[Style Mantra]

The Virtue of Ramadan and the Qur'an

THE OBLIGATION OF FASTING

Allah says in the Quran:

"O uou who have faith! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you - so that hopefully you will have taqwa." - Al Baqarah(2):183

Meaning that hopefuly you can safeguard yourselves from the Fire through Fasting; fasting is a means to the forgiveness of sins, and sins lead one to the fire.

The two sahihs record the hadith in which the prophet (pbuh) said:

"Islam is built upon five: that you worship Allah and reject the worship of anything else, to establish the prayer, the giving of Zakat, performing pilgrimage to the house and Fasting the month of Ramadan." [This is the wording of Muslim, Bukhari has the first sentence as 'that you testify none has the right to be worshipped save Allah'].

THE VIRTUES OF FASTING

Fasting carries with it a number of benefits, amongst which are: the elevation to ones rank, the expiation of sins, the breaking of ones desire and lusts, the increase of charity, the multiplication of actions of obedience to Allah, giving thanks to the one who knows the hidden matters, and preventing oneself from even contemplating the commiting of sin.

THE ELEVATION OF RANK

With regards to the elevation of rank, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:

"When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paardise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are locked and devils are chained." [Bukhari]

He (pbuh) also said, relating from his lord Mighty and Magnificient,

"All of the actions of the son of Adam are for him except the fast for that is for me and I will reward it. Fasting is protecting sheild, so when it is the day when one of you are fasting, let him not behave or speak indecently; if someone tries to abuse him or fight him, let him say, 'I am fasting'. By the one in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the smell emanating from the mouth of the one fasting is better with Allah then the smell of musk. The one fasting has tewo time of joy, when he breaks his fast he is happy and when he meets his lord he will rejoice at his fasting." [Bukhari and Muslim]

The prophet (pbuh) also said:

"Every action that the son of Adam does, [its reward] will be multiplied, a good deed will be increased tenfold. Allah Mighty and Magnificient says, 'except for the fast, for that is for Me and I will reward it for he left his desires and food for My sake'" [Muslim]

The prophet (pbuh) also said:

"In paradise there is a gate which is called ar-Rayyan through which the people who fasted will enter on the day of Judgement, and no one else shall enter along-side them. It will be asked, 'where are those who fasted?' and they will walk through it, and upon the entry of the last of them, it will be locked, and no one else will walk through it." [Bukhari and Muslim]

With regards the 'opening of the gates of paradise', this is a phrase that points to the increase of actions of obedience that in turn lead to the opening of the gates of Paradise. 'Locking the gates of Fire' is a phrase that points to the decrease, and lack of therewith, of sins which in turn leads to the locking of the gates of the Fire. 'The chaining of the devils' is a phrase that points to the termination of their whisperings, and temptations, to those who are fasting because they give up hope of receiving a favorable response.

His saying, "All of the actions of the son of Adam are for him except the fast for that is for me, and I will reward it," fasting has been specifically adjoined to him in the order of Honour it because the hidden nature of fasting prevents ostentation entering it, and moreover, hunger and thirst are not used as means to draew closer to any king of this world nor any idol.

[Style Mantra]

THE MONTH OF RAMADAN AND ITS IMPORTANCE

The Islamic months also called Lunar months are based on the sighting of the moon. The Islamic calendar began when Mohummed (pbuh) ordered his disciples to leave and save themselves from the atrocities committed by the Mekkans and emigrate to Madina called Yasrab at the time.

There are 12 months in a lunar year. These are:
1. MUHARRAM
2. SAFAR
3.RAWIAL-AWWAL
4. RAWIAL-SANI
5. JAMADAL-AWWAL
6. JAMADAL-SANI
7. RAJAB
8. SHA’BAN
9. RAMADAN
10. SHAWWAL
11. DHU QA’DAH
12. DHU HIJJAH

QURAN
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed with clear guidance and differentiation (Between Good and Bad) Whoever of you is a witness of this month, should fast. But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you in any difficulties. 2:185 And eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from it’s black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears. 2:187

HADITH
Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking the pleasure of Allah, his past errors are forgiven. (Ahmed) Islam is based on the five pillars, the oneness of Allah, establishing prayers, paying Zakat (Charity) fasting in Ramadan and pilgrimage to Makkah. Fast when you see the new moon of Ramadan, and finish fasting when you see the new moon of Shawal, and if you cannot see the new moon then calculate thirty days of Shaban.

RAMADAN
The month of Ramadan comes once each year giving every fasting Muslim a spiritual and physical improvement which lasts until the following year.

CHARITY
To be homeless without a place to live and to loose your family or the home you were born in or to loose your spouse or children is a terrible thought. Yet this is what many Muslim brothers and sisters face each winter. We see this happening daily on TV or in the newspapers. "Every little bit helps", whatever you donate this Ramadan, it will give someone a chance to live or hope for a better future.

