Welcome, the blessed month of Ramadan
Ramadan is the most blessed month in the Islamic Calendar, it is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed as a guidance and judgment to all people. It is the month in which good deeds are multiplied and sins are forgiven. Ramadan is the month of Allah’s Mercy, Forgiveness and emancipation from Hellfire.
In this month there is a night of worship that is better than one thousand months. Ramadan is holy month succeeding Shaaban and starts with the sighting of the moon. In this month Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk, that means they refrain from eating and drinking anything until the sun is down. Fasting is compulsory to every Muslim man and woman with exemptions to pregnant women, sick, people travelling, and old people who are unable to fast on health grounds.
The evidence from the Quran consists of the following two verses: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for the people before you in order for you to gain God consciousness”(2:183) and
“…The month of Ramadan, during which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance and the criterion; and whoever of you is resident, let him fast the month”. (2:185)
Islam is built upon five pillars namely:
- Testifying that there is no God except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger
- The establishment of the prayer
- The giving of Zakat
- The fast of Ramadan
- The pilgrimage to (Mecca) the house of Allah also known as Hajj.
The month of Ramadan is considered to be the month of forgiveness, the devil is chained and the doors of Paradise are open for the believers.
There are few important aspects of this holy month that people need to observe i.e. Suhoor (the pre dawn meal), Iftar (Breaking fast) and Taraweeh (Special Prayers post Isha prayers), Lailatul Qadr (5 Nights of Decree, Zakat (charity) and I’tiqaaf.
Suhoor: (Pre-Dawn Meal)
Also called Sehri in Urdu, it is the pre-dawn meal that a person who intends to fast should take before dawn ‘Adhaan’ (call for prayer). The time for the Suhoor is between the middle of the night and dawn and is said to be a very blessed meal. The importance of eating Sahoor has been highlighted in a number of Hadith (a traditional account of things said or done by Prophet Muhammad or his companions), and it is considered a very blessed meal. People are advised to have Suhoor and then head to attend the first prayer of the day, i.e. the Fajr namaz.
Iftar: (Breaking Fast at Sunset)
After a whole day of not having any food and water, a person fasting should break his fast at the call of Adhaan at sunset. A great deal of importance is placed on those who feed a fasting person. Ramadan thus provides an excellent chance to welcome and host other Muslims for Iftar and gain extra reward. It is important to note that one must endeavour to eat Suhoor as close as possible to dawn. On the other hand breaking the fast at the earliest possible time, closest to dusk, is better and greater in reward than breaking the fast later. Generally people get together at the time of Iftar and eat together in groups with a date or a glass of water. Post Iftar people adjourn for the Maghrib prayer.
Taraweeh: (Extra Prayers)
During Ramadan, special evening prayers are conducted during which long portions of the Quran are recited. These special prayers are known as Taraweeh.
There is a difference in opinions among the scholars on the rakaat of Taraweeh prayer, whether it should be 20 or 8 rakaats. The Quran is divided into equal parts for the purpose of reading sections of equal length during each of the Ramadan nights. Thus, 1/30 of the Qur’an is read on successive evenings, so that by the end of the month the entire Quran has been completed. Toper form Salah al-Taraweeh in the month of Ramadan is a highly stressed as Sunnah, or what the ?qh specialists call Sunnah Muakkada.
Lailatul Qadr: (Night ofDecree)
The month of Ramadan enjoys a spiritual superiority over all the other months of the year. Likewise, its last ‘Asharah or‘ten days’ are superior to the two earlier ‘Asharahs, and Lailatul Qadr or the Night of Decree falls in it. This is the most blessed night of the year. In fact this is the most distinctive aspect of the month of Ramadan. This is also the night wherein Allah decides the destiny, sustenance, birth, and death etc. for His creation. It is mentioned in the Holy Quran that this night is better than a thousand months (83 years &four months). In this night a person should exert a little more in worship of Allah S.W.T., even though there is no special form of worship prescribed for this night, one can engage in the offering of Nafl (optional) prayers, supplications, recitation of the Holy Quran, or any other deed considered good in Shariah (Islamic law).
