Spirit of Ramadan--Ramadan Mubarak

Fasting is one of the greatest means of helping a person to fulfill the commands of Islam.

“Ramadan is a month where the community comes together to exercise how to become better humans and bring the humane in you out by being true to mankind, yourself and those around you. It teaches you patience, perseverance and discipline.”

Taking Ramadan as a ritual

 Why are you keeping fast my friend? Are you fasting for Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)?

Are you fasting the right way?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world will fast during the hours of daylight.

Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam.

The Qur'an was first revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) during this month.

The actual night that the Qur'an was revealed is a night known as Laila ul-Qadr ('The Night of Power').

 It has been enjoined on us so that we may become pious.

A pious Muslim and Muslimah do whatever Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)? And His Messenger has told them to do. Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says (interpretation of the meaning):

    "O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)? [Al-Baqarah 2:183]

And Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says in a Hadith qudsi:

Fasting is for Me and I will reward for it. He who gives up his desire and his food and drink for my sake." Narrated by al-Bukhari, 7492; Muslim, 1151.

    It was the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), may the mercy and blessings of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)? Be upon him, who made us raise our eyes from the dust beneath to view the glory of the starry heavens above.

 It was the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) who led us from the depths of darkness to the grandeur of the light of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)?

 The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was the one who led us to break our stone statues and wooden gods.

 It was the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) who lifted us out of the filth of idolatry to relish the serenity of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)’s transcendence.

On the Night of Power in one Ramadan, the Qur’an descended on the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), and he received its first verses in the Cave of Hira.  (Ibn Abbas)

Thereafter the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) taught us how to celebrate Ramadan through days of fasting and nights of prayer: to honor each day of Ramadan as a day of patient endurance through fasting, and each night as a night of gratitude through prayers.

It was nothing short of miraculous how the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) reformed and refined those unruly tribes of Arabia and transformed them into pious, disciplined, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)?-fearing ascetics, who stood in prayers in the mosque five times a day seeking the guidance of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)?.

And imagine: these same people who once reveled in the pleasures of “wine gambling and women” could now spend the whole month of Ramadan in fasting and prayers.

Into the hearts of his followers, the Prophet instilled the love and fear of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)? And love for humanity.

 His example was inspiring and irresistible; and each of them became eager to be his closest follower.

To them he was the sincerest and the most cordial of leaders.  And his life was open before them like a book; they could see him practicing most closely in his own life what he was preaching.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) demonstrated to his people how this world is less important than the next, and how the body is less important than the soul.  In fasting, the Prophet taught them step by step how to ignore the physical demands so that the spirit reigns supreme.

Abandoning food, drink, and sex was only a prelude to the next stage of greater significance: of conquering avidity and cupidity, lust and licentiousness; of liberating one’s mind from flights of passion and fits of temper.  Indeed, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam said:

“The strong person is not the one who can wrestle someone else down.  The strong person is the one who can control himself when he is angry.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Also about the effect of fasting on one’s behaviour, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Fasting is a shield, so the one who fasts should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behaviour.  If someone abuses him or starts to fight with him, he should reply by saying: ‘I am fasting.  I am fasting’.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The core of fasting according to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was one’s willingness not merely to give up self-indulgence, but to feel the need of one’s brother as one’s own.  And no one was more kind-hearted and generous than the Messenger of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD); and his generosity reached its peak in Ramadan.  (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) stressed on the importance of treating people nicely when he said:

“Make things easy for people and do not make them difficult, and cheer people up and do not drive them away.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

 Among the reasons behind fasting are:

    Fasting is a means that makes us appreciate and give thanks for pleasures.

 For fasting it means giving up eating, drinking and intercourse, which are among the greatest pleasures. By giving them up for a short time, we begin to appreciate their value. Because the blessings of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) are not recognized, but when you abstain from them, you begin to recognize them, so this motivates you to be grateful for them.

    Fasting is a means of giving up Haram things, because if a person can give up Halal things in order to please Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and for fear of His painful torment, then he will be more likely to refrain from Haram things. So fasting is a means of avoiding the things that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) has forbidden.