ZAKAT-A-FITR
This is a charity that must be paid at the end of Ramadan and only then is your fasts accepted.

ZAKAT-AL-MAL
This is a charitable tax which must be paid every year based upon your wealth. To do this during Ramadan is more rewarding.

[Style Mantra]

Blessings & Benefits Of Fasting

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAAN IN WHICH WAS REVEALED THE QUR'AAN, A GUIDANCE FOR MANKIND AND CLEAR PROOFS FOR THE GUIDANCE AND CRITERION (BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG).
SO WHOEVER OF YOU IS PRESENT DURING THIS MONTH SHOULD OBSERVE ITS FAST. AL QUR'AAN

After Imaan, Salaah and Zakaah, the most important pillar of Islaam is Sawm (Fasting) during the month of Ramadhaan (the 9th month of the Islaamic calendar). Fasting in the month of Ramadhaan is amongst the fundamentals of Islaam; one who denies its obligation goes out of the fold of Islaam. One who does not fast during this month is a faasiq (an immoral and flagrant transgressor) of the highest degree. Such a faasiq completely destroys his spirituality and morality.

Sawm literally means 'to abstain’. But in the terminology of the Sharee'ah, it means 'to refrain from eating, drinking and cohabitation from sub'h saadiq to sunset, with the intention of fasting’.

Fasting during the month of Ramadhaan, was ordained on the Ummah of Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam after the revelation of the above mentioned verse in the 2nd year of our Prophet's sallallahu alayhi wasallam migration to Madeenah.

Before fasting in the month of Ramadhaan was made compulsory, our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam would fast on the 10th of Muharram, instructing the Sahaabah radhiyallahu anhum to follow suit. But once the fasting of Ramadhaan became obligatory, fasting on the 10th of Muharram was made optional. It is reported in Bukhaari Shareef, on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah and Abdullah Ibne Umar radhiyallahu anhumaa that when the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam came to Madeenah, he commanded the people to fast on the 10th of Muharram, but when fasting during the month of Ramadhaan was made compulsory, our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Now fasting on the 10th of Muharram is optional."

There are numerous spiritual benefits of fasting. Fasting is extremely efficient for the acquisition of taqwaa (piety), without which a Muslim cannot gain closeness to Allah. The prime benefit in the pursuit of taqwaa is the suppression of the erratic desires and demands of nafs (based carnal desire), which is always working in collusion with Shaytaan, to spiritually and morally ruin the believer. If the nafs is allowed freedom, then it will succeed in making man a slave of lust, passion and base emotions, due to which his Imaan will suffer. Therefore, it is essential that the nafs be restrained. Fasting greatly aids towards pursuing this objective. By fasting, a Muslim learns to suppress his lowly desires. Thus the ability of inculcating taqwaa is created. Further, fasting purifies the soul, and creates gratification in worship, making the heart conducive for worship. The bond with Allah is also strengthened. Once our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam supplicated, "O Lord of the universe! When does the servant become closest to you?" The Divine Reply came, "When the servant is hungry and when he is in sajdah (prostration)."

Another outstanding feature of fasting is that it lifts man above the level of beasts and animals - who eat, drink and copulate at will, whenever the urge comes - and takes him to the parallel of the angels. Since the latter do not eat or drink, they are devoid and free of evil inclinations and all things base. Man, by reducing his worldly relations and emotional desires, moves himself to the realms of the angels.

As well as the many spiritual benefits of fasting, there are physical benefits and advantages of fasting too. Notably, feeling for the poor and hungry is engendered. Man becomes more aware and conscious of his less fortunate brethren and their deprivation, which in turn teaches him to sacrifice his wealth and assist others in need. Thus feeling for humanity is generated and inculcated in man.

There are innumerable Ahaadeeth of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam which illustrate great virtue and blessing for the fasting person.

* Sahl Ibne Sa'd radhiyallahu anhu narrates from our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam that he said, "Verily! In Jannah, there is a door called ‘Ar Rayyaan’, through which will enter the fasting people on the Day of Judgement. No one will enter through this door besides them. It will be announced, 'Where are the fasting people?' They will stand (and enter). No one will enter besides them. Once they will enter, the door will be locked so no one can enter through it (after them)."

(Bukhaari, Muslim)

* Aboo Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu reports from our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, that he said, 'Allah says, 'Every deed of Ibne Aadam (son of Aadam) is for him, except for fast. Verily, fasting is for me, and I shall (personally) apportion out the reward for it."' It is further said, "For a fasting person, there are two pleasures, which please him. When he eats upon completing the fast, he becomes happy, and when he will meet his Lord he will be pleased due to his fast."

(Bukhaari)

* Aboo Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu narrates from our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam that he said, "One who keeps the fast of Ramadhaan with Imaan (faith) and longing for reward, all his previous sins are forgiven."