I`tikaf (Seclusion by stayingin Mosque)
I`tikaf is seclusion by staying in the mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. This was the practice of Prophet Muhammad especially during the last ten days of Ramadan. I’tikaf of Ramadan is considered Sunnah. There are two other kinds of I’tikaf; Wajib(compulsory), where a person takes a vow unto himself that he will perform I’tikaf if such and such happens, as soon as that thing is fulfilled I’tikaf becomes Wajib on him, the other is Nafl I’tikaf. Nafl I’tikaf has no special conditions or limitations on time.
Zakat (Charity):
Zakat is a very important part of Islam and is even more significant during Ramadan.
There are plenty of charitable initiatives, Ramadan camps, Iftar camps, care packages and more, that can be taken up during the Holy month. Zakat or alms can be defined as that portion of a person’s wealth, which is designated for the poor. The term is derived from the Arabic verbal root meaning, “to increase”, “to purify”, and “to bless”. That is why this kind of Sadaqah is called Zakat, for by paying it one is aspiring to attain blessing, purification, and the cultivation of good deeds.
Assets that attract Zakat or Zakat are generally imposed on:
- Gold and silver, in any form;not on other metals
- Financial assets such as cash, banknotes and stocks
- Merchandise for business
- Livestock
-Income derived from rental business Personal needs are not subject to Zakat.
These include, among other things, clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars, pearls, diamonds and other precious or semi-precious stones etc. Islam does not leave the question of charity to the personal estimation of those in whose trust its revenues are put, it assigns where these revenues should go. The revenues of charity may also be offered to certain institutions like welfare hospitals and schools and to orphanages etc. Institutions like these are established for the welfare of the poor.
Things to do in the month of Ramadan:
- Observe the Five Times obligatory prayers
- Fasting from Dawn until Dusk
- Having Suhoor and Iftar
- Attending Taraweeh Prayers
- Reciting Quran as much aspossible
- Giving charity (Zakat &Sadaqah)
- I’tiqaf
- Worship as much as possibleand ask for forgiveness
Things to avoid during Ramadan:
- Reduce watching TV, listening to music, going to theatres etc.
- Reduce bad habits like smoking, chewing tobacco and excessive caffeine consumption
- No sexual intercourse while fasting
- Try not to sleep much while fasting; it spoils the purpose of fasting
- Avoid too much shopping and socialising instead utilise the time in worshipping
- Eat gracefully and not to stuff oneself, it will make you lethargic and lazy
Misconceptions about Ramadan & Fasting:
There are a couple of misconceptions and doubts in people about Ramadan and validation of fasting. One common misconception about Ramadan among the Muslims and Non-Muslims is that Ramadan is all about staying away from food. Well, the concept behind fasting is not just to control one’s yearning for food but also to sway away from one’s physical needs during the daytime and abstain from all the worldly desires, get closer to God, worship Him and ask for forgiveness for his sins. Fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person’s body and soul to the spirit of the fast.
Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint, a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and refocus on the worship of God.
The following are some answer/ clarifications to questions or doubts about Ramadan and fasting, are given below, however one should refer to Hadiths for authenticity.
Does Medical treatment (Eye drops, ear drops, nasal spray, injections, etc.) while fasting breaks the fast?
Ans: No, eye drops, eardrops, nasal spray, injections, etc. does not affect the fast of a person.
Is brushing teeth allowed while fasting?
Ans: No, it is advised to brush after having Suhoor before dawn. Brushing makes the fast ‘maqrooh’ (disapproved). Instead a person can use Miswak. Miswak is a teeth-cleaning twig made from the Salvadora persica tree as an alternative to toothbrush.
Ate out of forgetfulness?
No, does not invalidate the fast in one forgetfully eats food.
Is it allowed to taste food while fasting?
Ans: Yes, tasting is allowed if needed if we make sure we do not swallow it.
