The example of the Sahabah (ra) show's us that they used to prepare months in advance for this blessed month, sadly nowadays we tend to prepare the night before only!! It is for this reason we are dedicating this section to run prior to the month entering and we shall provide you everything you need to know about Ramadaan, from the Fiqh to the Virtues.
Ramadaan Advice:
Ramadaan is the month in which the rewards of our good deeds are multiplied, the doors of Hell are closed, the gates of Paradise are open and the shayateen 'devils' are locked up. These factors undoubtedly encourage us to increase our good deeds, worship, taqwaa (fear of God) and eemaan (belief and actions); and these are the reasons why Allah ordered the believers to fast in this blessed month. The Almighty says in His Book: Oh you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those [nations] before you, so that you may attain piety. (Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
Those who fast in order to "experience what the poor people are going through" or "imagine what it is like to have no food and water" are fasting for the wrong reasons. Fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink between daylight hours; it also entails giving up your desires, customs, traditions, habits and disobedience in order to become completely subservient to Almighty Allah – the way a believer should always be.
Bearing this in mind, it is essential for us to understand that we must utilise this blessed month as much as possible, by changing our old ways and doing many good deeds (that are based upon the Qur'aan and Sunnah). Every year the Sahaabah (Companions) would shed tears and beg Allah to give them the opportunity to reach Ramadaan (without passing away). This was because they had the right 'aqeedah (belief) and were well aware of the rewards and blessings the month carried with it.
If you find that every year you change during Ramadaan, but then return back to your old ways, know that you may have not achieved the main purpose of fasting – to attain taqwaa. The Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) said: A person may fast, but he will gain nothing from his fasting except hunger. And a person may perform qiyaam [stay awake at night whilst praying, reciting the Qur'aan, studying Islam etc.] but gain nothing but sahar [i.e. staying awake and not getting any reward]. (Sunan Ibn Maajah, hadeeth no.1690)
Hence, make sure you do not waste this month, for you do not know if you will live to see another. If you are from those who listen to music, free-mix, vote for the Kuffaar 'non-Muslims', smoke cigarettes, watch haraam 'forbidden' movies, eat stunned (haraam) meat, follow ration over divine Text or are busy with dunyaa 'worldly life' (such as by over working or studying the non-Muslims' way of life in college or university etc.) and are negligent of your duties, such as supporting jihaad and working to establish Allah's Deen; this is the perfect opportunity for you to repent and start doing your obligations.
We have produced this short piece of advice in order to remind ourselves and the Muslim Ummah of making the most out of Ramadaan. Below are some suggestions of how we can keep ourselves busy with worship in this month, what actions we can do to earn more reward and how we can stop ourselves from gaining nothing but hunger and thirst whilst fasting.
1. Start fasting when the moon has been sighted
Those who fast in order to "experience what the poor people are going through" or "imagine what it is like to have no food and water" are fasting for the wrong reasons. Fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink between daylight hours; it also entails giving up your desires, customs, traditions, habits and disobedience in order to become completely subservient to Almighty Allah – the way a believer should always be.
Bearing this in mind, it is essential for us to understand that we must utilise this blessed month as much as possible, by changing our old ways and doing many good deeds (that are based upon the Qur'aan and Sunnah). Every year the Sahaabah (Companions) would shed tears and beg Allah to give them the opportunity to reach Ramadaan (without passing away). This was because they had the right 'aqeedah (belief) and were well aware of the rewards and blessings the month carried with it.
If you find that every year you change during Ramadaan, but then return back to your old ways, know that you may have not achieved the main purpose of fasting – to attain taqwaa. The Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) said: A person may fast, but he will gain nothing from his fasting except hunger. And a person may perform qiyaam [stay awake at night whilst praying, reciting the Qur'aan, studying Islam etc.] but gain nothing but sahar [i.e. staying awake and not getting any reward]. (Sunan Ibn Maajah, hadeeth no.1690)
Hence, make sure you do not waste this month, for you do not know if you will live to see another. If you are from those who listen to music, free-mix, vote for the Kuffaar 'non-Muslims', smoke cigarettes, watch haraam 'forbidden' movies, eat stunned (haraam) meat, follow ration over divine Text or are busy with dunyaa 'worldly life' (such as by over working or studying the non-Muslims' way of life in college or university etc.) and are negligent of your duties, such as supporting jihaad and working to establish Allah's Deen; this is the perfect opportunity for you to repent and start doing your obligations.