(Bukhaari, Muslim)

For the acquisition of the numerous virtues and benefits of fasting, there is however, one essential condition: a person takes extra precaution in making sure he abstains from sin and futility. A person should spend much of his time in the recitation of the Qur'aan and also engage himself in the constant Remembrance of Allah. If one does not abstain from sin and futility then his fasting will merely be staying hungry and thirsty, without any reward or spiritual upliftment.

A few common evils, which are regarded lightly, but are very detrimental to a fasting person, should be taken into consideration and avoided totally:

1. Telling lies.
2. Backbiting.
3. Quarrelling.
4. Eating haraam items.
5. Earning through unlawful means.
6. Any act which may harm or cause grief to a person.

In short, a person should try to refrain from all kinds of sins - protecting his ears, eyes, tongue and all other organs from indulging in unlawful activities. When a Muslim spends his Ramadhaan in this manner then he will notice great changes in his life. Spiritual strength will be gained, which will facilitate him to conduct his life according to Islaam, together with Allah's Pleasure.

[Style Mantra]

Medical Benefits of Ramadan
by Shahid Athar, M.D.

Most Muslims do not fast because of medical benefits but because it has been ordained to them in the Quran. The medical benefits of fasting are as a result of fasting. Fasting in general has been used in medicine for medical reasons including weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting as well as so-called crash diets. Islamic fasting is different from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is at or slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition, the fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily taken and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.

Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope that this training will last beyond the end of Ramadan. If the lessons learned during Ramadan, whether in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadan, it is beneficial for one's entire life. Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadan does not have any selective criteria of crash diets such as those which are protein only or fruit only type diets. Everything that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities.

The only difference between Ramadan and total fasting is the timing of the food; during Ramadan, we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity.

The physiological effect of fasting includes lower of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension. In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan", held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients' health or baseline medical condition. On the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not try to fast.

There are psychological effects of fasting as well. There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan. Personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. Muslims take advice from the Prophet who said, "If one slanders you or aggresses against you, say I am fasting.'" This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes.

There is a beneficial effect of extra prayer at night. This not only helps with better utilization of food but also helps in output. There are 10 extra calories output for each rikat of the prayer. Again, we do not do prayers for exercise, but a mild movement of the joints with extra calorie utilization is a better form of exercise. Similarly, recitation of the Quran not only produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but improves the memory. Therefore, I encourage my Muslim patients to fast in the month of Ramadan, but they must do it under medical supervision. Healthy ***** Muslims should not fear becoming weak by fasting, but instead it should improve their health and stamina.

[Style Mantra]

Ramadan....What is it?

Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or arramad intense
scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same root
there is ramdaa, sunbaked sand, and the famous proverb: "Kal Mustajeer
minar Ramadaa binnar" - to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. And
in a hadith the Messenger of Allah (saas) said : "The prayer of repenters
is due when the young camel can feel the sun's heat early in the morning."
(Muslim)

Thus, the Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation in the
stomach as a result of thirst. Others said it is so called because Ramadan
scorches out the sins burns the ground. Some said it is so called because
the hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and
remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, ad the sand and stones are receptive
to the sun's heat. The framers of this beautiful language may have been
inspired by Allah (SWT) in naming this month Ramadan. Otherwise, the
relation between the heat and its properties is miraculously similar to
that of Ramadan. While the heat represents the matter that helps shape,
form, and mold virtually every matter, from metal and plastics, to plants
and living cells-Ramadan undoubtedly helps a serious believe remold,
reshape, reform, and renew his physical and spiritual disposition and
behaviour.

FASTING:

Fasting, siyamm, has two meanings. Generally, siyaam or sawm, is derived
from the root sama, to retrain from normal things, such as eating,
drinking, and talking. If an individual refrains from these things, he is
considered saaim, the observer of fast. Al-Qur'an uses the word generally
when it revealed the conversation between the angel and Mary, the of Jesus,
as the angel instructed her "And if you do see any man say, "I have vowed
to remain silent for Allah". (Al-Qur'an 19:26)

The phrase "to remain silent," is the interpretation of the Arabic word
"sawm". The reason for this interpretation is that "sawm" cannot mean
fast, i.e. restraint from food, because Mary had just been told to eat from
the palm tree. This general meaning is common in the Arabic language.

In the Shari'ah (Islamic law) the "sawm" means and implies a specific act ,
which is, "to worship Allah, abstaining, with intention to please Him from
fast breakers, such as physical nourishment, food, drink, and ***ual
intercourse a lustful discharge of semen from the period between the break
of dawn until sundown."

As this definition implies, the Islamic fasting is total abstinence from
any food, particles passing through the mouth or nose, as well as drinks of
any kind - water, milk, juice, etc. - along with abstinence from ***ual
association during the day that commences from the break of dawn till
sunset.