Is it better for a pregnant woman to fast or not to fast?
Ans: Depends on her condition and she needs to decide.
Does watching TV, Movies, Soap operas/Serials, playing cards invalidate the Fast?
Ans: No. But it’s a sin and these sins detract from the reward of fasting, and may erase it altogether.
Does vomiting invalidate the fast?
Ans. No. But deliberately vomiting does.
Does smoking invalidate fast?
Ans: Yes, no doubt about it.
Does swallowing the Saliva break the fast?
Ans: No, swallowing the saliva does not invalidate the fast. So, you should not keep spitting all day.
Things that break the fast:
Intercourse, masturbation, eating and drinking, smoking, vomiting deliberately, menstruation and Nifaas (Post Natal Bleeding)
Source: The above contents are a compilation of information from various sources and are not intended to be a guideline, kindly refer to “hadith” for clarification on correct practice.
Ramadan Wishes from our readers:
Sheikh Mohammad Amir
Chairman Ulama Board of FIANZ
The month of Ramadan has arrived and Muslims all around the world will be observing the fast as an obligatory duty upon them. The purpose of this holy month is much more than abstaining from food and drink; it is a source of purification for the soul, heart, mind, and body.
Fasting is never meant to deprive rather it is to help be more pious, feel the need of others, and get rid of worldly desires to change for better. Ramadan is the time when the search for life’s meaning, for self-restraint and discipline should prevail over superficial desires, illusions and artificial appetites.
During this auspicious season we pray to Allah to cleanse your body, mind and soul, fill your heart with peace, generosity and kindness. And bring you prosperity and happiness in this world and the hereafter. May this Ramadhan be a means to end all calamities and hardship and bring peace and harmony to all. Wishing you and your family a very blessed Ramadhan.
Javed Dadabhai
The Auckland Eid Day team would like to wish everyone in the community the best for the blessed month of Ramadan, and we would love to have you all celebrate Eid al Fitr with us at The Trust Arena (Henderson). May Allah accept our fasts and all our prayers be answered. Ramadan Mubarak!
Naveed Ahmed
The blessed month of Ramadan is here once again, Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”
Let us begin this blessed month with hearts filled with peace and love, and pray to Allah SWT, that he forgives our sins and guides us. Let this month be the beginning of our repentance and enlightenment. Wishing our family, friends, well wishers and the readers a Happy Ramadan. (Naveed Ahmed & Family and the team of Kiwi Muslim Directory)
Syed Mohiuddin
We pray that May this month of Ramadan be the source of our forgiveness. Syed Mohiuddin and his family wish all their friends and all Indian Weekender readers a happy Ramadan. We pray for your good health so you make good use of it to spend time in prayers and to get closeness to Allah (swt). Ramadan Kareem!
Kashif Quadri
Peace and blessing be up on all. May this Ramadan be a month of love, a month of compassion and a month of blessings for you and your family. May this month unite us all in peace and May Allah rewards us all with goodness.
Mohammed Hayat Kabir
Wish u a very happy Ramadan Mubarak. May this Ramadan be as bright as ever. May this Ramadan bring joy, health and wealth to our life. Amen
Dr. Sayeeda Bano
Ramadan is a very inspirational month, help strengthens our spirituality and faith, self discipline, self purification, sacrifice, love, care and support for friends, families, communities and for those who are in need of urgent help and care. May the Blessings of Ramadan be with you, families and communities. May the blessings of Ramadan help us remove darkness and injustice, bring happiness, health, prosperity. May the essence of Ramadan lead us together on the path of socio-economic justice, sacrifice, love care, peace and harmony around the world.
Sultan
Wishing everyone a very happy Ramadan. This is the month of sharing love, asking forgiveness and purifying one’s soul. All who you believe in Allah SWT, fast as if its your last Ramadan and share the bond and happiness with the community. May Allah bless us all and accept our prayers and duas. Ramadan Mubaraki once again.