We have produced this short piece of advice in order to remind ourselves and the Muslim Ummah of making the most out of Ramadaan. Below are some suggestions of how we can keep ourselves busy with worship in this month, what actions we can do to earn more reward and how we can stop ourselves from gaining nothing but hunger and thirst whilst fasting.
1. Start fasting when the moon has been sighted
Once the moon has been sighted by a trustworthy Muslim Ramadaan has entered, regardless of what your group or the Saudi government says. Many people have missed the first day of Ramadaan just because the group or country they love has decided Ramadaan has not entered. This is the worst possible start to Ramadaan as it involves missing an obligatory fast for the sake of partisanship or nationalism – two acts of jaahiliyyah.
2. Do your obligations first
2. Do your obligations first
It is wrong for Muslims who have recently started practicing the Deen to concentrate on performing mandoobaat 'recommended' and nawafil 'optional' deeds, if they have months, or even years, of obligatory salawaat 'prayers' to make up for. There is an Islamic principle which clearly states that the recommended is on hold until the obligatory has been fulfilled. Therefore, if you have missed years of prayers, it is better for you to make them up (as they are the rights of Allah) instead of performing recommended prayers. Or perform both if you can.
The reason why we say this is because we have seen many young Muslims who make utmost effort to pray Taraweeh (as they have been told by innovators that your fast is incomplete unless you perform Salaat ut-Taraweeh) whilst failing to pray their five obligatory prayers throughout the day.
Our advice to Muslims is that if you cannot perform both recommended and obligatory deeds, concentrate on the obligatory. For example, if you have previously missed prayers (whilst you were not practicing), make those up after each prayer, or take half an hour out every evening in order to make up for missed prayers. BUT DO NOT become busy with recommended deeds whilst you have obligations to fulfill. The obligatory (wajib) takes priority over the recommended (mandoob or nawaafil).
3. Do not make the radio, television or calendar your Islamic standard
We break our fasts when Maghrib has entered (when the sun has set), not when the calendar or radio says. Radios and calendars are based upon predictions (or calculations); therefore, do not take them as fact. You can use them as rough guidelines, but if you can see that Maghrib has not entered do not open your fast, even if everyone else has. Follow the Text, not people or calendars.
4. Eat halaal
If you are going to break your fast in the "mosques" make sure that the food is halaal. Since we (Muslims in the West) are living between the Kuffaar, the original rule is different in comparison to living in a Muslim country. In Muslim countries the meat is un-stunned, but in the West most meat is stunned; therefore, the original rule is that you must verify first.
5. Do not invite Kuffaar for iftaar
Iftaar (the meal to break one's fast) is karamah (a privilege and honor) for Muslims only. Therefore, it should not be shared with the Kuffaar 'non-Muslims'. Do not hide your love and allegiance to the Kuffaar by inviting them for iftaar under the pretext of "giving da'wah" (inviting them to Islam). If you want to give them da'wah invite them for a different meal, not for iftaar. The Prophet (pbuh) said: Do not have companionship except with a believer. And do feed your food except to a taqie [person who has taqwaa i.e. a believer]. (Sunan Abee Daawud, hadeeth no.4832)
The Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions (ra) would never invite the Kuffaar for iftaar – as it is not allowed to do so.
6. Make plenty of du'aa
The Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) informed us that our supplications and prayers are answered in the month of Ramadaan. Therefore, ask Allah abundantly for guidance and firm eman. Also, do not forget your Muslim brothers and sisters who are in prison and are being tortured by the enemies of Allah. Ask Allah to give the Ummah victory over the disbelievers and to support the mujahideen wherever they are.
7. Wake up for suhoor
Try to make utmost effort to wake up for "sehri". The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) informed us that the pre-dawn meal is what distinguishes our fasts from the fasts of the non-Muslims.
Also, do not be from those who sleep from Fajr to Zuhr, and then go back to sleep until just before Maghrib (to catch 'Asr). The fast of these people is almost completely pointless. Like we have mentioned before, fasting is not only about abstaining from eating and drinking during daylight hours.
