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Ramadan Allah’s Laws For Fasting

“It is a religious observance that lasts a fixed number of days. But those of you who are sick or proceeding on a journey shall compensate the fast by the same number of days at a later date. As for those who experience hardship caused by fasting, they appease Allah by expiration of feeding an indigent. Nonetheless, he who voluntarily offers to commit good shall find benevolence and benefaction indeed rewarding; and if you are able to fast, it profits you, if only you knew. Ramadan is the month of fasting during which the Quran’s poignant disclosure was revealed to guide people into all truth; its clear revelations guide them out of darkness and superstition and eliminate want of spiritual and intellectual vision into illumination and mental enlightenment, and its precepts are the standard to judge right or wrong. Therefore, he who grasps sight of the birth of the moon shall begin to fast. But he who is sick or proceeding on a journey shall fast the same number of days at a later time. Allah’s purpose is to put you at ease and not make you experience discomfort. He wants you to complete the course of fasting so that you praise Allah and extol His glorious attributes for His guidance to the path of righteousness, and that you may hopefully impel yourselves to feel gratitude.” [2:184-185]

“It has been made permissible for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights preceding the fast. Your spouses are a garment for you, as you are for them. Allah knows that you were deceiving yourselves. So He has accepted your repentance and pardoned you. So now you may be intimate with them and seek what Allah has prescribed for you. You may eat and drink until you see the light of dawn breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall. Do not be intimate with your spouses while you are meditating in the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not exceed them. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to people, so they may become mindful of Him.” [2:187]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:
[Bukhari, Book #31, Hadith #118] “Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, “I am fasting.” The Prophet added, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink, and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it, and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.”

33 Blessings Of Ramadan

The Blessings and Benefits of Ramadan Fasting are too many to be counted. If one does recognize them and realizes their importance, he would wish to have the month of Ramadan throughout the entire year…!

These blessings are given by ALLAH to the fasting Muslims, [who should fast with full faith and expectation.]
These blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadan have been grouped and summarized into different categories. They are outlined here without commentary. All of these blessings were taken directly from Holy Quran and ‘Hadith’.

The following is a partial list of the blessings and benefits of Ramadan Fasting:
#1. Taqwa: “O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fast) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)” [Source: Quran 2 A # 183]

What is ‘Taqwa’?
1. Fearing Allah (SWT)
2. Practicing the Revelations of Allah (SWT)
3. Accepting the little things that one has achieved.
4. Preparing for departure from this world to the Hereafter
5. Self-discipline
6. Self-control
7. Self-restraint
8. Self-education
9. Self-evaluation
By accepting these criteria and by practicing them, the Muslim will achieve the concept of ‘Taqwa’ in his private and public life.

#2. Protection:
1. Avoiding Immorality
2. Avoiding anger/outcry/uproar
3. Avoiding stupidity
4. Avoiding all makrooh/mashbooh/haram
By achieving these good manners, a Muslim will come out of fasting a better human being in society.

#3. Revelation of Holy Quran:
The Holy Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadan.
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)” [Source Quran 2 A #185]

The Holy Quran is meant to be:
1. A Guidance to mankind
2. A Manifestation of right from wrong
3. A Summation and culmination of all previous revelations
4. A Glad-tiding to the believers
5. A Healer
6. A Mercy.

#4. Doors of heaven are open (Hadith Ahmed, Nasai, Baihaqi).
#5. Doors of hell are closed (Hadith Ahmed, Nasai, Baihaqi).
#6. Devils are chained down (Hadith Ahmed, Nasai, Baihaqi)..

#7. Fasting with ‘Iman’ (faith) and expectation:
Such an intention leads to forgiveness by Allah (SWT) for the individual’s sins. (Source Hadith Ahmed, Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah).

Happy Ramadan

Many people often don’t get too close to religion. This is because they feel that understanding religion and then following it is very difficult. Therefore, without thinking much about right and wrong, people keep doing things they like. Many times prejudice too keeps a person away from religion.

The teacher of humanity and life among the major religions is Islam. Today we will tell you some interesting secrets of this religion that you have never heard of. This is because they feel that understanding religion and then following it is very difficult. Therefore, without thinking much about right and wrong, people keep doing things they like. Many times prejudice too keeps a person away from religion.

