The Procedure of Ramadan!

Assalamu - Alaikum!

To Muslim brothers and sisters, wake up for Fajr (Morning Prayer), and smell the fragrance after Fajr which it will be surround around you, the peace that you can only attain after finishing Fajr (Morning Prayer). Fajr (Morning Prayer) is much much better than Sleeping. So, wake up for Fajr (Morning Prayer), and surrender yourselves to worship none, but Allaah (SWT) alone, for Allaah (SWT) is our Master, our Creator, and Praise be to Allaah (SWT) - Lord of the Worlds!


Anyways, we are heading to the beginning of Ramadan, and i for one, can't wait for Ramadan whether to have fast, and stay committed not to eat and drink anything, and nothing, till the Sunset, and by the times, we are already hungry after having ourselves stay committed to study Holy Qur'aan, Pray Namaaz, to follow Laws of Allaah (SWT), and be Good Muslim while you can, and should be. Be the Best Muslim ever during the Ramdan, for what the Rewarding worth is indeed much much better in Hereafter than this earth.

Anyhow, there will be articles about the Procedure of Ramadan will be updated in this existing thread, and we all should continue to contribute the articles of Ramadan, and the benefits of Ramadan in this site, and everyone, must keep this thread active with great deal of discussing relating to Ramadan, and educate ourselves with the knowledge of Holy Qur'aan in this thread. Insha'Allaah, this thread will be much much benefit for all of us.

To Non Muslim, and please, this is strictly for Muslim in this thread, and that is my kindly request, and i hope you honor our request. Feel free to check this thread to learn and study about Ramadan, and what we, people do, and please, if you are keen to learn about Ramadan, make yourself comfortable here, and ask the questions, our Non Muslim brothers and sisters.



Most of the articles are from the member 'the_truth' from TTI (TurnToIslam), and while the rest are from others, and feel free to contribute your to this thread, and keep this thread active for the whole month till the Eid. Sharing the knowledge itself is very Rewarding, and therefore, do share, Our brothers and sisters.

10 Ways to Prepare for Ramadan





The blessed & most beautiful month is near and what better time to prepare for it than right now. Some of us deceive ourselves into thinking that when Ramadan comes we will suddenly change and worship Allah night and day but we are only decieving ourselves in thinking like this.

The Sahaaba used to prepare for Ramadan six months in advance. So if we really want to make the best of this Ramadan then we need to prepare for it now!

This may be our last Ramadan for life is so uncertain. Then there is NO doubt that we must make the best of it for the Reward of EVERY good act in the month of Ramadan is multiplied many times over:

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887)

If there was a 75% sale on in the shops surely people would go crazy and even cue all night outside in order to be the first in the store to take advantage of this special offer. So in the same way why should we not take advantage of the immense rewards that are available in Ramadan?

The best way we can make the best of this Ramadan and grab the immense rewards that are available is to prepare for it NOW.


The following are 10 ways in which we can prepare for this beautiful month starting from NOW:



1. Voluntary Fasts



What better way of preparing ourselves to fast for 30 consecutive days in Ramadan than to fast the voluntary fasts.

Fasting Monday and Thursday:

Abu Hurairah reported that the most the Prophet, (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasalam) would fast would be Monday and Thursday. He was asked about that and he said: “The deeds of people are presented to Allah on every Monday and Thursday. Allah forgives every Muslim except for those who are deserting each other." He says: "leave them for later”. (Ahmad; Hasan)


Another is to fast the white days (13, 14 & 15th of each Islamic month):


Abu Tharr Al-Ghefari said: “The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said "O Abu Tharr! If you fast three days of every month, then fast the 13th, the 14th and the 15th [these are call the al-ayaam al-beedh, the white days]". (Ahmad, an-Nasaa'i & at-Tirmithi; Sahih)

Therefore we should fast these days in order to prepare for the fasting of Ramadan and even after Ramadan we should continue to do so for fasting will intercede for us on the day of judgement:

Rasulallah (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for the slave on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say: “O My Rabb! I prevented him from food and desires, so accept my intercession for him.’ And the Qur’an will say: “I prevented him from sleep during the night, so accept my intercession for him.’ He (Sallallahu `Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘And they will (be allowed to) intercede.’” (Ahmad, at-Tabarani, Al-Hakim, Sahih)



2. Reciting Qur’an





Allah the exalted says:

“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)

Ramadan was the month in which the Qur'an was first revealed so it is the month of the Qur'an. We should devote much of this blessed month reciting the Qur'an.

Az-Zuhri used to say upon the coming of Ramadan, “It is only about reciting the Qur’an and feeding the poor.”

Abdur-Raziq said, “When Ramadan came, Sufyan Ath-Thawri would give up all acts of (voluntary) worship and devote himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.”

But for many of us the Qur'an has gathered a lot of dust since the last time we picked it up.

As Ramadan is fast approaching we must blow off the dust and start to build a close relationship with the Qur'an for it will intercede with us on the day of judgement:

"Recite the Holy Qur’an as much as we can for It will come as an intercessor for its reciter’ on the Day of Judgement" (Muslim)

The Recitor will be in the company of Angels:

‘Aa'ishah related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Indeed the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. As for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” (Al-Bukhaari & Muslim)

There are Ten Rewards for Every Letter Recited from the Quran in normal times but in Ramadan these rewards are multiplied:

“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allaah, he will have a reward, and this reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that 'Alif, Laam, Meem' (a combination of letters frequently mentioned in the Holy Quran) is a letter, rather I am saying that 'Alif' is a letter, 'Laam' is a letter and 'Meem' is a letter.” (At-Tirmithi)

So what better time for us to get into the habit of reciting the Qur'an than to begin to do so right now. We should recite the Qur'an with its meanings and try to understand and implement it into our daily lives.

We should set ourselves realistic targets for how much we should begin to recite each day for e.g. we will recite 1 or 2 pages a day, half a juz (chapter), or 1 juz etc. We should recite however much we can manage and then build up gradually.




3. Praying Superogatory (Nafil) prayers



In Ramadan every voluntary prayer carries the reward of a Fard prayer in normal times and there is nothing more rewarding than a Fard prayer so one can imagine the immense rewards that are available in Ramadan for every voluntary prayer we pray.

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887)


In order for us to take advantage of these immense rewards we should start begin now by praying all of the daily Sunnah and Nafil prayers so by the time Ramadan comes we will already be in the habit of praying all of our Sunnah and Nafils and so we cna increase our voluntary prayers even more so during Ramadan. This would be difficult if we were not in the habit of praying Sunnah and Nafil prayers in normal times.

By increasing our voluntary worship we can gain closeness to Allah as well as the company of Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah:

Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet (Sallallahu ALaihi Wasallam) said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)."



4. Making Dua



Many of us do not spend as much time as we should do in Dua. Even if we do we rush our dua and our hearts and minds are not present whilst supplicating to Allah.

Many of us rush our Dua's and our hearts are often not present whilst we are supplicating to Allah. Therefore we lose out on much of the benefits and blessings of Dua. We must give more attention to our Dua's and try to concentrate more and be more sincere in our Dua's imagining Allah watching us supplicate to him. We should humble ourselves making ourselves low and not worthy in front of Allah. We should try to cry if we can and have FULL hope that Allah will accept our Dua's if not in this world then in the hereafter.

Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an: "When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me."

The place of Dua is so honourable to Allah that the Prophet (Sallallahu AlaIhi Wasallim) said:

"Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Du`a." (Sahih al-Jami` no.5268).

It is the most excellent of worship:

He also said: "The most excellent worship is Du’a." (Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1133)

So let us get into the habit of making sincere Dua's from deep within our hearts and let us not be heedless when supplicating to Allah. What better time than now for us to get into the habit of making more intense and sincere Dua's. So by the time Ramadan arrives we would have already got into the habit of making the long, sincere and intense Dua's which will readily be accepted during this blessed month especially whilst we are fasting and in the latter part of the nights during Tahajjud.

It may help to make a list of what we should ask of Allah suring dua's which we can refer to as a reminder as this may help us to make our dua's longer and more sincere covering everything we want to ask of Allah.



5. Sincere Repentance



Ramadan is the month where we can gain mercy and forgiveness from Allah for all of our sins past and present.

We should know that Allah is most merciful and most forgiving and loves to forgive:

Allah says: O son of Adam, if your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky and you would then seek My forgiveness, I would forgive you.

When a person sins and then sincerely turns to Allah for forgiveness, one will find Allah ready to accept his repentance and to forgive him, as this verse indicates: And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself, but then seeks forgiveness from Allah, he will find Allah forgiving and merciful. (Surat an-Nisaa 4:110)

Allah loves repentance and loves those who turn to him in repentance:

Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance, and He loves those who keep themselves in purity. (Qur'an 2:222)


Therefore we should get into the habit now of repenting to Allah so that in Ramadan we will make the best of repenting to Allah and continue to do so throughout everyday of our lives.
How unfortunate is a person who after the end of Ramadan does not gain any forgiveness of his sins from Allah but ends up piling more sins onto his account.



6. Generosity & Charity



Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) became even more generous in Ramadan than he already was.


Ramadan is a time for generosity and giving. It is a time when we think about those who have less than us as well as thank Allah for everything he has given us. Ramadan is an honourable and blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it.

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, “The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (At-Tirmithi).

Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, “He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person’s rewards.” (Ahmad).


Therefore we should get into the habit of giving in charity now so by the time Ramadan arrives we would increase in our generosity, giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. We should give whatever we can afford as Allah looks at our intentions.

Surely in there hereafter we will regret that which we did not spend in the path of Allah.




7. Controlling the tongue



Ramadan is a time where we must control our desires (nafs) aswell as our tongues:

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Fasting is not (abstaining) from eating and drinking only, but also from vain speech and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.” (Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibban)

Therefore we must protect our tongue from vain speech and foul language. Protecting the tongue is preventing it from lying, back-biting, slander, tale-carrying, false speech and other things that have been forbidden in the Qur'an & Sunnah.

Those who control their tongues are of the best of Muslims:

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked: “Which Muslim is best?” He responded, “One who the other Muslims are safe from his tongue and his hand.” (Tirmidhi, #2504)

We must not deceive ourselves into thinking that by the time Ramadan comes we will all of a sudden break a lifetime habit and control our tongues. Again this is another big deception. We must start controlling our tongues now for we cannot for changing lifetime bad habits is not an overnight process.

So how can we begin to control our tongues? This can be done by "THINKING BEFORE SAYING ANYTHING". Not just talking without even thinking what we are going to say.

We must think before we speak and before saying anything we should think whether or not what we are going to say is going to please or displease Allah.

If we doubt that what we are about to say may anger or displease Allah then we should refrain from saying it. If we have nothing good to say then surely it is better NOT to say anything at all. Remember we WILL be accountable for everything we said in our lives so we MUST start taking responsiblity for what comes out of our mouths NOW otherwise we will regret it later when it is too late. Therefore we must get into the habit of "thinking before speaking".

So let us begin to control our tongues now so that by the time Ramadan comes we would have adopted good habits and would have been used to controlling our tongues and refraining from saying anything which may anger or displease Allah.

REMEMBER: If we do not protect our tongues then our fasts will be in vain:

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Allah does not need the fast of one who does not abandon false speech or acting according to his false speech.” (Sahih Bukhari)



8. Improving Character & manners



Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) came to perfect the character of man and the best of this Ummah are those wioth the best of characters:

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam) used to say: "The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.” (al-Bukhari)

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud).

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also said: “The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant." (Tirmidhi)

Again as with making any big change perfecting our character and manners cannot be done overnight but we must make a start now so that by the time Ramadan comes we would have gained momentum in making the necessery changes to our characters in order for us to be the best of this Ummah and those closest to Allah.

Surely if good character and manners are the heaviest on the scales then can you imagine how much more heavier they will be if we behave with good character and manners during Ramadan?

So let us strive to perfect our manners, character and conduct towards others and know that these good deeds will be of the heaviest on the scales and will enable us to reach the highest ranks of Jannah and the closest to Allah.



9. Moderation in eating



On the authority of Al-Miqdaam ibn Maadiy-Karib who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah saying: "No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Adam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath." (Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasaa’I, Ibn Majah )

Ibrahim al-Nakha’i, on of the teachers of Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on them both, mentioned: “The people ruined before you were done in by three characteristics: too much talking, too much eating, and too much sleeping.”

There is no doubt that excessive eating is not only a cause of many diseases but is also a major factor in stopping us from maximising our worship to Allah.

Ash-Shafi’I said: I have not filled myself in sixteen years because filling oneself makes the body heavy, removes clear understanding, induces sleep and makes one weak for worship.

Many of us fast during Ramadan fast during the day and after Iftaar make up for all the food we missed throughout the day by binge eating.

Surely this goes against the very purpose of Ramadan which is to be moderate in eating and to remember those who have less than us. How will we remember the unfortunate when we constantly over eating before and after our fasts?

By controlling what we eat now we will not only benefit our health in the short and long term but moderate eating will make us less heavier and enable us to maximise the amount of worship we do everyday during Ramadan and the rest of our lives.

Al-Hassan Al-Basri: “The test of Adam (AS) was food and it is your test until Qiyamah.

And, it used to be said: Whoever takes control of his stomach gets control of all good deeds.

And: Wisdom does not reside in a full stomach.

One day, Al-Hassan offered some food to his companion who said: I have eaten until I am no longer able to eat. To which Al-Hassan said: Subhaana Allah! Does a Muslim eat until he is no longer able to eat?



10. Implementing Sunnah's into Daily life



Following the Sunnah is a command from Allah:

"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31)

Surely if we follow the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in every aspect of our lives then everything that we do will become a worship to Allah, even going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing and undressing etc

Reviving the Sunnah into our daily lives:

Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi)

The best habit we can ever have in our lives is to implement the Sunnah into EVERY aspect of our lives so that our whole life and everything we do during it can become a worship to Allah.

We can do this by gradually learning all of the Sunnah's and dua's of every aspect of our day waking up, leaving and entering the Masjid and house, dressing and undressing etc. So let us get into the habit right now of implementing every Sunnah's into our daily lives so by the time Ramadan comes we can continue to implement Sunnah's and gain even more rewards for them.


Download Comprehensive Sunnah collection to implement everyday of our lives:


Download as Microsoft Word


Beautiful Sunnah's of Rasulallah to do Everyday FINAL COPY.doc

Download file as PDF


26863499-Beautiful-Sunnah-s-of-Rasulallah-to-Do-Everyday.pdf



May Allah enable us to make the best of this Ramadan and make it a salvation for us in the Hereafter. Ameen

How can we plan for each precious day in Ramadan?

Here is a solution: Download the "ProductiveRamadan taskinator" and plan for each and EVERY day of Ramadan. What an amazing way of making the best of each and everyday in the blessed month of Ramadan:

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Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam), said regarding those who do not leave false speech during ramadan:



"Whoever doesn't desist from speaking falsehood and acting upon it, Allah has no need that he desist from his food and drink." (Bukhari)


Therefore we must not fool ourselves into thinking that we will be able to leave false speech and profanity the day Ramadan starts. It does not work like that. We need to train ourselves NOW in order to control our tongues so that we may leave false speech and profanity and continue after Ramadan as Ramadan is training for the rest of the year and is not just for one month but for a lifetime.

Preparing for Ramadan


The righteous predecessors were very attentive to the worship to Almighty Allah, including paying great attention to the holy month of Ramadan.

So it is known that many of them used to pray to Allah during 6 months after the end of Ramadan to accept their fasting, and then in 6 months they would ask Allah to allow to see the next Ramadan, so that they have another opportunity to make this great worship, which is the fasting in this holy month.

In other words, we can see how the pious predecessors of this Ummah (community of Prophet Muhammad, pbuh) were prepared to meet the Ramadan.

So Abu Bakr al-Balkhi, may Allah bless him with mercy, said:

"Rajab is the month to sow the seeds; Shaban is the month to irrigate the crop; and Ramadan is the month to reap the harvest".

And he also said:

"Rajab is like the wind; Shaban is like the water-laden clouds; and Ramadan is like the rain".

- Here a question arose: how do we need to prepare for Ramadan?

The answer is: while preparing for the Holy Ramadan, bear in mind the following:


1. Sincere repentance

Repentance is demanded to be performed continuously, at any time. But it would be better for you with the approach of the blessed month to hurry up with repentance for all the sins you committed against Allah, and also against His creations.

So with the advent of the Blessed Ramadan, you could proceed to the commission of worship with pure and quiet heart. Almighty Allah says in the Quran:

"And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed".

Al-Agharr ibn Yasar al-Muzani, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:

"O people! Turn in repentance towards Allah and ask His forgiveness. I turn towards Him a hundred times a day".

2. Dua (supplication)

It is reported from some of the righteous predecessors that they used to ask Allah for the six months to extend their lives to see Ramadan in good health. Then, they used to ask Allah for five months after Ramadan to accept their good deeds committed in it. Therefore, you, by following their example, pray Allah that He gives you an opportunity to celebrate Ramadan in good health and with a strong faith, and ask Him for the help in worshiping Him, and for acceptance of good deeds.

3. Joy in light of the coming of the Holy month of Ramadan

The approach of this blessed month is a great boon for every believer after all, because this month is a period of blessing. It is a month when the gates of Paradise are open and the gates of Hell are closed. It is a month when the Holy Quran was sent down.

Allah said:

"Say, In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy - in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate".

4. Replenishment of the left obligatory fastings

It is reported from Abu Salama, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said:

"I heard Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, as saying: "Sometimes I missed some days of Ramadan, but could not fast instead of them except in the month of Shaban"."

Ibn Hajar, may Allah bless him with mercy, said:

"It can be drawn from the desire of Aisha to make up the missed days of Ramadan in the month of Shaban that any missed fasts to make up have to be made up before the next Ramadan comes".

5. Acquisition of knowledge related to the dignity of the month of Ramadan, and with certain provisions of the fast.

6. The coming completion of all deeds that can distract you from worship in the month of Ramadan.

7. Explanation to the household, relatives and friends of the basic provisions of the fast.

Motivation to "little ones" to participate in the fast, so that they could become accustomed to the basic kinds of worship in Islam from their childhood.

8. Fasting in the month of Shaban, in order to prepare for the month of Ramadan.

It is reported in an authentic hadith from Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that she said:

"Sometimes the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, fasted so much that he even thought he did not break his fast in that month, and sometimes he broke his fast so much that we would say he did not fast. I did not see the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) fast in the whole month except Ramadan. I never saw him fast in any month more than he did in Shaban".

It is also reported from Osama Bin Zeid, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said:

"O Messenger of Allah! I did not see you fasting in any month as you do in the month of Shaban".

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:

"People neglect this month which is between Rajab and Ramadan, in this month the deeds of the people are presented to Allah; so I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting".

This hadith explains the wisdom of fasting in the month of Shaban, namely the fact that deeds or actions are presented to Allah. Also, some scholars have pointed out other wisdom of the fasting in the month of Shaban, which lies in the fact that this fasting is like a sunna-prayer committed before the obligatory farz-prayer. Thus, a man prepares himself, a sort of warm-up before the fulfillment of the obligatory form of worship.

9. Reading the Quran

Salamah Ibn Suhayl, may Allah be pleased with him, used to say:

"The month of Shaban is the month of reciters of the Quran".

When Shaban came, Amr Ibn Qays al-Malai, may Allah be pleased with him, used to close his store and devote his time to reading the Quran.

Now, having said all this, let's look at our situation, and answer ourselves, being honest, how we prepare for this blessed month, and how we are going to meet it?

We ask Almighty Allah for help and assistance in preparing for the fasting, and for a worthy meeting of the Holy month of Ramadan!

Source: Preparing for Ramadan | Islam Browser

Have you Prepared for the Big Arrival?



Many people don’t understand or misunderstand the true essence of fasting, and they make it an occasion for eating and drinking, making special sweets and staying up late at night and watching shows on TV. They make preparations for that long before Ramadan; they look through aisles of grocery stores and skim through the satellite TV guide to plan their meals and accompanying TV shows! Ramadan is the month of fasting, a month of training and recharging, a month to be filled with worship; not a month of feasting and reclining!

Here are some practical tips on the best ways of preparing for the month of Ramadan like no other:


1. Feel Sincere Regret:

Actually repentance is necessary at all times, but as this amazing blessed month is approaching, it is more incumbent upon us to hasten back to Allah, to regret our sins, to fix our relationship with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala), to amend relations with people; this is so when Ramadan begins you may work on yourself and perform acts of worship with a clean heart and mind inshaAllah.

Allah says what means: “And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful” (24:31)

The Prophet (peace be upon him), a man of exalted character, was reported seeking forgiveness from Allah seventy times a day. (Muslim)

The fact of the matter is that we have committed so many sins, major and minor, and those are just the ones we are aware of; what about all the sins we commit which we don’t even recognize, forget, or overlook? This Ramadan is an opportunity to turn back to Allah, begging for forgiveness for our sins, major and minor, intentional and unintentional, those we’ve commited once and those we’ve done repeatedly. Now is the time to repent.


2. Du’aa’ (Supplication):


It is reported that the Salaf would approximately pray to Allah for half the year that they would live until Ramadan, and then they would pray almost the other half that He would accept it from them, SubhanAllah!

As Muslims, we should ask Allah to let us live until Ramadan with a strong religious commitment and good physical health, and should ask Him to help us in obeying Him during this month and in asking Him to accept our good deeds.

3. Rejoice at Ramadan

The arrival of Ramadan is a great blessing that Allah bestows upon Muslims, because Ramadan is one of the occasions in which the gates of Paradise are opened and gates of Hellfire are closed. It is the month of the Quran and of decisive battles in Islamic history.

As mentioned in the Quran: “Say: In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy – in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.” (10:58)


4. Complete Qada Fasts


This is particularly important in preparation for Ramadan as often those who missed fasts in the previous year may have to rush in making them up before Ramadan. It is of great importance for women, the old, or those who were ill last Ramadan. You should complete any outstanding obligatory fasts from the previous Ramadan before this Ramadan arrives.

5. Seek Knowledge

Seek knowledge from your local mosque, trusted scholars, authentic books/Cd’s etc in order to understand and follow the rulings on fasting; otherwise like many a Ramadan you may not attain the spiritual sustenance and learn the key to fulfilling fasting. This will also help you understand the virtues of Ramadan, and to increase your knowledge, love, fear, good deeds. Then sit with your family to tell them of the rulings on fasting, and other things you learned – get them in the Ramadan mode early!

6. Fast in Sha’ban: Preparation for Ramadan


The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was reported to have fasted the most in Sha’ban.
(Bukhari, Muslim)

Therefore we should take advantage of opportunities to fast in this month.

7. Read Quran


The Salaf used to read Qur’an in preparing themselves to Ramadan:


• When Sha’ban began, ‘Amr ibn Qays would close his shop and free his time for reading Qur’an.

• Abu Bakr al-Balkhi said: “The month of Rajab is the month for planting, the month of Sha’ban is the month of irrigating the crops, and the month of Ramadan is the month of harvesting the crops.”

• He also said: “The likeness of the month of Rajab is that of the wind, the likeness of Sha’ban is that of the clouds and the likeness of Ramadan is that of the rain; whoever does not plant and sow in Rajab, and does not irrigate in Sha’baan, how can he reap in Ramadan?”

Source:Have you Prepared for the Big Arrival?

May Allah enable us to make the best of now in order to prepare for the arrival of ramadan.

We still have a week left so let us finalise our preperations so that we can be ready to make the best of every second of Ramadan upon its arrival in a weeks time.

.

Ramadan According to Quran and Sunnah Part 2
http://muttaqun.com/

During Ramadan, Paradise Opens its Doors, Hell Closes its and Satan's are Chained

Hadith - Ahmad and an-Nasa'i
`Arfajah said "We were with `Utbah ibn Farqad while he was discussing Ramadan. A companion of the Prophet entered upon the scene. When `Utbah saw him, he became shy and stopped talking. The man [the companion] spoke about Ramadan, saying "I heard the Messenger of Allah say during Ramadan: "The gates of Hell are closed, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the devils are in chains. An angel calls out : 'O you who intend to do good deeds, have glad tidings. O you who intend to do evil, refrain, until Ramadan is completed.

