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Month Of Ramadan: Rewards For Those Who Fasts

[2. Surah Al-Baqarah: Ayah 43] And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and bow down with those who bow down.

[Sahih Bukhari: volume 3, Book 31, Number 118] Narrated Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu): Allah’s Apostle (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) said, “Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relations with his wife and 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.”

[Sahih Bukhari: volume 3, Book 31, Number 120] Narrated Sahl (Radi Allah Anhu): The Prophet Muhammad (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry, the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”

[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 3, Book 31, Number 122] Narrated Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu): Allah’s Apostle (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened.”

[Sahih Bukhari : volume 3, Book 31, Number 123] Narrated Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu): Allah’s Apostle (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”

Our Lord, pour down upon us patience, make our steps firm, and assist us against the unbelieving people.

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).

Preparing For Ramadan: The Month Of Mercy

As the dawn of Ramadan approaches, offering us glimpse of its golden rays of purity, every Muslim around the world prepares to experience the warm ambiance which only this month can bring. From Suhoor to Iftar to Taraweeh Salah, Ramadan brings together brothers, sisters, parents, and children. To derive the utmost benefit from the sacred month of Ramadan, it is crucial to recognize the spiritual significance and importance of this month. Fasting during this month should be only for ALLAH TA’ALA, and HE will give the reward for it, for the reward of ALLAH, the Bountiful, and Munificent, is greater and vaster than anyone could imagine, Subhan-ALLAH!

A Hadith so beautifully summarizes: “The reward for every good deed of Adam will be multiplied anywhere between ten and seven hundred times. ALLAH said: ‘Except for fasting because it is for ME and I MYSELF will give recompense for it. He gives up his food and his passion for ME.’ For the one who fasts, there are two times of rejoicing, one when he breaks the fast, and one when he meets his Lord. Verily, the smell that comes from the mouth of one who is fasting is more pleasing to ALLAH than the scent of musk.” (Hadith:Bukhari and Muslim)

Beloved Reader! This is a month that ALLAH TA’ALA has designated for the revitalization of the soul and one’s spiritual ascension after a year full of sin and spiritual retrogression. However, all this will only be possible if we value this precious month and prepare for it accordingly. It is reported that Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) used to commence His preparation two months before Ramadan by reciting the following supplication at the beginning of Rajab, “O ALLAH! Bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and make us reach Ramadan”. This shows the importance of conditioning oneself mentally and spiritually for the advent of this month. Ramadan is a long-awaited celestial guest; accordingly, we ought to prepare the grandest reception in appreciation for all of its beautiful blessings and barakah. It is only through such yearning and longing that the significance of Ramadan will develop in our hearts, catalyzing us to increase our good deeds and to fulfill the objectives of Ramadan.

Therefore, we should strike a balance, during this all-too-short blessed month, between our domestic duties and the opportunity this month brings, to draw closer to ALLAH through worship and good deeds. Do not let our household chores and other work distract us from performing the obligatory Salah at the appointed times or from reading the Quran Kareem for Nafl Salah. Nor should we let traditional late-night family gatherings keep us from performing Qiyam al-Layl and making Du’a. There are three main objectives to attain from this blessed month, namely absolution of one’s sins, attainment of piety, and enhancing one’s communion with ALLAH TA’ALA. Regarding absolution of sin, Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) mentioned, “Whoever fasts and stands for worship in Ramadan out of faith and anticipation of reward, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Ibn Majah)

The main element mentioned in this Hadith is that our effort and striving in worship throughout the month should be with the zest of Iman and zeal of reward. The recompense of this will be a thorough effacement of sins. The veil of inhibition that impedes a person from his or her Rabb will be removed and the doors to a life of spiritual bliss, ecstasy, and harmony will be flung open. Subhan-ALLAH!

ALLAH TA’ALA states, “O you who believe, fasting has made compulsory upon you as it made compulsory upon those before you so that you may become ALLAH fearing.” (Quran:2:183)

Alhamdulillah! Fasting is one of the best spiritual exercises to establish piety, patience, and a perpetual consciousness of ALLAH TA’ALA and the reward for true patience is Jannah. In this beautiful month four things you should continue to perform in great number, two of which shall be to please your Rabb, while the other two shall be those without which you cannot do. Those which shall be to please your Rabb, are that you should in great quantity bear witness that there is no deity to worship except ALLAH (i.e. recite the Kalimah Tayyibah Laa Ilaaha Illallaah) and make much Istighfar (beg ALLAH’S forgiveness with Astaghfirullaah).” And as for those without which you cannot do, you should beg of ALLAH, entrance into Paradise, and ask refuge in HIM from Jahannam(Hell). “Once a person feels the bliss of being completely pardoned and relieved from the burden of sins coupled with the feelings of ALLAH’S Omnipresence, he or she would have reached a very high pedestal of divine communion. This pedestal is what is referred to as the stage of Ihsaan; where a person worships ALLAH as if he or she is seeing HIM or with the full conviction and cognizance that ALLAH is watching him or her.

