RAMADAN....O you who believe,.................

Society Religion & Philosophy
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Brothers & Sisters in Islam As Salam Alaikum.
A reminder to us what our Allah and his Messenger P.B.H. said about Ramadan.

**" O you who believe, Fasting is prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you in order that you may attain ‘TAQWAH’(consciousness of Allah)"[Al-Baqarah 2:183]

and

“… and who among you is resident during the month(Ramadan) let him fast it.”[Al-Baqarah 2:185]

plus

  • The Messenger of Allah S.A.W.said :
    " Islam is built upon five pillars(fundamentals): Testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, to establish the prayers, pay the Zakaat,* FAST IN RAMADAN,* and make the Hajj(pilgrimage to Makkah),for the one who has the ability to(do so)."[Bukhari and Muslim]***

Today is 14th of Sha’aban.Also a night of great importance.Most of us will be fasting on 15th.of Sha’aban. Ramadan is fast approaching. Lets get ready for it.

There are many refrences of Quran and Hadith which will, I hope, will be reffered in future by us.

A humble request to ALL. Please keep this thread a learning one. No criticism on different sects and beliefs. Also please do not start a different thread on this Subject. This will make it easier for us to learn and Please do take full participation in it.
NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT ANY POST WITHOUT AUTHENTIC REFRENCES. IT IS A LEARNING THREAD. YOU WILL BE REWARDED BY ALLAH ACCORDINGLY.
JazakAllah Khair
Aapca

**~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

[This message has been edited by Aapca (edited November 11, 2000).]

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**"..... And who ever is removed from the fire and is admitted to Paradise is indeed sucessful...."[Aale `Imran 3:185]

*FASTING IS ONE ACT OF WORSHIP WHICH CAUSES A PERSON TO ENTER AL-JANNAH.*

A companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Salal laho Alaihay Wasallam, asked him (S.A.W.)
"O Messenger of Allah, tell me of an action by which I may enter Paradise." He (S.A.W.)said:TAKE TO FASTING, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT" ** [An-Nissai, Ibn Hibban & Al-Hakim]

~~~And verily the RESULTS are decided by the LAST ACTIONS.~~~
(reported by Bukhari)

[This message has been edited by buqrat (edited November 12, 2000).]

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Some good Islamic links for your info.

Salah time table for all cities of the World.
http://www.solat.net/cgi-bin/world/wsolat.shtml

North American Mosques/Islamic Organisations and lots of info:
http://www.quran.net

~And verily the RESULTS are decided by the LAST ACTIONS.~
(reported by Bukhari)

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**
A good link for Ramadan**
http://www.jannah.org/ramadan

**~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

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Beginning of the month of RAMADAN:
It is determined by either:
Sighting of the Crescent (new moon)with the naked eye on the 29th day of the month(i.e. Shabaan).
The Prophet Muhammad Sallal laho alihay Wasallam said: "Fast (plural)when you (plural)see it (the Crescent), stop fasting(plural) when you (plural)see it,and if it is obscure from you (plural), then complete thirty days of Sha`baan by counting." [Bukharie and Muslim]

N.B.: Ramadan in North America may start on Monday, 27th.of November,2000. depending on sighting of Crescent.
Check with your local mosques and Islamic Centres and ask for Hilal Committee of North America's decision that wether the Crescent has been sighted in U.S.A. or Canada.

~~~And verily the RESULTS are decided by the LAST ACTIONS.~~~
(reported by Bukhari)

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***Ramadaan Mubarak.
Ramadaan has started.Do not forget to fast.

The person who fasts during Ramadaan with faith and hopes for Allah's rewards is gorgiven all his sins.*

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad s.a.w. said:
"Whoever fasts Ramadaan with firm belief and seek a reward (from Allah) will be forgiven all his previous sins."**
[Ahmad, Abu Dawood & others]

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

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** Defination of Saum (Fasting)
Saum (Fast):**Literally means to abstain from or keep away from something. In Islamic usage, however, it means to abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset of any day, with the pure intention of only pleasing Allah, the most High.

Who Must Fast:
The Shar'eeah rules that fasting in Ramadaan*must be observed* by every sane, adult (sexually mature), healthy Muslim man or woman who is not travelling at that time.

Any one who qualifies to fast in Ramadan, but does not, is committing a major sin in Islam.

Those exempted from fasting (during Ramadaan) and ways of compensation.

.....to follow in the next post.

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

[This message has been edited by Aapca (edited November 28, 2000).]

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**Those exempted from fasting (during Ramadaan) and ways of compensation.