8. Do plenty of good deeds
In general, Ramadaan is the month in which you should increase all your good deeds. Give plenty of da'wah by doing talks, meeting friends or producing leaflets. Spend more time reciting the Qur'aan and memorise verses and ahadeeth. Donate as much as possible, especially toward those who are working to establish Allah's Deen. And most importantly, make sure you continue to do the good deeds and habits you have developed during Ramadaan once the blessed month has finished.
PROPHETS RAMADAN KHUTBAH:
It is reported in At-Tirmizi, An-Nisaa-i and in Mu’jam At-Tabarani, upon the authority of ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (ra) that the Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) said to his companions (during the last few days of Sha’baan):
“O People, what comes near to you is the month of Ramadan, the month of Allah.
The reason why we say this is because we have seen many young Muslims who make utmost effort to pray Taraweeh (as they have been told by innovators that your fast is incomplete unless you perform Salaat ut-Taraweeh) whilst failing to pray their five obligatory prayers throughout the day.
Our advice to Muslims is that if you cannot perform both recommended and obligatory deeds, concentrate on the obligatory. For example, if you have previously missed prayers (whilst you were not practicing), make those up after each prayer, or take half an hour out every evening in order to make up for missed prayers. BUT DO NOT become busy with recommended deeds whilst you have obligations to fulfill. The obligatory (wajib) takes priority over the recommended (mandoob or nawaafil).
3. Do not make the radio, television or calendar your Islamic standard
We break our fasts when Maghrib has entered (when the sun has set), not when the calendar or radio says. Radios and calendars are based upon predictions (or calculations); therefore, do not take them as fact. You can use them as rough guidelines, but if you can see that Maghrib has not entered do not open your fast, even if everyone else has. Follow the Text, not people or calendars.
4. Eat halaal
If you are going to break your fast in the "mosques" make sure that the food is halaal. Since we (Muslims in the West) are living between the Kuffaar, the original rule is different in comparison to living in a Muslim country. In Muslim countries the meat is un-stunned, but in the West most meat is stunned; therefore, the original rule is that you must verify first.
5. Do not invite Kuffaar for iftaar
Iftaar (the meal to break one's fast) is karamah (a privilege and honor) for Muslims only. Therefore, it should not be shared with the Kuffaar 'non-Muslims'. Do not hide your love and allegiance to the Kuffaar by inviting them for iftaar under the pretext of "giving da'wah" (inviting them to Islam). If you want to give them da'wah invite them for a different meal, not for iftaar. The Prophet (pbuh) said: Do not have companionship except with a believer. And do feed your food except to a taqie [person who has taqwaa i.e. a believer]. (Sunan Abee Daawud, hadeeth no.4832)
The Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions (ra) would never invite the Kuffaar for iftaar – as it is not allowed to do so.
6. Make plenty of du'aa
The Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) informed us that our supplications and prayers are answered in the month of Ramadaan. Therefore, ask Allah abundantly for guidance and firm eman. Also, do not forget your Muslim brothers and sisters who are in prison and are being tortured by the enemies of Allah. Ask Allah to give the Ummah victory over the disbelievers and to support the mujahideen wherever they are.
7. Wake up for suhoor
Try to make utmost effort to wake up for "sehri". The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) informed us that the pre-dawn meal is what distinguishes our fasts from the fasts of the non-Muslims.
Also, do not be from those who sleep from Fajr to Zuhr, and then go back to sleep until just before Maghrib (to catch 'Asr). The fast of these people is almost completely pointless. Like we have mentioned before, fasting is not only about abstaining from eating and drinking during daylight hours.
8. Do plenty of good deeds
In general, Ramadaan is the month in which you should increase all your good deeds. Give plenty of da'wah by doing talks, meeting friends or producing leaflets. Spend more time reciting the Qur'aan and memorise verses and ahadeeth. Donate as much as possible, especially toward those who are working to establish Allah's Deen. And most importantly, make sure you continue to do the good deeds and habits you have developed during Ramadaan once the blessed month has finished.
PROPHETS RAMADAN KHUTBAH:
It is reported in At-Tirmizi, An-Nisaa-i and in Mu’jam At-Tabarani, upon the authority of ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (ra) that the Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) said to his companions (during the last few days of Sha’baan):
“O People, what comes near to you is the month of Ramadan, the month of Allah.