Although the definition indicated restraining the stomach and private
parts, the tongue, eyes ears and other limbs are equally obligated to be
restrained if the faster want to gain the total rewards of fasting. This
is why the Messenger of Allah (saas) has been reported as saying in hadith
by Abu Hurairah: "He who does not desist from obscene language and acting
obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah has no need that he didn't
eat or drink." (Bukhari, Muslim). In another hadith by abu Harairah (raa),
the Prophet (saas) said: "Fasting is not only from food and drink, fasting
is to refrain from obscene (acts). If someone verbally abuses you or acts
ignorantly toward you, say (to them) 'I am fasting; I am fasting.'"(Ibn
Khuzaoinah)

Indeed, these two reports imply fasting will not be complete until one
observes three elements:

1. Restraining the stomach and the private parts from the break of the
fast food and drinks.
2. Restraining the jawarih, the other body parts, which may render the
fast worthless despite the main factor of hunger and thirst; so the tongue,
for instance, must avoid backbiting, slander, and lies; the eyes should
avoid looking into things considered by the Lawgiver as unlawful; the ears
must stop from listening to conversation, words, songs, and lyrics that
spoil the spirit of fasting; and,
3. Restraining of the heart, and mind from indulging, themselves in
other things besides dhikir Allah (remembrance of Allah).

[Style Mantra]

Important Lessons From Ramadaan

Allah – the Most High – said: "The month of Ramadaan in which the Qur’aan was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance of the Criterion between right and wrong. So whosoever of you sights the crescent for the month of Ramadaan, he must fast that month." [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:185]

Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:

"Islaam is built upon five: Testifying that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the Prayer, giving the Zakaah, performing Hajj to the House, and fasting in Ramadaan." (1)

He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

"There has come to you Ramadaan, a blessed month, in which Allah has made it obligatory to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained. In it is a night (Laylatul-Qadr) which is better than a thousand months. He who is deprived of its good truly has been deprived." (2)

From the many important lessons to be learnt from fasting are:

[1] Gaining Taqwaa

Fasting has been legislated in order that we may gain taqwaa, as Allah – the Most High – said: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed upon those before you in order that you may attain taqwaa." [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:183]

Talq ibn Habeeb (d. 100H) – rahimahullah – said:

"When fitnah (trial and tribulation) appears then extinguish it with taqwaa." So he was asked as to what taqwaa was, so he replied: "Taqwaa to act in obedience to Allah, upon a light (i.e. eemaan, faith) from Allah, hoping in the Mercy of Allah. And taqwaa is leaving the acts of disobedience to Allah, upon a light from Allah, due to the fear of Allah." (3)

This is one of the best definitions of taqwaa. For every action must have both a starting point and a goal. And an action will not be considered as an act of obedience, or nearness to Allah, unless it starts from pure eemaan (faith in Allah). Thus it is pure eemaan – and not habits, desires, nor seeking praise or fame, nor its like – that should be what initiates the action. And the [goal of the] action should be to earn the reward of Allah and to seek His good pleasure." (4) So fasting is a means of attaining taqwaa, since it helps prevent from many sins that one is prone to. Due to this, the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Fasting is a shield with which the servant protects himself from the Fire." (5) So we should ask ourselves, after each day of fasting: Has this fasting made us more fearful and obedient to Allah? Has it aided us in distancing ourselves from sins and disobedience?

[2] Seeking Nearness to Allah

The Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam said:

"Allah said: Whosoever shows enmity to a friend of Mine, I shall be at war with him. My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than the obligatory duties that I have placed upon him. My servant continues to draw nearer to Me with optional deeds so that I shall love him." (6)

The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

"Whosoever reaches the month of Ramadaan and does not have his sins forgiven, and so enters the fire, then may Allah distance him." (7)

So drawing closer to Allah – the Most Perfect – in this blessed month, can be achieved by fulfilling one’s obligatory duties; and also reciting the Qur’aan and reflecting upon its meanings, increasing in kindness and in giving charity, in making du`aa (supplication) to Allah, attending the taraweeh Prayer, seeking out Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Power and Pre-Decree), a night which is better than a thousand months, attending gatherings of knowledge, and striving in those actions that will cause the heart to draw closer to its Lord and to gain His forgiveness. Our level of striving in this blessed month should be greater than our striving to worship Allah in any other month, due to the excellence and rewards that Allah has placed in it. Likewise from the great means of seeking nearness to Allah in this month is making I`tikaaf (seclusion in the mosque in order to worship Allah) – for whoever is able.