Travel

Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 31, Number 164, Narrated 'Aisha
(the wife of the Prophet) Hamza bin 'Amr Al-Aslami asked the Prophet, "Should I fast while traveling?" The Prophet (saw) replied, " You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish."
Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 31, Number 167, Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah
Allah's Apostle (saw) was on a journey and saw a crowd of people, and a man was being shaded (by them). He asked, " What is the matter?" They said, "He (the man) is fasting." The Prophet (saw) said, "I t is not righteousness that you fast on a journey."
Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 31, Number 168, Narrated Anas bin Malik
We used to travel with the Prophet and neither did the fasting persons criticize those who were not fasting, nor did those who were not fasting criticize the fasting ones.
Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #2028, Narrated AbdurRahman ibn Awf [Ibn Majah transmitted it.]
Allah's Messenger (saw) said, " One who fasts in Ramadan while travelling is like one who breaks his fast when not travelling."
Menses
Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 31, Number 172, Narrated Abu Said
The Prophet (saw) said, "I sn't it true that a woman does not pray and does not fast on menstruating? And that is the defect (a loss) in her religion."


Fabricated Hadith Regarding Ramadan

1.
"If the servants knew how great Ramadaan was, then they would wish that Ramadaan lasted all year. Indeed Paradise is decorated for Ramadaan from the start of the year till the next year..." and it is a long hadeeth.
Reported by lbn Khuzaimah (No. 1886), lbn al-Jawzee in Kitaabul-Mawdoo'aat (2/I 88-I 89) and Aboo Ya'laa in his Musnad as occurs in aIMataaIibuI-'Aah~ah (46/a-b manuscript) by way of Jareer ibn Ayyoob al Bajalee: from ash-Sha'bee: from Naafi' ibn Burdah: from Aboo Mas'ood alGhifaaree.
This hadeeth is fabricated (mawdoo'), the cause being Jareer ibn Ayyoob.

• Ibn Hajr quotes his biography in Lisaanul-Meezaan (2/I 01) and says: "Famous for his weakness." Then he quotes the saying of Aboo Nu'aim about him: "He used to fabricate ahadeeth,"
• From al-Bukhaaree: "Munkar in narrating hadeeth," and from an-Nasaa'ee: "Abandoned!"
• Ibn al-Jawzee declared it to be fabricated, and Ibn Khuzaimah said after relating it: "If the narration is authentic, since there is some doubt in the heart about Jareer lbn Ayyoob al-Bajalee."

2.
"0 people a very great month has come upon you, a month containing a night better than a thousand months. Allaah has made it an obligation to fast in it, and standing in prayer in its night is a supererogatory action. Whoever seeks nearness to Him with a good deed in it will be like one performing an obligatory action in other months... It is a month the beginning of which is a mercy, the middle Forgiveness, and its end is a granting of freedom from the Fire..."

It is also a long hadeeth; this is the most well-known parts of it. This hadeeth is also reported by lbn Khuzaimah (No.1887), al-Mahaamulee in his Amaalee (No.293), and al-Asbahaanee in at-Targheeb (Q/178, B-manuscript) by way of 'Alee ibn Zayd ibn Jud'aan: from Sa'eed ibn al-Musaayib: from Salmaan.
This isnad (chain) is da'eef (weak) due to the weakness of'Alee ibn Zayd.

• Ibn Sad says about him, "He is somewhat weak, he is not used as a proof"
• Ahmad ibn Hanbal said: "He is not strong."
• Ibn Ma'een said: "He is weak."
• Ibn Abee Khaithumah said: "Weak in everything."
• Ibn Khuzaimah said: "I do not accept him as a proof due to his weak memory." - as occurs in at-Tahdheeb (7/322-323).
• Ibn Khuzaimah said after quoting his narration: "If the narration is authentic."
• Ibn Hajr says in al-Atraaf "It is narrated by 'Alee ibn Zayd ibnjud'aan alone and he is weak" as As-Suyootee quotes from him injam'ul-Jawaami' (No.24,714).
• Ibn Abee Haatim reports from his father in 'Ilalul-Hadeeth (1/249) that he said: "The hadeeth is munkar (denounced)!"

3."Fast and you will be healthy."

It is part of a hadeeth reported by lbn 'Adiyy in al-Koamil (7/2521) by way of Nahshal ibn Sa'eed: from ad-Dahhaak: from lbn 'Abbaas. At-Tabaraanee reports it in al-Awsat (I /Q, 69 A-manuscript of Majma' ul-Bahrain) and Aboo Nu'aim in at-Tibbun-Nabawee as occurs in Takhreejul-lhyaa' (7/40 I) by way of Muhammad ibn Sulaimaan ibn Abee Daawood: from Zuhair ibn Muhammad: Suhail lbn Abee Saalih: from Aboo Hurairah.
Its isnad (chain) is weak.

• Aboo Bakr al-Athrum said: "I heard Ahmad say - and he mentioned the narration of the people of Shaam from Zuhair ibn Muhammad, he said: 'They report ahoadeeth from him that are munkar."'
• Aboo Haatim said: "There is some weakness in his memory, his ahaadeeth narrated in lraaq are better than his hadeeth narrated in Shoam due to his weak memory."
• AI-'lj lee said: "These ahadeeth which the people of Shaam narrate from him do not please me," as occurs in Tahdheebul-Kamaal (9/4 I 7).
• Muhammad lbn Sulaimaan is from Shaam and has a biography in Taareekh Dimishq (I 5 Q,386 - manuscript) - so his narrations from Zuhair, as the scholars have stated, are munkar and this hadeeth is one of them!

4.
"He who abandons fasting during a day of Ramadaan without a valid excuse, or illness - then even if he were to fast forever it would not make up for it."
This hadeeth is quoted in disconnected form by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh (Fathul-Baaree, 4/160) without an isnad. It is connected by lbn Khuzaimah in his Saheeh (No.1987), at-Tirmidhee (No.723) Aboo Daawood (No.2397), lbn Maajah (No. 1672), an-Nasaa'ee in al-Kubraa as occurs in TuhfatulAshraaf (10/373), al-Baihaqee (4/228) and lbn Hajr in Taghleequt-Ta'leeq (3/I 70) byway of Abul-Mutawwas: from his father: from Aboo Hurairah.

• Ibn Hajr says in Fathul-Baaree (4/I 6 I): "They disagree greatly in their narration from Habeeb ibn Abee Thaabit, it has three weaknesses: (i) contradiction of its narrators, (ii) the condition ofAbul-Mutawwas is unknown, (iii) doubt about whether his father met Aboo Hurairah or not"
• lbn Khuzaimah says after reporting it: "If the narration is authentic, since I do not know Abul-Mutawwas or his father."

These are four ahaadeeth which have been declared weak and unreliable by the scholars, yet we still hear them and see them every day in the blessed month of Ramadaan. It is apparent that some of these ahadeeth contain parts whose meaning is correct and established in the Sunnah. It is important, however, to know that they are weak, and put them in their proper perspective.
Related Link: About Ramadan
Action Items for the Muttaqun:

• Be quick to break the fast at maghrib. Ideas: If you know you will be driving home from work at that time or other similar activity, carry dates or other fruit, or other foods, in a ziplock bag so that when the time comes, you can break your fast, do your salah, and then eat more later.
• A woman should not fast during menstration and should make up the missed days by fasting later throughout the year, first seeking her husband's permission before beginning her fast.

Remember... Allah, subhana watala, sees everything we do!

Source.

^ Credit goes to 'MUHAMM7D' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

10 Ways to Maximise everyday of Ramadan



Almighty Allah says:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (2:183)

In this most blessed month of Ramadhaan ALL good deeds are multiplied:

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.

How lucky are those of us that are able to experience yet another Ramadan. Unfortunately many will have passed before entering this blessed month. Life is uncertain and so this may well be our very last Ramadan so surely we should treat it as our last and do our utmost to ensure that we maximise each precious day in order to make the best of this most blessed month.


The following are 10 ways to make the best of each day in Ramadan:


1. Purifying our intentions each day


It is crucial that we purify our intentions before doing any act of worship. This is because we may have other intentions in our hearts without knowing it like for example maybe we'll fast because we don't want to look bad in front of family & others or we that we fast & pray to show off etc.

Focussing on intention increases the sincerity in worship and acts of virtues. It is a means of earning greater rewards of whatever good deeds we are doing. Even daily routines like eating, drinking, sleeping, waking up, travelling etc can be a source of great reward by having good intentions.

Intention is such an easy thing which can yield rewards without spending and making a hard struggle. Rewards can be earned without making physical efforts. A moment with full attention to a given intention can turn a whole day to a day of worship. It is like turning dust into gold. Making good and lofty intentions are beneficial for every man and woman who is engaged in the performance of virtuous deeds. So the more good intentions we have for doing a good act the more reward we will get for that specific good act.

So we must always check our hearts in order to focus and align our intentions to that of ONLY doing EVERY good act to please Allah alone



2. Schedule & monitor daily worship



One of the best ways we can maximise each day in Ramadan is to schedule and plan our time effectively. By doing so we will have clearly defined goals and targets which will make it easier for us to achieve our goals and targets each day. In this way we can also monitor our daily progress & make adjustments accordingly.

We must be careful though not to "burnout" or overwhelm ourselves by doing more than we can handle. So we should set ourselves realistic goals & targets of what we can achieve each day & how much worship we will do and what changes we will make etc. This will help us to plan each hour of everyday in Ramadan and also monitor our daily progress.

Download Daily Ramadan worship check and hourly scheduler:

Daily Ramadan Worship check

Ramadhaan Planner.pdf


Ramadan hourly scheduler





3. Recite the Qur'an as much as possible



Ramadan is the month of the Qur'an:

"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)

Therefore the Qur'an should be recited in abundance:

Az-Zuhri used to say upon the coming of Ramadan, “It is only about reciting the Qur’an and feeding the poor.”

Abdur-Raziq said, “When Ramadan came, Sufyan Ath-Thawri would give up all acts of (voluntary) worship and devote himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.”

Outside of Ramadaan there are 10 rewards for reciting each letter of the Qur'an:

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) says: "Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the hasanah is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is (considered as) a letter, rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter, and Meem is a letter." [At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darimi]

But in the blessed month of Ramadhan ALL good deeds are multiplied by a minimum of 70 so there will be 70 rewards or more for reciting each letter of the Qur'an. So can you imagine how much reward we will gain for reciting the entire Qur'an just once if not more? Subhaanallah!

Therefore make a realistic target of how much Qur'an you want to recite each day. For eg 1 Juz (chapter) half a juz, 4 pages etc. We should aim to complete the Qur'an at least once by the end of Ramadan.

We should also read the meanings of the Qur'an and contemplate over the words of Allah and implement what we learn into our daily lives.


4. Implementing Sunnah's into every aspect of our day


Following the Sunnah is a command from Allah:

"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31)

Surely if we follow the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)in every aspect of our daily lives then everything we do will become like a worship to Allah even going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing and undressing etc

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi)

So let us revive the Sunnah and practise it in every aspect of our day so that everything we do becomes like a worship to Allah.

Download Beautiful Daily Sunnah's




5. Pray the Sunnah and Nafil (Voluntary) prayers


What better way of drawing closer to Allah than doing voluntary good deeds:

Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:

....and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection, I will protect him..." [Bukhari]

Want the company of Rasuallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah?

Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." (Muslim)

Fulfilling a fard prayer is one of the most rewarded good deeds a Muslim can do but in Ramadan Nafil prayers are rewarded the same as Fard prayers and Fard prayers are rewarded 70 times or more. Subhaanallah! What other time of the year are Nafil prayers rewarded equal to that of a fard prayer?

Therefore we should strive to pray as many Nafils as we can in order to gain these huge rewards!Make a habit of praying 2 rakah Nafils whenever you are free and reap the rewards of a fard prayer for each Nafil!


Here are some Nafil prayers we can all do everyday this Ramadan:


1. Rewards for praying 12 Raka'ahs Sunnah everyday: 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr and 2 Sunnah of Maghrib:

The mother of the believers, Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that she heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day and night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Reported by Muslim)


2. Salaatul Duhaa (Can be prayed from 15-20 mins after sunrise until 20 minutes before Dhuhr)


'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)

The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. [Mishkat, Tirmizi, Ibn Majah]

3. 4 Rakah Sunnah before Fard of Zuhr, 2 Rakah Sunnah and 2 Rakah Nafil after Fard of Zuhr

Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer and four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)

4. 4 Rak'aah Sunnah of Asr

Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: "May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (rak'ahs) before 'Asr prayer." (Abu Dawud)

5. If anyone enters a mosque, he should offer two rak`ahs before sitting.

Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

6. Tahiyyatul Wudu - 2 Rakah prayer after doing Wudu (Ablution)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”


7. The MOST REWARDING Nafil Prayer of all is Tahajjud

Allah Most High said, “Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of the night, and (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for its recital, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised estate.” [Qur’an, 17: 78-79]

Imam Abu Sa'id al-Khadimi said,

"There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer." [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]

The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur'an and prophetic hadiths:

1. The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 rakats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]

2. Its optimal recommended amount is 8 rakats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions). [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]

3. Lengthier recitation of Qur'an is superior to a larger number of rakats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtar, Radd al-Muhtar]

If you don't know much Qur'an then recite what you know or recite 3 X Surah Ikhlas in each rakah to gain reward of reciting entire Qur'an.

4. It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short rakats, because of the hadith of Abu Hurayra that the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "It you get up for night prayer, start with two short rakats." [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]

During the month of Ramadan we should awaken a little earlier for Sehri and make time to pray Tahajjud Salaah for the reward is magnified so much more in Ramadan and duas are even more readily accepted than at any other time of the year. So we should repent and ask of Allah and try to cry in their dua's at this time, if one cannot cry due to the hardness of ones heart due to sin then at least one should make the face as if one is crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quickly and promptly when it cries the same way Allah attends to his servant quicker when they are crying.

Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, "I cannot pray at night." He said, "Your sins have prevented you."


6. Doing excessive Dhikr (Remembrance) of Allah


Mu`adh ibn Jabal said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "The People of Paradise will not regret except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by and in which they made no remembrance of Allah." Narrated by Bayhaqi in Shu`ab al-iman (1:392 #512-513)

The highest rank in Jannah for those who remember Allah the most:

Abu Sa`id narrates: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked, "Which of the servants of Allah is best in rank before Allah on the Day of resurrection?" He said: "The ones who remember him much." I said: "O Messenger of Allah, what about the fighter in the way of Allah?" He answered: "Even if he strikes the unbelievers and mushrikin with his sword until it broke, and becomes red with their blood, truly those who do dhikr are better than him in rank." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, and Bayhaqi)

Therefore we should remember Allah as much as is possible and glorify him night and day in Ramadan for not only is his remembrance is the best of deeds & will elevate our position in Jannah but for every Dhikr we recite we will gain much greater rewards. We should remember Allah by our heart and not just by our tongue and contemplate over his magnificence and creations.

Here are some light, easy and very rewarding Dhikr and glorification we can do throughout the Ramadan:

1. Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee

2. Subhanallah

3. Alhamdulillah

4. Allahu Akbar

5. Laa ilaha ilallah

6. LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH

7. Asthaghfirullah

8. SUB-HAN'ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM'DIHI,

9. Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm

10. Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr

Or the shortened version:

11. Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer

One should also recite the durood that one recites in one's Salaah or the shortest durood is Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim


7. Repentance & Dua


Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:

"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186]

The place of duaa is so high to Allah, that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) had said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than du`a." [Sahih al-Jami` no.5268].

Almighty Allah also said: "The most excellent worship is du`a." [Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1133]

We should spend much of Ramadan in dua asking of Allah. What better time of year to ask for forgiveness than the month of mercy Ramadan.

Allah loves repentance and loves those who turn to him in repentance:

Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance, and He loves those who keep themselves in purity. (Qur'an 2:222)

So we should strive and do their utmost to gain the mercy of Allah especially towards the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.

The main Dua for forgiveness in Laylatul Qadr is the following:

Aisha (Ra) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' “

"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee" (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

Gaining forgiveness on laylatul Qadr

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

We should sincerely repent for past and present sins with the intention of not repeating them again and ask of Allah Ta’aala to help us prevent ourselves from doing them again and ask Allah to perfect our characters and to help us improve ourselves in everyway possible.

Therefore We should be very busy in Dua as much as we can throughout Ramadan particularly in the latter part of the night at Tahajjud time and especially in the last 10 odd numbered nights.



8. Behave in the best manner & control the tongue



We should strive to be of those with the best of characters and manners as that is what will elevate us in the hereafter:

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alahi wasallam) used to say:

The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character. (Related by al-Bukhari)

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character, (Hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud).


The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant." (Tirmidhi)

Humbleness is to humble oneself to one who is below you. If you find someone who is younger than you, or of less importance than you, you should not despise him, because he might have a better heart than you, or be less sinful, or closer to Allah than you. Even if you see a sinful person and you are righteous, do not act in arrogance towards him, and thank Allah that He saved you from the tribulation that He put him through.

Al-Nawawi said:

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said :“And no one humbles himself before Allaah but Allaah will raise him (in status).”

Remember:

Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink" (Bukhari)

Therefore we should not use foul speech or slander, backbite or lie in this most blessed month and if we continue to do so then Allah is not in need of us fasting.

Know that the purpose of fasting is for us to perfect our character and change ourselves for the better. If we are not willing to make the necessery changes to ourselves but continue in evil speech and actions then we will only gain hunger from fast and tireness from praying.

So let us strive to be the best in behaviour & the best towards others whether Muslim or Non Muslim. Let us control our tongue & think before we speak!


Let us strive to perfect our manners, character and conduct and know that these good deeds will be of the heaviest on the scales and will enable us to reach the highest ranks of Jannah



9. Worship the last 10 nights of Ramadan & I'thiqaaf



The last ten days of Ramadan are very precious indeed:

Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim).

Hazrat Aishah (RA) reported that during the last ten days of Ramadan; the Messenger of Allah would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). (Bukhari)

Hazrat Aisha (Ra) reported that with the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Saw) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)

So we need to tighten all of our belts especially in these last ten days and do as much as we can to thank Allah and worship him and ask him for forgiveness.


I'tikaf

I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the Masjid with the intention of becoming closer to Allah by doing constant remembrance, glorification and worship of Allah Ta’aala.

One should perform as many Nafil prayers as possible and recite much of the Qur’an and its meanings, read books on Islam and keep ones lips moist with the constant glorification and remembrance of Allah ta’aala.

`Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, "Used to perform i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Said reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I'tikaf during the last ten [nights]." (Bukhari)

We can also do what’s called Nafil I’thikaf where one can obtain reward for as long as one is in the Masjid even if it is for a short while.

So every time we enter the Masjid we should make intention of doing Nafil I’thikaf for as long as we are in the Masjid we will get rewarded inshallah depending on how long we stay. If we don’t stay at the Masjid for the full ten days then we should at least strive to stay at the Masjid as much as possible during the odd nights or last 5-7 days.



10. Giving in charity

Ramadan is a time of remembering those with less than us. It is also a time of generosity and giving.

Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur'an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Spending in the way of Allah is of the best of deeds and will save us from the fire:

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Charity wipes out sins as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)

Charity should be paid secretly: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Righteous deeds protect a person from an evil end; a charity spent in secret extinguishes Allah’s wrath; and maintaining good ties of kinship increases ones lifespan.” (Tabaraani)

Removing harmful objects from people’s way is also a charity: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:“I saw a man enjoying himself in Paradise (simply) because he removed from a road a tree that used to harm people.” (Muslim)

So let us give as much as we can in the path of Allah & know that we will get SO much more in return in the hereafter especially during Ramadan.


Conclusion

My brothers and sisters on the day of judgement we will BEG each other for just one good deed but we will not be able to get even one as we will all be in desperate need on that day.

So this Ramadan is the best opportunity for us to make the necessery changes to ourselves so that we can get closer to Allah and work towards the hereafter which is our ultimate and final destination.


May Allah enable us to maximise each second of Ramadan and make it a salvation for us in the Hereafter. Ameen!


^ Credit goes to 'the_truth' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

A Day in a Faster’s Life

(Ramadhan Projects)

Do you want to protect yourself from the thirst of 50.000 years on the Day of Judgment?

When you fast one day in Ramadhan, this means you fast for 14 hours = 50.000 seconds.

Do you imagine that these 50.000 seconds protect you from the thirst of 50.000 years on the Day of Judgment?

This means that one second in Ramadhan equals an entire year of the years of thirst and heat on the Day of Judgment!!

Dear brother and sister, Ramadhan, once missed, cannot be recovered. It is enough that you missed many Ramadhans in your life. If you fell once, rise up and do not despair.

Let this Ramadhan be as if it were the last in your life. So, whet your resolution and start Ramadhan projects with us as much as possible:

Project (1): How to be a multi-millionaire in 30 days

• Do you know that the good deeds of reciting the whole Qur’an on regular days = 3.3 million good deeds (it means that it cancels 3.3 million bad deeds).
  
• Multiplication of good deeds in Ramadhan makes the reward of umrah in Ramadhan = the reward of performing hajj with the Prophet (Peace be upon him).
  
• Then, what about the recitation of the whole Qur’an in Ramadhan? Here are hundreds of millions of good deeds in your hands. Would you let them go, then you shall regret every single good deed you lost on the Day of Judgment? Recitation of the whole Qur’an will make your balance more than that of millionaires and billionaires!!
  

Project (2): Ramadhan has changed me
(Taraweeh) preparation project)

Taraweeh is: the restful night prayer in Ramadhan

• Prepare the part of the Qur’an to be recited at night during the taraweeh prayer. Read it after afternoon prayer with deliberation and reflection and you will realize the profound difference in your concentration at taraweeh prayer. (In this way, you will achieve two recitations of the whole Qur’an: the one at taraweeh and the one after afternoon prayer).
• If possible, read the interpretation of that part or listen to a cassette on the same topic. Then you would achieve a rare recitation of the whole Qur’an: study recitation. You can then say that there is a real change in Ramadhan.

Do not say that this is difficult … (The average length of the interpretation of each part of the Qur’an in -Sa’di’s Interpretation- is only 29 pages).

Project (3): Lost Treasure

• · Many people waste their time after iftar although that if you read just one part of the Qur’an you will recite the whole Qur’an during the month. What prevents you from doing that: is it a comic program? Or an interview with an artist?

Project (4): What are you waiting for, brother? (Repentance Knights)

• Promise Allah (the Almighty) in Ramadhan to repent every day from a certain sin and never perpetrate it again. On the first day, give up smoking; on the second, give up forbidden mingling with the other sex; on the third, stop listening to the forbidden songs; on the fifth, clean your mobile and hard desk from anything that can cause Allah’s wrath etc. (Try as much as possible to use television and the Internet beneficially in Ramadhan, and ever after).

Project (5): What are you waiting for, sister? (Ramadhan Female Knights)

• · Wear full hijab in Ramadhan, that of Lady Fatimah and Lady ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them). For if you do not obtain Allah’s mercy while all doors of paradise and the seven heavens are open, when then?

Project (6): Night Worshippers (Knights of Night Vigil Prayers)

• Read this amazing hadith: (Every night in Ramadhan, Allah descends to the nearest heaven and asks: Is there no one asking forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there no one asking sustenance that I may grant him sustenance? Is there no one under trial that I may relieve him? Is there not such-and-such, is there not such-and-such, and so forth until dawn rises.’) [Narrated by Ibn Majah with a weak chain and corrected by al-Albani.]
• Allah (the Almighty) descends every night of the year during the last third of the night but in Ramadhan it is two thirds. Night in Ramadhan is a valuable opportunity for relief and forgiveness. What a chance for all of us!!
• · You can sleep tight only if you do not have sins, if you do not need anything from Allah (the Almighty), and if you do not long for the nearness of Allah in Paradise.