This month in the eyes of Allah is the best month, its days are the best days and its nights are the best nights.
This month you have been invited to be a guest of Allah and you are going to be, in this month, among the people of karaama (i.e. dignity and honour).
Your breathing in these days will be tasbeeh and your sleeping in this month is an act of worship.
Your deeds in this month will be accepted and in this month all your du’aa will be accepted.
Ask Allah with good intention and ask Allah to make you fast this month and to recite the Qur’an.
Remember when you are hungry and thirsty, the hunger and thirst of the Day of Judgment.
Donate to your poor and needy people and be kind to your young and respect the elders.
Watch your tongues and do not look at anything prohibited or listen to anything prohibited.
Be kind to the orphans and Allah will help your orphans in the future.
Ask Allah for forgiveness from your sins and raise your hands to him in your salat.
O People, your nafis (desires) is hostage to your actions so release it by istighfaar (repentance) and your back is heavy with sin, so release it with long sujood.
Allah has sworn by his dignity that those who used to fulfill their fasts will never fear from hellfire on the day they rise for their Lord.
I have said this and may Allah forgive me and forgive you.”
Essential matters concerning Ramadan
Al-hamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alameen, was-salatu was-salam ‘ala rasulillah.
Essential matters concerning Ramadan
Al-hamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alameen, was-salatu was-salam ‘ala rasulillah.
We seek refuge with Allah from the evil of our own souls and from our evil deeds.
Whomever Allah guides will never be led astray, and whomever Allah leaves astray, noone will guide. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger.
The month of Ramadan… It is the month of Qur'an, the month of prayer, the month of charity, the month of blessings and reward, the month of fasting.
Allah said: “O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183]
Allah also said:
Allah also said:
"It is the month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed a guidance for mankind with clear teachings showing the Right Way and a criterion of truth and falsehood. Therefore, anyone of you who witnesses that month should fast therein, and whoever is ill or upon a journey shall fast a similar number of days later on." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185]
So fasting is an obligation and is a means of attaining taqwa, and taqwa means doing that which Allah has enjoined and avoiding that which He has forbidden.
Those who are not obliged to fast are the sick, the traveler, and the elderly. If the fast can be made up later on, then they to make up the fast, otherwise they have to feed one poor person for every day missed.
Allah said: "If any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184]
We should all remember that the real meaning of fasting is not only giving up food and drink, rather Allah, may He be exalted, has enjoined fasting in order that we may attain piety (taqwa). Hence real fasting means refraining from sin by refraining from it and giving it up; this is the fasting of the heart, not just the fasting of the body.
The Prophet (pbuh) has said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhari, No. 1804]
And he (pbuh) has also said: “It may be that all a fasting person gets from his fast is hunger and thirst.” [Narrated by Ahmad, No. 8693; classed as saheeh by Ibn Hibbaan 8/257 and by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb 1/262.]
‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (ra) said: "Fasting does not mean abstaining from food and drink only, rather it is also abstaining from lying, falsehood and idle speech." [Quoted by Ibn Hazm in al-Muhalla 4/308.]
And it was narrated from Maymoon ibn Mahraam that the least of fasting is giving up food and drink. [Quoted by Ibn Hazm in al-Muhalla 4/308.]
Some people, they fast yet do not even pray (obligatory prayers)! The prophet (pbuh) has said: “The covenant that stands between us and them is prayer; whoever does not pray is a kaafir.” [Narrated by Imam Ahmad, 22428; al-Tirmidhi, 2621; al-Nasa’i, 431; Ibn Majah, 1079]
And also: “Between a man and kufr and shirk there stands his giving up prayer.” [Narrated by Imam Muslim in his Saheeh, 82]
Those who are not obliged to fast are the sick, the traveler, and the elderly. If the fast can be made up later on, then they to make up the fast, otherwise they have to feed one poor person for every day missed.
Allah said: "If any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184]
We should all remember that the real meaning of fasting is not only giving up food and drink, rather Allah, may He be exalted, has enjoined fasting in order that we may attain piety (taqwa). Hence real fasting means refraining from sin by refraining from it and giving it up; this is the fasting of the heart, not just the fasting of the body.