    Fasting enables us to control our desires, because when a person is full his desires grow, but if he is hungry then his desire becomes weak. Hence the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “O young men! Whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and protecting one’s chastity? Whoever cannot do that, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.”

    Fasting makes us feel compassion and empathy towards the poor, because when the fasting person tastes the pain of hunger for a while, he remembers those who are in this situation all the time, so he will hasten to do acts of kindness to them and show compassion towards them. So fasting is a means of feeling empathy with the poor.

    Fasting humiliates and weakens the Shaitan; it weakens the effects of his whispers (waswaas) on a person and reduces his sins. That is because the Shaitan “flows through the son of Adam like blood” as, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said, but fasting narrows the passages through which the Shaitan flows, so his influence grows less.

The purpose of fasting is not to just get hungry and thirsty but it is to become pious.

 We fast for many reasons, one is to forgive our sins another is that allows us to control our desires.

No matter what YOU should fast and you should know why.

Why should you fast?

The main purpose of fasting is described in the Qur’an as “so that you may attain Taqwa or Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD); -consciousness.

” Fasting is thus yet another instrument for bringing us closer to our natural state, our state of Fitrah And for cleansing this state from the dross of any disobedience and corruption.

“Fasting is a shield,” said the noble Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) so simply and eloquently.

And he also said: “Whoever spends the month of Ramadan in complete faith and self-rectification, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

For many of us Ramadan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibadah.

 We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting too.

We forget that it's a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil....we forget to make Dua,

Forget to beseech Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire.

Sure we stay away from food and drink, but that's about all.

Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.

 Too much stress on food and drink

For some people, the whole month of Ramadan is about food.

They spend all day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about food, instead of concentrating on Salah, Qur’an and other acts of worship.

All they can THINK of is FOOD So much so that they turn the month of fasting into the month of feasting. Come Iftaar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. It is also a kind of waste & extravagance. ".....and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance)" [al-Araf: 31]

We spend all day cooking and talking about food rather then praying.

Some of the sisters: either by their own choice or forced by their husbands (brothers you will answer to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) for this) is cooking ALL day and ALL night,

So that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Isha,

Let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Qur’an.

"YUP"! This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that cooker and turn on your Imaan!

Over eating, (It’s Time to lose weight. You know looking good time benefits of Ramadan)

Ramadan and suhoor: He! He! He!

Food for thought:

Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor until they are ready to burst why?

Because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and others eat at Iftaar like there is no tomorrow,

Trying to make up for the food missed.

However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach;

For the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight.

If you must eat: then 1/3rd for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air." (Tirmidhi)

Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship,

Makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless.

It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full?

He said, I do not think so.

In this month of Ramadan, for those of us who listen to the hafiz reciting the Qur’an during Taraweeh prayers and those who read the Qur’an on their own will come across some of the verses

That perhaps might be the most relevant ones for us in the times we are living.

We would read the verse four of Sura 106 (106:4) that describes Allah as the one "who has given them food against hunger, and made them safe from danger." We will also read the verse eight of Sura 76, (76:8) "And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan and the captives. And in Sura 90 verse fourteen (90:14) describing the most challenging task for human beings and believers specifically, we are reminded of a group of people who feed people on a day of hunger.

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Ramadan is to not eat too much:

The first thing we can do for our 'Ibadah during Ramadan is to not eat too much.

 Abu Haamid Al-Ghazzali (ra) said that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) wants us to reduce the consumption of food during Ramadan.

Why does the Ummah prepare special food in the month of Ramadan?

This has nothing do with the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

Most of the things we prepare are either too oily or too sweet; both of which are not healthy.

 With all this special food spread in front of us we end up eating more than usual which goes against the very spirit of Ramadan.

'Issa ibn Miriam (as) is reported to have advised his disciples against eating too much in the following words:

 "Don't eat too much because if you eat too much, you will drink too much;

 if you drink too much, you will sleep too much; if you sleep too much, you will lose too much."

We end up wasting our Ramadan between eating, sleeping, and our trips to the washroom because of excessive food intake.

Where is the time to worship?  The Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa salaam) said: "Make sure to have your suhoor meal, for suhoor is blessed.

“He (the Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa salaam) neither mentioned that there must be a variety of food during suhoor or at the time of breaking of the fast.