Project (7): First Kick

• · Let the beginning of the month the strongest. Once Ramadhan starts whet your resolution and insist that the first night would be the night Allah (the Almighty) protects you from hellfire. Let every night in Ramadhan be like that. (Every night Allah frees people from hellfire.) [Corrected by al-Alabni] You have 60 chances for protection from hellfire: every day and every night. One of them is enough; let it be!!

Project (8): Daily Seven Hajjs (pilgrimages) in Ramadhan

• 5 hajjs: do you know that if you go to perform ablution once you hear athan (prayer call) and then head to the mosque to pray, you will have the reward of hajj. (Whoever walks to an obligatory prayer in congregation, it is like hajj, and whoever walks to a voluntary prayer, it is like a voluntary umrah.) (Saheeh Al Jaami` and corrected by al-Albani). The woman at home has the same reward.
• Another hajj: (Whoever prays fajr-morning prayers-in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two rakats, he will receive the reward of hajj, and umrah – complete, complete, complete.) [Saheeh Al Jaami` and corrected by al-Albani] This means you will have the reward of 30 times of hajj and umrah in Ramadhan.
• · Another hajj: the Prophet (Peace be upon him) once said that the reward of attending a scholarly lesson is like that of hajj. If you pray taraweeh and listen to the brief sermon among the rakats, this would be a lesson. Be sensible and do not waste the reward of seven times of hajj daily.
  

Project (9): Keys of Allah’s Treasures

• Do you know that in Ramadhan you have 60 supplications that will be rewarded? This means that 60 problems of your life can be solved or 60 dreams can come true. (For every Muslim, there is a rewarded supplication on every day and night) [Corrected by al-Albani].
• If the richest person in the world gave you 60 blank checks, you would be in the air!! Allah (the Almighty) gives you 60 rewarded supplications.
  

(Keep a small supplications booklet in your pocket and read in order not to waste the keys of Allah’s treasures).

Project (10): The Night of Life

The Night of Power is 12 hours that are better than one thousand months, that is, better than 720.000 hours (3/4 million hours). During that Night the hour is better than 60.000 hours (the ayah of the Qur’an during that Night is better than 60.000 ayahs in other nights and the rak’a is better than 60.000 rakats etc.) Indeed, (the one deprived from its bliss is the deprived indeed) [Hadith Sahih]
It is really life night, visit your relatives, invite people to iftar (time of eating after fasting), call those you have a problem with, pray as much as possible, and forgive those who have wronged you.

Project (11): Be a Companion

(An umrah in Ramadhan is like accompanying me on hajj). [Sahih al-Bukhari] Only umrah in Ramadhan can make you like the Companions in accompanying the Prophet (Peace be upon him).

Project (12): Increase and Extend your Sustenance

Do you have a problem in sustenance? Do you search for a rewarding job? Do you want a good husband? Do you want to have children? Do you want a good wife? (Whoever wants an increase in his sustenance and that the marks of his feet remain for a long time in the world (i.e. to live long) – he should be kind and helpful to his relatives.) Do not forget to invite your relatives and neighbors for iftar in Ramadhan.

Project (13): 30 Places in Paradise

These are not 30 palaces in the Riviera or the Northern Coast; they are in Paradise. Observe 12 rakats of sunnah every day (2 before fajr, 4 before noon and 2 after, 2 after maghrib, and 2 after isha.)

Project (14): Fasting Insurance

Every faster you invite for iftar gives you the reward of another fasting day in Ramadhan and the reward of one day can be multiplied by ten. If you invite 36 fasters it is as if you fasted 360 days, that is, as if you made the whole year an elongated Ramadhan. (Do not forget Ramadhan charity bag, putting date boxes at the Mosque, giving people date while going to the mosque, iftar of people on highways, and other situations).

Project (15): Da’wah Knights

• Allah (the Almighty) helped the Companions in Ramadhan and they won in the Battle of Badr and the Conquest of Makkah, so what victory will Allah help you to achieve in Ramadhan?
• Ramadhan is the month in which the sinners would like to listen to religion; so, seize this opportunity and struggle with your money and effort. Distribute cassettes and CDs among the undevouts and let them promise to listen to them. Distribute the copies of the Qur’an among your friends to get the reward.

Project (16): Intensive Care Project

I’tikaaf (seclusion) in the last ten days; the lives of many youth changed due to I’tikaaf and the writer is among them. Try that in order to be brought up again during these days.

Project (17): Direction of the Monies of Zakaat and Charity

• Islam Call Society (Tableegh al-Islam) which helped thousands to embrace Islam.

Dear Muslim brothers and sisters everywhere do not let anything divert you away from good deeds in Ramadhan. Do not forget to call non-Muslims to Islam politely and decently through your words and deeds and prayer for them.

coloured jpg download
word document download

This is a great Ramadan reminder that I received from a friend.May Allah bless her with great rewards for sharing.Ameen.

[/LIST]I will only paste the message in English language.For the rest of the languages please visit my blog


Jazaka Allah khairan and May Allah guide us and bless us and make this our best Ramadan in sha Allah.Ameen.

Allah knows the best. (Allaahu Alim)


^ Credit goes to 'revert' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

The beginning of Ramadan is very very near, and therefore, better you invest to update this thread with more information of Ramadan, and keep this thread active with discussion relating to Ramadan, and share the knowledge one may have, and to share the knowledge itself is very Rewarding indeed.

Don't be shy. Our Brothers and Sisters of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s Ummaah!

THINGS WHICH BREAKS THE FAST


1) Eating or drinking breaks the sawn.

2) Sexual intercourse even if there is no emergence of semen.

3) Smoking

4) Inhaling smoke by one's own action. E.g. inhaling the smoke of incense, etc.

5) Application of medication into the ****.

6) Swallowing any substance or object which is not normally, consumed as food or medicine, e.g. pebbles, paper, a com, etc.

7) Pouring oil into the ear.

8) Saliva mingled with blood will break- the fast if the taste of blood is discernible when swallowing.

9) Eating deliberately after having eaten mistakenly. (Eating mistakenly does NOT break the fast).

10) Water slipping down the throat while making wudhu even if not done deliberately.

11) DELIBERATELY inducing oneself to vomit WILL break the fast if the vomit is a mouthful. If the emergence of vomit cannot be
restrained, the vomit will be said to be a mouthful. Vomiting less than a mouthful will not break the fast even if it is deliberately induced

12) A food particle the size of a chana (about the size of a half a pea), becoming unstuck from the teeth and slipping down the throat.

13) Applying drops of medicine into the nostrils.

14) [I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap]. In addition to it nullifying the saum. It is an immoral AND a sinful act. The perpetrator has been CURSED by Rasulullah {Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam**. (Note: I know Al-Albani said it doesn't BUT that was just one of his many errors)

15) Medical test undertaken by women in which any instrument, etc. Is internally inserted.

16) Ejaculation as a result of caressing and fondling the wife even if there was no sexual intercourse.




THINGS WHICH DO NOT BREAK THE FAST


1) Eating, drinking or indulging in sexual relation FORGETFULLY. This means that at the time of committing act. One does not remember the fast. However, if one continues even momentarily after recalling the fast, the Saum will be nullified.

2) Applying eye drops.

3) Water entering the ear.

4) Vomiting, no matter how much. This refers to vomiting which is NOT self-induced. For the rule regarding self-induced vomiting, (see above no. 11)

5) Smoke, which is inhaled unintentionally, not by one's volition or conscious action.

6) Applying Surmah into the eye.

7) Smelling anything fragrant providing that there are NO vapors.

8) A food particle less than the size of a chana becoming unstuck from the teeth.

9) Swallowing saliva and slime.

10) Injection. The injection of medicine into the body will not break the fast providing that the medicine does not reach the brain or stomach.

11) Blood in the saliva will not break the fast if the blood is LESS than the saliva. This fact will be recognized if the taste of the blood is not discerned.

12) Using a miswak to clean the teeth even if the miswak is fresh and has a taste.

13) Breast-feeding the baby.

14) If during wudhu water slips down the throat while one does not remember the saum, the fast will not break.

15) Ejaculation of semen during sleep.

16) Ejaculation caused by imagination.

17) Janabat or the state of Hadath-e-Akbar which is purified by ghusl. If one has not taken ghusl and Sahri time ends, the fast is valid.




THINGS WHICH DO NOT BREAK THE FAST, BUT WHICH ARE MAKROOH DURING SAUM


{Some things, while not breaking the fast are nevertheless Makrooh to do during fasting. Makrooh means detestable and in this context Makrooh things ARE SINFUL! Makrooh things bring about a decrease in the committing of the Saum. It is, therefore, essential to abstain from committing Makrooh acts. The following acts are Makrooh during fasting.**

1) Tasting. Tasting food, etc., is Makrooh if done unnecessarily. If an ill-tempered husband shows his unjustified wrath when food has not been prepared to satisfy his taste, it will be permissible for the wife to taste the food while she is preparing it. As long as nothing goes down her throat, her fast will be valid and her act of tasting will not be Makrooh.

2) Using powder OR paste to clean the teeth. If anything of these substances slips down the throat the saum is nullified.

3) Caressing, fondling or kissing the wife. If ejaculation does not occurs, the saum will be valid.

4) To rinse the mouth at time other than when making wudnu.

5) To put water in the nose at time other than when making wudhu.

6) To take ghusl merely for cooling.

7) To swim.

8) To unnecessarily apply ointment to the lips. If, however, due to pair caused by cracked lips, ointment is applied, care should be taken to prevent licking the ointment.

9) To unnecessarily chew something to soften it, for example.

10) To eat when in doubt as regards the existence of Sahri time. If later it transpires that Shari time had in fact expires, qadha will be obligatory.

11) To make Iftar (I.e. to break the fast) when in doubt as to the time of sunset. If it transpires that the time when iftar was made the sun had not yet set. Quadha will be obligatory.

12) Participating in un-Islamic activities such as watching TELEVISION and PLAYING GAMES such as chess, draughts, monopoly, ETC., The thawa of the Saum is destroyed by indulgence in such unlawful activities.

13) Gheebat or back-biting.

14) To gargle the mouth when making wudhu.

{KITTABUS-SAUM can Insha'Allah be found at the following link:
http://inkofscholars.com/mujlis/ebook/31.html**
Feel free to copy & paste it to where ever you deem necessary

Assalamu Walakum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatu!


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have asked one important question which is extremely important especially for Asthma Patient. As i, being Asthma patient, got the answers i needed is thank to Brother 'eclipse' from WakeUPProject - WUP. Very knowledgeable person he is, and May Allaah (SWT) rewards him with full of happiness forever, Ameen!

Answer:

Source - Islam Question and Answer - Using a puffer for asthma does not invalidate the fast

Don't waste your times on unnecessary things that consume your valuable times which should be better spent for seeking the knowledge of Holy Qur'aan to study, and understand much better, and we should try in Ramadan month at least, which happens once for the whole month of every year.

The answers are beautiful summarized, to the QUOTE wrapped now.

Source - Islam Question and Answer - Ruling on playing chess

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55m4VHV8VIk&feature=player_embedded]‪Sheikh Imran Hosein @An Naim - Fasting & Power.mp4‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]


[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRKLHyFelV0&feature=player_embedded]‪In the Shade of Ramadan - Yahya Ibrahim‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]


‪Ramadhan - The Month of Victory (mini documentary)‬‏ - YouTube

Muslim Fasting – The Sunnah Traditions of Ramadan

Fasting According to the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad


There are five things that Prophet Mohammad never gave up and were reported by Hafsah, "There are five things that the Prophet never abandoned: fasting the day of 'Ashurah, fasting the [first] ten [days of Zhul-Hijjah], fasting three days of every month and praying two rak'ah before the dawn prayer." This is related by Ahmad and an-Nasa'i.

Suhoor is A Blessing to Those Who Will Submit

After the niyah (intention) is made silently, a light meal called suhoor before the beginning of the fast is necessary when following the Sunnah traditions of Ramadan. Suhoor can be as little as a date and a few sips of water but is very necessary as the angels ask for forgiveness for the Muslim partaking of suhoor.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Have suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing (barakah)." (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, 4/139).

Keeping Away From Sins


The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever does not stop speaking falsehood and acting in accordance with it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink." (Al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, no. 1903).

Being the Most Generous

Another Sunnah tradition of Ramadan is being very generous. It is a time to help the poor and the needy and to give the best, not the worst. It is a time when all Muslims should rush to help those in need. Prophet Mohammad never refused anyone who asked of him.
"The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was more generous in doing good than a blowing wind." (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath no. 6).

Rush to Break the Fast

Another Sunnah tradition of the prophet was to rush to break the fast. When breaking the fast say, "Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala ridhqika aftartu" (O Allah! For You did I fast and with Your bounties did I break the fast.). Prophet Mohammad use to break the fast with fresh dates. If fresh dates were not available then dried dates and if dried dates were not available, then water. After eating the dates and drinking the water, Prophet Mohammad prayed.

It is important not to overfill the stomach when breaking the fast. The Sunnah states to fill the stomach with 1/3 food, 1/3 water and to leave 1/3 empty. Then after the meal is finished say, "The thirst has gone and the veins have recovered and the blessing is established if Allah wills" (dhahaba dhamaa'a wabtallat al-urooq wa thabatal ajr inshaa'allaah) [Ahmad, Al-Baihaaqee].



^ Credit to 'HIBBA2009' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

Influence of Ramadan fasting on enzymes in small intestine and liver of rats


The digestion and absorption of food components are major functions of the intestinal mucosa. Fasting dramatically alters these functions.

Ramadan fasting in man results in increased serum lipids, uric acid, urea, and a decrease in blood glucose, lactate and pyruvate, indicating alterations in metabolic activities. The changes in urine volume, osmolarity, total solutes and ions (Sodium and Potassium) and urea produce no adverse health effects on renal function. Basal metabolism slows down, whereas body fat is utilized efficiently during Ramadan fasting. HDL cholesterol increases whereas LDL cholesterol decreases with Ramadan fasting. Owing to different dietary habits and physical activities, both a gain and a loss, and sometimes no change, in body weight have been reported after Ramadan fasting.

The influence of Fasting on enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and brush border membrane (BBM) in rat intestine and liver was determined. The activities of enzymes involved in glucose oxidation (eg. Lactate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase) and its production (eg. Fructose 1,6-biphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase) markedly increased in mucosal and liver homogenates in Ramadan fasting compared with controlled rats. However, the enzymes of the BBM involved in the terminal digestion and/or absorption of nutrients decreased in intestine but increased in liver.

The results support that Ramadan Fasting results in specific intestinal and liver metabolic adaptations. Indeed, the activities of enzymes belonging to various metabolic pathways, for example glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and gluconeogenesis, profoundly increased in both the intestine and liver with Ramadan fasting.

At the end of 30 days, body weight in rats was slightly but insignificantly lower in Ramadan Fasting rats compared to control rats. The loss of body weight in human subjects has been attributed to either dehydration or loss of body fat during the course of fasting. The lowering of serum glucose, cholesterol and LDH activity in rats is in partial agreement with the reported decrease in blood glucose, lactate and pyruvate in people after Ramadan fasting.

The enzymes involved in glucose degradation and production were significantly enhanced in both the mucosa and the liver. Anaerobic glycolysis, compared with oxidative metabolism, has been shown to be the major source of energy in the rat intestine. Oxidative metabolism in addition to glycolysis becomes involved in increased energy production during prolonged intermittent Ramadan Type Fasting. Increased fatty acid oxidation may result in enhanced activities of enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle.

Fasting is known to produce extensive morphological as well as biochemical changes in the small intestine and liver; these include decreased mucosal weight, a reduction in the number and length of microvilli and hence a lowering of the total surface area of the villi and microvilli. Refeeding, in contrast, causes a reversal of these effects. Furthermore, the activities of certain enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism decrease after fasting and are restored upon refeeding. In contrast, gluconeogenesis is known to increase with fasting and decrease upon refeeding. A rapid degradation of various proteins and enzymes has also been reported by fasting, whereas refeeding results in increased protein/enzyme synthesis.

Conclusion: Ramadan Fasting in rats results in specific adaptive changes in the metabolic activities of both the intestine and the liver. The increased activities of enzymes involved in the degradation as well as the production of glucose suggest that Ramadan fasting enhances nutrition and energy metabolism

My uncle also asked this question to a number of imams a few years back since my auntie has very bad asthma and all gave the same answer. They also mentioned that things like intravenous injections/drips do break the fast although they enter the blood directly and not through the stomach.

Assalamu - Alaikum!

I am not really aware about intravenous injections/drips that break the fast, and if your Aunty has very bad asthma which requires more than just simply Inhaler that support to breath system alive to the lung, and your Aunty case is quite complicated, and it's probably more than that. I don't really know what to say on this, except this if there are greater chance of these (your Aunty procedure) that can lead to break the fast, then better not fast then. Allaah (SWT) knows best and May Allaah (SWT) forgives me if i am wrong. Allaah (SWT) is All Knowing, All Wise, and All Aware of What we did, we do, and we are gonna do. I am sure Allaah (SWT) will be okay with your Aunty not to have fast, as Allaah (SWT) always shows mercy to unhealthy Muslim people. Fear not.

The Race for doing Good Deeds is ON!!!


Hasan al-Basri who was a very pious man who lived just after Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said that he once passed by a group of people who were laughing merrily.



He said: ‘God, Great and Glorious is He, has made the month of Ramadan a race course, 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 God, 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.’



In too full of joy to indulge in idle sport, while for one who has suffered rejection laughter will be precluded by remorse.


So waste NO second in this most precious month for each second wasted will be a cause for UTTER regret in the hereafter!

15 Easy Good deeds to do throughout Ramadan!



1. Sitting after Fajr remembering Allah until sunrise:

“Whoever prays fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays 2 rakats of salat has a complete reward of (Nafil) Hajj and Umrah. (The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) repeated the word ‘complete’ 3 times for emphasis) [Tirmidhi]

2. A house in Jannah for praying 12 Sunnah each day:

“Allah will build house in Jannah for whoever is diligent in obsering 12 sunnah rakat (as follows) 4 rakat before and 2 after Dhur, 2 after the Maghrib, 2 after Ishaa, and 2 before Fajr.” [Tirmidhi]

3. Attending lectures in the Masjid.

“Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj” [Tabarani]

4. Visiting a sick Muslim.

“There is no Muslim who visits a sick muslim early in the morning but 70 thousand angles send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, 70 thousand angles send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in paradise.” [Tirmidhi]


5. Providing food for breaking the fast.

“Whoever provides food for breaking of the fast for a fasting person receives the reward of the fasting person, without the reward of the fasting person being reduced in any way.” [Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah]

6. Standing in prayer on Laylatul Qadr.

“Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months.” [Quran 97:3]

So it is, superior to approx 83 years of worship! Subhaanallah most do not even live for that long!

7. Millions of Good deeds remembering Allah whilst shopping:

“Whoever enters a market and says:

‘Laa ilaha illallah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khair, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadeer’

[There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, He causes life and feath and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent]

… Allah will write for him/her a million good deeds and erase a million bad deeds and raise him a million levels.” [Tirmidhi]


8. That Which Shall Have no Equal on the Day of Resurrection:

Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:”

Whoever says one hundred times in a day:

“La ilaha illal-lah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in qadir,”

{”None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Alone Who has no partners, to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He has power over all things (i.e. Omnipotent)”,}

he will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night, and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he.” [Bukhari,Book #75, Hadith #412]

9. Asking Allah to forgive ALL Muslims.

“Whoever seeks forgiveness for beleiving men and believing woman, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [Tabarani]

That is a reward for EVERY believer we make dua for. Since it is Ramadan then we get 70 good deeds for every believer we make dua for. So for simple dua taking a few seconds will give us BILLIONS of good deeds! Subhaanallah!

10. Forgiveness like the foam of the sea:

- Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:
‘Whoever says: Subhanallah wa bi hamdih (Praise and glory be to Allah)

100 times, morning and evening, his sins will be erased even if they are like the foam on the sea.” [Bukhari]

- Jaa’bir (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:
“For the person who recites: SUB-HAN’ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM’DIHI, (Pure and perfect is Allah in his glory and praise) –

A date palm will be planted for him in Paradise” [Tirmidhi]

11. Thousand Good deeds in 2 Minutes

If a person says “Subhanallah” (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. [B][Muslim]

12. Being pleased on the Day of Resurrection:

Allah has promised that anyone who says this three times every morning or evening will be pleased on the Day of Resurrection:

“رَضِيتُ باللهِ رَبَّاً، وَبِالْإِسْلَامِ دِيناً، وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ صَلَى اللهُ عَلِيهِ وَسَلَّمَ نَبِيَّاً”.

Radheetu billaahi Rabban, wa bil-’Islaami deenan, wa bi-Muhammadin (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallama) Nabiyyan.

I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion and with Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as my Prophet. [Fortress of the Muslim]

13. Reciting three phrases heavy on the scales:

Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith reported: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there and said,”Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “I recited four phrases three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are:

Subhan-Allah wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida-a nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi

{Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise).” [Muslim]

14. A Rare treasure of Paradise:

Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Should I not tell you of one treasure of the unlimited treasures of Paradise?” I replied spontaneously “Oh Rasulallah that would be an honour indeed!” Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “That rare treasure is: LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH.”

(“The strength to do good and to refrain from evil comes from the grace and mercy of Allah!”) [Ibn Majah]

15. Beautiful Supplication for Forgiveness:

Shaddad bin Aus (RA) narrates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:
“The best supplication for seeking forgiveness (Syed-ul-Istighfar) is to say:

`Allahumma Anta Rabbi, la ilaha illa Anta, khalaqtani wa ana `abduka, wa ana `ala `ahdika wa wa`dika mastata`tu, a`udhu bika min sharri ma sana`tu, abu‘u laka bini`matika `alayya, wa abu‘u bidhanbi faghfir li, fa innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa Anta.

(O Allah! You are my Rubb. There is no true god except You. You have created me, and I am Your slave, and I hold to Your Covenant as far as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge the favours that You have bestowed upon me, and I confess my sins. Pardon me, for none but You has the power to pardon).’

He who supplicates in these terms during the day with firm belief in it and dies on the same day (before the evening), he will be one of the dwellers of Jannah; and if anyone supplicates in these terms during the night with firm belief in it and dies before the morning, he will be one of the dwellers of Jannah.” [Al-Bukhari].


So let us not be in UTTER regret on the day of judgement:

Hadhrat Mu’az (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “THE INHABITANTS OF PARADISE WILL NOT BE GRIEF-STRICKEN OR SORROWFUL ABOUT ANYTHING THEY DID IN THE LIFE OF THE WORLD EXCEPT FOR THE TIME THEY SPENT WITHOUT BEING IN THE DHIKR-(REMEMBRANCE) OF ALLAH.” – [Tab’raani]

Therefore let us act upon these EASY good deeds throughout Ramadan and until our very last breath.

“Whoever draws near to Allaah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.”– Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.


^ Credit to 'Abu Talib' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

O you who believe, Ramadan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah is constantly testing His creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve infinite, endless Bliss. Fasting is a complete purification and a means to developing the consciousness of Allah's presence. The consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) is a protection against the schemes of Shaitan, and the suffering of this world. Allah has informed us that, "Whoever keeps his duty to Allah (has taqwa), He ordains a way out for him and gives him sustenance from where he imagines not. And whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah attains His purpose. Allah has appointed a measure for everything." (65:2)

Many Muslims today have a misconception about fasting and the activities of a fasting person. They go into a state of semi-hibernation, spending most of their daylight hours in bed. If they fear Allah, they wake up for prayer, but then return to sleep immediately. This unnatural sleep makes them become lazy, dull-witted and often cranky.

