for what is in your hearts and for those who believe, a guidance and a mercy." [Quran; 10:57] The Most Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Whoever reads a letter of the Book of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (al Qur'an) shall have a good deed (recorded for him or her) and every good deed is increased a ten-fold (reward). I do not say that Alif Laam Meem is one letter, but rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter." [At-Tirmidhi] The Qur'an al kareem is also the best way for a servant to draw closer to his or her Lord. Khabbaab Ibn Al-Arat, may Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala be pleased with him, said to a man: "Draw closer to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala as much as you can, and remember that you can do so by no means more pleasing to Him than by His own Words (i.e. the Qur'an al kareem)." The Night Prayer Many of us passed the nights of the month of Ramadhan, especially the last ten, standing in prayer before Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. Just because Ramadhan is over, does not mean that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala does not see us now if we stand in the night prayer. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala Says (what means): "Surely your Lord knows (O Muhammad) that you stand (in prayer) two thirds of the night, or half of it, or a third of it..." [al-Qur'an; 73:20] The Most Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "The best prayer, after the obligatory prayer, is the night prayer." [Muslim] The night prayer carries with it many blessings. For example, Al-Hassan, may Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala have mercy upon him, was asked: "How is it that those who stay up at night have the most attractive faces?" He, may Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala be pleased with him, replied, "Because they are on intimate terms with The Merciful, and He adorns them with some of His light." And for those of us who feel that standing in the night prayer will leave us tired and unable to go about our daily tasks in the morning, we should consider the following words of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala's Prophet. He, sallAllah Subhanahu wa Ta'alau alayhi wa sallam, said: "When any of you sleeps, Satan ties three knots at the back of his head. On each knot he repeats and exhales the following words, 'The night is long, so stay asleep.' If you wake up and remember Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, one knot is undone and if you perform ablution the second knot is undone and if you pray, the third knot is undone, and you get up in the morning full of energy and with a clear heart. Otherwise, you will get up feeling lazy and with a muddled heart." [Bukhari] Fasting The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam said: "Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, Allah will place between him and the Fire a trench like that between the heavens and the earth." [At-Tirmidhi] Likewise, fasting wipes away the evils that arise out of person's wealth, family or neighbour. Huthayfah Ibn Al-Yamaan, may Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala be pleased with him, narrated that the Beloved Messenger of Allah, Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam, said: "The evils caused for a man through his family, wealth and neighbour are expiated by prayer, fasting and charity." [Bukhari] The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam explained to us that fasting protects us from our unlawful desires, shields us from the hell fire and draws us closer to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and His Paradise. He, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa sallam, also encouraged us to fast at least three days each month. The best days for this optional fasting are Mondays and Thursdays, or the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth days of the lunar month. Charity Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has blessed most of us to live relatively comfortable lives. But there are Muslims all over the world that find great difficulty in attaining the most basic necessities of life. During Ramadhan most of us give in charity, but we forget to do so for the rest of the year. Giving charity is of greater benefit to the one who gives it, than to the one who receives it. It is a means of purifying our wealth, increasing our faith and attaining righteousness. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala Says (what means): "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or West, but it is righteousness to believe in Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Books, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, the orphans, the needy, and to the wayfarer ..." [al Qur'an; 2:177] Giving in charity also allows us to express our faith. To truly taste the sweetness of faith, we must want for our brothers and sisters what we want for ourselves. For the Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam said: "None of you will have faith until he likes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself." [Bukhari] Clearly, fasting, praying during the night, reading the Book of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and giving charity should not be relegated to Ramadhan alone. These good deeds, and others like staying away from gossip and slander, are all things we should do all the time. By keeping the spirit of Ramadhan alive throughout the year, we can safeguard our religion and will be able to seize many opportunities to earn the mercy and blessings of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. | ||
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Lady of the Ayats
A remarkable story
An elderly Arab lady was sitting at the trunk of a tree, on the way to Haj. Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu happened to pass that way. He was also heading for Baitullah, for Hajj, and to the Sacred tomb of the Noble Prophet (Sallallaahu ?layhi Wasallam). Seeing this lady very disturbed and in a state of despair, (distressed) he spoke to her. The discussion is recorded as follows:
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah
The lady: "The word from a merciful Lord is Peace" (Surah 36 ayat 58). She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself. She said further: "Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide for them." (Surah 7 ayat 186). She meant that she has lost her way.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Where are you coming from?
The lady: "Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the Musjid-e-Aqsa (invioble place of worship) to the Musjid-e-Haraam" (Far distant place of worship) (Surah 17 ayat 1). She meant that she had come from Musjid-e-Aqsa.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: How long are you in this place?