Ramadan is the most blessed month in the Islamic Calendar, it is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed as a guidance and judgment to all people. It is the month in which good deeds are multiplied and sins are forgiven. Ramadan is the month of Allah’s Mercy, Forgiveness and emancipation...
Ramadan is the most blessed month in the Islamic Calendar, it is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed as a guidance and judgment to all people. It is the month in which good deeds are multiplied and sins are forgiven. Ramadan is the month of Allah’s Mercy, Forgiveness and emancipation from Hellfire.
In this month there is a night of worship that is better than one thousand months. Ramadan is holy month succeeding Shaaban and starts with the sighting of the moon. In this month Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk, that means they refrain from eating and drinking anything until the sun is down. Fasting is compulsory to every Muslim man and woman with exemptions to pregnant women, sick, people travelling, and old people who are unable to fast on health grounds.
The evidence from the Quran consists of the following two verses: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for the people before you in order for you to gain God consciousness”(2:183) and
“…The month of Ramadan, during which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance and the criterion; and whoever of you is resident, let him fast the month”. (2:185)
Islam is built upon five pillars namely:
- Testifying that there is no God except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger
- The establishment of the prayer
- The giving of Zakat
- The fast of Ramadan
- The pilgrimage to (Mecca) the house of Allah also known as Hajj.
The month of Ramadan is considered to be the month of forgiveness, the devil is chained and the doors of Paradise are open for the believers.
There are few important aspects of this holy month that people need to observe i.e. Suhoor (the pre dawn meal), Iftar (Breaking fast) and Taraweeh (Special Prayers post Isha prayers), Lailatul Qadr (5 Nights of Decree, Zakat (charity) and I’tiqaaf.
Suhoor: (Pre-Dawn Meal)
Also called Sehri in Urdu, it is the pre-dawn meal that a person who intends to fast should take before dawn ‘Adhaan’ (call for prayer). The time for the Suhoor is between the middle of the night and dawn and is said to be a very blessed meal. The importance of eating Sahoor has been highlighted in a number of Hadith (a traditional account of things said or done by Prophet Muhammad or his companions), and it is considered a very blessed meal. People are advised to have Suhoor and then head to attend the first prayer of the day, i.e. the Fajr namaz.
Iftar: (Breaking Fast at Sunset)
After a whole day of not having any food and water, a person fasting should break his fast at the call of Adhaan at sunset. A great deal of importance is placed on those who feed a fasting person. Ramadan thus provides an excellent chance to welcome and host other Muslims for Iftar and gain extra reward. It is important to note that one must endeavour to eat Suhoor as close as possible to dawn. On the other hand breaking the fast at the earliest possible time, closest to dusk, is better and greater in reward than breaking the fast later. Generally people get together at the time of Iftar and eat together in groups with a date or a glass of water. Post Iftar people adjourn for the Maghrib prayer.
Taraweeh: (Extra Prayers)
During Ramadan, special evening prayers are conducted during which long portions of the Quran are recited. These special prayers are known as Taraweeh.
There is a difference in opinions among the scholars on the rakaat of Taraweeh prayer, whether it should be 20 or 8 rakaats. The Quran is divided into equal parts for the purpose of reading sections of equal length during each of the Ramadan nights. Thus, 1/30 of the Qur’an is read on successive evenings, so that by the end of the month the entire Quran has been completed. Toper form Salah al-Taraweeh in the month of Ramadan is a highly stressed as Sunnah, or what the ?qh specialists call Sunnah Muakkada.
Lailatul Qadr: (Night ofDecree)
The month of Ramadan enjoys a spiritual superiority over all the other months of the year. Likewise, its last ‘Asharah or‘ten days’ are superior to the two earlier ‘Asharahs, and Lailatul Qadr or the Night of Decree falls in it. This is the most blessed night of the year. In fact this is the most distinctive aspect of the month of Ramadan. This is also the night wherein Allah decides the destiny, sustenance, birth, and death etc. for His creation. It is mentioned in the Holy Quran that this night is better than a thousand months (83 years &four months). In this night a person should exert a little more in worship of Allah S.W.T., even though there is no special form of worship prescribed for this night, one can engage in the offering of Nafl (optional) prayers, supplications, recitation of the Holy Quran, or any other deed considered good in Shariah (Islamic law).