Ramadan is actually a time of increased activity wherein the believer, now lightened of the burdens of constant eating and drinking, should be more willing to strive and struggle for Allah. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, passed through approximately nine Ramadans after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission to Allah.

In the first year after the Hijrah, the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, sent Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders to Saif al Bahr to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish who had camped suspiciously in that area. The Muslims were about to engage the disbelievers, but they were separated byMajdy ibn Umar al-Juhany. The Hypocrites of Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid ad-Dirar). The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, ordered this masjid to be destroyed in Ramadan.

On the seventeenth of Ramadan, 3 A.H., Almighty Allah separated truth from falsehood at the Great Battle of Badr. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, and 313 of his companions set out to intercept a caravan of their own goods that had been left in Makkah. It was led by Abu Sufyan himself, and estimated at 50,000 dinars. They were met, instead, by a well-equipped army of the nobility of Quraish, intend on putting out the light of Islam. Despite being outnumbered three to one and appearing weak and unseasoned, the Muslims defended their faith with a burning desire to protect the Prophet and meet their Lord through martyrdom. Allah gave them a decisive victory on this day of Ramadan, that would never be forgotten.

In 6 A.H., Zaid ibn Haritha was sent to Wadi al-Qura at the head of a detachment to confront Fatimah bint Rabiah, the queen of that area. Fatimah had previously attacked a caravan led by Zaid and had succeeded in plundering its wealth. She was known to be the most protected woman in Arabia, as she hung fifty swords of her close relatives in her home. Fatimah was equally renowned for showing open hostility to Islam. She was killed in a battle against these Muslims in the month of Ramadan.

By Ramadan of 8 A.H., the treaty of Hudaibiyya had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the North. Muhammad, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, felt the need to strike a fatal blow to disbelief in the Arabian Peninsula and conquer the city of Mecca. Allah has declared His Sanctuary a place of peace, security and religious sanctity. Now the time had come to purify the Ka`bah of nakedness and abomination. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam set out with an army having more armed men than al-Madinah had ever seen before. People were swelling the army's ranks as it moved toward Makkah. The determination of the believers, guided by the Will of Allah, became so awesome that the city of Makkah was conquered without a battle, on 20 Ramadan. This was one of the most important dates in Islamic history for after it, Islam was firmly entrenched in the Arabian Peninsula. During the same month and year, after smashing the idols of Makkah, detachments were sent to the other major centers of polytheism and al-Lat, Manat and Suwa, some of the greatest idols of Arabia, were destroyed.

Such was the month of Ramadan in the time of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam. It was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding the evil, and striving hard with one's life and wealth. After the death of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, Muslims carried on this tradition and Allah used the true believers to affect the course of history. Ramadan continued to be a time of great trials and crucial events.

Ninety-two years after the Hijrah, Islam had spread across North Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria. Spain was under the tyrannical rule of King Roderic of the Visigoths. Roderic had forced his six millions serfs and persecuted Jews to seek the aid of the Muslims of North Africa in order to be delivered. Musa ibn Husair, the Umayyad governor of North Africa, responded by sending his courageous general Tariq ibn Ziyad at the head of 12,000 Berber and Arab troops. In Ramadan of that year, they were confronted with a combined Visigoth army of 90,000 Christians led by Roderic himself, who was seated on a throne of ivory, silver, and precious gems and drawn by white mules. After burning his boats, Tariq preached to the Muslims warning them that victory and Paradise lay ahead of them and defeat and the sea lay to the rear. They burst forth with great enthusiasm and Allah manifested a clear victory over the forces of disbelief. Not only was Roderic killed and his forces completely annihilated, but also Tariq and Musa succeeded in liberating the whole of Spain, Sicily and parts of France. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of Al-Andalus where Muslims ruled for over 700 years.

In the year 582 A.H., Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi, after battling with the Crusaders for years, finally drove them out of Syria and the whole of their occupied lands in the month of Ramadan. The Muslim world was then destined to meet one of its most frightening challenges.

In the seventh century A.H. the Mongols were sweeping across Asia destroying everything that lay in their path. Genghis Khan called himself "the scourge of God sent to punish humanity for their sins". In 617 A.H., Samarkand, Ray and Hamdan were put to the sword causing more than 700,000 people to be killed or made captive. In 656 A.H., Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, continued this destruction. Even Baghdad, the leading city of the Muslim world, was sacked. Some estimates say that as many as 1,800,000 Muslims were killed in this awesome carnage. The Christians were asked to eat pork and drink wine openly while the surviving Muslims were forced to participate in drinking bouts. Wine was sprinkled in the masjids and no Azan (call to prayer) was allowed. In the wake of such a horrible disaster and with the threat of the whole Muslim world and then Europe being subjected to the same fate, Allah raised up from the Mamluks of Egypt, Saifuddin Qutz, who united the Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on 25th of Ramadan, 458 A.H. Although they were under great pressure, the Muslims with the help of Allah, cunning strategy and unflinching bravery crushed the Mongol army and reversed this tidal wave of horror. The whole of the civilized world sighed in relief and stood in awe at the remarkable achievement of these noble sons of Islam.

Today, the Muslim world is faced with drought, military aggression, widespread corruption and tempting materialism. Surely we are in need or believers who can walk in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, the illustrious Sahabah, Tariq ibn Ziyad, Qutuz, Salahuddin and the countless heroes of Islam. Surely we are in need of believers who are unafraid of the threats of the disbelievers, yet kind and humble to the believing people; Muslims whose fast is complete and not just a source of hunger and thirst.

May Allah raise up a generation of Muslims who can carry Islam to all corners of the globe in a manner that befits our age, and may He give us the strength and the success to lay the proper foundations for them. May Allah make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadan and after it, and may He not make us of those who say what they do not do. Surely Allah and His Angels invoke blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad. O you who believe, send blessings and peace to him forever.


From TurnToIslam (TTI).

In Ramadan, the Mu’min has certain legislated duties which the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) has clarified in his Sunnah, through his statements and actions since it is the “season of goodness, because the blessings of Allaah upon his slaves during this month are more than the other months.” [Fath al-Barriy(1/31)]. These duties consist of certain things of the legislated matt ers that are preformed during the whole month, of righteous actions and good deeds.

First - Fasting:

- The virtue of fasting in general is tremendous, due to the statment of the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) : “Every action of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting; it is for Me (Allaah). One whom Muhammad’s soul is in His hand, the smell of the breath of the fasting person is more beloved with Allaah than the smell of musk.” (Muslim)

Imaam al-Mazry said (in al-Mu’alim bifawaid Muslim – this book highlights the benefi ts found in saheeh Muslim) (2/41): “Allaah specifies here the fasting by saying “it is for Me” even though all good actions that are sincere are for Allaah Most High, except that in fasting there is no riya’ (showing off ), such as can be found in other than it. This is due to it being an act in which the slave is stopping and keeping himself from doing something. And the situation of the one restraining himself during fasting due to being full and satisfied or not having the means of attaining what he wants, and the one restraining due to seeking to come closer to Allaah is the same. Rather, the intention and what is concealed in the heart is what matters in this situation. As for Salaah, Hajj, and Zakah these are all actions that are bodily/physical and are performed outwardly, so riya’ (showing off ), and seeking recognition for that is possible. So, due to these reasons, fasting was specified out of everything else.”

- On top of this high merit for fasting in general, there is specific merit for the month of Ramadan; due to the statement of Prophet (sal-Allaahu`alayhe wa sallam) : “Who ever fasts Ramadan, believing and counting on his reward with Allaah, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Agreed upon from the hadeeth of Abu-Hurriara). The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) also said: “Fasting the month of Sabr (patience) and three days from every month is equal to fasting the whole year.” (Nasa’i, Ahmad, al-Thayalisy, al-Bayhaqi, from the hadeeth of Abu-Hurriara with an authentic chain) “Ramadan is also known as the month of patience.” (Al-Tamhid /61/19).

Ibn abd-Albar said: “as-Sawm (fasting) in the Arabic tongue is also understood to be Sabr (patience). Verily the patience will be rewarded without any reckoning.”

Abu-Bakr al-Anbaary said: “Sawm (fasting) is called patience because it is to restrict oneself from eating, drinking, intercourse, and desires.”

Second - al-Qiyaam (standing for at- Taraweeh prayer):

It is a Sunnah to pray at-Taraweeh in Jama’ah (congregation) for the entire duration of the blessed month, due to the saying of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) : “Whoever stands with the Imaam in prayer until he is finished, a whole nights reward of prayer is written for him.” (abu-Dawud, Tirmdi, Nasai, and Ibn-Nasir from Abi-Daar through an authentic chain)

Likewise, concerning the virtue of the Qiyaam, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: “Whoever stands for Ramadan believing and anticipating his reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Agreed upon)

The most complete guidance in respect to the number of Rak’ahs to pray in Qiyaam, regardless whether it is in Ramadan or other than it, is what has been authentically narrated from the actions of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) of up to eleven Rak’ahs, because he (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) is the complete leader and role model to be followed.

Third - Sadaqah (charity):

“Verily, the Prophet was most charitable and giving in Ramadan.” (Agreed upon)

This generosity is encompassing of all the types of charity, and good dealings, for verily “al-Jooud (openhandedness) is giving widely and in abundance.” (Lataif al-ma’arif, for Ibn Rajab pg. 173) This encompasses many of the good acts and deeds.

Fourth - Feeding the fasting person:

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) encouraged this much. He informed of the great reward for doing so as well. He said: “Who ever feeds a fasting person will have like that person’s reward, except the reward of the fasting person will not decrease in the least.” (Ahamad, and al-Tirmidi, and Ibn-Majjah from way of Zayed ibn-Kalid through an authentic chain.)


Fifth - Reading the Quran:

The month of Ramadan is the month of the Qur’aan. Allaah says: “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).” (al-Baqarah, 185)

And in the practiced sunnah of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) , the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) actualized this reality. Jibreel would review with him the Qur’aan every night of Ramadan. (Bukhaari)

Six - Ummrah:

Bukhaari and Muslim narrated the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said, “Umrah preformed in Ramadan is equal to making a Hajj with me.” Look – may Allaah have Mercy on you- to this merit, how virtuous it is and how great!

Seven - trying to attain the night of al- Qadr:

Allaah says (Surat al-Qadr):

1. Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the night of al-Qadr (Decree).

2. And what will make you know what the night of al-Qadr (Decree) is?

3. The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allaah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).

4. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel] by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees,

5. Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allaah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.

In the two saheehs that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: “Whoever stands in prayer the night of al-Qadr believing and anticipating his reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.”

The night of al-Qadr is one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. From A’isha as has been recorded by al- Tirmidi, and Ibn-Majjah through and authentic chain - A’isha, may Allaah be pleased with her, said: “I asked the Messenger of Allaah: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said: ‘Say: O Allaah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’“ (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

- This - my brothers and sisters - is a summary of what duties are upon the believer in this blessed month. As for the complete duty that is binding upon the Muslim to uphold in this month of Patience, is to avoid evil, be patient upon harm, guard the stomach, to hold firm to the legislations of al-Islaam, and to tread upon the sunnah of the Prophet.

By: Shaykh Ali ibn Hassan al-Halabi


^ Credit to 'Abu Talib' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

The Inner Dimensions of Fasting

by Imam Al-Ghazali





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 God, 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 God, 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 God. 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 God, Great and Glorious is He, to the neglect of everything other than God, 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.

See Not What Displeases God

A chaste regard, restrained from viewing anything that is blameworthy or reprehensible, or that distracts the heart and diverts it from the remembrance of God, Great and Glorious is He. Said the Prophet, on him be peace: ‘The furtive glance is one of the poisoned arrows of Satan, on him be God’s curse. Whoever forsakes it for fear of God 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 God’s Messenger, on him be peace, said: ‘Five things break a man’s Fast: lying, backbiting, gossiping, perjury and a lustful gaze.’

Speak Not…

Guarding one’s tongue from idle chatter, lying, gossiping, obscenity, rudeness, arguing and controversy; making it observe silence and occupying it with remembrance of God, 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 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 God’s 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 God’s Messenger, on him be peace, requesting permission to break their Fast. In response, the Prophet, on him be peace, 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 Prophet, on him be peace, said: “These two women have been Fasting from what God made lawful to them, and have broken their Fast on what God, Exalted is He, made unlawful to them. They sat together and indulged in backbiting, and here is the flesh of the people they maligned!”‘

Hear Not…

Closing one’s ears to everything reprehensible; for everything unlawful to utter is likewise unlawful to listen to. That is why God, 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]

God, 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. God, 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.’

Do Not…

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 Fast like this may be compared to one who builds a castle but demolishes a city. Lawful food 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 Prophet, on him be peace: ‘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.

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 God, Great and Glorious is He, than a belly stuffed full with lawful food. Of what use is the Fast as a means of conquering God’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 which 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 (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 represents the night on which something of this Kingdom is revealed. This is what is meant by the words of God, 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 God, Great and Glorious is He. That is the entire matter, and the starting point of it all is cutting down on food.

Look To God 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 God, 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 that he once passed by a group of people who were laughing merrily. He said: ‘God, 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 God, 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.’ In 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 God, Glorified is He, is easier to endure than His punishment.’

Such are the inwardly significant meanings of Fasting.

Source: The Inner Dimensions of Fasting | MuslimVillage.com

Hope everyone is in the best of health and iman inshaAllah.I found this article to be very benificent,hope you will find it helpful as well inshaAllah.

How To Avoid Some Common Problems Encountered In Ramadan

This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.

During the holy month of Ramadan, 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 overweight, Ramadan is an ideal time to normalize 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, wholemeal 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.
T
he foods eaten should be well balanced, containing foods 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, heartburn, and weight problems.

AVOID
Fried and fatty foods.
Foods containing too much sugar.
Over-eating especially during the meal before Dawn (sehri. or suhur)
Too much tea during the meal before Dawn (sehri. or suhur). 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 Ramadan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely.

EAT
Complex carbohydrates during the meal before Dawn (sehri. or suhur) 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 (Breaking fasting) and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.
Common Medical Problems:

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 and 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 Ramadan. 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 (Breaking Fasting).

Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganize 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 during the meal before Dawn (sehri or suhur). The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.

Remedy: Eat something at suhur (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 Ramadan 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 Ramadan.

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: The increased pressure on the knee joints during Salat. 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. Being physically fit allows greater fulfillment, thus enabling one to be able to perform Salat with ease.



^ Credit goes to 'Kashif_Nazeer' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

When to start and stop fasting

(38) Once the entire disk of the sun has disappeared, the fasting person should break his fast, and not pay any attention to the red glow that remains on the horizon, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Once night comes from there and the day disappears from there, and the sun has set, the fasting person should break his fast.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, no. 1954; the issue is also mentioned in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 25/216).

The Sunnah is to hasten in breaking the fast. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would not pray Maghrib until he had broken his fast, if only with a sip of water. (Reported by al-Haakim, 1/432; al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 2110).

If a fasting person cannot find anything with which to break his fast, he should have the intention in his heart to break his fast, and he should not suck his finger, as some of the common people do. He should beware of breaking the fast before the correct time, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw some people hanging from their hamstrings with blood pouring from the corners of their mouths, and when he asked about them, he was told that they were people who broke their fast before it was time to do so.” (The hadeeth is in Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1986, and in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/420).

If a person is certain, or thinks it most likely, or is not sure whether he broke the fast before the proper time, he should make up the fast later on, because the basic principle is that the day is still there and has not ended. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/287).

He should beware of relying on the word of small children or untrustworthy sources, and he should also beware of the time differences between different cities and villages when he hears the adhaan on the radio and so on.

(39) When the dawn comes – which is the white light coming across the horizon in the East – the fasting person must stop eating and drinking straightaway, whether he hears the adhaan or not. If he knows that the muezzin calls the adhaan at dawn, he has to stop eating and drinking as soon as he hears his adhaan, but if the muezzin calls the adhaan before Fajr, he does not have to stop eating and drinking when he hears it.

If he does not know the muezzin’s usual practice, or there are differences among the muezzins, and he cannot determine the time of dawn for himself – as is usually the case in cities because of lighting and buildings – he should take the precaution of referring to a printed timetable, so long as he is sure that the calculations on which it is based are not incorrect.

The idea of being on the safe side by stopping eating and drinking a certain time before Fajr, such as ten minutes before, is bid’ah. On some timetables you can see one heading for “imsaak” (stopping eating and drinking) and another for Fajr; this is something that is contrary to Islam.

(40) The Muslims living in cities where there is a distinct alternation of night and day in every twenty-four hour period are obliged to fast, no matter how long the day is, so long as that distinction between night and day is there. In some places there is no such distinction between night and day; Muslims in these places should fast according to the times in the nearest city in which there is a distinct alternation of night and day.

Things that break the fast

(41) Apart from hayd (menstruation) and nifaas (post-natal bleeding), other things that can break the fast are only considered to do so if the following three conditions apply: if a person knows that it breaks the fast and is not ignorant; if he is aware of what he is doing and has not forgotten that he is fasting; if he does it of his own free will and is not forced to do it.

Among the things that break the fast are actions that involves the expulsion of bodily fluids, such as intercourse, vomiting, menstruation and cupping, and actions that involve ingesting matter, such as eating and drinking. (Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 25/148)

(42) Among the things that break the fast are things that are classified as being like eating or drinking, such as taking medicines and pills by mouth, or injections of nourishing substances, or blood transfusions.

Injections that are not given to replace food and drink but are used to administer medications such as penicillin and insulin, or tonics, or vaccinations, do not break the fast, regardless of whether they are intra-muscular or intravenous. (Fataawa Ibn Ibraaheem, 4/189).

But to be on the safe side, all these injections should be given during the night.

Kidney dialysis, whereby the blood is taken out, cleaned, and put back with some chemicals or nourishing substances such as sugars and salts added, is considered to break the fast. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/190).

According to the most correct view, suppositories, eye-drops, ear-drops, having a tooth extracted and treating wounds do not break the fast. (Majmoo’ Fataawa Shaykh al-Islam, 25/233, 25/245).

Puffers used for asthma do not break the fast, because this is just compressed gas that goes to the lungs – it is not food, and it is needed at all times, in Ramadaan and at other times.

Having a blood sample taken does not break the fast and is permissible because it is something that is needed. (Fataawa al-Da’wah: Ibn Baaz, no. 979).

Medicines used by gargling do not break the fast so long as they are not swallowed. If a person has a tooth filled and feels the taste of it in his throat, this does not break his fast. (From the fataawa of Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz, issued verbally).

The following things do NOT break the fast:

Having the ears syringed; nose drops and nasal sprays – so long as one avoids swallowing anything that reaches the throat.

Tablets that are placed under the tongue to treat angina and other conditions - so long as one avoids swallowing anything that reaches the throat.

Anything inserted into the [I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap], such as pessaries, douches, scopes or fingers for the purpose of a medical examination.

Insertion of a scope or intra-uterine device (IUD or “coil”) and the like into the uterus.

Insertion into the urethra – for males or females – of a catheter, opaque dye for diagnostic imaging, medication or solutions for cleansing the bladder.

Dental fillings, tooth extractions, cleaning of the teeth, use of siwaak or toothbrush - so long as one avoids swallowing anything that reaches the throat.

Rinsing, gargling or applying topical mouth sprays - so long as one avoids swallowing anything that reaches the throat.

Subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injections – except for those used to provide nourishment.

Oxygen.

Anaesthetic gases – so long as the patient is not given nourishing solutions.

Medications absorbed through the skin, such as creams and patches used to administer medicine and chemicals.

Insertion of a catheter into veins for diagnostic imaging or treatment of blood vessels in the heart or other organs.

Use of a laparoscope (instrument inserted through a small incision in the abdomen) to examine the abdominal cavity or to perform operations.

Taking biopsies or samples from the liver or other organs – so long as this is not accompanied by the administration of solutions.

Gastroscopy – so long as this is not accompanied by the administration of solutions or other substances.

Introduction of any instrument or medication to the brain or spinal column.

(43) Anyone who eats and drinks deliberately during the day in Ramadaan with no valid excuse has committed a grave major sin (kabeerah), and has to repent and make up for that fast later on. If he broke the fast with something haraam, such as drinking alcohol, this makes his sin even worse. Whatever the case, he has to repent sincerely and do more naafil deeds, fasting and other acts of worship, so as to avoid having any shortfall in his record of obligatory deeds, and so that Allaah might accept his repentance.

(44) “If he forgets, and eats and drinks, then let him complete his fast, for Allaah has fed him and given him to drink.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, no. 1933). According to another report, “He does not have to make the fast up later or offer expiation (kafaarah).”

If a person sees someone else who is eating because he has forgotten that he is fasting, he should remind him, because of the general meaning of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“…Help one another in righteousness and piety…” [al-Maa’idah 5:2],

and the hadeeth, “if I forget, remind me”; and because of the principle that this is an evil action (munkar) that must be changed. (Majlis Shahr Ramadaan, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, p.70)

(45) Those who need to break their fast in order to save someone whose life is in danger, may break their fast and should make it up later on. This applies in cases where someone is drowning, or when fires need to be put out.

(46) If a person is obliged to fast, but he deliberately has intercourse during the day in Ramadaan, of his own free will, where the two “circumcised parts” (genitals) come together and the tip of the [I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap] penetrates either the front or back passage, his fast is broken, whether or not he ejaculates, and he has to repent. He should still fast for the rest of the day, but he has to make up the fast later on, and offer expiation (kafaarah), because of the hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him):

“Whilst we were sitting with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), a man came to him and said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, I am doomed!’ He said, ‘What is the matter with you?’ He said, ‘I had intercourse with my wife whilst I was fasting.’ The Messenger of Allaah said, ‘Do you have a slave whom you could set free?’ He said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Can you fast for two consecutive months?’ He said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Do you have the wherewithal to feed sixty poor people?’ He said, ‘No’…” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, 4, no. 1936).

The same ruling also applies in cases of zinaa (adultery or fornication), homosexuality and bestiality.

[Translator's Note: Having Intercourse from the back passage, adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality are major sins in Islam and are magnified if done during the day of Ramadan.]

If a person has intercourse during the day on more than one day during Ramadaan, he must offer expiation for each day, as well as repeating the fast for each day. Not knowing that kafaarah is obligatory is no excuse. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/321).

(47) If a man wants to have intercourse with his wife but he breaks his fast by eating first, his sin is more serious, because he has violated the sanctity of the month on two counts, by eating and by having intercourse. It is even more certain in this case that expiation is obligatory, and if he tries to get out of it, that only makes matters worse. He must repent sincerely. (See Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 25/262).

(48) Kissing, hugging, embracing, touching and repeatedly looking at one’s wife or concubine, if a man is able to control himself, is permissible, because it is reported in al-Saheehayn from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to kiss and embrace his wives whilst he was fasting, but he was the most in control of his desire. With regard to the hadeeth qudsi, “he keeps away from his wife for My sake”, this is referring to intercourse.

But if a person get aroused quickly and is unable to control himself, then it is not permissible for him to kiss or embrace his wife, because that will lead to him breaking his fast, as he cannot be sure that he will be able to avoid ejaculating or having intercourse. Allaah says in a hadeeth qudsi: “and he leaves his desire for My sake.” The Islamic guideline is that anything that leads to haraam is also haraam.

(49) If a person is engaged in the act of intercourse and dawn comes, he is obliged to withdraw, and his fast will be valid even if he ejaculates after withdrawal, but if he continues having intercourse until after dawn, he has broken his fast, and he must repent, make the fast up later, and offer expiation.

(50) If morning comes and a person is in a state of janaabah (impurity following sexual intercourse), this does not affect his fasting. He or she is permitted to delay doing ghusl, whether it is for janaabah or following menstruation or post-natal bleeding, until after the sun has come up, but it is better to hasten to do ghusl so that one can pray.