The Prophet (pbuh) has said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhari, No. 1804]
And he (pbuh) has also said: “It may be that all a fasting person gets from his fast is hunger and thirst.” [Narrated by Ahmad, No. 8693; classed as saheeh by Ibn Hibbaan 8/257 and by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb 1/262.]
‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (ra) said: "Fasting does not mean abstaining from food and drink only, rather it is also abstaining from lying, falsehood and idle speech." [Quoted by Ibn Hazm in al-Muhalla 4/308.]
And it was narrated from Maymoon ibn Mahraam that the least of fasting is giving up food and drink. [Quoted by Ibn Hazm in al-Muhalla 4/308.]
Some people, they fast yet do not even pray (obligatory prayers)! The prophet (pbuh) has said: “The covenant that stands between us and them is prayer; whoever does not pray is a kaafir.” [Narrated by Imam Ahmad, 22428; al-Tirmidhi, 2621; al-Nasa’i, 431; Ibn Majah, 1079]
And also: “Between a man and kufr and shirk there stands his giving up prayer.” [Narrated by Imam Muslim in his Saheeh, 82]
My dear Muslimeen…
In this month, there are great rewards which Allah has prepared for His servants. So a believer should take this time and use it wisely to increase his reward by doing a lot of worship, i.e. reciting the Qur'an, making a lot of dhikr (remembrance of Allah), praying (voluntary prayers), making du'aa, etc. How many were those who witnessed the last Ramadan, but now are in their graves?
The prophet (pbuh) has said: "There has come to you Ramadaan, a blessed month. Allah has made it obligatory on you to fast (this month). During it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are locked, and the devils are chained up. In it there is a night that is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is deprived indeed." [Reported by al-Nisaa'i, 4/129; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/490]
The prophet (pbuh) has said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and with the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by al-Bukhari, Fath, no. 37]
If it is asked, how come we see many evil actions and sins committed in Ramadaan, for if the devils are chained up that would not happen?
The prophet (pbuh) has said: "There has come to you Ramadaan, a blessed month. Allah has made it obligatory on you to fast (this month). During it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are locked, and the devils are chained up. In it there is a night that is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is deprived indeed." [Reported by al-Nisaa'i, 4/129; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/490]
The prophet (pbuh) has said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and with the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by al-Bukhari, Fath, no. 37]
If it is asked, how come we see many evil actions and sins committed in Ramadaan, for if the devils are chained up that would not happen?
The answer is that evil actions become less for those who observe the conditions and etiquette of fasting;
or that the ones who are chained up are some of the devils – namely the rebellious ones – not all of them;
or that what is meant is that evil is reduced in Ramadaan, which is a proven fact. If evil happens at this time, it is still less than at other times. Even if all of them (the devils) are chained up, that does not necessarily mean that no evil or sin will happen, because there are other causes of that besides the devils, such as evil souls, bad habits and the devils among mankind. Al-Fath, 4/145" [Islamqa.com – Q: #12468]
After mentioning some points regarding the importance of this month, we now come to some issues related to fasting, as discussed by the ullama (scholars).
1. It is a condition of the fasting person to have the intention to fast. The intention is not to be uttered on the tongue; rather it is in the heart (your desire to fast).
2. It is Sunnah for the fasting person to eat suhoor, because the Prophet (pbuh) has said: “Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1923; Muslim, 1059).
3. It is Sunnah to delay the suhoor and to hasten in breaking the fast.
Allah said: “and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Sawm (fast) till the nightfall”[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187]
Al-Bukhaari (1919) and Muslim (1092) narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (ra) that Bilaal used to give the adhaan at night, and the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: ‘Eat and drink until Ibn Umm Maktoom gives the adhaan, for he does not give the adhaan until the dawn comes.”
With regard to what appears on timetables as 'imsaak' – where people stop eating roughly 10-15 mins before fajr adhan, the scholars have said that there is no basis for such a thing and goes against the Sunnah.
Ibn Hazm narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab used to say: “If two men are uncertain about dawn let them eat until they are certain.”
