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.
.
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...........
Feel free to Share the information here with everyone you
know,
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.
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.