Imam ibn al-Qayyim (d. 751H) – rahimahullah – said:

"Allah also prescribed I`tikaaf for them, the objective being that the heart becomes fully preoccupied with Allah – the Most High – concentrated upon Him alone, and cut-off from being preoccupied with the creation. Rather, the heart is only engrossed with Allah – the Most Perfect – such that loving Him, remembering Him, and turning to Him takes the place of all the heart’s anxieties and worries, so that he is able to overcome them. Thus all his concerns are for Allah, and his thoughts are all directed towards remembering Him and thinking of how to attain His Pleasure and what will cause nearness to Him and what leads him to feel contended with Allah instead of people. This in turn prepares him for being at peace with Allah alone, on the day of loneliness in the grave, when there will be no one else to give comfort, nor anyone to grant solace, except Him. So this is the greater goal of I`tikaaf. (8)

[3] Acquiring Patience

Imaam Ahmad (d.241H) – rahimahullah – said:

"Allah has mentioned sabr (patience) in over ninety places in His Book." (9)

The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

"The month of Patience, and the three days of every month, are times for fasting." (10)

Ibn `Abdul-Barr (d.464H) – rahimahullah – said:

"What is meant by the month of Patience is the month of Ramadan …So fasting is called patience because it restrains the soul from eating drinking, conjugal relations and ***ual desires." (11)

He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

"O youths! Whoever amongst you is able to marry, then let him do so; for it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts. But whoever is unable, then let him fast, because it will be a shield for him." (12)

So fasting is a means of learning self-restraint and patience. With patience we are able to strengthen our resolve to worship Allah alone, with sincerity, and also cope with life’s ups and downs. So – for example – with patience we are able to perform our Prayers calmly and correctly, without being hasty, and without merely pecking the ground several times! With patience we are able to restrain our souls from greed and stinginess and thus give part of our surplus wealth in Zakaah (obligatory charity). With patience we are able to subdue the soul’s ill temperament, and thus endure the ordeal and hardships of Hajj, without losing tempers and behaving badly. Likewise, with patience we are able to stand firm and fight Jihaad against the disbelievers, hypocrites and heretics – withstanding their constant onslaught, without wavering and buckling, without despairing or being complacent, and without becoming hasty and impatient at the first sings of hardship. Allah – the Most High – said: "O Prophet, urge the Believers to fight … So if there are one hundred who are patient, they shall overcome two hundred; and if there be one thousand, they shall overcome two thousand, by the permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient ones." [Soorah al-Anfaal 8:65-66].

Thus, without knowledge and patience, nothing remains, except zeal and uncontrolled emotions, shouts and hollow slogans, speech that does not strengthen, but rather weakness, and actions that do not build, but rather destroy! So in this month, we should strive to develop a firm resolve for doing acts of obedience, and to adorn ourselves with patience – having certainty in the saying of our Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam: "And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship." (13)

[4] Cultivating Good Manners

The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

"Whosoever does not abandon falsehood in speech and action, then Allah the Mighty and Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and drink." (14)

He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam also said:

"Fasting is not merely abstaining from eating and drinking. Rather, it is also abstaining from ignorant and indecent speech. So if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say: I am fasting, I am fasting." (15)

These narrations point towards the importance of truthfulness and good manners. Thus, this blessed month teaches us not only to abstain from food and drink, but to also abstain from such statements and actions that may be the cause of harming people and violating their rights – since the Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said whilst describing the true Believer: "A Muslim is one from whom other Muslims are safe from his tongue and his hand." (16) Thus it is upon us as individuals, to examine the shortcomings in our character, and to then seek to improve them – modelling ourselves upon the character of the last of the Prophets and Messengers, and their leader, Muhammad sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam – aspiring also for the excellence which he mentioned in his saying: "I am a guarantor for a house on the outskirts of Paradise for whoever leaves off arguing, even if he is in right; and a house in the centre of Paradise for whosoever abandons falsehood, even when joking; and a house in the upper-most of Paradise for whosoever makes his character good." (17) So by shunning oppression, shamelessness, harbouring hatred towards Muslims, back-biting, slandering, tale-carrying, and other types of falsehood, we can be saved from nullifying the rewards of our fasting – as Allah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "It may be that a fasting person receives nothing from his fast, except hunger and thirst." (18)

[5] Sensing Muslim Unity

The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

"Fast when they fast, and break your fast when they break their fast, and sacrifice the day they sacrifice." (19)

Imaam at-Tirmidhee (d. 275H) – rahimahullah – said:

"Some of the People of Knowledge explained this hadeeth by saying: Its meaning is to fast and break the fast along with the jamaa`ah and the majority of people." (20)

Thus, in this blessed month we can sense an increased feeling of unity and of being a single Ummah due to our fasting and breaking our fast collectively. We also feel an increased awareness about the state of affairs of the Muslims and of the hardships that they endure, because: "During the fast, a Muslim feels and experiences what his needy and hungry brothers and sisters feel, who are forced to go without food and drink for many many days – as occurs today to many of the Muslims in Africa." (21) Indeed, the unity of the Muslims – and their aiding and assisting one another – is one of the great fundamentals upon which the Religion of Islaam is built, as Allaah – the Most High – said: "And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not be divided." [Soorah Aal `Imraan 3:103]. Allaah – the Most High – also said: "The Believers – men and women – and friends and protectors of one another." [Soorah al-Tawbah 9:44]