Who celebrates Ramadan?
More than 1 billion Muslims worldwide celebrate Ramadan, including more than 6 million in the United States. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, with Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Turkey following. Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America.

When is Ramadan?
Ramadan starts at the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Because Islam observes a lunar calendar, the official beginning occurs at different times around the globe, based on when the crescent moon is first seen. The lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar.

What is the derivation of “Ramadan”?
Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ar-ramad, meaning “parched thirst,” and is also the name of the ninth month of the lunar calendar.

How did Ramadan begin?
In approximately 610 A.D., a caravan trader named Muhammad (PBUH) began wandering the desert near Mecca (in today’s Saudi Arabia). The angel Gabriel appeared to him and told him he had been chosen to receive the world of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad began speaking and transcribing the words to the Quran (also spelled “Koran”), the sacred book of Islam.

Muslims consider the Quran to be God’s literal speech, recorded in the Arabic language, and transmitted through humanity via Muhammad, who is considered the last of a chain of prophets that included Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus.

How is Ramadan celebrated?
Ramadan is a month of heightened devotion, a time when the doors of heaven are kept open, the doors of hell are closed, and Satan is kept in chains. Muslims go through a period of intense reflection and devotion, seeking guidance and forgiveness.

Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, during the entire month. This means they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Married adults also refrain from marital relations during the hours of fasting (i.e. the daylight hours).

Other duties include five daily prayers and the recitation of the Taraweeh prayer, or Night prayer. At mosques during Ramadan, about one-thirtieth of the Quran is recited in prayers called tarawih. By the end of Ramadan, the entire Quran has been recited.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. The Quran says that the main reason behind fasting is to attain taqwa, or God-consciousness. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. In the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the daylight hours during Ramadan. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar which usually includes dates, fresh fruits, appetizers, beverages and dinner.

All Muslims partake in the customs and celebration of Ramadan, starting at approximately age 12. Exceptions include men and women who are too old to fast, those who are too ill, women in the advanced stages
of pregnancy, and women who are menstruating.

What does the Quran say about Ramadan?
“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 among you witnesses this month, let him fast it.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)
The hadith, a collection of the sayings of Muhammad, recommends the following:
* Study the Quran.
* Come together for this purpose.
* Check your memory of the Quran.
* Increase your recitation of the Quran.

How and when does Ramadan end?
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr. The “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” Eid al-Fitr, is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims give Zakat al Fitr, a monetary contribution to the poor or their mosques.

The Most Noble Guest Is At Your Doorstep Are You Prepared

Beloved brothers and sisters in Islam:
In just a few days one of the most noble guest will be visiting us, and it is well known that the more you love your guest the more you prepare yourself to welcome him, the more you respect your guest the more things you plan to entertain him or to make his visit most comfortable.

Almost one full year has passed since his last visit, he was your guest for almost thirty days, and again he is at your doorstep waiting for you to open the door so he may fill your home with blessings and favors of Allah.

He is yours, ours, and all Muslims guest and we ask Allah to enable us to behave well during his stay and to bless us to take advantage of his presence. Aameen.

Beloved brothers and sisters, I am sure you know much more than I about the benefits and advantages of Ramadan and the blessing and favors of Allah which are showered during this blessed month but I wanted to send you this message as a reminder –firstly myself- and then to you so that we may be ready to reap the fruits of this blessed month which is here for our benefit.

Ramadan is a school of Eemaan and Taqwaa, where every graduate is a winner.

Ramadan, which in itself is a “crash course” to help us boost our Eemaan, get closer to Allah, and facilitate for us all means to achieve the certificate of entrance to Jannah. And May All the doors of Jannah be open for us including the door of Siyaam.

Prophet Muhammad said “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (reported by Al-Bukhari)

So do you know of any guest more important than this guest?

Do you know of any guest coming with so much khayr and blessings?

Do you know of any guest staying with you for a month and not asking to spend anything for him? rather, giving you abundantly?

So let’s reflect for some moments and prepare well for him.