1.The following groups of people do not have to fast:
(a) The Insane
(b) The Minor

The Messenger of Allah s.a.w. said:" The pen is raised from three (groups), the INSANE until they become Sane, those who are asleep until they awake, and the MINOR until they reach maturity,"**
[Ahmad, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi]

2. Those who have a choice to fast or refrain from fasting in Ramadaan. They would have to make up for the missed days (if they refrain) after the completion of Ramadaan.
(a) The Traveller
(b) The Sick Person(who hopes to recover from his illness because of its temporary nature.)

Allah, the Almighty said:"...And who ever is ill or on a journey, the same numbers(of days which one did not fast must be made up by fasting) other days..."
[Al-Baqara 2:185]

to be continued in the next post.....

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

[This message has been edited by Aapca (edited November 29, 2000).]

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**Those exempted from fasting (during Ramadaan) and ways of compensation.
contd.:

3.Those who can not fast in Ramadaan but have to make up the missed days after the month.**

Women who are either in menstruation or bleeding after child birth. If a woman's bleeding starts at any time during the day time of Ramadaan, then the fast is broken and the woman must fast another day to make up for that day. If she continued to fast, it would not be valid and she would still have to make up for it by fasting another day.

`Aaeishah said:"When we would have our menses in the time of the prophet s.a.w. we were ordered to make up the days of fasting that we missed."
[Bukharie and Muslim]

The Prophet s.a.w.said:" Is it not that if she menstruates that she does not pray or fast?..."
[Muslim]

4.Compensating for every day missed:
to be continued in next post......
keep reading this thread in the month of Ramadaan.
JazakAllah Khair.

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

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Continued from previous post:

4.Compensating for every day missed:

(a)The elderly who are unable to fast, and those with continious illness that there seem to be no immediate cure for it. Ibn `Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
"The elderly man and old woman who are unable to fast should feed a poor person in its place for each day."
[Al-Bukharie]

(b)The woman who is pregnant or breast-feeding*who fears for herself or the childdoes not have to fast but has to compensate for every day missed. This is taken from the statement of Allah, the Most High Who says:And as for who can fast(with difficulty) they have(a choice to fast or)feed a poor person (for everyday). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him.And that you fast, it is better for you if only you knew."*
[Al-Baqarah 2:184]

Originally, fasting in the month of Ramadaan was not obligatory. Any Muslim had a choice between fasting during the month of Ramadaan and feeding a poor person for every day missed, although fasting was better as is established in the above Aayah. Later this Aayah was partially abrogated and the ruling remained for only those listed in the following statement of Ibn `Abbas:..."...that was affirmed for the old man and woman who are unable to fast,and the pregnant and breast-feeding woman who feared(for themselves) should refrain from fasting. They should feed a poor person for each day."
[Tafseer Al-Qurtubi Vol. 2 page 192, Baihaqee & Abu Dawood]

** What comprises compensation.**

Naafireported that IbnUmar was asked about a pregnant woman who feared for her child so he said:*" she should refrain from fasting and instead feed a *mudd*of wheat to a poor person in place of each day missed"*
[Authentic from Al-Baihaqee]

Mudd: The amount held by both hands cupped together.

Preconditions for fasting during the month of Ramadaan.
......to be continued in the next post. Please keep in touch with this thread.....

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

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Preconditions for fasting during the month of Ramadaan.

These are the requirements for fasting during Ramadaan that must be fulfilled in order for this act of worship to be accepted by Allah, the Most High.

** Firstly:** One must fast purely for the pleasure of Allah, the glorious.

(1)Allah the Sublime said: ** "And you are commanded nothing except to do eebadah for Allah alone..."**
[Al-Baiyannah 98:5]
Since fasting iseebadah then it must be done for Allah alone.

(2) The messenger of Allah (s.a.w.)said:** " Actions are but intentions, and every man will have what he intends..."**
[Bukharie and Muslim]

Secondly: One must abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadaan.

Allah, the Glorious said: ** " And eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)..."**
and** "...it is lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the nights of the fast..."**
[Al-Baqarah 2:187]

Thirdly:The fast must be performed as was ordered by Allah, the Sublime and demonstrated to us by His Messenger (s.a.w.).
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:** " Whoever introduces in this affair of ours that which is not of it will have it rejected."**
[Bukharie and Muslim]

The Manner of Fasting
to be continued in the next post.
Please keep in touch with this thread,
JazakAllah Khair.

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

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**The Manner of Fasting.