If it was virtuous, he (the Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa salaam) would certainly have mentioned it.

 Some of the qualities of 'Ibadah are: Being vigilant, saving time, and protecting our souls from any sort of indulgence.

Let the food be light on the stomach, quick to make and something that would get digested easily.

Do not waste time on cooking. Show Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) that we are sincere, vigilant, and take time out to make dhikr, Dua, And to recite Qur’an.

Doubtlessly Allah has given abundant food against hunger. Yet millions are suffering from hunger all over the world.

Here read this:-Roughly one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year — approximately 1.3 billion tones — gets lost or wasted, according to an FAO-commissioned study.

Doubtlessly Allah has given abundant food against hunger. Yet millions are suffering from hunger all over the world.

Why are they suffering? So where is the food that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)? Has provided the people with?

All the world's nearly one billion hungry people could be lifted out of malnourishment on less than a quarter of the food that is wasted in the US, UK and Europe. A third of the world's entire food supply could be saved by reducing waste - or enough to feed 3 billion people; and this would still leave enough surpluses for countries to provide their populations with 130 per cent of their nutritional requirements. There are nearly one billion malnourished people in the world, but the approximately 40 million tones of food wasted by US households, retailers and food services each year would be enough to satisfy the hunger of every one of them. All the world's nearly one billion hungry people could be lifted out of malnourishment on less than a quarter of the food that is wasted in the US, UK and Europe. A third of the world's entire food supply could be saved by reducing waste - or enough to feed 3 billion people; and this would still leave enough surpluses for countries to provide their populations with 130 per cent of their nutritional requirements. (So do your bits eat less this Ramadan).

 In this month of Ramadan, Are we fulfilling our Duty as a Muslim?

Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) will not ask on the Day of Judgment if you have received all your rights but He will ask if you have done all your duties.

Duties of a Muslim include:

a) Duty to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).

The first and foremost duty is to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)... There are three duties to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD):

 i) Not to associate partners with Him;

 ii) Not to worship anyone but Allah, the Creator;

 iii) Not to depend upon anyone for help but Allah the Merciful

.

 Duty to other human beings:

Whenever there is interaction with another person there are mutual rights and duties. One person’s rights are other person’s duties.

There are duties to parents, spouse, children, relatives, neighbors.

 Duty to Community - Community Service:

It is also our duty to defend the family, the community and the country.

In addition there are people who cannot provide for themselves, such as, the poor, orphans, widows, handicapped, refugees, prisoners and others whom a single person cannot support fully but the community as a whole can develop social institutions to provide them help in a consistent and organized manner.

Every human being has five basic rights, namely, food, clothing, shelter, education and health maintenance; every able Muslim should join forces to provide the basic rights to all those who cannot provide for themselves.

It is our responsibility to take leadership role and form effective Islamic Welfare Organizations to fulfill the above obligations and responsibilities and set an example to other communities.

Let’s try and set some goals for ourselves with regards to the Qur’an. If we don’t know how to read it correctly, let’s try to learn. If we don’t recite it often, let us take the time out everyday to recite. If we are already reciting, then we can try and add some more or increase the frequency. Let’s begin to reflect upon the guidance in the Qur’an and try to internalize the lessons therein. Let’s aim to set a powerful foundation for the Qur’an in our lives by which we can establish routines that will allows us to begin a functional relationship with the Qur’an in Ramadan and continue it thereafter so that once the devils are let out, we have a solid defense mechanism, Taqwa, within our hearts to help us. After all, this is the month of the Qur’an and that necessitates that we give special attention to this Book during the month. Our aim should be to build this relationship, not just for the 30 days of Ramadan but rather setting a strong, deep, unshakeable foundation for a relationship that will flourish for the next eleven months.

Muslims all over the world observe the annual fast during the daylight hours of Ramadan, In keeping with a divine commandment documented in Chapter 2, Verse 185 of the Holy Qur'an. Furthermore, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) states, "O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed to those before you in order that you may attain

Taqwa

“(Chapter 2, Verse 183). From this verse, we deduce that.

   Fasting is prescribed for believers.

    Fasting has historically been an institution commonly practiced by various religious communities (for example, during Lent by Christians and on Yom Kippur by Jews).