Fasting Six Days Of Shawwal After Ramadan

Sayyiduna Ayyub (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal it is as if they fasted the entire year.” [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah; Ahmad transmitted it from Jabir, Muntaqa]

Sayyiduna Thawban (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan, and then six days after Eid, it is an entire year. Whoever does a good deed shall have ten times its reward.” [Ibn Majah, Muntaqa]

Important Notes:
1. Based on this, the majority of the fuqaha, including the Hanafi, Shafi`i, and Hanbali school, have held that it is recommended to fast six days of the month of Shawwal. [Radd al-Muhtar; Mughni al-Muhtaj Shah al-Minhaj; Kashshaf al-Qina]

  1. It is permitted to fast these six days separately throughout the month, or consecutively, after Eid al-Fitr.

  2. It is prohibitively disliked (makruh tahriman) and sinful to fast on Eid day itself. [Radd al-Muhtar]

  3. The Shafi’is and Hanbalis state that it is superior to make the six fasts consecutive[Minhaj, Ghayat al-Muntaha]. Khatib al-Shirbini explains the reasoning as being,

“To hasten to do the good, and because of the problems inevitable in delaying,”

such as becoming lazy and not fulfilling this sunnah in the end, though he points out that the sunnah is fulfilled by both consecutive and non-consecutive fasting of six days in Shawwal. [Mughni al-Muhtaj]

The later Hanafi scholars differed as to which is better, fasting the six days consecutively or non-consecutively, though neither is disliked and both fulfill the sunnah. [Radd al-Muhtar]

However, it would be agreed that those who fear not fulfilling the recommendation due to laziness, forgetfulness, or other excuses, should hasten to fast the six days consecutively immediately after Eid al-Fitr.

  1. The reward is akin to having fasted obligatory fasts the entire year days, according to Buhuti, Shirbini, and others.

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both. Be avid for that which benefits you. Rely on Allah and do not deem yourself incapable…” [Muslim:4816, Ibn Majah:76, Ahmad:8436]

Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) explained that the ‘strength’ in this hadith refers to, “One’s determination and ability in matters of the next life.”

And Allah alone gives success!!

References:
Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar, Vol. 2, Page 125
Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj Sharh al-Minhaj, Vol. 2, Page 184-185
Buhuti, Kashshaf al-Qina, Vol. 2 Page 237-238

How Can I Describe Ramadan To A non-Muslim Audience?

Sometimes, as Muslims, we talk so much to others about what we believe and do, without thinking too carefully about what they are hearing. In other words, what we say is not always the message that other people hear, because we are not prepared to take people as they are.

Often, we talk to them from the point of view of where we would like them to be, rather than where they actually are at the moment.

For example, if someone is only interested in football or fashion, we should begin talking to them first about football and fashion. Explaining to them the finer points of Shariah law is getting a bit ahead of ourselves if they are struggling with the idea of whether or not God exists.

Talking about Ramadan is a wonderful way of talking about Islam, but we must remember that those who are not Muslim will be carrying with them all the baggage that the television and news media have loaded on their shoulders.

Television images of suicide bombs and terror attacks have a powerful way of clouding the real message we want to present. So, in talking about Ramadan we need to proceed slowly.

If you have ever read a really good novel or been to see a really good film at the cinema, it is difficult to convey how much you enjoyed it to someone who did not read the book or see the film. No matter how much you describe the action and the characters, you need to have experienced them firsthand to fully appreciate how good they are.

Ramadan is a bit like that. Telling someone who has not experienced the joy of Ramadan exactly what it is like is just like telling them about a film they have not seen.

The idea of fasting for a whole month is quite alien to most people in the world. Cutting down on food for a while to lose weight is perhaps the nearest they have ever got to fasting. Doing so for God’s sake will be quite outside their experience.

And yet, as Muslims, we know that Ramadan is about far much more than giving up food and drink during the hours of daylight. We know that with the right intention, we can come closer to Allah during this noble month of Ramadan and we can feel both uplifted and content by the very fasting that seems to others so odd.

The first thing we need to tell others is that we fast for Allah’s sake alone. This, in itself, may come as a very strange idea. Most people, especially those with no religion or belief in God, do things for themselves alone or for the ones they love. Allah tells us in the noble Quran, which Muslims believe is the word of God, that means: {O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) piety.} (Al-Baqarah 2:183)

In other words, Muslims fast to please Allah. Even if there is no other outward benefit or effect, their fast is for Allah’s sake. He has asked it of us and we do it in response to His command. This, alone, is quite a shock to the belief system of many. Muslims are not fasting because of anything they will gain; they are fasting because Allah wants them to do so.