(a) The Intention.**

The Muslim who is fasting in Ramadaan must **have an intention to fast every day before the fast begins at dawn.** This is better to be done before going to sleep so that if he/she sleeps and awakes after the dawn then he must observe the fast and it is valid because that day's intention was already made. Where as, if he/she did not sleep with the intention and wakes up after dawn, then even if he/she fasts, it would not be valid and he/she will have to make it up with a day after the month is finished. The Prophet(s.a.w.) said:"He who does not resolve to fast before it is Fajr, then there is no fast for him."
[Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi & others]

The intention is not a verbal saying or promouncement but it is a decision in the heart. To pronounce it verbally is not known from the Prophet(s.a.w.) and as such would be contrary to his (s.a.w.)way(Sunnah). This must be avoided.

It should be noted that the pre-requisite for the Niyaah(intention) before Fajr applies only to the obligatory (Fardh) fast (like fasting in Ramadaan) and not he optional fast (lake fasting on Mondays and Thursdays). This is based upon the following proof:

If the Messenger(s.a.w.) went to any of his wives (in the morning), he would ask:"Do you have any food?" and if they replied in the negative, he (s.a.w.)would say: "Then I will fast."
[Muslim, Ahmad]

(b) The pre-Dawn meal (Suhoor).
to be continued.........

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

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** The Pre-Dawn meal (Suhoor).**

The Suhoor is the meal that the Muslim should endeavor to take before Fajr in order to begin his/her fast. This meal is blessed.

A man came to the Prophet(s.a.w.) and said: I entered upon the Prophet(s.a.w.) while he was taking the Suhoor and he(s.a.w.) said:**
"It is a blessing which Allah has given to you, so do not leave it off."**
[Ahmad and An-Nasaa`ee]

Therefore, Muslims should try to make a habit of partaking in it even if it is only by taking a mouthful of water.

The Prophet(s.a.w.) said:" The Suhoor is a blessed meal, so do not leave it, even if you just take a mouthful of water. since Allah sends mercy and His angels seek forgiveness for those who take the Suhoor."
[Ahmad and Ibn Abee Shaibah]

However, the best thing to take as Suhoor is dates.

The Prophet(s.a.w.) said:"How excellent are dates as the believer's Suhoor."
[Abu Dawood, Baihaqee, Ibn Hibbaan]

What gives the Suhoor much more importance is the fact that it is the distinction between our fast and the fast of the jews.

The Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.) said:" The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the Book is the taking of the Suhoor(the predawn meal)"
[Muslim]

It is also highly recommended to delay the Suhoor and partake of it as close to the time of Fajr (dawn) as possible. The companions narrate that the time between their Suhoor and their starting the Fajr prayer was enough for a person to recite fifty ayaat from the Quran.
[The hadeeth in its original form is found in Bukharie and Muslim]

This is approximately between 10 to 20 minutes, and Allah knows best.
While the above is the recommended time to stop eating the Suhoor, it should be noted that it is allowed to eat up to the beginning of the time for the Adhaan(that is at the beginning of dawn).

(c) Avoid statements of Z O O R and actions relating to it.

to be continued...........

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

[This message has been edited by Girl from Quraysh (edited December 06, 2000).]

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** The Manner of Fasting.....contd.

(c)Avoid statements of Zoor and actions
relating to it.

Zoor means** fase testimony, slandering, backbiting, abusive or indecent language, lying, etc.
Naturally, in order for the fasting person to attain the desireable result of fasting which is taqwah (righteousness, self-restrain and consciousness of Allah), then he must avoid **Zoor **altogether. The following Aa-Hadeeth of the Prophet(s.a.w.) clearly and emphatically stress this:

"Whoever does not abondon falsehood in word and action(Zoor), then Allah, the Majestic has no need that he/(she) should leave (off) his food and drink"
[Al-Bukharie]

The Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.) also said:**
"Fasting is not merely abstaining from eating and drinking, rather it is abstaining from ignorant and indecent speech, so if any one behaves ignorantly with you, then say:'I am fasting, I am fasting."**
[Ibn Khuzaimah and others]

After emphasizing this the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.)warns us: "It may be that a fasting person attains nothing but hunger and thirst from his/(her) fasting."
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah and others]

Although the above actions does not nulify the fast, they greatly reduce its meaning and value.

** (d) Breaking the Fast (Iftaar)**
to be continued.......

Please keep in touch.JazakAllah Khair.

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

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** The Manner of Fasting...contd.

(d) Breaking the Fast (Iftaar)
When does the fasting person break the fast.

Allah, the Most High says:
"Then complete your fast till nightfall..." **

[Al-Baqarah 2:187]

TheMessenger of Allah(s.a.w.) explain this as follows. He(s.a.w.) said:"(Pointing in the direction of sunrise), when the night approaches from here and the day passes away from here, and the sun sets, then the fasting person can break his/(her) fast."
[Bukharie and Muslim]

The time for breaking the fast is not when the entire place has become dark but it is as soon as the disc of the sun disappears over the horizon.