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728H) – rahimahullah – said: "The welfare of people will not be complete – neither in this world, nor in the Hereafter – except with ijtima` (collectiveness), ta`awun (mutual co-operation), and tanassur (mutual help); mutual co-operation in order to secure benefits, and mutual help in order to ward off harm. It is for this reason that man is said to be social and civil by nature." (22)

Thus we see that Islaam lays great importance in bringing hearts together and encouraging ijtima` (collectiveness). This is not only reflected in the month of Ramadaan, but also in the other acts of worship as well. So, for example, we have been ordered by the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam to pray the five daily Prayers in congregation, and that it has been made twenty-seven times more rewardful than praying it individually. (23) Likewise, this similar collective spirit is demonstrated in the act of Hajj (Pilgrimage). Even in learning knowledge and studying it, blessings have been placed in collectiveness, as Allah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "No people gather in a house form the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it amongst themselves, except that tranquillity descends upon them, mercy envelops them, the angels surround him, and Allah mentions them to those that are with Him." (24) Likewise, even in our everyday actions such as, eating, Islaam teaches us collectiveness. Thus, when some of the Companions of the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said to him: O Messenger of Allah, we eat but to do not become satisfied. He replied: "Perhaps you eat individually?" They replied: Yes! So he said: "Eat collectively and mention the name of Allah. There will then be blessings for you in it." (25) Indeed, even in the etiquettes of sitting the spirit of collectiveness is demonstrated. So, one day the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam came across the Companions who were sitting in separate circles, so he said to them: "Why do I see you sitting separately!" (26) Similarly, Abu Tha`labah al-Khushanee radiallahu `anhu said: Whenever the people used to encamp, they used to split-up into the mountain passes and valleys. So Allah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Indeed your being split-up in these mountain passes and valleys is from Shaytaan." Thereafter, whenever they used to encamp, they used to keep very close together, to such an extent that it was said: If a cloth were to be spread over them, it would cover them all. (27)

Thus, Ramadaan is a time to increase our sense of unity and brotherhood, and our commitment to Allah and His Religion. And there is no doubt that this sense of unity necessitates that: "We work together as required by Islaam as sincere brothers – not due to hizbiyyah (bigoted party spirit), nor sectarianism – in order to realize that which is of benefit to the Islaamic Ummah and to establish the Islaamic society that every Muslim aspires for – so that the Sharee`ah (Prescribed Law) of Allaah is applied upon His earth." (28) So we must examine ourselves during the Ramadaan and ask: What is my role – and each of us has a role – in helping this precious Ummah to regain its honour, and return to the Ummah its comprehensive unity and strength, and victory that has been promised to it? Likewise, we should reflect upon our character and actions and ask: Are they aiding the process of unity and brotherhood, or are they a harm and a hindrance to it?

So we ask Allah to grant us the ability to change ourselves for the better, during this blessed month, and not to be of those who are prevented from His Mercy and Forgiveness. Indeed He is the One who Hears and He is the One to Respond.

Footnotes (summarized):

1. Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim
2. Saheeh: an-Nisaa’ee, authenticated in al-Albaanee’s Takhreej ul-Mishkaat
3. Ibn al-Mubaarak in Kitaab uz-Zuhd and ibn Abee Shaybah in Kitaab ul-Eemaan
4. Risaalatut-Tabookiyyah of Imam ibn al-Qayyim
5. Hasan: Ahmad, authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheeh ut-Targheeb
6. Al-Bukhaaree
7. Saheeh: Ahmad and al-Bayhaqeee, authenticated by al-Halabee in Sifat us-Sawmin-Nabee
8. Zaadul Ma`aad of Ibn al Qayyim
9. Related by Ibn al Qayyim in Madaarij us-Saalikeen
10. Ahmad and an-Nasaa’ee, authenticated by al-Albaanee in Irwaa al-Ghaleel
11. At-Tamheed of Al Haafidh ibn Abdul Barr
12. Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim
13. Saheeh: Ahmad, at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer, authenticated by al-Hilaalee in as-Sabrul Jameel
14. Al-Bukhaaree
15. Saheeh: Ibn Khuzaymah and al-Haakim, who authenticated it.
16. Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim
17. Saheeh: Abu Daawood and al-Bayhaqee, authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah
18. Saheeh: Ahmad and ibn Maajah, authenticated in Saheeh ut-Targheeb
19. At-Tirmidhee, authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah
20. Jaami`ut-Tirmidhee
21. From the words of Shaykh Bin Baaz, as occurs in Majmoo` al-Fataawaa wa Maqaalat Mutanawwi`ah
22. Al-Hisbah fil-Islaam of Ibn Taymiyyah
23. Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim
24. Muslim
25. Hasan: Abu Daawood, authenticated by al-Haafidh al-`Iraaqee in Takhreejul-Ihyaa
26. Muslim
27. Saheeh: Abu Daawood and Ibn Hibbaan, authenticated by al-Albaanee in Takhreej ul-Mishkaat
28. Suaalu wa Jawaabu Hawla Fiqhil-Waaqi` of Sh. Al-Albaanee