I`tikaf (Seclusion by stayingin Mosque)
I`tikaf is seclusion by staying in the mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. This was the practice of Prophet Muhammad especially during the last ten days of Ramadan. I’tikaf of Ramadan is considered Sunnah. There are two other kinds of I’tikaf; Wajib(compulsory), where a person takes a vow unto himself that he will perform I’tikaf if such and such happens, as soon as that thing is fulfilled I’tikaf becomes Wajib on him, the other is Nafl I’tikaf. Nafl I’tikaf has no special conditions or limitations on time.
Zakat (Charity):
Zakat is a very important part of Islam and is even more significant during Ramadan.
There are plenty of charitable initiatives, Ramadan camps, Iftar camps, care packages and more, that can be taken up during the Holy month. Zakat or alms can be defined as that portion of a person’s wealth, which is designated for the poor. The term is derived from the Arabic verbal root meaning, “to increase”, “to purify”, and “to bless”. That is why this kind of Sadaqah is called Zakat, for by paying it one is aspiring to attain blessing, purification, and the cultivation of good deeds.
Assets that attract Zakat or Zakat are generally imposed on:
- Gold and silver, in any form;not on other metals
- Financial assets such as cash, banknotes and stocks
- Merchandise for business
- Livestock
-Income derived from rental business Personal needs are not subject to Zakat.
These include, among other things, clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars, pearls, diamonds and other precious or semi-precious stones etc. Islam does not leave the question of charity to the personal estimation of those in whose trust its revenues are put, it assigns where these revenues should go. The revenues of charity may also be offered to certain institutions like welfare hospitals and schools and to orphanages etc. Institutions like these are established for the welfare of the poor.
Things to do in the month of Ramadan:
- Observe the Five Times obligatory prayers
- Fasting from Dawn until Dusk
- Having Suhoor and Iftar
- Attending Taraweeh Prayers
- Reciting Quran as much aspossible
- Giving charity (Zakat &Sadaqah)
- I’tiqaf
- Worship as much as possibleand ask for forgiveness
Things to avoid during Ramadan:
- Reduce watching TV, listening to music, going to theatres etc.
- Reduce bad habits like smoking, chewing tobacco and excessive caffeine consumption
- No sexual intercourse while fasting
- Try not to sleep much while fasting; it spoils the purpose of fasting
- Avoid too much shopping and socialising instead utilise the time in worshipping
- Eat gracefully and not to stuff oneself, it will make you lethargic and lazy
Misconceptions about Ramadan & Fasting:
There are a couple of misconceptions and doubts in people about Ramadan and validation of fasting. One common misconception about Ramadan among the Muslims and Non-Muslims is that Ramadan is all about staying away from food. Well, the concept behind fasting is not just to control one’s yearning for food but also to sway away from one’s physical needs during the daytime and abstain from all the worldly desires, get closer to God, worship Him and ask for forgiveness for his sins. Fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person’s body and soul to the spirit of the fast.
Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint, a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and refocus on the worship of God.
The following are some answer/ clarifications to questions or doubts about Ramadan and fasting, are given below, however one should refer to Hadiths for authenticity.
Does Medical treatment (Eye drops, ear drops, nasal spray, injections, etc.) while fasting breaks the fast?
Ans: No, eye drops, eardrops, nasal spray, injections, etc. does not affect the fast of a person.
Is brushing teeth allowed while fasting?
Ans: No, it is advised to brush after having Suhoor before dawn. Brushing makes the fast ‘maqrooh’ (disapproved). Instead a person can use Miswak. Miswak is a teeth-cleaning twig made from the Salvadora persica tree as an alternative to toothbrush.
Ate out of forgetfulness?
No, does not invalidate the fast in one forgetfully eats food.
Is it allowed to taste food while fasting?