The lady: "For three nights" (Surah 19 ayat 10).
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: What arrangements are made for your food?
The lady: "And who (Allah) feedeth me and watereth me" (Surah 26 ayat 79). She meant that somehow or the other, her food is provided to her by Allah.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Is there any water for Wudhu?
The lady: "And ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and (make tayammum) rub your faces and hands." (therewith) (Surah 4 ayat 43). She meant that she makes tayammum, due to not finding water.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Here is some food. Partake of it.
The lady: "Strictly observe the fast till nightfall" (Surah 2 ayat 187). She indicated that she is fasting.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: This is not the month of Ramadaan.
The lady: "And he who does good of his own accord (for him) lo! Allah is responsive, aware". (Surah 2 ayat158) meaning that I have observed an optional (nafl) fast.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: It is permitted to break the fast when in a journey.
The lady: "And that ye fast is better for you, if you did but know." (Surah 2 ayat 184)
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Speak like how I speak.
The lady: "He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer ready" (Surah 50 ayat 18). She meant that since every word of a person is observed and recorded, she is taking precaution by speaking only in the words of the Noble Qur'an al kareem.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Which clan do you belong to?
The lady: "Follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked" (Surah 17 ayat36). She meant those things that you have no knowledge of, nor do they concern you, you are wasting your strength (senses) by enquiring about them.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Forgive me. I have certainly made a mistake.
The lady: "Have no fear this day. May Allah forgive you" (Surah 12 ayat 92)
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Would you like to travel on my camel and meet your caravan?
The lady: "And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it" (Surah 2 ayat 197). Meaning that if you will do this good deeds towards me, Allah will recompense you for it.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Well, then you may mount it. Saying this he made the camel to sit down.
The lady: "Tell the believing men (when confronted by women) to lower their gaze". (Surah 24 ayat 30). Hadrat Abdullah understood and (turned) looked away. While she was mounting, the camel jerked and her clothes got estrangled in the saddle (dorsers) and she proclaimed: "whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your hands have earned." (Surah 42 ayat 30). In other words she was drawing Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak's radi Allahu anhu attention towards this mishap.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu understood and he tied the legs of the camel and he straightened the straps of the saddle (or dorser). She applauded him for his proficiency and capability by saying "And we made Sulaiman to understand" (Surah 21 ayat 79). When the journey was about to begin, the lady recited the ayats which are read when undertaking a journey "Glorified be he who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we are returning." (Surah 43 ayat 13). Hadrat Abdullh bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu held the bridle (or nose string) of the camel. He began to hum the (Huddi) famous Arabic song for travelling, and he started walking very fast.
The lady: "Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice" (Surah 31 ayat 19). Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu understood. He began walking slower and he lowered his voice. The lady: "Recite of the Qur'an al kareem that which is easy for you." She meant that instead of humming the Huddi, he should rather recite the Noble Qur'an al kareem.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu began reciting the Noble Qur'an al kareem.
The lady became very pleased and said "but none remember (accept advice) except men of understanding" (Surah 2 ayat 269).
After reciting the Noble Qur'an al kareem for a while, Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu asked (the lady if she had a husband) (if he was alive) "O Aunt, have have you a husband? (meaning is he living)
The lady: "O you who believe, ask not of things which if they were made known unto you, would trouble you" (Surah 5 ayat 101). She meant that no questions should be asked regarding this matter which indicated that her husband has most probably passed away. Finally they (caught up) met the caravan.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Do you have any son or relative (friend) in this caravan who has connection (contact) with you?
The lady: "Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world" (Surah 18 ayat 46). She meant that her sons were with this caravan and he has provisions with him.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: What work are your sons doing for the caravan? (Hadrat Abdullah's object for asking was to make it easy for him to recognise her son).
The lady: "And landmarks, and by the star they find a way" (Surah 16 ayat 16). She meant that he is a guide for the caravan.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Can you tell me their name?
The lady: "Allah chose Ibrahim as (for) a friend" (Surah 4 ayat 125). And Allah spoke directly unto Moosa" (Surah 19 ayat 12). By reciting these ayats the lady informed him that her sons names were Yahya, Ibrahim and Moosa.
Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu called out these names in the caravan and immediately three young people came forward.
The lady: (addressing her children) "Now send one of you with this your silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there and bring you a supply thereof" (Sura 18 ayat 19) In other words she instructed them to feed Hadrat Abdullah radi Allahu anhu.