This, though, is maybe one of the greatest secrets of Islam… The word Islam comes from an Arabic root word that means both “submission” and “peace.”

A Muslim is one who submits to Allah. When his or her head touches the ground in prayer there is the realization that Allah the Almighty is in charge of all things in this world, even us. He not only created the heavens and the earth and everything in between, but He also knows every leaf that falls from every tree.

Submitting to Allah is the key. By submitting, we then experience the second word: peace. Muslims find their total peace, fulfillment, and happiness by doing what Allah wants. fasting, then, is done for His sake. Yet we gain so much in return and feel so much better because of it. Maybe this is the key.

Another useful idea when talking to those who are not Muslim about Ramadan is to remind everyone just how wonderful it would be if everyone in the world was given the chance to start over again, to forget the mistakes of the past, and begin a new one.

There are not many people who would turn down such an opportunity. All of us have made mistakes. We also deliberately do things we know to be wrong.

Ramadan is a chance for Muslims to re-examine how they have lived their lives over the past year. They can resolve to lead a better life in the year to come.

It is like a spiritual spring cleaning, where we dust everything down, and throw out everything that is not important and essential in our lives.

Seen in these two ways, then, fasting during Ramadan brings us so many blessings, not least the blessing of seeing how fortunate we really are.

True enough, we fast for Allah’s sake during the hours of daylight, but when the call to Prayer sounds at the end of the day, we are able to eat our fill. There are many in the world, though, whose fast will not end with the call to Prayer. They will starve to death because they have no food.

Our fasting in Ramadan gives us the chance to feel how hungry those who are less fortunate than us would feel. It helps us to give thanks for all the things we take for granted.

We take for granted not only things like food and water, but also the love of our family and friends, the good health we enjoy, and the fact that most us will have somewhere to sleep tonight.

So Ramadan is such a special time for Muslims. It focuses on the idea of sincerity to Allah the Almighty. We fast for His sake and we try by our Prayers and recitation of the Quran to call Him to mind throughout the day. In doing this, we find peace and contentment. Better than any film we have seen or any novel we have read.

Ramadan speaks directly to our hearts of the One who created all things. In talking to non-Muslims about the joys and the meanings of Ramadan, we should try to convey some of this.

Idris Tawfiq

Recitation Of The Holy Qur’an in Holy Month Of Ramadan

The revelation of the Holy Qur’an onto the blessed heart of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) began in this very month of Ramadan, and who can know this relationship better than Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The relationship between the month of Ramadan and the Holy Qur’an can also be seen in a Hadith that is narrated by Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) in which Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede on behalf of a person. The fast will say “O Almighty Lord! I stopped him from eating and fulfilling his desires during the day, accept my intercession on his behalf.” The Qur’an will say, “I prevented him from sleeping at night, accept my intercession on his behalf.” Therefore we should make it a habit to recite the Holy Qur’an so that we may thrive on the blessings and excellences thereof.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) narrates that, “If a person desires that he loves Allah Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he should recite the Holy Qur’an.” Many of us claim to love Allah Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) but our claims are short-lived without any action. Therefore, if you claim to love Allah Ta’ala and want to be truthful in that claim, then make it your habit to recite the Holy Qur’an and firmly act on its orders.

The Holy Qur’an is such a book that looking at, reciting, learning, and contemplating its meanings are all forms of worship. Our minds cannot comprehend the reward that Allah Ta’ala grants for reciting the Holy Qur’an. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “One who recites the Qur’an and then thinks that someone else received more reward than him, such a person has definitely taken lightly, something that has been made very exalted by Allah Ta’ala.” When a heart is drowned in fulfilling its desires and committing various kinds of sins, becomes neglectful of the remembrance of Almighty Allah, and forgets its reason for being alive, the result is that little by little, it becomes rusted, and this rust is the cause of dissension in the whole body.

Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Undoubtedly, hearts get rusted just as iron gets rusty when water falls on it.” The Blessed Companions asked, “Ya Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), how is the heart cleaned?” Our Beloved Aaqa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Remembering death often and reciting the Holy Qur’an.” [Mishkaat Shareef ]

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to always respect the month of Ramadan, and to always seek His pleasure and the pleasure of His Beloved, our Aaqa Muhammad Mustafa Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam, Ameen.

Safeguard Yourself From Sin

When looking at the meaning of fasting, most of us think it only entails the apparent conditions of not eating or drinking and not having sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. However, there are certain hidden etiquettes of fasting as well which must be respected and obeyed. The hidden etiquettes are that all parts of the body must be prevented from committing acts that are against the laws of Shariah. Only then can we truly benefit from the blessings of fasting and only then will we be successful in receiving the reward of becoming pious, as Allah Ta’ala says “O Believers! Fasting has been made obligatory upon you as were made obligatory upon those before you, so
that you may become pious. [Surah 2, Verse 183]” Therefore, let us study the fast of the parts of the body and try to act upon them.

It is essential to safeguard the tongue from sinning by lying, backbiting, using vulgar language, etc. Lying is a grave sin that destroys the reward for fasting. We should always refrain from lying but it is especially critical to stay away from lying in the month of Ramadan because if we lie whilst we are fasting, then we have defeated the purpose of
fasting. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “If a person does not refrain from lying, then Allah Ta’ala does not need for him to give up his food and drink.” [Bukhari Shareef ]

Backbiting is a sin that many of us commit daily, often without realizing it. During the time of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), two ladies were fasting but became so thirsty that they feared for their lives. Finally, they asked Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) for permission to break the fast. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) sent a bowl to them and told them to vomit everything that they had eaten into the bowl. They did as they were told and their vomit contained running blood and clots of blood also. The people were astonished at seeing this and Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “These two women ate Sehri with those things that Allah Ta’ala has made lawful, but then broke their fast with something that has been made unlawful by Allah Ta’ala; in other words, they remained busy in backbiting.” Remember, backbiting is such an evil sin that Allah Ta’ala has compared it to ‘eating the meat of your dead brother.’ Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Qur’an, “…and do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abominate it… [Surah 49, Verse 12]” Therefore, we must always, and especially in the month of Ramadan, attempt to refrain from backbiting or speaking ill of others.

It is essential to safeguard the ears from hearing evil things at all times, but special attention should be paid to ensure this whilst fasting. It is said that there is fasting for every part of the body, and fasting of the ears is that they should be protected from hearing evil and useless things as hearing such things has a great effect on the heart, which turns thoughts towards sinning. A fasting person needs to refrain from listening to backbiting, lies, jokes, film stories, film songs, and crude talk. Listen to the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and Naaths and Insha Allah, the heart will be illuminated and the spiritual benefits of fasting will be obtained.

It is essential for us to safeguard our eyes, especially whilst we are fasting. We have to safeguard our eyes from looking at na-mahram women, TV, dancing, songs, movies, and nude or obscene pictures. Looking at such things turns the mind towards committing sins and that destroys the spirit of fasting. Therefore, we must save our eyes from such things and should rather look at and recite the Holy Qur’an and Insha Allah, we will obtain untold benefits.

The aim and object of fasting is to instill in our hearts the enthusiasm to refrain from all kinds of sins. All sins that are committed by humans are first thought about in the heart before they are carried out. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “There is a piece of meat in the body of humans, if that remains safe then the whole body is safe, and if that becomes corrupted then the whole body is corrupted; that piece of meat is the heart.” Therefore, we need to safeguard our hearts from false and evil thoughts.

And lastly, one of the major sins that many of us neglect to safeguard ourselves from, is not reading our five times Salah. Salah is compulsory and one would never be able to truly benefit from the blessings of fasting by neglecting the Salah. In fact, one would be committing a grave sin by disobeying the command of Allah Ta’ala in such a sanctified month, which can only lead to the Anger of Allah Ta’ala.

After saving every part of one’s body from sinning, out of fear of Allah Ta’ala and for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, a person has full faith that I obeyed the orders of the Almighty Allah completely and Allah Ta’ala will definitely accept the supplication that I make at this time, just as Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “The supplications of three types of people are never rejected; a fasting person at the time of Iftar, a just ruler, and an oppressed person.” [Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]

5 Things About Mesaharaty

The moment Ramadan starts, Muslim countries celebrate the month with all its aspects: the spiritual rituals that conflate fasting, praying, and participation in charitable activities; and the social side that includes iftar and Suhoor feasts. Also one of these Ramadan fixtures is the mesaharaty.