    Fasting is a means to attaining Taqwa.

Taqwa: Implies guarding one's self from evil and the imbibing of all elements of righteousness, thus reflecting the essence of piety. In its ethical dimension, it connotes moral rectitude (which is the fruit of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)-oriented vigilance), and in its spiritual dimension it connotes purification of heart and mind.

Through fasting, one demonstrates the highest degree of obedience by willfully submitting to abstaining from lawful food, drink, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset one month every year. This regimentation is an excellent means for spiritual and moral improvement.

Through fasting, the human being comes to grip with his carnal self, taming his physical appetites, subduing his greed and lust, and thus traversing a path which progressively elevates his consciousness from the physical to the moral and ultimately to the spiritual dimension of his being. This consciousness and submission is in a cultivation of self-discipline and is the ideal catalyst to improve society by improving the individual self.

It is also by means of fasting that those who never have to hunger or thirst are (to some extent) made personally aware of the plight of the underprivileged, which thus evokes a degree of social consciousness. The aim of attaining

…Taqwa...

Is, in fact, that degree of ethical rectitude and moral elevation that flows from a heightened level of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)-consciousness?

 It emanates from the spiritual rejuvenation inspired by the selfless act of fasting for Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).

Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world.

 While major holidays of other faiths have largely become commercialized events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning.

The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst" and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.

    Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.

    Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.

    Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."

    Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.

    Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish healthier lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.

    Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

The fast of Ramadan is rigorous during the best of times. During long and hot summer days, it may be required observe the fast for as many as 12 or more hours at a time.

 Sleeping all day He!He!He!( This year here in U.K we're fasting for 18 hours or more try and gain more sawab then those lucky enough to fast 6 hours).

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) sleeping away their fast. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month?

These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease.

They cannot bear to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control.

 For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.

 Wasting time

The month of Ramadan is a precious, precious time, so much so that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) calls this month "Ayyamum Madoodaat" (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music, sleeping all day. Subhaan Allah! Trying to obey Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) by DISOBEYING Him!

 Fasting but not giving up evil-The month of Ramadan is an opportunity to develop qualities of endurance and self-restraint, to control anger and a fiery or malicious tongue.

It is an opportunity to fine tune the body and shed it of obesity and sloth and to benefit from any therapeutic effects fasting may have.

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in Haram, buying lotto tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD). "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)" [al-Baqarah 2:183]

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) has no need of him giving up his food and drink." (Bukhari)

The fasting person is training himself to remember that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is always watching, so he gives up the things that he desires even though he is able to take them, because he knows that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) can see him.

 Fasting means developing an attitude of asceticism towards this world and its desires, and seeking that which is with Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).

 It makes the Muslim get used to doing a great deal of acts of worship, because the fasting person usually does more acts of worship and gets used to that.

These are some of the reasons why fasting is enjoined. We ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to help us to achieve them and to worship Him properly.

 Skipping Suhoor

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing."(Bukhari, Muslim). And he (the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor." (Muslim)

 Stopping Suhoor at Imsak

Some people stop eating Suhoor 10-15 minutes earlier than the time of Fajr to observe Imsak.

 This is a kind of Bid’ah (innovation) which has no basis in the Sunnah.

Rather the Sunnah is to do the opposite. Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) allows us to eat until dawn:

 "And eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)" [al-Baqarah 2:187]

 Not fasting if they missed Suhoor

Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor.

 However, this is a kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few morsels of food?

It's not like you will die. Remember, obedience to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) overcomes everything.

Missing the golden chance of having your Dua accepted

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast. The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi WA Salaam) said: "Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler." (Sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it....Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Duas. .Make Dua: at Iftaar time for your children and for all the Muslim brothers and sisters.

 Fasting but not praying (Not cool)

The fasting of one who does not pray IS NOT ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi WA Salaam) said: "Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer." (Muslim)

Not fasting because of exams or work

Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD is much more important than good grades. Besides, if you will fulfill your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD will make it easy for you and help you in everything you do. "Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him." (Surah at-Talaaq 2-3)

 Mixing fasting and dieting

DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet.

That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (especially sisters).

 Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.