(51) If a person who is fasting sleeps and experiences a wet dream, this does not break his fast, according to scholarly consensus (ijmaa’), so he should complete his fast. Delaying doing ghusl does not break the fast, but he should hasten to do ghusl so that he can pray and so that the anegls will draw close to him.

(52) If a person ejaculates during the day in Ramadaan because of something that he could have refrained from, such as touching or repeatedly looking at a woman, he must repent to Allaah and fast for the rest of the day, but he also has to make up that fast later on. If a person starts to [I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap][I need to wash my mouth with soap] but then stops, and does not ejaculate, then he has to repent but he does not have to make the fast up later on, because he did not ejaculate. The person who is fasting must keep away from everything that may provoke his desire, and he must repel any bad thoughts that come to him. However, according to the most correct opinion, if he emits prostatic fluid (madhiy), this does not break his fast.

The emission of wadiy, a thick sticky substance that comes out after urination, with no sense of physical pleasure, does not break the fast, and a person does not have to do ghusl, but he does have to do istinjaa’ (clean his private parts) and do wudoo’. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/279)

(53) “Whoever vomits unintentionally does not have to make up the fast later on, but whoever vomits on purpose does have to make up the fast.” (Saheeh hadeeth narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3/89).

A person who vomits deliberately, by sticking his finger down his throat or applying pressure to his stomach, or deliberately smelling a repulsive odour, or looking at something that could make him vomit, is obliged to make up the fast later on. If he feels that he is about to vomit, but then it subsides by itself, this does not break his fast, because it is not something that he can control, but if the vomit comes into his mouth and he swallows it back down, this does break the fast. If a person feels sick in his stomach, he does not have to suppress the urge to vomit, because this could cause him harm. (Majaalis Sharh Ramadaan, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 67).

If a person unintentionally swallows something that is stuck between his teeth, or if it is so small that he could not tell it was there or spit it out, this is counted as being part of his saliva and it does not break his fast. But if it is big enough to spit out, he should spit it out. If he spits it out, this is OK, but if he swallows it, this breaks his fast. If it can be diluted in the mouth, in whole or in part, and it has an added taste or sweetness, it is haraam for him to chew it. If any of this substance reaches the throat, this breaks the fast. If a person spits out water after rinsing his mouth, his fast is not affected by any moisture or wetness that is left behind, because he cannot help it.

If a person suffers from a nosebleed, his fast is still valid, because this is something that is beyond his control. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/264).

If he has gum ulcers or his gums bleed after using the siwaak (tooth stick), it is not permissible for him to swallow the blood; he has to spit it out. However, if some blood enters his throat by accident, and he did not mean for that to happen, there is no need to worry. Similarly, if vomit rises in his throat then goes back down to his stomach without him intending for this to happen, his fast is still valid. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/254).

With regard to mucus coming from the head (nose and sinuses) and phlegm coming from the chest by coughing and clearing the throat, if it is swallowed before it reaches the mouth, this does not break a person’s fast, because it is a problem which all people have; but if it is swallowed after it reaches the mouth, this does break the fast. However, if it is swallowed unintentionally, it does not break the fast.

Inhaling water vapours, as may happen to people working in desalination plants, does not break the fast. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/276).

It is disliked (makrooh) to taste food unnecessarily, because this carries the risk that the fast may be broken. Examples of cases where it is necessary to taste food include a mother chewing food for an infant when she has no other way to feed him, tasting food to make sure that it is OK, and tasting something when making a purchase. It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “There is nothing wrong with tasting vinegar or anything that one wishes to buy.” (Classed as hasan in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 4/86; See al-Fath, commentary on Baab Ightisaal al-Saa’im, Kitaab al-Siyaam).

(54) Using siwaak is Sunnah for the one who is fasting at all times of the day, even if it is wet. If a person who is fasting uses a siwaak and detects some heat or other taste from it and swallows it, or if he takes the siwaak out of his mouth and sees saliva on it then puts it back in his mouth and swallows the saliva, this does not break his fast. (al-Fataawa al-Sa’diyyah, 245).

He should avoid any substance that can be diluted, such as the green siwaak, or siwaak that has any extra flavour added to it, like lemon or mint. He should spit out any small pieces that come off the siwaak in his mouth; he should not swallow them deliberately, but if he swallows them accidentally, there is no harm done.

(55) If a fasting person is injured or suffers a nosebleed, or gets water or petrol in his mouth by accident, this does not break his fast. If he gets dust, smoke or flies in his mouth by accident, this does not break his fast either. Things that one cannot avoid swallowing, like one’s own saliva, or dust from grinding flour, do not break the fast. If a person gathers a lot of saliva in his mouth then swallows it on purpose, this does not break the fast, according to the most correct opinion. (al-Mughni by Ibn Qudaamah, 3/106).

If tears reach one’s throat, or if a person applies oil to his hair or moustache, or uses henna, and then detects the taste of it in his throat, this does not break his fast. Using henna, kohl or oil does not break the fast. (See Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 25/233, 25/245). This also applies to creams used to moisturize and soften the skin.

There is nothing wrong with smelling pleasant fragrances, using perfume or applying scented creams and the like. There is nothing wrong with a fasting person using bukhoor (incense), so long as he does not use it as snuff. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/314).

It is better not to use toothpaste during the day, and to leave it till night-time, because it is too strong. (Al-Majaalis, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, p. 72).

(56) To be on the safe side, it is better for the fasting person not to be treated with cupping (hijaamah). There is a strong difference of opinion on this matter. Ibn Taymiyah suggested that the one who has cupping done breaks his fast, but the one who does it does not break his fast.

(57) Smoking breaks the fast, and it cannot be used as an excuse not to fast. How can a sin be taken as an excuse?!

(58) Immersing oneself in water or wrapping oneself in wet clothes in order to cool down does not break the fast. There is nothing wrong with pouring water over one’s head to obtain relief from heat and thirst. Swimming is disliked, because it might make one break the fast (by swallowing water). If a person’s work involves diving and he can be sure that he will not get water in his mouth, there is nothing wrong with this.

(59) If a person eats, drinks or has intercourse, thinking that it is still night, then he realizes that dawn has already broken, there is no harm done, because the aayah clearly states that it is permissible to do these things until one is sure that dawn has come. ‘Abd al-Razzaaq reported with a saheeh isnaad going back to Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he said: “Allaah has permitted you to eat and drink so long as there is any doubt in your mind.” (Fath al-Baari, 4/135; this is also the opinion of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 29/263).

(60) If a person breaks his fast, thinking that the sun has already set when it has not, he must make up the fast later on (according to the majority of scholars), because the principle is that it is still day, and a fact that is certain cannot be rejected in favour of something doubtful. (Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah thought that it was not necessary for a person in this situation to make up the fast).

If dawn breaks and a person has food or drink in his mouth, the fuqaha’ are agreed that he should spit it out, and his fast is valid. This is like the ruling on one who eats or drinks because he forgets, then remembers he is fasting – if he hastens to spit out the food or drink in his mouth, his fast is still valid.



^ Credit to ''a_muslimah86' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

Rulings on fasting for women

(62) A woman who has reached the age of puberty, but is too shy to tell anyone, so she does not fast, has to repent and make up the days she has missed, as well as feeding a poor person for each day, as an act of expiation for delaying her fast, if the following Ramadaan comes and she has not yet made up those days. Her case is like that of a woman who fasts the days of her period out of shyness, and does not make them up later.

If a woman does not know exactly how many days she has missed, she should fast until she is fairly certain that she has made up the days she had missed and not made up from previous Ramadaans, and offer the expiation for delaying for each day. She can do this at the same time as fasting or separately, depending on what she is able to do.

(63) A woman should not fast – except during Ramadaan – if her husband is present without his permission, but if he is travelling then it does not matter.

(64) When a menstruating woman sees the white substance – which is discharged by the uterus when the period is finished – by which a woman knows that she has now become taahir (pure), she should have the intention to fast from the night before and should fast. If she does not have a time when she knows she is taahir, she should insert a piece of cotton or something similar, and if it comes out clean, she should fast, and if she starts to bleed again, she should stop fasting, whether the blood is a flow or just spotting, because it breaks the fast as long as it comes at the time of the period. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/154).

If the cessation of bleeding continues until Maghrib, and she has fasted with the intention from the night before, then her fast is valid. If a woman feels the movement of menstrual blood inside her, but is does not come out until after the sun has set, her fast is valid and she does not have to make the day up later.

If a woman’s period or post-natal bleeding ceases during the night, and she makes the intention to fast, but dawn comes before she is able to do ghusl, according to all the scholars her fast is valid. (al-Fath, 4/148)

(65) If a woman knows that her period will come tomorrow, she should still continue her intention and keep fasting; she should not break her fast until she actually sees the blood.

(66) It is better for a menstruating woman to remain natural and accept what Allaah has decreed for her by not taking any medication to prevent her from bleeding. She should be content with what Allaah accepts from her of breaking her fast during her period and making those days up later. This is how the Mothers of the Believers and the women of the salaf were. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/151).

Moreover, there is medical evidence to prove that many of the things used to prevent bleeding are in fact harmful, and many women have suffered from irregular periods as a result of taking them. However, if a woman does that and takes something to stop the bleeding, then fasts, this is OK.

(67) Istihaadah (non-menstrual vaginal bleeding) does not have any effect on the validity of the fast.

(68) If a pregnant woman miscarries and the foetus is formed or has a discernible outline of any part of the body, such as a head or hand, then her blood is nifaas; if, however, she passes something that looks like a blood clot (‘alaq) or a chewed piece of meat that has no discernible human features, her bleeding is istihaadah and she has to fast, if she is able, otherwise she can break her fast and make it up later on. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/224).

Once she becomes clean after having an operation to clean the womb (D&C), she should fast. The scholars stated that the embryo is considered to start taking shape after 80 days of pregnancy.

If a woman becomes clean from nifaas before forty days, she should fast and do ghusl so that she can pray. (al-Mughni ma’a al-Sharh al-Kabeer, 1/360).

If the bleeding resumes within forty days after the birth, she should stop fasting, because this is still nifaas. If the bleeding continues after the fortieth day, she should make the intention to fast and do ghusl (according to the majority of scholars), and any bleeding beyond the fortieth day is considered to be istihaadah (non-menstrual bleeding) – unless it coincides with the usual time of her period, in which case it is hayd (menstrual blood).

If a breastfeeding woman fasts during the day and sees a spot of blood during the night, although she was clean during the day, her fast is still valid. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/150)

(69) According to the most correct opinion, a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding is regarded as being like one who is ill, so she is permitted not to fast, and she only has to make up the days that she missed, whether she fears for herself or for her child. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Allaah has lifted the obligation of fasting and part of the prayer from the traveller, and He has lifted the obligation of fasting from the pregnant and breastfeeding woman.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 3/85; he said (it is a) hasan hadeeth).

If a pregnant woman fasts and experiences some bleeding, her fast is still valid; this does not affect her fast at all. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/225).

(70) In the case of a woman who is obliged to fast, if her husband has intercourse with her during the day in Ramadaan with her consent, then the ruling that applies to him also applies to her. If, however, he forces her to do that, she should do her best to resist him, and she does not have to offer expiation. Ibn ‘Aqeel (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “In the case of a man who has intercourse with his wife during the day in Ramadaan whilst she is sleeping, she does not have to offer expiation.” But to be on the safe side, she should make up that fast later on. (Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) was of the opinion that this did not invalidate her fast at all).

A woman who knows that her husband cannot control himself should keep away from him and not adorn herself during the day in Ramadaan.

Women have to make up the fasts that they miss during Ramadaan, even without their husbands’ knowledge. It is not a condition for an obligatory fast for a woman to have the permission of her husband. If a woman starts to observe an obligatory fast, she is not allowed to break it except for a legitimate reason. Her husband is not permitted to order her to break her fast when she is making up a day that she has missed; he is not allowed to have intercourse with her when she is making up a missed fast, and she is not allowed to obey him in that regard. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/353).

In the case of voluntary fasts, a woman is not permitted to start a non-obligatory fast when her husband is present without his permission, because of the hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“No woman should fast when her husband is present except with his permission.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 4793).

In conclusion, this is what I was able to write about issues concerning fasting. I ask Allaah to help us to remember Him, thank Him and worship Him properly, and to end our Ramadaan with forgiveness, and to save us from the Fire.

May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad, and his family and companions, and grant them peace.




^ Credit to the same 'a_muslimah86' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

With regard to breastfeeding mothers (and also pregnant women) two scenarios may apply:

-1- If the woman is not affected by fasting, and fasting is not too difficult for her, and she does not fear for her child, then she is obliged to fast, and it is not permissible for her not to fast.

-2- If the woman fears for herself or her child because of fasting, and fasting is difficult for her, then she is allowed not to fast, but she has to make up the days that she does not fast.

In this situation it is better for her not to fast, and it is makrooh for her to fast. Some of the scholars stated that if she fears for her child, it is obligatory for her not to fast and it is haraam for her to fast.

Al-Mirdaawi said in al-Insaaf (7/382):

It is makrooh for her to fast in this case. Ibn `Aqeel said: If a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding mother fears for her pregnancy or her child, then it is not permissible for her to fast in this case, but if she does not fear for her child then it is not permissible for her not to fast.

-------o-------

Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked in Fataawa al-Siyaam (p. 161): If a pregnant woman or breastfeeding mother does not fast with no excuse, and she is strong and in good health, and is not affected by fasting, what is the ruling on that?

He replied:

It is not permissible for a pregnant woman or breastfeeding woman not to fast during the day in Ramadaan unless they have an excuse. If they do not fast because they have an excuse, then they have to make up the missed fasts, because Allaah says concerning one who is sick (interpretation of the meaning):

{and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days} [al-Baqarah 2:185]

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers come under the same heading as those who are sick. If their excuse is that they fear for the child, then as well as making up the missed fasts, according to some scholars they also have to feed one poor person for each day missed, giving wheat, rice, dates or any other staple food. Some of the scholars said that all they have to do is make up the missed fasts, no matter what the situation, because there is no evidence in the Qur'aan or Sunnah for giving food in this case, and the basic principle is that there is no obligation unless proof of that is established. This is the view of Abu Haneefah (may Allaah have mercy on him) and it is a strong view.

-------o-------

Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was also asked in Fataawa al-Siyaam (p. 162) about a pregnant women who fears for herself or her child, and does not fast - what is the ruling?

He replied by saying:

Our answer to this is that one of two scenarios must apply in the case of a pregnant woman.

The first is if she is healthy and strong, and does not find fasting difficult, and it does not affect her foetus. In this case the woman is obliged to fast, because she has no excuse not to do so.

The second is where the pregnant woman is not able to fast, either because the pregnancy is advanced or because she is physically weak, or for some other reason. In this case she should not fast, especially if her foetus is likely to be harmed, in which case it may be obligatory for her not to fast. If she does not fast, then like others who do not fast for a valid reason, she has to make up the days when that excuse no longer applies. When she gives birth, she has to make up those fasts after she becomes pure from nifaas. But sometimes the excuse of pregnancy may be lifted but then immediately followed by another excuse, namely breastfeeding. The breastfeeding mother may need food and drink, especially during the long summer days when it is very hot. So she may need not to fast so that she can nourish her child with her milk. In this case we also say to her: Do not fast, and when this excuse no longer applies, then you should make up the fasts that you have missed.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said in Majmoo` al-Fataawa (15/224):

With regard to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, it is proven in the hadeeth of Anas ibn Maalik al-Ka`bi, narrated by Ahmad and the authors of al-Sunan with a saheeh isnaad, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) granted them a dispensation allowing them not to fast, and he regarded them as being like travelers. From this it is known that they may not fast but they have to make up the fasts later, just like travelers. The scholars stated that they are only allowed not to fast if fasting is too difficult for them, as in the case of one who is sick, or if they fear for their children. And Allaah knows best.

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa`imah (10/226):

The pregnant woman is obliged to fast during her pregnancy, unless she fears that fasting may affect her or her foetus, in which case she is allowed not to fast, and she should make up the fasts after she gives birth and becomes pure from nifaas.

p.s i read somewhere but i just don't remember the link, that mentioned about breastfeeidng mothers who fast.for a baby who is fully being breastfeed and do not depend on external food,doesnt need to fast and if she does it is going to harm ur baby.and u shouldn't fast but u must replace it after ur baby starts to depend on external food.babies usually start depending on external food after 6 months.so even ur still breastfeeding but ur baby can still survive without u feeding him coz there is external food for him,so u should fast at this time even ur milk might reduce and so on.but make sure ur iftar is good and full of liquid.Allah knows the best.

^ Credit to 'revert2007' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

Niyyah (intention) in fasting

(33) Niyyah (intention) is a required condition in fard (obligatory) fasts, and in other obligatory fasts such as making up missed fasts or fasts done as an act of expiation (kafaarah), because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“There is no fast for the person who did not intend to fast from the night before.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, no. 2454. A number of the scholars, such as al-Bukhaari, al-Nisaa'i, al-Tirmidhi and others thought it was likely to be mawqoof. See Talkhees al-Hubayr, 2/188)

The intention may be made at any point during the night, even if it is just a moment before Fajr. Niyyah means the resolution in the heart to do something; speaking it aloud is bid’ah (a reprehensible innovation), and anyone who knows that tomorrow is one of the days of Ramadaan and wants to fast has made the intention. (Majmoo’ Fataawa Shaykh al-Islam, 25/215).

If a person intends to break his fast during the day but does not do so, then according to the most correct opinion, his fast is not adversely affected by this; he is like a person who wants to speak during the prayer but does not speak. Some of the scholars think that he is not fasting as soon as he stops intending to fast, so to be on the safe side, he should make up that fast later on. Apostasy, however, invalidates the intention; there is no dispute on this matter.

The person who is fasting Ramadaan does not need to repeat the intention every night during Ramadaan; it is sufficient to have the intention at the beginning of the month. If the intention is interrupted by breaking the fast due to travel or sickness – for example – he has to renew the intention to fast when the reason for breaking the fast is no longer present.

(34) Making the intention the night before is not a condition of general nafl (supererogatory) fasts, because of the hadeeth narrated by ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who said:

“The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) entered upon me one day and said, ‘Do you have anything [food]?’ We said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘In that case I am fasting.’” (Reported by Muslim, 2/809, ‘Abd al-Baaqi).

But in the case of specific nafl fasts such as ‘Arafaah and ‘Aashooraa’, it is better to be on the safe side and make the intention the night before.

(36) If a person embarks on an obligatory fast, such as making up for a day missed in Ramadaan, or fulfilling a vow, or fasting as an act of expiation (kafaarah), he must complete the fast, and he is not permitted to break it unless he has a valid excuse for doing so. In the case of a naafil fast, “the person who is observing a voluntary fast has the choice either to complete the fast or to break it” (reported by Ahmad, 6/342) – even if there is no reason to break it.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) got up fasting one morning, then he ate. (As reported in Saheeh Muslim, in the story of the al-hais (a type of food) that was given to him as a gift when he was in ‘Aa’ishah’s house; no. 1154, ‘Abd al-Baaqi).

But will the person who breaks his fast for no reason be rewarded for the fasting that he has already done? Some of the scholars say that he will not be rewarded (al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 28/13), so it is better for the person who is observing a voluntary fast to complete it, unless there is a valid, pressing reason for him to stop fasting.

(36) If a person does not know that Ramadaan has started until after dawn, he has to stop eating and drinking for the rest of the day, and he has to make that day up later on, according to the majority of scholars, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“There is no fasting for the one who does not have the intention to fast from the night before.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, 2454).

(37) If a prisoner or captive knows that Ramadaan has begun by sighting the moon himself or by being told by a trustworthy person, he has to fast. If he does not know when the month is beginning, he must try to work it out for himself (ijtihaad) and act according what he thinks is most likely. If he later finds out that his fasting coincided with Ramadaan, this is fine according to the majority of scholars, and if his fasting came after Ramadaan, this is fine according to the majority of fuqahaa’, but if his fasting came before Ramadaan, this is not acceptable, and he has to make up the fast.

If part of his fasting coincided with Ramadaan and part of it did not, what coincided with it or came after it is fine, but what came before is not OK. If the matter never becomes clear to him, then his fasting is fine because he did the best he could, and Allaah burdens not a person beyond his scope. (Al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 28/84).


^ Credit to the same 'A_muslimah86' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

Niyyah (intention) in fasting

(33) Niyyah (intention) is a required condition in fard (obligatory) fasts, and in other obligatory fasts such as making up missed fasts or fasts done as an act of expiation (kafaarah), because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“There is no fast for the person who did not intend to fast from the night before.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, no. 2454. A number of the scholars, such as al-Bukhaari, al-Nisaa'i, al-Tirmidhi and others thought it was likely to be mawqoof. See Talkhees al-Hubayr, 2/188)

The intention may be made at any point during the night, even if it is just a moment before Fajr. Niyyah means the resolution in the heart to do something; speaking it aloud is bid’ah (a reprehensible innovation), and anyone who knows that tomorrow is one of the days of Ramadaan and wants to fast has made the intention. (Majmoo’ Fataawa Shaykh al-Islam, 25/215).

If a person intends to break his fast during the day but does not do so, then according to the most correct opinion, his fast is not adversely affected by this; he is like a person who wants to speak during the prayer but does not speak. Some of the scholars think that he is not fasting as soon as he stops intending to fast, so to be on the safe side, he should make up that fast later on. Apostasy, however, invalidates the intention; there is no dispute on this matter.

The person who is fasting Ramadaan does not need to repeat the intention every night during Ramadaan; it is sufficient to have the intention at the beginning of the month. If the intention is interrupted by breaking the fast due to travel or sickness – for example – he has to renew the intention to fast when the reason for breaking the fast is no longer present.

(34) Making the intention the night before is not a condition of general nafl (supererogatory) fasts, because of the hadeeth narrated by ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who said:

“The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) entered upon me one day and said, ‘Do you have anything [food]?’ We said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘In that case I am fasting.’” (Reported by Muslim, 2/809, ‘Abd al-Baaqi).

But in the case of specific nafl fasts such as ‘Arafaah and ‘Aashooraa’, it is better to be on the safe side and make the intention the night before.

(36) If a person embarks on an obligatory fast, such as making up for a day missed in Ramadaan, or fulfilling a vow, or fasting as an act of expiation (kafaarah), he must complete the fast, and he is not permitted to break it unless he has a valid excuse for doing so. In the case of a naafil fast, “the person who is observing a voluntary fast has the choice either to complete the fast or to break it” (reported by Ahmad, 6/342) – even if there is no reason to break it.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) got up fasting one morning, then he ate. (As reported in Saheeh Muslim, in the story of the al-hais (a type of food) that was given to him as a gift when he was in ‘Aa’ishah’s house; no. 1154, ‘Abd al-Baaqi).

But will the person who breaks his fast for no reason be rewarded for the fasting that he has already done? Some of the scholars say that he will not be rewarded (al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 28/13), so it is better for the person who is observing a voluntary fast to complete it, unless there is a valid, pressing reason for him to stop fasting.

(36) If a person does not know that Ramadaan has started until after dawn, he has to stop eating and drinking for the rest of the day, and he has to make that day up later on, according to the majority of scholars, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“There is no fasting for the one who does not have the intention to fast from the night before.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, 2454).

(37) If a prisoner or captive knows that Ramadaan has begun by sighting the moon himself or by being told by a trustworthy person, he has to fast. If he does not know when the month is beginning, he must try to work it out for himself (ijtihaad) and act according what he thinks is most likely. If he later finds out that his fasting coincided with Ramadaan, this is fine according to the majority of scholars, and if his fasting came after Ramadaan, this is fine according to the majority of fuqahaa’, but if his fasting came before Ramadaan, this is not acceptable, and he has to make up the fast.

If part of his fasting coincided with Ramadaan and part of it did not, what coincided with it or came after it is fine, but what came before is not OK. If the matter never becomes clear to him, then his fasting is fine because he did the best he could, and Allaah burdens not a person beyond his scope. (Al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 28/84).