[Style Mantra]

Advice to Muslims in Ramadhan
Shaykh Abdullah al-Jarullah

Few intoductory and complementary notes by the translator:

1. Ramadhan is an auspicious opportunity for believers to renew their
commitment to their Creator and the Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.
This commitment must be both outward and inward, so that a Muslim not
only
recites more Qur'an and offers more units of prayer, but that she or he
does so with reflection, humility and attentiveness.

2. Muslims must ensure they are not formalists who concentrate only on
the
outward. Achieving Allah's acceptance must be a believer's priority
and
is not easy. "Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear
him
- al muttaqoon]." [Qur'an 5:27]

3. Ramadhan is a wonderful opportunity for accounting of one's sins and
making repentance. If one does not repent in Ramadhan, when will he or
she do so?

4. Muslims should strive to worship Allah as best as they can from the
beginning of the month, for that increases chances of the end of the
month
being good as well.

5. Muslims should consider what is it that they truly want to achieve
in
Ramadhan, whether they want to be from the winners or from the losers,
and
should make sure they do not perform acts of worship simply because it
is
the surrounding people's custom to do so.

6. Muslims must be firmly aware that Ramadhan is only a means and not
an
end.




Advice to Muslims in Ramadhan

From the book "Khulaasatul Kalaam" by Shaykh Jaarullah.

Brother Muslim, Sister Muslima:

1. Fast Ramadhan with belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah the
Most High so that He may forgive you your past sins.

2. Beware of breaking your fast during the days of Ramadhan without a
valid Islamic excuse, for it is from the greatest of sins.

3. Pray Salat ut-Taraweeh and the night prayer during the nights of
Ramadhan - especially on Layatul-Qadr - based on belief and truly
seeking
the reward of Allah, so that Allah may forgive you your past sins.

4. Make sure that your food, your drink and your clothing are from
halal
means, in order that your actions be accepted, and your supplications
answered. Beware of refraining from the halal while fasting and
breaking
your fast with the haram.

5. Give food to some fasting people to gain a reward similar to
theirs.

6. Perform your five prayers on time in congregation to gain the
reward
and Allah's protection.

7. Give a lot of charity for the best charity is that of Ramadhan.

8. Beware of spending your time without performing righteous deeds,
for
you will be responsible and reckoned for it and will be rewarded for
all
you do during your time.

9. Perform `umrah in Ramadhan for `Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to Hajj.

10. Seek help for fasting during the day by eating the sahoor meal in
the
last part of the night before the appearance of Fajr.

11. Hasten breaking your fast after the sun has truly set in order to
gain the love of Allah.

12. Perform ghusl before fajr if you need to purify yourself from the
state of major impurity so that you are able to do acts of worship in a
state of purity and cleanliness.

13. Cease the opportunity of being in Ramadhan and spend it with the
good
that has been revealed in it - by reciting the noble Qur'an and
pondering
and reflection of its meanings so that it be a proof for you with your
Lord and an intercessor for you on the Day of Reckoning.

14. Preserve your tongue from lying, cursing, backbiting and slander
for
it decreases the reward of fasting.

15. Do not let fasting cause you cross your boundaries by getting upset
due to the slightest of reasons. Rather, fating should be a cause of
peacefulness and tranquility of your soul.

16. Upon completion of fasting, be in a state of taqwa of Allah the
Most
High, being aware of Allah watching you in secret and in public, in
thankfulness for His favors, and steadfastness upon obedience of Allah
by
doing all what He has ordered and shunning all that He has prohibited.

17. Increase in remembrance of Allah, seeking of forgiveness, asking
for
Paradise and protection against the Fire, especially when fasting,
while
breaking the fast and during suhoor, for these actions are among
greatest
causes of attaining Allah's forgiveness.

18. Increase in supplication for yourself, your parents, your children
and Muslims, for Allah has ordered making of supplications and has
guaranteed acceptance.

19. Repent to Allah with a sincere repentance in all times by leaving
sins, regretting those that you have done before and firmly deciding
not
to return to them in the future, for Allah accepts repentance of those
who
repent.

20. Fast six days of Shawwal, for whoever fasts Ramadhan and then
follows
it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasts all the time.

21. Fast on the Day of `Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, to attain
success
by being forgiven your sins of the last year and the coming year.