Beloved Reader! The Mubarak month of Ramadan requires special preparation because it requires complete dedication on the part of the Mu’min. Below are a few easy ways to Inshallah (ALLAH willing) help prepare our minds and hearts for this upcoming Month of Mercy.

1. Intention To Prepare:
One of the most essential elements of preparing for the arrival of Ramadan is to make the intention for preparation, for verily “every action judged by its intention”(Hadith-Bukhari). The preparation begins the day you start practicing humility and patience, and learn how to control your nafs (desires) and anger.

2. Perform Rewarding Actions:
In the spirit of Ramadan, it is best to start preparing for the blessed month by performing actions that are rewarding and appreciated by our beautiful ALLAH. According to a Hadith, “If a person says, “Subhanallah”(Glory be to ALLAH) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away.”

3. Increase The Worship:
To start preparing for the blessed month of Ramadan, it is best if you start increasing your worship. This will allow you to adjust your routine for the arrival of Ramadan. Increase all forms of Ibadah(worship) such Fasting, recitation of Qur’an, Zikr, Sadaqah(Charity), Nafl (voluntary) Salah etc

4. Determine Specific Days For Fasting:
To adjust your body to fasting, it is best that you start fasting beforehand. You should define specific days for fasting. For example, if you fast every Monday and Thursday, you will be more fully prepared for Ramadan making the adjustment much easier.

5. Read The Mubarak Quran Regularly:
For individuals who have not prepared to read and recite the Quran during Ramadan, Quran Kareem recitation while fasting becomes difficult. It is best if you start reading the Mubarak Quran after Fajr salah on a daily basis just to prepare for the Ramadan spirit.

6. Adjust Sleeping Habits:
Ramadan teaches us to adjust the way we lead our life. Therefore, before the arrival of Ramadan, it is ideal if you start adjusting your sleeping habits. You should start off by going to bed early and rising early. If you are used to this routine, you will not feel sleepy and tired when Ramadan arrives.

7. Define Objectives:
Ramadan is the ideal month to embark on your journey to fresh objectives. If you are a smoker and want to quit this habit, you should start off with this month. If you want to be an early riser, still Ramadan is the perfect month for you.

In essence, Ramadan is the most blessed and rewarding month. Therefore, all Muslims should try their best to prepare for this auspicious month of Ramadan. Regular recitation of the Quran, voluntary charity, and recitation and offering prayers will help you prepare for the Ramadan spirit. Inshallah!

O Beloved Reader! Let us embellish our Akhlaq (character) in this beautiful and blessed month with gifts presented by the Prophet of guidance (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam). Let us make this Ramadan a means of gaining nearness to Allah Ta’ala and preparing for the eternal journey that each one of us must traverse.

By Sister S Bemath

 

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.

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

The Virtue Of The Last Ten Days Of Ramadan And Laylat al-Qadr

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the Trustworthy Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to strive hard (in worship) during the last ten days of Ramadan in a way that he did not strive at any other times. (Muslim, 1175, from Aa’ishah). Among the things he did were secluding himself in I’tikaaf and seeking Laylat al-Qadr during this time. (Al-Bukhaari, 1913; Muslim, 1169). In al-Saheehayn it is reported from the hadeeth of Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that when the last ten days of Ramadan came, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family and gird his loins. (al-Bukhaari, 1920; Muslim, 1174). Muslim added: he strove hard and girded his loins.

Her phrase “girded his loins” is a metaphor for his preparing himself to worship and strive hard in worship, more than usual. It has the meaning of “rolling up one’s sleeves” to worship (i.e. getting ready to make a great deal of effort).

It was also said that it was a metaphor for keeping away from women and abstaining from sexual relations.

The phrase “stay up at night” means that he would stay awake, spending the night in prayer, etc. It was reported in another hadeeth that Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) recite the entire Quran in one night, or spend a whole night in prayer until the morning, or fast an entire month, except in Ramadan.” (Sunan al-Nasaa’i, 1641). The words “stay up at night” may mean that he spent most of the night in worship, or that he did not stay up for the entire night, but he did that at the times of Ishaa and Suhoor, and other times, in which case it would mean that he stayed up for most of the night.

The phrase “and wake his family” means that he would wake his wives to pray qiyaam. It is known that he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to wake his wives all year round, but he used to wake them to spend part of the night in qiyaam. In Saheeh al-Bukhaari it is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) woke up one night and said, “Subhan Allah! What tribulations have come down tonight! What treasure has come down tonight! Who will wake up the dwellers of the apartments There may be women who are clothed in this world and naked in the Hereafter”. (al-Bukhaari, 1074). It was also reported (in Saheeh al-Bukhaari) that he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to wake Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) when he wanted to pray Witr. (al-Bukhaari, 952). But when he woke his wives during the last ten nights of Ramadan, this was more persistent than at other times of the year.

The fact that he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did this indicates the importance he attached to worshipping his Lord and making the most of this special time.

The Muslim should follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), for he is the best example, and he should strive hard to worship Allah. He should not waste the hours of these days and nights. For we do not know, perhaps this time will never come again, for the spoiler of pleasures, i.e., death, which must come to all men, may come and snatch him and his life will end; then he will feel regret at the time when regret will be of no avail.