^ Credit to the same 'A_muslimah86' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

Travelers

(16) For a traveler to be allowed to break his fast, certain conditions must be met. His journey should be lengthy, or else be known as traveling (although there is a well-known difference of opinion among the scholars on this matter), and should go beyond the city and its suburbs.

(The majority of scholars say that he should not break his fast before he passes the city limits. They say that a journey has not really begun until a person passes the city limits, and a person who is still in the city is “settled” and “present”. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “… So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadaan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observes sawm (fasts) that month…” [al-Baqarah 2:185]. He is not counted as a traveler until he has left the city; if he is still within the city, he is regarded as one who is settled, so he is not permitted to shorten his prayers).

His journey should also not be a journey for sinful purposes (according to the majority of scholars), or for the purpose of trying to get out of having to fast.

(17) The traveler is allowed to break his fast, according to the consensus of the ummah, whether he is able to continue fasting or not, and whether is it difficult for him to fast or not. Even if his journey is easy and he has someone to serve him, he is still permitted to break his fast and shorten his prayers. (Majmoo’ al-Fataawaa, 25/210).

(18) Whoever is determined to travel in Ramadaan should not have the intention of breaking his fast until he is actually traveling, because something may happen to prevent him from setting out on his journey. (Tafseer al-Qurtubi, 2/278).

The traveler should not break his fast until he has passed beyond the inhabited houses of his town; once he has passed the city limits, he may break his fast. Similarly, if he is flying, once the plane has taken off and has gone beyond the city limits, he may break his fast. If the airport is outside his city, he can break his fast there, but if the airport is within his city or attached to it, he should not break his fast in the airport because he is still inside his own city.

(19) If the sun sets and he breaks his fast on the ground, then the plane takes off and he sees the sun, he does not have to stop eating, because he has already completed his day’s fasting, and there is no way to repeat an act of worship that is finished. If the plane takes off before sunset and he wants to complete that day’s fasting during the journey, he should not break his fast until the sun has set from wherever he is in the air.

The pilot is not permitted to bring the plane down to an altitude from which the sun cannot be seen just for the purposes of breaking the fast, because this would just be a kind of trickery, but if he brings the plane down lower for a genuine reason, and the disk of the sun disappears as a result, then he may break his fast. (From the fataawa of Shaykh Ibn Baaz, issued verbally).

(20) Whoever travels to a place and intends to stay there for more than four days must fast, according to the majority of scholars. So if a person travels to study abroad for a period of months or years, then according to the majority of scholars – including the four imaams – he is regarded as one who is “settled” there and so he has to fast and pray his prayers in full.

If a traveler passes through a city other than his own, he does not have to fast, unless his stay there is longer than four days, in which case he must fast, because the rulings that apply to those who are settled apply also to him. (See Fataawa al-Da’wah by Ibn Baaz, 977).

(21) Whoever begins fasting while he is “settled” then embarks on a journey during the day is allowed to break his fast, because Allaah has made setting out in general a legitimate excuse not to fast. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“…and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days on which one did not observe sawm must be made up] from other days…” [al-Baqarah 2:185]

(22) A person who habitually travels is permitted not to fast if he has a home to which he returns, such as a courier who travels to serve the interests of the Muslims (and also taxi drivers, pilots and airline employees, even if their travel is daily – but they have to make up the fasts later). The same applies to sailors who have a home on land; but if a sailor has his wife and all he needs with him on the ship, and is constantly traveling, then he is not allowed to break his fast or shorten his prayers. If nomadic Bedouins are traveling from their winter home to their summer home, or vice versa, they are allowed to break their fast and shorten their prayers, but once they have settled in either their summer home or their winter home, they should not break their fast or shorten their prayers, even if they are following their flocks. (See Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Taymiyah, 25/213).

(23) If a traveler arrives during the day, there is a well-known dispute among the scholars as to whether he should stop eating and drinking. (Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 25/212). But to be on the safe side, he should stop eating and drinking, out of respect for the month, but he has to make the day up later, whether or not he stops eating and drinking after his arrival.

(24) If he starts Ramadaan in one city, then travels to another city where the people started fasting before him or after him, then he should follow the ruling governing the people to whom he has traveled, so he should only end Ramadaan when they end Ramadaan, even if it means that he is fasting for more than thirty days, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Fast when everyone is fasting, and break your fast when everyone is breaking their fast.” If it means that his fast is less than twenty-nine days, he must make it up after Eid, because the hijri month cannot be less than twenty-nine days. (From Fataawa al-Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz: Fataawa al-Siyaam, Daar al-Watan, pp. 15-16)

The sick

(25) In the event of any sickness that makes people feel unwell, a person is allowed not to fast. The basis for this is the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“…and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days on which one did not observe sawm must be made up] from other days…” [al-Baqarah 2:185].

But if the ailment is minor, such as a cough or headache, then it is not a reason to break one's fast.
If there is medical proof, or a person knows from his usual experience, or he is certain, that fasting will make his illness worse or delay his recovery, he is permitted to break his fast; indeed, it is disliked (makrooh) for him to fast in such cases. If a person is seriously ill, he does not have to have the intention during the night to fast the following day, even if there is a possibility that he may be well in the morning, because what counts is the present moment.

(26) If fasting will cause unconsciousness, he should break his fast and make the fast up later on. (al-Fataawa, 25/217). If a person falls unconscious during the day and recovers before Maghrib or after, his fast is still valid, so long as he was fasting in the morning; if he is unconscious from Fajr until Maghrib, then according to the majority of scholars his fast is not valid. According to the majority of scholars, it is obligatory for a person who falls unconscious to make up his fasts later on, no matter how long he was unconscious. (Al-Mughni ma’a al-Sharh al-Kabeer, 1/412, 3/32; al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah al-Kuwaytiyyah, 5/268).

Some scholars issued fatwaas to the effect that a person who falls unconscious or takes sleeping pills or receives a general anaesthetic for a genuine reason, and becomes unconscious for three days or less, must make up the fasts later on, because he is regarded as being like one who sleeps; if he is unconscious for more than three days, he does not have to make up the fasts, because he is regarded as being like one who is insane. (From the fataawa of Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz, issued verbally).

(27) If a person feels extreme hunger or thirst, and fears that he may die or that some of his faculties may be irreparably damaged, and has rational grounds for believing this to be so, he may break his fast and make up for it later on, because saving one’s life is obligatory. But it is not permissible to break one's fast because of bearable hardship or because one feels tired or is afraid of some imagined illness. People who work in physically demanding jobs are not permitted to break their fast, and they must have the intention at night of fasting the following day.

If they cannot stop working and they are afraid that some harm may befall them during the day, or they face some extreme hardship that causes them to break their fast, then they should eat only what is enough to help them bear the hardship, then they should refrain from eating until sunset, and they have to make the fast up later. Workers in physically demanding jobs, such as working with furnaces and smelting metals, should try to change their hours so that they work at night, or take their holidays during Ramadaan, or even take unpaid leave, but if this is not possible, then they should look for another job, where they can combine their religious and worldly duties.

“And whoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he could never imagine.” [al-Talaaq 65:2-3 – interpretation of the meaning].
(Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/233, 235)

Students’ exams are no excuse for breaking one’s fast during Ramadaan, and it is not permissible to obey one’s parents in breaking the fast because of having exams, because there is no obedience to any created being if it involves disobedience to the Creator. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/241).

(28) The sick person who hopes to recover should wait until he gets better, then make up for the fasts he has missed; he is not allowed just to feed the poor. The person who is suffering from a chronic illness and has no hope of recovery and elderly people who are unable to fast should feed a poor person with half a saa’ of the staple food of his country for every day that he has missed. (Half a saa’ is roughly equivalent to one and a half kilograms of rice). It is permissible for him to do this all at once, on one day at the end of the month, or to feed one poor person every day. He has to do this by giving actual food, because of the wording of the aayah – he cannot do it by giving money to the poor (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/198).

But he can give money to a trustworthy person or charitable organization to buy food and distribute it to the poor on his behalf.

If a sick person does not fast in Ramadaan, waiting to recover so that he can make the days up later, then he finds out that his sickness is chronic, he has to feed a poor person for every day that he did not fast. (From the fataawa of Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen).

If a person is waiting to recover from his illness and hopes to get better, but then dies, there is no “debt” owed by him or his heirs. If a person’s sickness is considered to be chronic, so he does not fast and feeds the poor instead, then advances in medical science mean that there is now a cure, which he uses and gets better, he does not have to make up the fasts he has missed, because he did what he had to do at the time. (Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/195)

(29) If a person is sick, then recovers, and is able to make up the missed fasts but does not do so before he dies, then money should be taken from his estate to feed a poor person for every day that he missed. If any of his relatives want to fast on his behalf, then this is OK, because it was reported in al-Saheehayn that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Whoever dies owing some fasts, let his heir fast on his behalf.”
(From Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, volume on Da’wah, 806).

The elderly

(30) The very elderly who have lost their strength and are getting weaker every day as death approaches, do not have to fast, and they are allowed not to fast so long as fasting would be too difficult for them. Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) used to say, concerning the aayah (interpretation of the meaning),

“And as for those who can fast with difficulty (e.g., an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day)” [al-Baqarah 2:184]:

“This has not been abrogated. It refers to the old man and the old woman who cannot fast, so they should feed a poor person for every day.” (Al-Bukhaari, Kitaab al-Tafseer, Baab Ayaaman Ma’doodaat…)

Those who have become senile and confused do not have to fast or do anything else, and their family does not have to do anything on their behalf, because such people are no longer counted as responsible. If they are of sound mind sometimes and confused at other times, they have to fast when they are OK and they do not have to fast when they are confused. (See Majaalis Shahr Ramadaan by Ibn ‘Uthyameen, p. 28).

(31) For those who are fighting an enemy or are being besieged by an enemy, if fasting would make them too weak to fight, they are allowed to break the fast, even if they are not traveling. If they need to break their fast before fighting, they can break their fast. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to his Companions once, before fighting:

“In the morning you are going to meet your enemy and not fasting will make you stronger, so do not fast.” (Reported by Muslim, 1120, ‘Abd al-Baaqi edn. This is also the preferred opinion of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah. The scholars of Damascus also issued fatwas to the same effect when their city was attacked by the Tatars)

(32) If a person’s reason for not fasting is obvious, such as illness, there is nothing wrong with him eating or drinking openly, but if the reason is hidden, such as menstruation, it is better to eat and drink in secret, so as not to attract accusations and the like.




^ Credit to the same 'a_muslimah86' from TTI (TurnToIslam). May Allaah (SWT) rewards 'a_muslimah86' with blessings and happiness forever, Ameen!

In Ramadan, the Mu’min has certain legislated duties which the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) has clarified in his Sunnah, through his statements and actions since it is the “season of goodness, because the blessings of Allaah upon his slaves during this month are more than the other months.” [Fath al-Barriy(1/31)]. These duties consist of certain things of the legislated matt ers that are preformed during the whole month, of righteous actions and good deeds.

First - Fasting:

- The virtue of fasting in general is tremendous, due to the statment of the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) : “Every action of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting; it is for Me (Allaah). One whom Muhammad’s soul is in His hand, the smell of the breath of the fasting person is more beloved with Allaah than the smell of musk.” (Muslim)

Imaam al-Mazry said (in al-Mu’alim bifawaid Muslim – this book highlights the benefi ts found in saheeh Muslim) (2/41): “Allaah specifies here the fasting by saying “it is for Me” even though all good actions that are sincere are for Allaah Most High, except that in fasting there is no riya’ (showing off ), such as can be found in other than it. This is due to it being an act in which the slave is stopping and keeping himself from doing something. And the situation of the one restraining himself during fasting due to being full and satisfied or not having the means of attaining what he wants, and the one restraining due to seeking to come closer to Allaah is the same. Rather, the intention and what is concealed in the heart is what matters in this situation. As for Salaah, Hajj, and Zakah these are all actions that are bodily/physical and are performed outwardly, so riya’ (showing off ), and seeking recognition for that is possible. So, due to these reasons, fasting was specified out of everything else.”

- On top of this high merit for fasting in general, there is specific merit for the month of Ramadan; due to the statement of Prophet (sal-Allaahu`alayhe wa sallam) : “Who ever fasts Ramadan, believing and counting on his reward with Allaah, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Agreed upon from the hadeeth of Abu-Hurriara). The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) also said: “Fasting the month of Sabr (patience) and three days from every month is equal to fasting the whole year.” (Nasa’i, Ahmad, al-Thayalisy, al-Bayhaqi, from the hadeeth of Abu-Hurriara with an authentic chain) “Ramadan is also known as the month of patience.” (Al-Tamhid /61/19).

Ibn abd-Albar said: “as-Sawm (fasting) in the Arabic tongue is also understood to be Sabr (patience). Verily the patience will be rewarded without any reckoning.”

Abu-Bakr al-Anbaary said: “Sawm (fasting) is called patience because it is to restrict oneself from eating, drinking, intercourse, and desires.”

Second - al-Qiyaam (standing for at- Taraweeh prayer):

It is a Sunnah to pray at-Taraweeh in Jama’ah (congregation) for the entire duration of the blessed month, due to the saying of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) : “Whoever stands with the Imaam in prayer until he is finished, a whole nights reward of prayer is written for him.” (abu-Dawud, Tirmdi, Nasai, and Ibn-Nasir from Abi-Daar through an authentic chain)

Likewise, concerning the virtue of the Qiyaam, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: “Whoever stands for Ramadan believing and anticipating his reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Agreed upon)

The most complete guidance in respect to the number of Rak’ahs to pray in Qiyaam, regardless whether it is in Ramadan or other than it, is what has been authentically narrated from the actions of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) of up to eleven Rak’ahs, because he (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) is the complete leader and role model to be followed.

Third - Sadaqah (charity):

“Verily, the Prophet was most charitable and giving in Ramadan.” (Agreed upon)

This generosity is encompassing of all the types of charity, and good dealings, for verily “al-Jooud (openhandedness) is giving widely and in abundance.” (Lataif al-ma’arif, for Ibn Rajab pg. 173) This encompasses many of the good acts and deeds.

Fourth - Feeding the fasting person:

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) encouraged this much. He informed of the great reward for doing so as well. He said: “Who ever feeds a fasting person will have like that person’s reward, except the reward of the fasting person will not decrease in the least.” (Ahamad, and al-Tirmidi, and Ibn-Majjah from way of Zayed ibn-Kalid through an authentic chain.)


Fifth - Reading the Quran:

The month of Ramadan is the month of the Qur’aan. Allaah says: “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).” (al-Baqarah, 185)

And in the practiced sunnah of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) , the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) actualized this reality. Jibreel would review with him the Qur’aan every night of Ramadan. (Bukhaari)

Six - Ummrah:

Bukhaari and Muslim narrated the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said, “Umrah preformed in Ramadan is equal to making a Hajj with me.” Look – may Allaah have Mercy on you- to this merit, how virtuous it is and how great!

Seven - trying to attain the night of al- Qadr:

Allaah says (Surat al-Qadr):

1. Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the night of al-Qadr (Decree).

2. And what will make you know what the night of al-Qadr (Decree) is?

3. The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allaah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).

4. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel] by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees,

5. Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allaah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.

In the two saheehs that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: “Whoever stands in prayer the night of al-Qadr believing and anticipating his reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.”

The night of al-Qadr is one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. From A’isha as has been recorded by al- Tirmidi, and Ibn-Majjah through and authentic chain - A’isha, may Allaah be pleased with her, said: “I asked the Messenger of Allaah: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said: ‘Say: O Allaah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’“ (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

- This - my brothers and sisters - is a summary of what duties are upon the believer in this blessed month. As for the complete duty that is binding upon the Muslim to uphold in this month of Patience, is to avoid evil, be patient upon harm, guard the stomach, to hold firm to the legislations of al-Islaam, and to tread upon the sunnah of the Prophet.

By: Shaykh Ali ibn Hassan al-Halabi


^ Abu Talib from TTI (TurnToIslam)

All Praise is due to Allah Who granted to us life in this blessed month. As He Almighty granted to us life in this blessed month, I invoke Him to grant to us fasting it well and practicing prayer in its nights well. Also, I invoke Him to forgive our nonfeasance and mistakes. And prayers and peace of Allah be upon the most honorable Prophet and Messenger, our prophet Muhammad, and all his family and companions.

This is a short message I have written to you, Muslim sister, swiftly. And I included in it various stops, I invoke Allah Almighty to bless them, although they are little, and I invoke him to make them beneficial; indeed He is All hearer and Responsive.


The first Stop:

I remind you with the origin of creation and the reason behind existence. Allah Almighty said: {And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).} [Surat Az-Zariyat 51:56]

{وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ} الذاريات: 56

Transliteration: Wama khalaqtu aljinna waalinsa illaliyaAAbudooni

Imam An-Nawawi said: “This is a statement of their creation for worship, so they are liable to take care of what they were created for, and neglecting the fortunes of the worldly life through asceticism as it is an abode of diminishing, passing ship not a dwelling place and a cut off project not a dwelling abode.”

Muslim sister:

Ponder on the great grace of Allah upon you {and if you count the Blessings of Allâh, never will you be able to count them} [Surat Ibrahim 14:34]

{وَإِن تَعُدُّواْ نِعْمَتَ اللّهِ لاَ تُحْصُوهَا} إبراهيم: 34

Transliteration: wain taAAuddoo niAAmata Allahi latuhsooha

The greatest of these graces and the best the blessing of Islam, how many nations live on this earth been deprived from Lâ Ilâha Ila Allah (there is no God except Allah) and Muhammad is His Messenger, this is the favor of Allah gives it to whoever he likes…Then you have to thank Allah Almighty for the blessing of guidance and success , think, how many girls that are linked to Islam however they negate its teachings apparently and in secret, neglecting obligations dwelling in sins and wrongdoings, so praise be to Allah.

You, Muslim woman, enjoying the different graces of Allah from secure lands, extended sustenance, healthy body etc… you have to show gratitude by utterance and action, and the greatest kind of thank is obeying Allah Almighty and staying away from what is forbidden, because through thanking blessings last…{If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allâh), I will give you more (of My Blessings)} [Surat Ibrahim 14:7]

{لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ} إبراهيم:7

Transliteration: lain shakartum laazeedannakum

And know that the rights of Allah Almighty are greater than what a slave could cover with his acts and the blessings of Allah are uncountable, however they rise in the morning as repentant folks and in the evening also.


The second stop:

Among the bounties of Allah, that He bestowed upon you, is that He lengthened your life and gave you the opportunity of living till this great month. How many friends had gone by death! How many beloved people have been buried under earth! Indeed the length of age and staying alive is an opportunity for observing obedience and seeking nearness with Allah Almighty by the good deeds. Life is the capital of the Muslim, so care for your time lest it may go without taking benefit from it. Remember the woman who observed the fasting of Ramadan and prayed Eid prayer with you in the last year; after her death, where is she now?! Imagine that this woman returned to life again, what would she promptly do?! Would she go for travel and outing?! Would she go for the Mall and taking tour?! Would she go to friends?! No; rather I swear by Allah that she would search for even a single reward, because the situation of the scale is very difficult and it counts deeds equal to the weight of the atoms; {So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it} [Surat Az-Zalzalah 99:7-8]

{فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْراً يَرَهُ (7) وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرّاً يَرَهُ} الزلزلة:8-7

Transliteration:Faman yaAAmal mithqala tharratin khayran yarahu

You should take benefit from the saying of the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him): “Take benefit of your youthfulness before your senility, your health before your tiredness, your wealth before your poverty, your leisure before your busyness and your life before your death.” [Authenticated by Al-Albani]

«اغتنم خمسا قبل خمس: شبابك قبل هرمك، وصحتك قبل سقمك، وغناك قبل فقرك، وفراغك قبل شغلك، وحياتك قبل موتك» صححه الألباني

Also, you should do your best to be among the best people whom are described by the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him). It is narrated on the authority of Abu Bakrah that a man said: “O messenger of Allah who is the best among people?” the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever lives long and does good deeds”, the man asked: “Then, who is the worst among people?” the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever lives long and does evil deeds.” [Reported by At-Tirmidhi and Al-Albani authenticated it by the virtue of another]

«أن رجلا قال يا رسول الله أي الناس خير؟ قال من طال عمره وحسن عمله . قال : فأي الناس شر ؟ قال : من طال عمره وساء عمله» رواه الترمذي وقال الألباني صحيح لغيره

The third stop:

Sincerity is a must and seeking nearness with Allah Almighty must be true. Moreover, you should beware, during your practice to the acts of obedience, from hypocrisy and seeking fame because of doing good deeds; indeed it is a dangerous disease that may nullify the good deeds. You should hide your good deeds and conceal them as you hide your evil deeds and conceal them. Also, you should make some secret deeds (e.g. supererogatory prayer, crying at the darkness of night or charity in secret) none knows about them but Allah Almighty, and know that Allah Almighty accepts from the pious people only. So, care for piousness … {Verily, Allâh accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious)} [Surat Al-Mâ`idah 5:27]

{إِنَّمَا يَتَقَبَّلُ اللّهُ مِنَ الْمُتَّقِينَ} المائدة:27

Transliteration: innama yataqabbalu Allahu mina almuttaqeena

and do not be among those who refuse to enter paradise. The Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “All my Ummah will enter paradise except those who refuse.” People asked: “O Messenger of Allah, who would refuse to enter paradise?” The Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever obeys me will enter paradise, and whoever disobeys me had refused (to enter the paradise).” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

«كل أمتي يدخلون الجنة إلا من أبى. قالوا: يا رسول الله، ومن يأبى؟ قال: من أطاعني دخل الجنة، ومن عصاني فقد أبى» رواه البخاري

The fourth stop:

Be accustomed with remembering Allah in all times and all cases and moisten your tongue by the remembrance of Allah Almighty, and repeat the known invocations and the remembrance of Allah that should be said daily. Allah Almighty says: {O you who believe! Remember Allâh with much remembrance. (41) And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and ‘Asr prayers].} [Surat Al-Ahzab 33:41-42],

{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْراً كَثِيراً (41) وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلاً} الأحزاب: 41-42

Transliteration: Ya ayyuhaallatheena amanoo othkuroo Allaha thikran katheeran (41) Wasabbihoohu bukratan waaseelan

and He Almighty says: {and the men and the women who remember Allâh much with their hearts and tongues Allâh has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)} [Surat Al-Ahzab 33:35]

{وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيراً وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْراً عَظِيماً} الأحزاب:35

Transliteration: waalththakireena Allaha katheeran waalththakirati aAAadda Allahu lahum maghfiratan waajran AAatheeman

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah ( prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) used to remember Allah in all his times.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari in Al’elal Alkabeer and he authenticated it, it was also reported by At-Tirmidhi in his sunan and authenticated by Al-Albani]

«كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يذكر الله على كل أحيانه» رواه البخاري في العلل الكبير وصححه والترمذي في سننه وصححه الألباني

Moreover, the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Mufarradun have gone ahead.” They (the Companions of the Prophet) said: “O Allah’s Messenger, who are Mufarradun?” He said: “They are those males and females who remember Allah a lot.” [Reported by Muslim]

«قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: سبق المفرّدون، قالوا وما المفردون يا رسول الله؟ قال: الذاكرون الله كثيراً والذاكرات» رواه مسلم

Ibn Al-Qayim (may Allah mercy him) said: “In short, if the servant neglected Allah and committed the sins, he would lose the days of his real life, and he would find the consequences of losing them in the day that he will say in it: {Alas! Would that I had sent forth (good deeds) for (this) my life!} [Surat Al-Fajr 89:24]

{يَا لَيْتَنِي قَدَّمْتُ لِحَيَاتِي} الفجر: 24

Transliteration: Yaqoolu ya laytanee qaddamtu lihayatee

Dear Muslim sister, know that none would practice prayer or observe fasting (or any other good deeds) on your behalf after your death. So, remember Allah Almighty much and observe much of the acts of obedience and seeking nearness with Allah.