When the food was brought, she told Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: "Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in the past days." (Surah 69 ayat 24), and with this ayat she recited another ayat, the object of which was to convey (show) her gratefulness to him for his good conduct and courtesy. The ayat was: "Is the reward of goodness aught save goodness?" (Surah 55 ayat 60).
Their conversation terminated on this ayat. The lady's son informed Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu that his mother has been speaking in this manner, i.e. using only the ayats of the Noble Qur'an al kareem in her speech, for the last forty years.
Test from Allah
One Ramadan, Hadrat Shaykh Abd'al-Qadir al-Jilani Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu stayed in the town called Riyadha. LIke all Muslims he fasted by day; unlike them, he did not break his fast with food, but drank only water. Towards the twenty-seventh evening of that month, the sky above Shaykh Abd'al-Qadir Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu's head suddenly split open. Through it an angel descended with a golden pitcher in one hand and a silver platter in the other, overflowing with delicious fruits from Paradise. Shaykh Abd'al-Qadir Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu asked the angel if the pitcher were made of gold. The angel answered, "Yes, the Generous One commanded me to bring you these, for you are His friend and servant."
Shaykh Abd'al-Qadir Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu knew that this was a test, so he answered, "Please return these precious things; I have no use for gold or silver. The Most Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, peace and blessings upon him, never ate from precious trays, and I will not indulge in luxuries rejected by the Beloved of Allah himself. I will follow his example."
The angel vanished but returned after sunset with an earthenware pitcher and a wooden platter full of the fruits of Paradise. Shaykh Abd' al-Qadir Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu accepted this and said: "Alhamdulillah! He graciously feeds all His creatures. he knows what they eat. We must never worry about our sustenance." He invited his friends and neighbors to share in this gift. After performing the evening prayer, they began to eat, and the food lasted until all had eaten their fill.
Shayn Lillah Yaa Shaykh Sayyad Shah Abd 'al-Qadir Al-Hasanii Al-Hussainii Al-Jilani Al-Baghdadi Al-Madad
Poem
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Compassionate
A blessed month is casting its shadow upon us
A night of this month is better than a thousand months
Bear with patience for the sake of Ar-Rahman
Its a continuous training to strengthen our Imaan.
Glory be to Allah who sent Ramadan as a mercy to mankind
Its a purification of our soul, our heart, and our mind
With the most sincere devotion and love we fast
To be cleansed and free from sins of the past
Glorified is He, who choseth this holy month,
To test our sabr and fill our hearts with warmth
Of his Divine Light, His blessings shall glow,
The Seer of the unseen, all He does know
Ya Allah! For thee, let my breath be more pleasant than musk
Ya Allah! For thee, let me be thankful when day turns to dusk
My thoughts and heart are purified, my eyes truly see
This blessed month, the month of spiritual rhapsody!
Ya Allah! For thee, my life I shall live!
Ya Allah! For thee, my soul I shall give!
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind,
Praise be to Allah, who sent Ramadan as a gift to mankind
Not enough
I ask myself tonight!
"Oh how swiftly, it's mid-Ramadan now
I sit here, wondering and thinking how,
Have I spent my first days of Ramadan fruitfully?
Or have I wasted the time unknowingly?"
Ramadan comes, for a short month it's here
Will I ever meet the Ramadan next year?
Allah Oh Allah, help me guide my heart through
For only You know, if I've devoted enough to You."
"Not done enough this Ramadan" by Udiana Jamalludin
Al Wida
Al Wida Mahe Ramadaan
Farewell O' Ramadaan
Farewell O' Ramadaan
The pain of separation is so hurting -
Farewell O' Ramadaan
The heart was happy because of your arrival -
and enthusiasm to worship was enhanced
Pity! Now the heart is over taken by the sorrows -
Farewell O' Ramadaan
There was atmosphere of spring in the Masjids -
worshippers came in large numbers
Now the keenness of the worshippers is reduced -
Farewell O' Ramadaan
Millions of salutations upon you oh Ramadaan -
millions of salutations upon you oh month of forgiveness.
Go, may Allah (azza wa jal) protect you -
Farewell O' Ramadaan
pity! We kept on sinning
Shame! We let you pass in carelessness -
Farewell O' Ramadaan
I could not do much of good deeds -
Now I am only offering few tears of sadness
Only this much is my whole asset -
Farewell O' Ramadaan
Next year O' king of Haram (Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) -
please favour 'Attaar* with the following gift
please favour 'Us* with the following gift
Let us spend Ramadaan in Madina -
Farewell O' Ramadaan