1 The mesaharaty is one of the traditional characters related to the month of Ramadan. Since people fast – stop eating and drinking – in Ramadan from dawn to night, the mesaharaty used to pass by houses before dawn in order to wake people up by striking on a small drum and singing some songs in order to remind them to eat before dawn.

2 The name of that supper is Suhoor, and that is why he is called mesaharaty, i.e. the one who reminds people of Suhoor. Nowadays after the presence of clocks and different kinds of reminders and alarms, the Mesaharty has disappeared from our lives, however, he remains one of the main symbols of Ramadan besides the fanoos.

3 This tradition started in Baghdad in the eighth century and then spread to most Islamic countries. Stories suggest that this job started on an informal basis, with people waking up their family members and neighbors for Suhoor.

4 Throughout the years, this task turned into a profession, albeit one that can only be practiced for one month each year. There is no fixed salary for the person, but he receives donations from the people at the end of Ramadan.

5 The mesaharaty may be extinct in the urban areas, but they are still found in some parts of Cairo and in the villages in the countryside.

What Is Lawful And What Revokes Fasting

Fasting earns Allah’s pleasure. Allah said: Every deed by the son of Adam is for him, except the fasting, it is for Me and I will give its reward.

Every deed of a believer is rewarded from 10 to 700 times but there is no deed which may equal fasting. It is, therefore, necessary to know the rules for the preservation of our fast to earn Allah’s great pleasure.

The Mother of the Believers Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to be in ritual impurity by the dawn, and then he used to take a bath. The ritual impurity does not invalidate the fasting, provided one takes a bath in the morning.

It is also reported by Ayesha, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to kiss her and embrace her while fasting out of pure love without any passion.

Hanafis and Shafiis said:

· One who gets excited and passionate should keep away from kissing.

· To take an injection by way of treatment is allowed, no harm is done to his fasting. (As-Shafii)

· No harm is done if one swallows saliva. While using Siwak one can swallow saliva.

· It may be noted the use of Siwak stops thirst as it makes the glands produce saliva which controls thirst.

· If a woman gets impure from menses or puerperium by the morning, she can continue her fasting. She should take a bath and offer prayers.

· If water gets into the belly of a fasting person unintentionally then no harm is caused to his fast.

· To use Kohl and eye drops are allowed, even if one feels its taste in the throat because it does not reach the belly (As-Shafii).

· Rinsing of the mouth and sniffing is allowed but it should not be exaggerated as water may go into the belly thus invalidating the fast.

· Ibn Abbas said: There is no harm in tasting the foodstuff you want to buy. Do not swallow but spit it out.

· Ibn Taymiyya said: There is no harm in smelling the good smells for a fasting person.

· Engaging in sexual intercourse will revoke the fast and one should compensate for his invalidated fasting and expiate.

· Expiation is to liberate a slave or fast for 60 days continuously or feed 60 persons. Or he can choose any of the three methods of expiation.

· Anyone who intentionally breaks his fast shall have to compensate for the fast and expiate as mentioned above.

· If anyone drinks or eats forgetting that he was fasting, no harm is done to his fast, and he should complete his fast.

· If a fasting person vomits, no harm is done to his fast, but if he vomits intentionally, he should complete his fast but he will have to compensate for that fast.

· If anyone commits masturbation or deliberately ejects his semen he has to expiate.

· If one eats or drinks or copulates believing that the dawn has not begun as yet and the contrary of that appears to him then he has to compensate for his fast and no expiation is due on him.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for the Believing person on the Day of Judgment.

Fast will say: “O Lord! I prevented him from the food and desire during the day, so accept my intercession for him.” The Qur’an will say: “I prevented him from sleep during the night, so accept my intercession for him.” Allah will accept both the intercessions.

We are required to protect our fast to get Allah’s rewards that are so precious on the Day when nothing will help except our good deeds and fasting observed only to earn Allah’s pleasure.

(Source the Fiqh As-Sunnah, which covers Hanafi and Shafii schools of thought).