The fifth stop:

Care for reciting the Holy Qur’ân daily. If you prepared a schedule for reciting the Holy Qur’ân after each prayer, you would recite five parts of the Holy Qur’ân daily. Indeed this would be great favor from Allah. Some people have enthusiasm at the beginning of the month, then they lose spirit and day or two may pass without reciting anything of the Holy Qur’ân. Indeed, there are texts mentioned about the excellence of the Holy Qur’ân make the souls feel tranquility and make the hearts feel joy; Ibn Mas’ûd said that the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah would have a reward for it, and the reward is ten times its like. I do not say Alif-Lâm-Mîm is one letter; rather, Alif is a letter, Lâm is a letter and Mîm is a letter.” [Authenticated by Al-Albani]

«من قرأ حرفا من كتاب الله؛ فله به حسنة، والحسنة بعشر أمثالها، لا أقول: {الم} حرف، ولكن ألف حرف، ولام حرف، وميم حرف» صححه الألباني

These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings.

Abu Umamah Al-Bahely said that he heard the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) says: “Recite the Holy Qur’ân because it comes on the Day of Judgment as intercessor to its companions.” [Reported by Muslim]

«اقرؤوا القرآن، فإنه يأتي يوم القيامة شفيعا لأصحابه» رواه مسلم

Therefore, my blessed sister, you should care for reciting the Holy Qur’ân and memorizing what you can memorize from it and reviewing what you forgot from it, because the words of Allah contain lessons, examples, legislation, guidance and reward.


The sixth stop:

Ramadan is a good opportunity for calling for Allah. So, seek nearness with Allah Almighty in this great month by calling your relatives, neighbors and beloved people by books, tapes, advice and guidance. Do not miss a day without having participation in calling for the way of Allah; indeed it is the mission of the messengers, the prophets, the preachers and the reformers. So, you should share them in this great month, because the souls are thirsty and the hearts are open and the reward is great. The Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “By Allah, to have one person guided by Allah because of you is better than having the red camels (best of property in their time).” [Agreed upon]

«فوالله! لأن يهدي الله بك رجلا واحدا خير لك من أن يكون لك حمر النعم» متفق عليه

Al-Hassan said: “Therefore, the status of calling for the way of Allah is the best status.”


The seventh stop:

Beware of the gatherings of the idle women and guard your tongue and keep it away from backbiting, talebearing and obscenity and whatever displeases Allah Almighty. Talk only the good words and make your tongue moisten with remembrance of Allah … There is glad tidings to the Muslim sister in this year; we are in a vacation, and it is an opportunity for practicing the acts of obedience and dedicating the time for worship … this opportunity may not come again … moreover, you may die before its returning back … know that every day the believer lives is a bounty. It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah that two men from the tribe of Qudâ’ah embraced Islam during the period of the Messenger of Allah. Then one of them had been martyred and the other person had been delayed for another year. Abu Huriarah said: “Then I saw the delayed person entered paradise before the martyr one; so, I was amazed. When I woke up, I mentioned that (or it had been mentioned) to the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) who said: “Did not he fast a Ramadan after him and prayed six thousand Rak’as and such and such Rak’as of the supererogatory prayers?!” [Reported by Ahmad and Al-Albani said: Good Authentic]

«أليس قد صام بعده رمضان وصلى ستة آلاف ركعة وكذا وكذا ركعة صلاة السنة» رواه أحمد وقال الألباني: حسن صحيح

The eighth stop:

Your house is the first place for providing guidance; so, care first for correcting yourself and making it accustomed to do what is good, then care for those who are round you (e.g. husband, brother, sister, children …etc,) and remind them with the greatness of this month and encourage them to practice prayer and recite the Holy Qur’ân continuously. Be enjoiner to the good and forbidder to the evil, in your house, by the good saying and the truthful word. Follow all of these with invoking Allah to guide them. This month is an opportunity for advising those who have some negligence or nonfeasance. May Allah Almighty guide those who are round you; the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever leads to something good would receive a reward equal to the reward of its doer.” [Reported by Muslim]

«من دل على خير فله مثل أجر فاعله» رواه مسلم

The ninth stop:

Beware of the markets (i.e. malls), because they are the places of afflictions and neglecting the remembrance of Allah. The Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “The places that are liked most by Allah are the Masjid, and the places that are hated most by Allah are the markets” [Reported by Muslim]

«أحب البلاد إلى الله مساجدها وأبغض البلاد إلى الله أسواقها» رواه مسلم

Do not treat this month like the other months, and beware of committing sins in this great month because of having desire to buy a dress or shoes. Therefore, fear Allah and do not cause harm for yourself or for the Muslim young men. What is the harm that you would have if you neglected going to the malls in this blessed month and made this negligence for the sake of having nearness with Allah Almighty!


The tenth stop:

The excellence of ‘Umra is great, and its greatness is multiplied in Ramadan. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father too) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said to a woman of the Ansâr who was called Umm Sinan: “What has prevented you that you did not perform Hajj with us?” She said: “The father of so and so (i. e. her husband) had only two camels. One of them had been taken away by him (my husband) and his son for Hajj, whereas the other one is used by our boy to carry water.” Upon this he (the Prophet prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “‘Umra during the month of Ramadan would suffice for Hajj” or “Hajj along with me.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

«لما رجع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم من حجته، قال لأم سنان الأنصارية: ما منعك من الحج. قالت: أبو فلان، تعني زوجها، كان له ناضحان حج على أحدهما، والآخر يسقي أرضا لنا. قال: فإن عمرة في رمضان تقضي حجة معي» رواه البخاري

To every woman goes to performing ‘Umra and seeking the reward without following the right path, I am afraid that the sanctity of the month and the sanctity of the place and the gravity of the sin would be gathered against you and your ‘Umra would be a pathway for sins, without knowing that, and returning with the sins instead of returning with the reward.

If Allah facilitated the ‘Umra to you, you have to avoid the causes of punishment and the stumbles of the road, and get out your house in modesty away from the eyes of men while lowering your gaze and wearing the lawful dress and not putting on face veil[1] or perfume. Then get out to the sacred house of Allah feeling the greatness of this house and the greatness of its Creator Almighty. And remember that the rewards are multiplied in this place as well as the punishment of the sins.


The eleventh stop:

Allah Almighty had opened to us the gates of the good, and made the provision countless in people’s hands; so, care (may Allah grant you success) for giving charity from your money, food or clothes. Allah Almighty praised His pious servants and described them by many descriptions; He Almighty said: They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Lord (Allâh) and praying, with fear and hope]. And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allâh) for forgiveness. And in their properties there was the right of the Sâ’il (the beggar who asks) and the Mahrûm (the poor who does not ask others)} [Surat Az-Zariyat 51:17-19]

{كَانُوا قَلِيلاً مِّنَ اللَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ (17) وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ (18) وَفِي أَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ لِّلسَّائِلِ وَالْمَحْرُومِ} الذاريات:17-19

Transliteration: Kanoo qaleelan mina allayli mayahjaAAoona (17) Wabialashari hum yastaghfiroona (18) Wafee amwalihim haqqun lilssaili waalmahroomi

In this month you can do all these good deeds daily (i.e. praying at night, asking for forgiveness and giving charity). The Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) encouraged giving charity by saying: “Avoid the Hellfire even by half of a date.” [Reported by Muslim]

«اتقوا النار ولو بشق تمرة» رواه مسلم

Also, Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah will give shade, to seven, on the Day when there will be no shade but His. (These seven persons are) … a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e. nobody knows how much he has given in charity) …” [Agreed upon]

«سبعة يظلهم الله في ظله يوم لا ظل إلا ظله: ...ورجل تصدق، اخفى حتى لا تعلم شماله ما تنفق» متفق عليه

Some of the companions spent all their properties for the sake of Allah, and some of them spent half of their properties. So, do not let Satan makes you misery and prevents you from giving charity; rather, you should promptly give it out. This is a special call for you, Muslim sister, the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “O women, give charity and seek forgiveness much because I saw you the majority of the people of hellfire.” [Reported by Muslim]

«يا معشر النساء! تصدقن وأكثرن الاستغفار. فإني رأيتكن أكثر أهل النار» رواه مسلم

The twelfth stop:

In Ramadan there is a good opportunity for reckoning the self and noticing its nonfeasance; actually, there is great benefit in this.

Al-Hassan used to say: “May Allah mercy a man is not allured by what he sees from people. O child of Adam, you will die alone and will enter the grave alone and will be resurrected alone and will be reckoned alone.”

Ibn ‘Awn said: “Do not trust the abundance of the good deeds, because you do not know whether they are accepted or not. And do not feel peace toward your sins, because you do not know whether they have been forgiven or not. Indeed, all your deeds are not apparent to you.”


The thirteenth stop:

Allah Almighty made the obedience of the parents and dealing with them well obligatory, and He warned from just saying to them a word of disrespect or shouting at them; He Almighty says: {say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them} [Surat Al-Isrâ` 17:23]

{فَلاَ تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلاَ تَنْهَرْهُمَا} الإسراء:23

Transliteration: fala taqul lahuma offin wala tanharhuma

And He Almighty says: {And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy} [Surat Al-Isrâ` 17:24]

{وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ} الإسراء:24

Transliteration: Waikhfid lahuma janaha alththulli mina alrrahmati

Moreover, a man came to ask permission from the Messenger of Allah ( prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) to practice jihad, which is one of the best deeds and has the known difficulty and discomfort, but the Prophet ( prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Are your parents alive?” and the man replied: “Yes” So, the Prophet ( prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Then practice jihad in them (strive in their cause).” [Agreed upon]

«جاء رجل إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يستأذنه في الجهاد. فقال: أحي والداك؟ قال: نعم. قال: ففيهما فجاهد» متفق عليه

Being dutiful to the parents includes having mercy in dealing with them, asking about their health, helping them to observe the acts of worship, providing money and gifts to them and pleasing them. Some women neglect being dutiful to their parents and give the priority of visiting, having conversation and being simplified in the talk to the friends and the colleagues and do not give share of this to the parents. Actually being dutiful to the parents is one of the best deeds. Ibn Mas’ûd said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) which deed was the best. He (the Prophet) replied: ‘Prayer at its appointed hour’. I (again) said: Then what? He (the Prophet) replied: ‘Kindness to the parents’ I (again) said: Then what? He replied: ‘Earnest Endeavour (Jihad) in the cause of Allah’ …” [Reported by Muslim]

«سألت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: أي الأعمال أحب إلى الله؟ قال: الصلاة على وقتها، قلت: ثم أي؟ قال: ثم بر الوالدين، قلت: ثم أي؟ قال: ثم الجهاد في سبيل الله...» رواه مسلم

Therefore, care (may Allah bless you) for being dutiful with them, seeking forgiveness to them and spending charity for them in their life and after their death. May Allah forgive them and reward you well.

Also, you should care for uniting the ties of kinship and having communication with them in this blessed month. However, do not make this communication a gate of evil because of tale bearing, backbiting, mocking and wasting time; rather it is enough to have a visit for asking about them, knowing that they are well, spreading the good, teaching the ignorant women, reminding the inattentive women, showing love, knowing the statuses and helping the needy. In short, make the gatherings bear the fragrance of remembering Allah Almighty and make a benefit and good in them.


The fourteenth stop:

Repentance; it is a word we repeat and hear; however, few women practice it. Moreover, some souls considered the detested acts acceptable; so, you would see some people do the prohibited acts indifferently; such as listening to music and looking to men on TV and wasting time in what is prohibited. Thereupon, the Muslim woman should have truthful repentance and accompany her saying with the action. Allah Almighty said for encouraging the Muslims to repent: {And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful} [Surat An-Nûr 24:31]

{وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعاً أَيُّهَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ} النور:31

Transliteration: watooboo ila Allahi jameeAAan ayyuha almuminoona laAAallakum tuflihoona

and He Almighty said: {Truly, Allâh loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers)} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:222]

{إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ} البقرة:222

Transliteration: inna Allaha yuhibbu alttawwabeena wayuhibbu almutatahhireena

And the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “All the children of Adam are sinners, and the best of sinners are those who repent thoroughly.” [Reported by At-Tirmidhi and declared good by Al-Albani]

«كل ابن آدم خطاء وخير الخطائين التوابون» رواه الترمذي وحسنه الألباني

Dear Muslim sister, quickly repent from all sins and disobedience. Open new page and decorate it with the obedience and beautify it with the truthfulness of seeking refuge with Allah Almighty and reckon yourself before you are reckoned {The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, (88) Except him who brings to Allâh a clean heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifâq (hypocrisy)].} [Surat Ash-Shu’arâ` 26:88-89]

{يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُونَ (88) إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ} الشعراء: 89-88

Transliteration: Yawma layanfaAAu malun wala banoona (88) Illa man ata Allaha biqalbin saleemin

Moreover, remember yourself when you are washed and enshrouded in five garments; they are all what you take from the adornment of the worldly life!

Dear Muslim sister,

These are quick stops I had written in hastiness. If you are frightened of the passing of the days and care for the hereafter and want to work, you should not delay; rather you should seek the gate of repentance and say ‘it may be the last Ramadan for me; I may not live more than this year.’ Make your mind and walk toward the hereafter; by Allah, you are in urgent need to even a single reward. Remember the greatness of the Almighty and the terror of resurrection and the day that will make the hair of the kids white, and think in a paradise it is as wide as the heavens and earth had been prepared for the pious, and remember fire called ‘Ladha’ {Taking away (burning completely) the head skin! (16) Calling (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from Faith) [picking and swallowing them up from that great gathering of mankind on the Day of Resurrection just as a bird picks up a food-grain from the earth with its beak and swallows it up] (Tafsir Al-Qurtubî)} [Surat Al-Ma’ârij 70:16-17]

{نَزَّاعَةً لِّلشَّوَى (16) تَدْعُو مَنْ أَدْبَرَ وَتَوَلَّى} المعارج: 16-17

Transliteration: NazzaAAatan lilshshawa (16) TadAAoo man adbara watawal

By remembering all these things you would see, by the will of Allah, what may help you to continue and observe worship. If you gave your previous life (which is longer) to the worldly life, you would give the rest of your life (which is shorter) to the hereafter. Do not be like those who would say at the coming of the joy-killer {My Lord! Send me back} [Surat Al-Mu`minûn 23:99]

{رَبِّ ارْجِعُونِ} المؤمنون:99

Transliteration: rabbi irjiAAooni

Why? {So that I may do good in that which I have left behind!} [Surat Al-Mu`minûn 23:100]

{لَعَلِّي أَعْمَلُ صَالِحاً فِيمَا تَرَكْتُ} المؤمنون:100

Transliteration: LaAAallee aAAmalu salihan feemataraktu

So, start now and make your mind because it is either paradise or hellfire, and there is no rank between them.

I invoke Allah by His beautiful names and exalted attributes to return this month for us all while being in good state, and I invoke Him not to make it the last Ramadan for us to fast.

O Allah, accept our fasting and our prayer at night and forgive our default and forgive our past sins and our coming sins; indeed You are the Most Forgiver the Most Merciful. Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes, and forgive us and our parents and all Muslims. And prayers and peace of Allah be upon our prophet, Muhammad, and all his family and companions.


Al Qasem House
كلمات


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[1] With regard to lowering a cover over the face other than the niqaab, or for fear of being seen by non-mahram men, it has been reported in saheeh reports that some of the Sahaabiyyaat (women of the Sahaabah) did that: It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: “We used to go out with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when we were in ihraam. If we met the riders we would lower our garments over our faces.”


^ Credit to 'Abu Talib' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

9 things a Women on Menses can do in Ramadan



Almighty Allah has made it easy for a women in Ramadan during her menses for she is still able to get the same rewards as men.

The good deed accounts don't stop when a women is menstruating for the angels are continuing writing down good deeds as long as a women is doing good actions in order to please Allah.


The following are 9 good deeds a women can do whilst on her menses during Ramadan and throughout the whole year:


1. Listen to Qur'an recitation:



Listening to recitation is the perfume of the souls, the calmer of hearts, and the food of the spirit. Is is one of the most important psychological medicines. It is a source of pleasure, even to some animals – and pleasure in moderation purifies inner energy, enhances the functioning of the faculties, slows down senile decay by driving out its diseases, improves the complexion, and refreshes the entire body. Pleasure in excess, on the other hand, makes the illnesses of the body grow worse.

Abu Nu’aim states, in his Tib an-Nabbi, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said that the benefits of listening to recitation are increased when it is understood – that is, when its meaning is understood.

Allah Himself says:…so give good news to My slaves, those who listen to the word and then follow the best of it…(Qur’an: 39.17-18)

Source: As-Suyuti’s Medicine of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)


2. Read the tafseer and meanings of the Qur'an



To reflect upon the verses of Allaah is a form of worship; it is something that will draw one close to Allah, Most High.

Allaah, Most High, Says in the Quran (what means): "Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than Allaah, they would have found within it much contradiction." [Quran: 4:82]

We should try to understand the Qur'an:

Ibn Kathir says regarding tafsir of [Soorah al-A'raf (7): 179]:The similitude of the one, who memorizes the Qur'an but does not act in accordance to it, is like a donkey, which carries a load of books, but does not understand!

We should read and study the deeper meanings of the Qur'an and act upon everything we read as this is what the Sahaaba did. Some of the Sahaaba took a very long time finishing the Qur'an because they wanted to implement everything they read before moving on to the rest of the Qur'an.


3. Dhikr of Allah:


A women on her menses can do excessive dhikr night and day. We will all have utter regret for each second wasted without remembering Allah:

Mu`adh Ibn Jabal (RA) said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The People of Paradise will not regret anything except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by in which they made no remembrance of Allah." Narrated Bayhaqi in Shu`ab al-iman (1:392 #512-513)

The highest rank in Jannah are for those who remembered Allah the most:

Abu Sa`id (RA) narrates the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked, "Which of the servants of Allah is best in rank before Allah on the Day of resurrection?" He said: "The ones who remember him much."I said: "O Messenger of Allah, what about the fighter in the way of Allah?" He answered: "Even if he strikes the unbelievers and mushrikin with his sword until it broke, and becomes red with their blood, truly those who do Dhikr are better than him in rank." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, & Bayhaqi)

Therefore we should remember Allah as much as we can & glorify him night & day, not just in Ramadan but until our very last breath. What better time to start remembering Allah more than in this most blessed month.

So we should set ourselves daily targets of doing as much Dhikr as we can. We can remember & glorify Allah whatever we are doing throughout the day. At work, whilst cooking, shopping & even whilst relaxing. We should remember Allah in our heart's & not just by our tongues. We should also contemplate over his magnificence & his creations & imagine him in front of us as we glorify & remember him.


The following are 10 Dhikr, supported by Hadith that we can recite throughout the day & night in Ramadan until our last breath:


Note: We should try & aim to recite each of these 10 Dhikr a 100 times each which makes a total of 1000 a day minimum.

1. Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee - Recite this abundantly during the last ten nights of Ramadan.

2. Subhaanallah

3. Alhamdulillah

4. Allahu Akbar

5. Laa ilaaha illallah

6. LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH-HIL ALIYYIL ADHEEM

7. Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu Ilay

Or short version: Asthaghfirullah

8. SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI SUB-HAAN'ALLAH-IL ADHEEM

Or short version: SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI

9. Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm

10. Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr

Or the shortened version:

Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer

We should also recite much of durood e Ibrahim which is the durood that is recited towards the end of Salaah.

Or the shortest durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim


4. Dua & Repentance


A women in her menses can make excessive Dua to Allah night and day.

Almighty Allah says in the Qur'an: "When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186]

The place of Dua is so high in front of Allah, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) has said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Dua." [Sahih al-Jami` no.5268].

Allah loves repentance & loves those who turn to him in sincere repentance:

Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance... (Qur'an 2:222)

Many of us rush our Dua’s & quite often our hearts are not present whilst we are making dua to Allah. That is why we lose out on much of the benefits & blessings of Dua. Therefore we should not let our minds wonder whilst in Dua & we should concentrate more, making sure our hearts are present whilst asking of Allah. Whilst we are in dua we should imagine Almighty Allah in front of us & so we should humble ourselves in front of him in a state of meekness & humility.

It may also help if we made a list of what we want to ask Allah during our dua’s. We can then refer to this list as a reminder so that we can cover everything we need to ask him, which may help in making our Dua’s longer & more sincere. This is because we will not always remember everything we want to ask Allah unless we note it down & refer back to it when we need to.

The times when Dua's are most accepted during Ramadan are:

1. The third portion of the night shortly before sehri ends. 2. Whilst fasting. 3. Between Asr & Maghrib. 4. Just before fast opens. 5. On Jumma before & after khutba. 6. Between Adhan & Iqamah. 7. Whilst raining. 8. After Qur'an recitation. 9. The Night of Qadr

Let us not be of those who pass by Ramadan without gaining any forgiveness:

Rasullullah (sallahu’ ‘alaihi wasallam) said: ...the angel Jibra’il appeared before me and said: Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness...’ Upon that I said: ‘Amin.’ (Al-Bukhari, Al-Tabrani)

We should ask of Allah to accept all of our good deeds & efforts throughout Ramadan & be hopeful that Allah will accept it from us. We should also have FULL hope that Allah will accept our Dua’s if not in this world then in the hereafter. We should accept his decree for he knows best in all matters.

Narrated ‘Ubaadah that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for EACH believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarrani)

Subhanallah this deed can be done in EVERY dua and can you imagine how many rewards can be gained for each and every Muslim you make dua for from Adam alayhis 'salam until now and the last Muslim on earth. This is the easiest way to earn rewards that go into the billions and the more you make these dua's then the more your good deed account wil get filled!

Every night in the last ten nights the following dua should be recited abundantly:

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallim):: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say:

"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee"

O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' " (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).


5. Learning Islamic knolwedge:


A women in her menses can learn Islamic knowledge as much as she can through books, online, teachers etc

"Allah will exalt those who believe among you, and those who have been granted knowledge to high ranks."
(Qur'an)

"Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male and female)." (Hadith)

THE VIRTUES OF KNOWLEDGE

Allah (Most Exalted is He), Who created us and gave us sustenance, has also given us guidance. He said:

"Verily We have created man into toil and struggle… Have We not made for him a pair of eyes; and a tongue, and a pair of lips; and shown him the two ways (obedience and disobedience)?"
(Qur'an, Al-Balad 90:4-10)

After providing us with the capability to contemplate, think and differentiate between things, He instructed us to know Him, to know his Prophets and to know His Deen, Islam. He said:

"So know that there is no god save Allah, ask forgiveness for your sins and for the believing men and the believing women. Allah knows well your moving and your place of rest."
(Qur'an, Muhammad 47:19)

This verse shows the importance of knowledge and the virtues that Allah has given to it. It also shows that knowledge comes before deeds, since Allah instructed His Prophet to know that He is One and the only One worthy of worship. After that, He commanded him to ask forgiveness for himself, his family and for his Ummah.

If Muslims truly realise the importance Islam places on knowledge and its virtues, they will definitely be keen to learn and teach others. They would start with themselves and their families; then their neighbours and the community at large.


6. Serving your parents:


A man once asked the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallim):

"'Should I join the jihad?' He asked, 'Do you have parents?' The man said, 'Yes!' The Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallim) said, 'Then strive by serving them!'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, No. 5972)

Therefore serving one's parents is even better than jihad so serve your parents as much as you can and gain rewards you can NEVER imagine!

Treating your parents the best:

To be obedient and to show kindness to parents has been enjoined in the Holy Quran in such a manner as to say that among the noble deeds, to obey parents, treat them respectfully and to show kindness to them is next to worshipping Almighty Allah.

The Quran says, "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour." - Surah Al Isra (17:23).