Ans: Yes, tasting is allowed if needed if we make sure we do not swallow it.
Is it better for a pregnant woman to fast or not to fast?
Ans: Depends on her condition and she needs to decide.
Does watching TV, Movies, Soap operas/Serials, playing cards invalidate the Fast?
Ans: No. But it’s a sin and these sins detract from the reward of fasting, and may erase it altogether.
Does vomiting invalidate the fast?
Ans. No. But deliberately vomiting does.
Does smoking invalidate fast?
Ans: Yes, no doubt about it.
Does swallowing the Saliva break the fast?
Ans: No, swallowing the saliva does not invalidate the fast. So, you should not keep spitting all day.
Things that break the fast:
Intercourse, masturbation, eating and drinking, smoking, vomiting deliberately, menstruation and Nifaas (Post Natal Bleeding)
Source: The above contents are a compilation of information from various sources and are not intended to be a guideline, kindly refer to “hadith” for clarification on correct practice.
Ramadan Wishes from our readers:
Sheikh Mohammad Amir
Chairman Ulama Board of FIANZ
The month of Ramadan has arrived and Muslims all around the world will be observing the fast as an obligatory duty upon them. The purpose of this holy month is much more than abstaining from food and drink; it is a source of purification for the soul, heart, mind, and body.
Fasting is never meant to deprive rather it is to help be more pious, feel the need of others, and get rid of worldly desires to change for better. Ramadan is the time when the search for life’s meaning, for self-restraint and discipline should prevail over superficial desires, illusions and artificial appetites.
During this auspicious season we pray to Allah to cleanse your body, mind and soul, fill your heart with peace, generosity and kindness. And bring you prosperity and happiness in this world and the hereafter. May this Ramadhan be a means to end all calamities and hardship and bring peace and harmony to all. Wishing you and your family a very blessed Ramadhan.
Javed Dadabhai
The Auckland Eid Day team would like to wish everyone in the community the best for the blessed month of Ramadan, and we would love to have you all celebrate Eid al Fitr with us at The Trust Arena (Henderson). May Allah accept our fasts and all our prayers be answered. Ramadan Mubarak!
Naveed Ahmed
The blessed month of Ramadan is here once again, Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”
Let us begin this blessed month with hearts filled with peace and love, and pray to Allah SWT, that he forgives our sins and guides us. Let this month be the beginning of our repentance and enlightenment. Wishing our family, friends, well wishers and the readers a Happy Ramadan. (Naveed Ahmed & Family and the team of Kiwi Muslim Directory)
Syed Mohiuddin
We pray that May this month of Ramadan be the source of our forgiveness. Syed Mohiuddin and his family wish all their friends and all Indian Weekender readers a happy Ramadan. We pray for your good health so you make good use of it to spend time in prayers and to get closeness to Allah (swt). Ramadan Kareem!
Kashif Quadri
Peace and blessing be up on all. May this Ramadan be a month of love, a month of compassion and a month of blessings for you and your family. May this month unite us all in peace and May Allah rewards us all with goodness.
Mohammed Hayat Kabir
Wish u a very happy Ramadan Mubarak. May this Ramadan be as bright as ever. May this Ramadan bring joy, health and wealth to our life. Amen
Dr. Sayeeda Bano
Ramadan is a very inspirational month, help strengthens our spirituality and faith, self discipline, self purification, sacrifice, love, care and support for friends, families, communities and for those who are in need of urgent help and care. May the Blessings of Ramadan be with you, families and communities. May the blessings of Ramadan help us remove darkness and injustice, bring happiness, health, prosperity. May the essence of Ramadan lead us together on the path of socio-economic justice, sacrifice, love care, peace and harmony around the world.
Sultan
Wishing everyone a very happy Ramadan. This is the month of sharing love, asking forgiveness and purifying one’s soul. All who you believe in Allah SWT, fast as if its your last Ramadan and share the bond and happiness with the community. May Allah bless us all and accept our prayers and duas. Ramadan Mubaraki once again.
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