Among the unique virtues of these special nights is that Laylat al-Qadr is among them. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

Haa-Meem. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.]

The Manifest Book (this Quran) makes things clear.

Better Than A Thousand Months

God has ordained that we fast during the month of Ramadan, every day from dawn to dusk, during which time we abstain from eating, drinking, and sex. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also recommended us to spend part of the time during the night in voluntary worship. This is done after we have prayed Isha, offering more prayer every night throughout the month. This is known as Taraweeh prayer, which consists of either eight or 20 rak’ahs, or any lesser number.

However, the Prophet used to spend more of the night in voluntary worship during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Ayesha reports: “When the last 10 days (of Ramadan) arrived, the Prophet would be more diligent, staying up the nights and waking up the people in his household.” (Related by Al-Bukhari).

Ayesha tells us that the Prophet did certain special things in the last ten days of Ramadan. These are the best nights of the year to spend in worship. One thing was to wake up his family members to encourage them to allocate time for night worship. He did not make this obligatory, but whereas on other nights he left them to decide whether they wanted to wake up for night worship, he did wake them up in the last third of Ramadan. Needless to say, he only woke up those who were willing and able to offer night worship. Since this is voluntary, he would not compel anyone to do anything unless it is their own choice.

Another thing that he did was to be more diligent. In the Arabic text of the Hadith, Ayesha uses a metaphor, saying that the Prophet would “tighten his robes.” Most scholars suggest that this means that he abstained from having sex with his wives during those 10 nights. There is no prohibition on that, but this was the Prophet’s choice.

Moreover, the Prophet “stayed up the nights” offering worship. According to most scholars, this means that he spent more time in worship during these 10 nights than on other nights. It does not mean that he would spend the whole night because that would be too exhausting. Moreover, it would mean that we sleep longer during the following day, which reduces the feelings of fasting.

What is special about the last 10 days of Ramadan is that they include the Night of Power. This is the night described in the Qur’an as “better than a thousand months,” which means that spending this night in worship earns a greater reward than worshipping at night for a thousand months. It is a special, blessed night because it witnessed the revelation of the Qur’an from on high to Prophet Muhammad. In other Hadiths, we are told that dedication to worship on that night ensures that our slate is wiped clean and we are free of all sins. They are all forgiven by God. Hence, we should be keen to spend that night in worship.

When is the Night of Power? It has not been mentioned specifically, either in the Qur’an or by the Prophet. However, the Prophet tells us to seek it on the odd nights of the last third of Ramadan. Thus, it could be any night on 21, 23, 25, 27 or 29 of Ramadan. In Islam, the night precedes the day, which means that it is the night that begins after sunset on 20, 22, etc. of Ramadan. If we dedicate several hours of that night to worship, we feel great relief and happiness for the effort making us keen to repeat the experience every year.

– By Adil Salahi

Make Best Use Of Remaining Ramadan Days

Recite the Quran, give in charity, and do good deeds. Ramadan is the month of reciting the Quran, the month of worship and Taraweeh prayer, patience, soul-searching, repentance, and a time to change.

Allah revealed His Book as the guide to the whole of mankind. If a person recites the Quran the way it should be recited, then it is a remedy and a cause for opening the doors of good, well-being, steadfastness, happiness, peace of mind, pride, and victory. The laws should be based on the Quran and the Holy Quran is the remedy for Ummah’s ailments. There is no reformation for mankind or peace of mind and comfort or security or discipline except by following the teachings of the Quran.

The Quran is addressed to all mankind. There are no differences between male and female or rich and poor. The Quran addresses everyone. Allah’s Holy Book transcends the limits of time, place, and differences among people. Its message is universal for all human beings and the jinn. The Holy Quran is the path to the happiness of the Ummah and all mankind. It is the Quran that abolished bondage and educated the Ummah.

The month of hard work, patience, discipline, and recitation of the Quran. Now we are in the last few days of Ramadan and Muslims are to make an added effort by offering prayer, recitation of the Quran, and doing good deeds with the hope that one of these blessed nights will be the Night of Power (Lailat Al-Qadr). People must do soul-searching, contemplation, repent of their deeds, and mend their ways for the better because death comes suddenly. Muslims to be God-fearing and observe Taqwa.

Make the best use of the remaining few days of Ramadan by offering prayer, reciting the Quran, giving in charity generously, and doing other good deeds with the hope that a night during these 10 days may be the Night of Power (Lailat Al-Qadr).

All should be extra prepared to do good deeds before death when it is too late. The Muslims must work harder during the last 10 days of Ramadan because the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not specify when the Night of Power occurs but said it is on the odd nights like the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th, or the last night.

If Lailat Al-Qadr coincides with the night when the Muslim is working hard in prayer, reciting the Quran, and doing other good deeds, then his sins will be forgiven. Muslims should sincerely fear Allah and adhere steadfastly to Islam.

Don’t forget the importance of giving Zakat Al-Fitr as it purifies the fasting because there might be some shortcomings in one’s fasting. It should be given on Eid Day before Eid prayer and it is allowed to give Zakat Al-Fitr one or two days before Eid Al-Fitr day.

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