It was the practice of the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.) that when he was fasting he would order a man to climb upon something and when this person informs him that the sun had set, he(s.a.w.) would break the fast.[Al-Haakim and Ibn Khuzimah]

-Hastening to break the fast.

The Prophet(s.a.w.) said: The people will continue to be with the good (on the straight path) as long as they hasten to break the fast."
[Bukharie and Muslim]

Hastening to break the fast is contrary to the ways of the Jews and the Christians, the Prophet(s.a.w.) said:"The Deen will be uppermost as long as the people hasten to break their fast, because the Jews and Christians delay it."
[Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibban]

It is important that we take full notice of the above Aa-Hadeeth, since there is some tendency among people to delay breaking of the fast and to coincide it with the Azaan for Maghrib.

  • The Sunnah(recommended) way of breaking the fast is with dates and if this is not available then with a few mouthful of water.

The Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.) would break his fast with ripe dates before he prayed. If it were not with fresh dates, then with dried dates and if not with dates, then with some mouthful of water.
[Ahmad, Abu Dawood]

From the above AaHadeeth of the Prophet(s.a.w.) it should be noted that it is most recommended and preferable to have a light Iftaar, pray Salaatul Maghrib and then have dinner. However, if the food has already been laid out especially in front of the people then it would be recommended to eat first,without over-indulgence, based upon the following statement of the Prophet(s.a.w.) :**
"None should pray when food is served..."**
[Ahmad, Muslim and Abu Dawood]

This is because the food distract one's concentration during his/her performance of the Salaah. This consciousness of Allah during the Salaah is an important pillar of it. This is further emphasized in the following statement of the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.):**
"If dinner is served, then eat first before you pray the Salaatul-Maghrib, and do not leave off your dinner and hasten to prayer." **
[Bukharie and Muslim]

It should be noted, that since it is established that it is preferable to have a light Iftaar, pray and then have dinner, those in responsible positions in the Masaajid should take care not to have the food displayed before the Salaatul Maghrib.

- Supplication while breaking the fast.
to bo continued.....

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

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Supplication while breaking the fast.

Muslims who are fasting should know that at the time of breaking the fast they can supplicate and their duaa` (supplication) will be responded to by Allah (Insha Allah).

The Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.) said:" Indeed there is for the fasting person, when he(/she) breaks his(/her) fast, a supplication which is not rejected."
[Ibn Majah, Al-Haakim and others]

So we should call upon Allah, the Glorious at the time of breaking the fast with a firm conviction that He will answer us.
Other than the general supplications that can be made at this time, there is a specific one that the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.) used to make.
The english translation of which is as follows:

" The Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, if Allah wills".
[Abu Dawood, Baihaquee & Hakim]

-Supplication for the host.

If a Muslim is invited by another Muslim, then he must accept the invitation. It is also strongly recommended by the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.)to supplicate for the one's host who provides Iftaar for him with:

"May those who fast, break their fast along with you and the righteous eat along with you, and may the angels send prayers(seek forgiveness)for you."
[Abu Dawood]

Actions which nullify the Fast

to be continued........

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)

[This message has been edited by Aapca (edited December 10, 2000).]

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**Actions which nulify the Fast

(a) Intentional eating and drinking.**
If any person intentionally eats or drinks during the day time of Ramadaan i.e. the period in which he has to fast, then his/her fast is void and he/she will have to fast a day for it after the month of Ramadaan is completed.
Allah the Most High said:" And eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your fast till the night fall..."
[Al-Baqarah 2:187]

However, if one unintentionally eats or drink or is forced to eat or drink while fasting, then his/her fast is not void. He must complete his fast as the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w.) said: **
"If anyone eats and drinks out of forgetfulness, then let him(her) complete his(her) fast, for it was Allah who fed him(her) and gave him(her) drink."**
[Al-Bukharie and Muslim]

He(s.a.w.) further states:Allah has pardoned for my Ummah (the Muslims)their mistakes, and their forgetfulness and what they do under duress."
[Al-Baihaqee]
It should be noted that forgetful eating or drinking implies that one was totally unaware that he/she was fasting. However, as soon as he become conscious that he is fasting, he must stop eating or drinking immediately.

There is an agreement among the scholars that if one intentionally swallows something that is not considered food, like a seed or pebble, etc, then this also breaks the fast. And Allah knows best.

to be continued.....

**~~~Performace of good DEEDS avoids the evil ending.~~~

He, who advises for the GOOD, is similar (in rewards)to the doer of it.**
(Sahih Al-Jami 3797 & 3399 resp.)