22. Fast on the day of `Aashuraa', the 10th of Muharram, along with the
9th, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the past year.

23. Continue being in a state of iman and taqwa and perform righteous
actions after the month of Ramadhan, until you die. "And worship your
Lord until there comes to you the certainty (i.e. death)". [Qur'an
15:99]

24. Ensure that you attain the positive effects of your acts of
worship
such as prayer, fasting, zakat and hajj, sincere repentance and leaving
of
customs that are in variance with the Sharee`ah.

25. Invoke a lot of salawat and salam upon the Messenger of Allah, may
Allah's blessings and peace be upon him, his Companions and all those
who
follow them until the Day of Judgment.

O Allah make us and all Muslims of those who fast and stand in prayer
during the month of Ramadhan based on belief and truly seeking Your
reward
so that we are forgiven our past and future sins.

O Allah make us of those who fasted the month, attained full reward,
witnessed Layatul-Qadr and attained success by permission of the Lord,
Blessed and Most High.

O Allah, verily you are Forgiver, like to forgive, so forgive us.

O Lord, accept from us, verily you are the All-Hearing, all-Seeing, O
Living, O Independent, O Owner of all majesty and honor.

And may Allah's blessings and peace be upon Muhammad, his family and
his
Companions.

[Style Mantra]

Ramadhan in History

All praises to Allah (SWT), Lord of the worlds. He who revealed in His Glorious Quran, "Oh you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord (having taqwa)," 2:185. And may blessings and-peace of Allah (SWT) be upon His last Messenger Muhammad ibn Abdullah. Oh you who believe, Ramadhan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah (SWT) is constantly testing His creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve His (swt) pleasure.

Fasting is means of purification and developing the consciousness of our relationship with Allah. This Taqwa, is a protection against the schemes of Shaitan, and this world. Allah (SWT) 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) Ramadhan should be 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 (SWT).

The Prophet (pbuh) passed through approximately nine Ramadhans after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission to Allah (SWT).

In the first year after the Hijrah, the Prophet (pbuh) sent Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders to Saif al Bahr to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish who had camped auspiciously in that area. The Muslims were about to engage the disbelievers, but they were separated by Majdy ibn Umar al-Juhany. The Hypocrites of Al-Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid al-Dhirar). The Prophet (pbuh) ordered this masjid to be destroyed in Ramadhan. On the seventeenth of Ramadhan, 2 A.H., Almighty Allah (SWT) separated truth from falsehood at the Great Battle of Badr (see article). Allah (SWT) gave them a decisive victory on this day of Ramadhan, that would never to 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 p****ering 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 Ramadhan. By Ramadhan of 8 A H., the treaty of Hudaibiyya had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the North. Muhammad (pbuh) felt the need to strike a fatal blow to disbelief in the Arabian Peninsula and conquered the city of Mecca in ramadhan (see article). 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 major centers of polytheism and al-Lat, Manat and Suwa, some of the greatest idols of Arabia, were destroyed.

Such was the month of Ramadhan in the time of the Prophet (pbuh). It was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding evil, and striving hard with one’s life and wealth to make the word of Allah the highest and Islam the dominant Deen.

After the death of the Prophet (pbuh), Muslims carried this Sunnah on and Allah used the true believers to affect the course of history. Ramadhan continued to be a time of great trials and crucial events.

Ninety-two years after the Hujrah in Ramadhan, Musa ibn Nusair, the Umayyad governor of North Africa, and his courageous general Tariq ibn Ziyad succeeded in liberating whole of Spain, Sicily and of France (see article). Beginning of the Golden Age of Al-Andalus where Muslims ruled for over 700 years.

In the year 682 A.H., Salahuddin al-Ayyubi, after battling with the Crusaders for years, finally drove them out of Syria and liberated the whole of the occupied lands in the month of Ramadhan.

The Muslim world was then destined to meet one of its most greatest 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 (SWT) raised up from, Saifuddin Qutz, who, united the Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on 26th Ramadhan, 648 A.H. Although they were under great pressure, the Muslims with the help of Allah (SWT), 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. This was the spirit of Ramadhan that enabled our righteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges. It was a time of intense activity, spending the day in the saddle and the night in prayer while calling upon Allah (SWT) for His mercy and forgiveness.

Today, the Muslim world is faced with imperialist occupation, military aggression, widespread corruption and oppressive rulers. Surely we are in need of believers who can walk in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet (pbuh),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 (SWT) make us that generation of Muslims who can re-etablish the Khilafah and carry Islam to all corners of the globe, and may He (SWT) give us the strength and the success to lay the proper foundations of the Islamic rule for the coming generations. May Allah (SWT) make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadhan and after it. Surely Allah (SWT) and His Angels invoke blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad. Oh you who believe send blessings and peace upon him.

Source: Ramadhan.org