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:“What a loss is for him! What a loss is for him! What a loss is for him!” Someone asked: “Who, O Allah's Messenger?” He replied: “He whose parents reach old age, either one or both of them, and he does not use their presence (by being good to them, etc.) to cause him to enter Paradise.” (Muslim)


Abdullah bin Mas'ood (RA), observed: "I asked Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) which deed was the best." He replied: 'The Prayer at its appointed hour.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He replied: 'Kindness to the parents.'... (Sahih Muslim: 120)

So a women in her menses should do what she can to serve her parents in anyway that she can like for eg clean the house so that her parents do less, attend to their every need etc. Surely she will be pleasing Allah so much and gaining unimaginable rewards!


7. Giving dawah:


"And who is better in speech than he who invites to Allah and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of the Muslims.'" [al-Qur'aan, Fussilat(41):33]

A women on her menses can give dawah to other sisters and non Muslims. We should spend our lives inviting others towards Allah whether they are Muslim or non Muslim.

"Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. They are prosperous ones." (3.104)

We should not argue with them or use a harsh manner but use wisdom, tact and the best approach possible:

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. (16:125)

We should enjoin good and forbid evil for it is a duty upon us:

The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: ‘Indeed, by Allah, you either enjoin good and forbid evil and catch hold of the oppressor and persuade him to act justly and stick to the truth, or, Allah will involve the hearts of some of you with the hearts of others and will curse you as he had cursed them’ (At-Tirmidhi)

Whatever beneficial knowledge we have we should convey it unto others so that they may also benefit from it:

Zaid b. Thabit (RA) narrated the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "May Allah cause to have freshness and brilliance the man who hears what I say and keeps it in mind, then convey it to others. (Ahmad, 5-183)

We should know that any good action another does because of some beneficial knowledge we have shared then we will also have a share of it:

"Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." (Sahih Muslim)

So she can give dawah by text, e mail, direct or indirect


8. Best Manners, Character & Conduct


A women on her menses should show the best manners, character and conduct in this blessed month and throughout her life. She should strive to be of those with the best of characters and manners as that is what will elevate us in the hereafter:

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alahi wasallam) used to say: The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character. (Related by al-Bukhari)

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character, (Hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud).

Subhanallah so if we show good character outside of Ramadan then it is of the heaviest on the scales but can you imagine the rewards of good character in Ramadan?

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant." (Tirmidhi)

So let us strive to perfect our manners, character and conduct and know that these good deeds will be of the heaviest on the scales and will enable us to reach the highest ranks of Jannah


9. Charity:


A women in her menses should spend in the way of Allah as much as she can for charity extinguishes sins save one from the fire:

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Charity wipes out sins as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)

Charity should be paid secretly:

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Righteous deeds protect a person from an evil end; a charity spent in secret extinguishes Allah’s wrath; and maintaining good ties of kinship increases ones lifespan.” (Tabaraani)

Removing harmful objects from people’s way is also a charity:

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:“I saw a man enjoying himself in Paradise (simply) because he removed from a road a tree that used to harm people.”(Muslim)

Providing for ones family is a charity:

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:“If a man provides for his family hoping for the reward, it will be counted as charity for him.”(Bukhari & Muslim)

She can involve herself in charity work in her local community or for a charity organisation. She can do various projects to raise money and awareness for good cauises.


Conclusion


Therefore a women on her menses must never feel that she is not able to gain the blessings and reward of the month of Ramadan. There is NOTHING stopping her from gaining IMMENSE rewards equal to that of a man. All that is required from her is effort, the right good intentions and sincerety in her actions.

May Allah enable us to gain he best of this month. Ameen!


^ Credit to the great brother 'the_truth' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

Brushing Teeth While Fasting
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat
Question: Are you allowed to brush your teeth when fasting? If not, how do you get rid of bad breath so people are not uncomfortable around you?

Answer:
Jazakumullahu Khairan / Thank you for your question. May Almighty Allah accept your fasting.

Brushing the teeth during fasting is permissible and an established practice of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh).
Rabi'ah (ra) states, "I seen the Prophet (pbuh) on countless occasions, brushing his teeth with the siwaak (tooth stick), while he was in the state of fasting" (Tirmidhi)

Abd Al Rahman Ibn Ghanam (ra) says, "I asked Muadh Ibn Jabal (ra), shall I brush my teeth while in the state of fasting?", He replied, "Yes". I asked, "Which time of the day?", He replied, "Throughout the day.", I objected, "The people dislike brushing the teeth during the day and they say the Messenger of Allah said, 'The smell emanating from the mouth of the one fasting is better with Allah then the smell of musk.'" Muadh Ibn Jabal then said, "Subhan Allah, the Prophet (pbuh) instructed people to brush the teeth, and it is not from the command of the Prophet that people deliberately leave their mouths dry (and filthy). There is no goodness whatsoever in that but in fact there is bad in it." (Tabraani, Talkhees)

Brushing With Tooth Paste
Brushing the teeth with toothpaste would also be permissible with the condition that, the tooth paste and its reminance are not swallowed. Some contemporary scholars have listed the brushing of the teeth with tooth paste, as a 'makruh'(disliked) action, due to the fact that it is very difficult to avoid the lasting taste that remains after brushing.

Swallowing tooth paste or its taste while in the state of fasting would invalidate the fast.

Ibn Abbas (ra) and Ikramah (ra) have stated "The fast is invalidated by what enters the internal stomach cavity." (Bukhari)

My humble suggestions, to rid any offensive odour of the mouth, are one of the following:

• Brush your teeth with tooth paste just before the beginning time of the fast, at dawn, after the suhoor (pre-dawn meal).
• Use the sunnah siwaak (tooth stick) without tooth paste throughout the day.
• Use the toothbrush during the day, with very little tooth paste applied on the toothbrush. Ensure the mouth is rinsed properly thereafter, so no reminance or taste of the paste is swallowed.

The Prophet of Islam, Mohammed (pbuh) has stated, "Were it not for the hardship that I would be placing upon my people, I would have ordered them to engage in siwaak for every prayer." (Bukhari and Muslim)
And Allah Knows Best (Allaahu Alim)



^ Credit to 'Abu Amera) from TTI (TurnToIslam)

Praise be to Allaah.

May Allaah accept all our righteous words and deeds, and help us to be sincere in secret and in public.

There follows a suggested program for the Muslim during this blessed month:


The Muslim’s day in Ramadan:

The Muslim starts his day with suhoor before Fajr prayer. It is better to delay suhoor until the latest possible time of the night.

Then after that the Muslim gets ready for Fajr prayer before the adhaan. So he does wudoo’ at home and goes out to the mosque before the adhaan.

When he enters the mosque, he prays two rak’ahs (tahiyyat al-masjid – greeting the mosque). Then he sits and keeps busy making du’aa’, or reading Qur’aan, or reciting dhikr, until the muezzin gives the call to prayer. He repeats what the muezzin says, and says the du’aa’ narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to be said after the adhaan ends. Then after that he prays two rak’ahs (the regular Sunnah of Fajr), then he occupies himself with du’aa’ and reading Qur’aan until the iqaamah for prayer is given. He is in a state of prayer so long as he is waiting for the prayer.

After offering the prayer in congregation, he recites the dhikrs that are prescribed following the salaam at the end of the prayer. After that if he wants to sit in the mosque until the sun has risen, reciting dhikr and reading Qur’aan, that is preferable, and that is what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do after Fajr prayer.

Then about one-quarter of an hour after the sun has risen, if he wants he can pray Duha prayer (a minimum of two rak’ahs), and that is good. Or if he wants he can delay it until the preferred time, which is when the day has grown hotter and the sun is higher in the sky – that is better.

Then if he wants he may sleep to prepare himself for going to work, and he can intend by sleeping to strengthen himself for worship and earning a living, so that he will be rewarded for it in sha Allah. He should also follow the etiquette of sleep that is prescribed in sharee’ah, both actions and words.

Then he goes to work, and when the time for Zuhr prayer comes, he goes to the mosque early, before the adhaan or immediately after it, and he should get ready to pray beforehand. So he prays four rak’ahs with two tasleems (the regular Sunnah before Zuhr), then he keeps busy reading Qur’aan until the iqaamah for prayer is given, and he prays with the congregation, then he prays two rak’ahs (the regular Sunnah after Zuhr).

Then after the prayer he goes and finishes whatever of his work is left, until it is time to leave work. If there is a long time to go after finishing his work until the time for ‘Asr prayer, then he can rest. But if there is not enough time and he fears that if he sleeps he will miss ‘Asr prayer, then he should keep busy doing something suitable until the time for ‘Asr comes, such as going to the market to buy some things that his family needs and the like, or going straight to the mosque when he has finished his work, and staying in the mosque until he has prayed ‘Asr.

Then after ‘As, it depends on his circumstances. If he can stay in the mosque and keep busy reading Qur’aan, this is a great opportunity. But if he feels tired, then he should rest at this time so that he will be ready to pray taraaweeh at night.

Before the adhaan for Maghrib, he should get ready to break his fast, and he should do something at this time that will benefit him, whether reading Qur’aan, making du’aa’, or having a useful conversation with his wife and children.

One of the best things that he can do at this time is to take part in offering iftaar to those who are fasting, whether by bringing food to them or helping to distribute it to them and organizing that. This brings a great joy which no one knows except those who have experienced it.

After iftaar, he goes and prays in congregation in the mosque, and after the prayer he prays two rak'ahs (the regular Sunnah of Maghrib). Then he goes back home and eats whatever is available – without eating too much. Then he looks for a suitable way for himself and his family to spend this time, whether reading a book of stories, or a book on practical rulings, or a quiz, or permissible conversation, or any other useful idea that is of interest to the members of the family and will distracts them from the haraam things that appear in the media which regard this as their prime time, so you find the media transmitting their most attractive programs at that time, that may contain immoral and obscene material. Strive to turn away from that, and fear Allaah with regard to your “flock” (i.e., your family) concerning whom you will be questioned on the Day of Resurrection, so be prepared to answer the questions.

Then get ready for ‘Isha’ prayer, go to the mosque and keep busy reading Qur’aan or listening to the lesson being given in the mosque.

Then after that perform ‘Isha’ prayer, then pray two rak’ahs (the regular Sunnah of ‘Isha’), then pray taraaweeh behind the imam with humility and focus, pondering the meanings of what is recited. Do not finish until the imam finishes. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever stands (and prays) with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded as if he spent the night in prayer.” [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani]

«إنه من قام مع الإمام حتى ينصرف كتب له قيام ليلة» رواه الترمذي وصححه الألباني


Then after Taraaweeh you can make a program for yourself that is suited to your circumstances and personal commitments. But you should pay attention to the following:

Keeping away from all haraam things and whatever may lead to them.

Paying attention to ensuring that your family avoid falling into any haraam thing or whatever may lead to that, in a wise manner, such as preparing a program just for them, or taking them out for leisure trips to permissible places, or keeping them away from bad friends, or looking for good friends for them.

Keeping busy with things that take priority.

Then you should try to sleep early, whilst paying attention to the etiquette of sleep as prescribed in sharee’ah, both actions and words. If you read some Qur’aan or some beneficial books before going to sleep, that is something good, especially if you have not yet completed your daily portion of Qur’aan – so do not go to sleep until you have completed it.

Then wake up before suhoor, allowing enough time to recite du’aa’, because this time – the last third of the night – is the time when Allaah descends, and Allaah has praised those who seek His forgiveness at this time, and has promised those who call upon Him at this time that He will answer them, and that He will accept the repentance of those who repent to Him at this time. So do not neglect this great opportunity.


Friday:

Friday is the best day of the week, so you should have a special program of worship on this day, in which you pay attention to the following:

- Coming early to Jumu’ah prayer.

- Staying in the mosque after ‘Asr prayer, and keeping busy with reading Qur’aan and making du’aa’ until the last hour of this day, for that is a time when du’aa’s are answered.

- Make this day an opportunity for completing some of your deeds that you did not finish during the week, such as completing your weekly portion of Qur’aan, or finishing reading a book or listening to a tape and other good deeds.


The last ten days of Ramadan:

The last ten days of Ramadan include Laylat al-Qadr which is better than a thousand months. Hence it is prescribed for a person to observe i’tikaaf (“retreat” for the purpose of worship) in the mosque during these ten days, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do, seeking Laylat al-Qadr. Whoever can observe i’tikaaf at this time, this is a great blessing from Allaah.

Whoever cannot observe i’tikaaf for the entire period should do as much as he is able to.

If he is not able to do i’tikaaf at all, then he should try to spend the nights in worship. Praying qiyaam, reading Qur’aan, remembering Allaah and making du’aa’. He should prepare for that by resting during the day so that he will be able to stay up at night.


Note:

This program is just a suggestion. It is a flexible schedule that each person can adapt to his own circumstances.

This program pays attention to the Sunnahs that are proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). It does not mean that everything mentioned here is an obligatory duty, rather it includes many things that are Sunnah and mustahabb.

The most beloved of actions to Allaah are those which are continuous even if they are little. At the beginning of the month a person may be keen to do acts of worship, then he may slow down. Beware of that, and strive to persist in all the actions that you do in this blessed month.

The Muslim should strive to organize his time in this blessed month so that he will not miss out on a great opportunity to do more good and righteous deeds. For example, a person should try to buy all the things that the family needs before the month begins, and he should buy day-to-day needs at times when the stores are not crowded, and visits to friends and family should be organized in such a way that they do not distract from acts of worship.

Make doing lots of acts of worship and drawing closer to Allaah your priority in this blessed month.

Resolve at the beginning of the month to go to the mosque early at the times of prayer, and to complete the Book of Allaah, and to regularly pray qiyaam al-layl in this great month, and to spend (in charity) what you can of your wealth.


Make the most of the opportunity that the month of Ramadan brings to strengthen your connection to the Book of Allaah, by utilizing the following means:

- Read the verses correctly. The way to do that is to have your reading corrected by someone who knows how to read well. If you cannot do that, then by listening to tapes of expert readers.

- Revise what Allaah has enabled you to memorize, and memorize some more.

- Read the tafseer (commentary) on the verses, either by looking up the verses you do not understand in reliable books of tafseer such as Tafseer al-Baghawi and Tafseer Ibn Katheer and Tafseer al-Sa’di, or by making a program to read a book of tafseer. Start first with the thirtieth Juz’ (section) of the Qur’aan, then move on to the twenty-ninth juz’, and so on.

- Strive to apply the commands that you read in the Book of Allaah.

We ask Allaah to perfect for us the blessing of Ramadan, and to help us fast and pray qiyaam throughout the whole month, and to accept (these acts of worship) from us, and to forgive us for our shortcomings.



Source = Islam Q&A (Credit to Abu Talib for forwarding this article)

Whilst we are fasting then there is much more chance that we will lose our temper and become angry and this is because we are deprived of food, drink and sleep. So it is even more important that we do everything in our power to control our anger when it arises so that we do not end up ruining our fasts.

So what steps can we take to control our anger?

1. Saying the word of protection:

a`ûdhû billâhi min ash-shaytân ir rajîm

2. Changing bodily posture:

So when angry, sit down if standing — and lie down if sitting.

3. Washing the face etc, arms, hands:

Make ablution with water.


Medicines recommended by Imam Al-Ghazalî for controlling anger

Below the medicines of anger after one gets angry. This medicine is a mixture of knowledge and action.

The medicine based on knowledge is of six kinds:

(1) The first medicine of knowledge is to think over the rewards of appeasing anger, that have come from the verses of the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Your hope for getting rewards of appeasing anger will restrain you from taking revenge.

(2) The second kind of medicine based on knowledge is to fear the punishment of God and to think that the punishment of God upon me is greater than my punishment upon him. If I take revenge upon this man for anger, God will take revenge upon me on the Judgement Day.

(3) The third kind of medicine of anger based on knowledge is to take precaution about punishment of enemity and revenge on himself. You feel joy in having your enemy in your presence in his sorrows, You yourself are not free from that danger. You will fear that your enemy might take revenge against you in this world and in the next.

(4) Another kind of medicine based on knowledge is to think about the ugly face of the angry man, which is just like that of the ferocious beast. He who appeases anger looks like a sober and learned man.

(5) The fifth kind of medicine based on knowledge is to think that the devil will advise by saying: " You will be weak if you do not get angry!" Do not listen to him!

(6) The sixth reason is to think: " What reason have I got to get angry? What Allah wishes has occured!"

So let us act upon this and train ourselves not to get anger so that we may apply this to the rest of our lives Insha'Allaah.


^ Credit to 'the_truth' from TTI (TurnToIslam)

TIP 11: Sleep pattern

There is no doubt that Ramadan can play havoc with one's sleeping pattern for the first few days especially as the body gets used to the changes that we are experiencing in our daily routine. Sleep is one of the things that are affected by these changes.

In order for us to be most productive in Ramadan we need to be active for as long as possible in the 24 hour day. In order to do this it will take a few days of getting used to but the following should be done:

1. The best way of making the most out of Ramadan is to sleep at the earliest point possible so straight after Tarawee. Do NOT eat heavy at Iftar or before sleeping for that will make you tired and lazy. Eat light meals and just watch how fresh you will feel. Drink plenty of water.

Then one should wake up half an hour before sehri ends, make wudu and pray Tahajjud, make long dua and then eat something LIGHT for suhur.

2. The best way of having a productive day is to stay awake after Fajr for the mornings are blessed times and one would have the whole long day to pray and worship Allah. But if one is very tired and needs more sleep then one should sleep. But one should aim NOT to sleep until after 8 am. That will give one around 6-7 hours of sleep altogether which is perfect.

3. There is NO need to sleep more than 6-7 hours for we want to be as productive as possible in this precious month. So put 2 alarms on and put them both on for 8 am 5 minutes apart and put them somewhere far away so you will have to get up and turn them off.

It may take a bit of getting used to at first but you will slowly get into the habit of waking up everyday at 8 am and you will have a whole long day of worship alhamdulillah.

4. When you wake up then do some stretches which will really help you to feel freshed and then if you want to have a shower which will freshen you further. If you want to take a little walk then it will be beneficial because a little fresh air and exercise will stimulate the mind and body and will make you more fresh and that way you will be ready and prepared to focus on worshipping the whole day as best as possible Insha'Allaah!

^ Credit to once again 'the_truth' from TTI (TurnToIslam) - The True Servant of Islam, and Indeed, He posses great knowledge of Islam, and May Allaah (SWT) always rewards with blessings, Ameen!

^ The next three articles, credit to 'a_muslimah' from TTI (TurnToIslam), are Definition of Siyaam (fasting), The Virtues of Fasting, and Etiquette and Sunnah of fasting. May Allaah (SWT) rewards 'a_muslimah' from TTI (TurnToIslam) with great immense blessings of his contribution in the name of Islam, Ameen!

Definition of Siyaam (fasting)

(1) Siyaam in Arabic means abstaining; in Islam it means abstaining from things that break the fast, from dawn until sunset, having first made the intention (niyyah) to fast.

Ruling on fasting

(2) The ummah is agreed that fasting the month of Ramadaan is obligatory, the evidence for which is in the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Observing al-sawn (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]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Islam is built on five [pillars]…” among which he mentioned fasting in Ramadan. (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, 1/49).

Whoever breaks the fast during Ramadaan without a legitimate excuse has committed a serious major sin, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, describing a dream that he had seen:

“… until I was at the mountain, where I heard loud voices. I asked, ‘What are these voices?’ They said, ‘This is the howling of the people of Hellfire.’ Then I was taken [to another place], and I saw people hanging from their hamstrings, with the corners of their mouths torn and dripping with blood. I said, ‘Who are these?’ They said, ‘The people who broke their fast before it was the proper time to do so,’ i.e., before the time of iftaar.” (Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/420).

Al-Haafiz al-Dhahabi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, “Among the believers it is well-established that whoever does not fast in Ramadaan without a valid excuse is worse than an adulterer or drunkard; they doubt whether he is even a Muslim at all, and they regard him as a heretic and profligate.”

Shaykh al-Islam [Ibn Taymiyah] (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “If a person does not fast in Ramadaan knowing that it is haraam but making it halaal for himself to do so, kill him; and if he does it because he is immoral [but believes it is haraam], then punish him for not fasting.” (Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 25/265).

The virtues of fasting

(3) The virtues of fasting are great indeed, and one of the things reported in the saheeh ahaadeeth is that Allaah has chosen fasting for Himself, and He will reward it and multiply the reward without measure, as He says [in the hadeeth qudsi]:

“Except for fasting which is only for My sake, and I will reward him for it.” (al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, no. 1904; Saheehal-Targheeb, 1/407).

Fasting has no equal (al-Nisaa'i, 4/165; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/413),

and the du’aa’ of the fasting person will not be refused (reported by al-Bayhaqi, 3/345; al-Silsilat al-Saheeh, 1797).

The fasting person has two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast and one when he meets his Lord and rejoices over his fasting (reported by Muslim, 2/807).

Fasting will intercede for a person on the Day of Judgement, and will say,

“O Lord, I prevented him from his food and physical desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.” (Reported by Ahmad, 2/174. Al-Haythami classed its isnaad as hasan in al-Majma’, 3/181. See also Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/411).

The smell that comes from the mouth of a fasting person is better with Allaah than the scent of musk. (Muslim, 2/807).

Fasting is a protection and a strong fortress that keeps a person safe from the Fire. (Reported by Ahmad, 2/402; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/411; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3880).

Whoever fasts one day for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will remove his face seventy years’ distance from the Fire. (Reported by Muslim, 2/808).

Whoever fasts one day seeking the pleasure of Allaah, if that is the last day of his life, he will enter Paradise. (Reported by Ahmad, 5/391; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/412).

In Paradise there is a gate called al-Rayyaan, through those who fast will enter, and no one will enter it except them; when they have entered it will be locked, and no-one else will enter through it.” (al-Bukhaari, Fath, no. 1797).

Ramadaan is a pillar of Islam; the Qur’aan was revealed in this month, and in it there is a night that is better than a thousand months.

“When Ramadaan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, no. 3277).

Fasting Ramadaan is equivalent to fasting ten months (See Musnad Ahmad, 5/280; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/421).

“Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and with the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, no. 37).

At the breaking of every fast, Allaah will choose people to free from Hellfire. (Reported by Ahmad, 5/256; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/419).

The benefits of fasting

(4) There is much wisdom and many benefits in fasting, which have to do with the taqwa mentioned by Allaah in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“… that you may become al-muttaqoon (the pious).” [al-Baqarah 2:183]

The interpretation of this is that if a person refrains from halaal things hoping to earn the pleasure of Allaah and out of fear of His punishment, it will be easier for him to refrain from doing haraam things.

If a person’s stomach is hungry, this will keep many of his other faculties from feeling hunger or desires; but if his stomach is satisfied, his tongue, eye, hand and private parts will start to feel hungry. Fasting leads to the defeat of Shaytaan; it controls desires and protects one’s faculties.

When the fasting person feels the pangs of hunger, he experiences how the poor feel, so he has compassion towards them and gives them something to ward off their hunger. Hearing about them is not the same as sharing their suffering, just as a rider does not understand the hardship of walking unless he gets down and walks.

Fasting trains the will to avoid desires and keep away from sin; it helps a person to overcome his own nature and to wean himself away from his habits. It also trains a person to get used to being organized and punctual, which will solve the problem that many people have of being disorganized, if only they realized.

Fasting is also a demonstration of the unity of the Muslims, as the ummah fasts and breaks its fast at the same time.

Fasting also provides a great opportunity for those who are calling others to Allaah. In this month many people come to the mosque who are coming for the first time, or who have not been to the mosque for a long time, and their hearts are open, so we must make the most of this opportunity by preaching in a gentle manner, teaching appropriate lessons and speaking beneficial words, whilst co-operating in righteousness and good deeds. The dai’yah should not be so preoccupied with others that he forgets his own soul and becomes like a wick that lights the way for others while it is itself consumed.