Ramadhan Kareem

As all of us realized, Ramadhan just around the corner. So, lets prepare ourself to face the Ramadhan Kareen. Today, I will share will all of you about Fasting in Islam.

Fasting is a unique moral and spiritual characteristic of Islam. Literally defined, fasting means to abstain "completely" from foods, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking, before the break of the dawn till sunset. But if we restrict the meaning of the Islamic Fasting to this literal sense, we would be sadly mistaken.

Allah had mentioned in Quran: 

God says in the Quran:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain God-consciousness.” (Quran 2:183)

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for humankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion. So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan) must observe the fasts that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number from other days. God intends for you ease, and He does not want for you difficulty. (So you) must complete the same number, and that you must magnify God for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” (2:185)

To add, as narrated by Abu Huraira: The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 127)

Sawm (fasting) begins with dawn and ends with sunset. Muslims rise before dawn, eat Sahur (pre-dawn meal) and drink an adequate amount of liquids for the preparation of sawm. Eating and drinking stops at dawn. During the day no eating, drinking or sexual activity is allowed. In addition, a Muslim must adhere to the moral code of Islam strictly as failure can violate the requirements of fasting.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is an act of worship required of all Muslims who have attained puberty. Women who are having their menstrual period or who have not fully recovered from childbirth postpone the fast until they are completely out of their given conditions. In addition, those who are ill or on travel may choose to postpone their fast.

Muslims fast because God has commanded them to do so. However, they may also think about the benefits of fasting that include developing control over hunger, thirst and sexual urges, training to be a good moral person and testing sincerity to the Creator. During the fast, Muslims may conduct their business as usual. 

The fast is broken immediately after sunset usually by eating dates and drinking water or juice. However, any lawful food or drink may be used to break the fast. This is followed by the Maghrib salah (after sunset prayer) which is followed by a complete meal. After a brief rest, Muslims go to the mosque to offer the ‘Isha salah (night prayer) and then a special night prayer, called taraweeh.

This nightly congregational salah (prayer) is performed after the regular night prayer. Traditionally, a Hafiz of the Quran, - a person who has memorized the whole Quran (in Arabic) - leads the prayer. He recites the Quran in small portions, in proper sequence, every night and completes the recitation of the whole Quran before the end of the month of Ramhadan. Every Muslim who attends such prayers regularly gets the opportunity of listening to the recitation of the whole Quran by the end of the month. If a Hafiz of the Quran is not available, the Muslim who has memorized the most in the group leads the prayer and recites according to his ability. Many Islamic scholars cite the Sunnah (path of the Prophet Muhammad) of the Prophet – may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him - that he always prayed during the night alone at his home whether it was Ramadhan or not and same was the habit of many of his great companions.

The month of Ramadhan brings many blessings multiplied for those who do good. During this month people are more generous, more cordial, friendlier and more ready than other times of the year to do good deeds. The poor and the needy receive food, clothing and money from the well-off in the community. Many people go to the mosque in the neighbourhood for fast-breaking and meals. People in the neighbourhood send fruit, food and drinks to the mosque – the atmosphere is that of a friendly dinner every evening of the month.

Well-known contributors of the Muslim community find themselves surrounded by the needy people for donations. Zakat, a wealth purifying alms, and donations are given at this time of the year since many Muslims wish to take the opportunity of multiplied rewards from God.

Here's a short notes for your exam! :)

Ruling on fasting-

• The Ummah is agreed that fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory (must).

Excellence or virtues of Ramadan-

• Fasting involves depriving one’s self from certain daily needs like eating and drinking for the sake of Allah, being desirous of His reward.

Benefits of fasting-

• • Taqwa or piety
  • Protecting the rest of the body
  • Patience
  • Feel for the poor
  • Self control
• Unity among Muslims

The Sunnah of fasting-

• • The Sunnah practices related to fasting are the following:
  • Delaying the pre-dawn meal or suhoor
  • Hastening to break the fast
  • The Dua
  • Breaking the fast with fresh dates
  • Increasing the performance of good deeds
• Being eager to perform the Taraweeh prayers in the mosque

Other etiquettes of fasting-

• Keeping away from sin

• Exercise self control

• Eating moderately

• Do not use fasting as an excuse

Meritorious deeds in Ramadan -

• Reading the Qur’an

• Qiyam or night prayer

• Salatut – Taraweeh

• Performing Umrah

• Being generous

• Sincere repentance

• 
  
• Ramadan Kareem!

Any inquiries,feel free to drop your comment! :)