 Fighting over the number of Rakaah of Taraweeh

There is no specific number of rakaah for Taraweeh prayer; rather it is permissible to do a little or a lot. Both 8 and 20 are okay: "No one should be denounced for praying eleven or twenty-three (rakaah), because the matter is broader in scope than that, praise be to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD."

Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th

Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat al-Qadir, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi WA Salaam) said: "Seek Lailat al-Qadir among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan." (Bukhari, Muslim)

 Wasting the last part of Ramadan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Laila ul Qadr.

Although, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadan in worship (Ahmad, Muslim) and not in shopping.

Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadan to the max.

Aishah (RA) said: "When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allah (the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) would tighten his waist-wrapper

(i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family." (Bukhari and Muslim)

 Iftaar parties: Do we need all that extra food? What does it say about eating less and more Taqwa?

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is something good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish Iftaar parties with all sorts of disobedience to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD, from flirting, mixing of the sexes, to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salah and Taraweeh.

 Prior to Ramadan, a Muslim should always consult with a doctor about the safety of fasting in individual health circumstances.

    Even if you are generally healthy, recognize that Ramadan will take a toll.

Plan your schedule and meals ahead of time in order to make sure you get the nutrients, hydration, and rest that you need.

    Eat suhoor just prior to dawn. Yes, it's hard to get up at that hour, which is why it has many benefits and rewards.

 It will help you to wake up for the Fajr prayer. The suhoor meal is Sunnah. And this morning meal is generally recognized as the single most important meal of the day.

 Do not overeat, though. Focus on taking in foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and protein, fruits or vegetables, and plenty of water.

. For example: an egg on whole-grain toast, a few crackers with peanut butter, some orange slices, and two glasses of water.

    During the hottest part of the day, stay in cool areas (indoors or in shade) and limit your physical activity. Rest if possible.

    Avoid gorging yourself when breaking the fast at sunset. Follow the Sunnah: break your fast with dates and either milk, water, or fruit juice

 After the Maghrib prayer, continue with a light starter such as soup and crackers. After a long period of fasting, you need to bring your fluids and blood sugar level up without overdoing it.

   During the early evening (after Maghrib), have a healthy and balanced dinner. Do not overeat, and be sure to drink a few more glasses of fluids.

   During the evening hours, resist the temptation to drink tea, coffee, and soda. When visiting friends or family, ask for glasses of water.

   Serve yourself, your family, and guests a "dessert" of fresh fruit and nuts. There are lovely choices available in this season, and they are much healthier than chocolates and candy.

   Sip on water throughout the evening. Aim for 8 glasses by bedtime. To help you keep track, fill and refill a water bottle with a measured amount of water, and be sure to finish it.

   Light exercise, such as walking for 15-20 minutes, is best done in the evening hours.

   Avoid fried and spicy foods as they may cause heartburn or indigestion.

   Speak to your doctor about an appropriate multi-vitamin.

   Continue to brush and floss your teeth several times a day.

   Wash your hands regularly, and avoid those who cough or sneeze. This is important to prevent the spread of viruses (such as seasonal flu and H1N1) and bacteria which may cause illness.

   Stop smoking! Quit drinking, Quit Drugs.

    Organize your schedule so that you get enough sleep.

Ramadan is a time to awaken compassion and solidarity with others and in particular with the poor.

We are urged to be more liberal in giving during Ramadan and are required at the end of fasting to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, an amount to enable all to share in the spirit of warmth, affection and brotherhood.

Ramadan is above all an opportunity to reorient oneself to the Creator and the natural path of goodness and Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) -consciousness.

Although Ramadan may appear to be a hard and difficult month, it is in fact an enjoyable time.

A special atmosphere prevails in homes, in mosques and in Muslim communities as a whole. Muslims look forward to the coming of Ramadan with great longing and expectation and feel certain sadness when the month is at an end.

Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an 2:183). This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitudes stay with us during our "normal" lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.

May Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.

            If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),

            And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.

May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.

May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!

Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.

 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?

May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........

 

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And earn Sawab-e-Jariya...May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make it a source of Sawab-e-Jariya for You and me .Ameen

P.S.: "Have fun praying    don’t forget to make Dua for me." And Allah knows best.