And it was narrated that Makhool said: I saw Ibn ‘Umar take a bucket of Zamzam water and say to two men, “Has dawn come?” One of them said: “It has come,” and the other said, “No (it hasn’t),” so Ibn ‘Umar drank (the water).
And It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “Allah has permitted drinking so long as you are uncertain, i.e., about the dawn.” [al-Muhalla 4/367]
It is Sunnah to hasten (be quick) in breaking the fast. Al-Bukhaari (1957) and Muslim (1098) narrated from Sahl ibn Sa’d that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “The people will continue to do well so long as they hasten to break the fast.”
pbuh) used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if there were no (fresh dates) then with dry dates, and if there were no (dried dates) then he would take a few sips of water. [Narrated by Abu Dawood, no. 2356; al-Tirmidhi, 696; classed as hasan in al-Irwa’, 4/45]
5. It is Sunnah to say when breaking the fast: “Dhahaba al-‘thamau’ wa abtallat al-‘urooq wa thabata al-ajru in sha Allah (the thirst is gone, the veins have been moistened and the reward is assured, if Allah wills).” [Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2357; al-Bayhaqi, 4/239; classed as hasan in al-Irwa’, 4/39].
6. Sheikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said in relation to things that break the fast: "Apart from hayd (menstruation) and nifaas (post-natal bleeding), other things that can break the fast are only considered to do so if the following three conditions apply: if a person knows that it breaks the fast and is not ignorant; if he is aware of what he is doing and has not forgotten that he is fasting; if he does it of his own free will and is not forced to do it.
Among the things that break the fast are actions that involves the expulsion of bodily fluids, such as intercourse, vomiting, menstruation and cupping, and actions that involve ingesting matter, such as eating and drinking. [Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 25/148]
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Munajjid said: "Among the things that break the fast are things that are classified as being like eating or drinking, such as taking medicines and pills by mouth, or injections of nourishing substances, or blood transfusions. Injections that are not given to replace food and drink but are used to administer medications such as penicillin and insulin, or tonics, or vaccinations, do not break the fast, regardless of whether they are intra-muscular or intravenous. (Fatawa Ibn Ibraaheem, 4/189). But to be on the safe side, all these injections should be given during the night." [Seethe book, 70 Matters Related to Fasting]
Some scholars said: Having a blood sample taken does not break the fast and is permissible because it is something that is needed. [Fatawa al-Da’wah: Ibn Baaz, no. 979].
The prophet (pbuh) has said: “Whoever vomits unintentionally does not have to make up the fast later on, but whoever vomits on purpose does have to make up the fast.” [Saheeh hadeeth narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3/89].
Ibn Qudamah said in al-Mughni (4/397):
"The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is not permissible for women who are menstruating or bleeding following childbirth to fast, and that they should not fast in Ramadaan but should make up missed fasts. If they do fast, their fast is not accepted. ‘Aa’ishah said: “We used to menstruate at the time of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), and we were commanded to make up the fasts, but we were not commanded to make up the prayers.” (Agreed upon). The one who commanded them thus was the Prophet (pbuh). Abu Sa’eed said: The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Is it not the case that when one of you menstruates, she does not pray or fast? That is what is meant by lacking in religious commitment.” (Narrated by al-Bukaari)".
7. If a person eats something, forgetting that he is fasting, then his fast is not invalidated but he has to spit the food out and continue fasting for the rest of the day. The prophet (pbuh) has said: “If he forgets, and eats and drinks, then let him complete his fast, for Allaah has fed him and given him to drink.” [Reported by al-Bukhari, Fath, no. 1933]
Ramadaan: The Month of Mercy to Muslims:
Mercy is a favour from Allah which He places in the hearts of whomsoever He wills. Verily, Allah will have mercy on His servants who are merciful. Allah is the Most Compassionate the Most Merciful. He loves the merciful and calls to mercy. He orders His servants to enjoin patience and mercy. A person may lack mercy for any number of reasons, among them, an abundance of sins and disobedience. They stain their hearts so much so that they ultimately blind them until their hearts become harder than stones. Allah says of the Children of Israel: 'And yet, after all this, your hearts hardened and became like rocks, or even harder.' (2:74).
Allah also says about them when they opposed and rebelled against the divine law: 'Then, for having broken their solemn pledge, We rejected them and caused their hearts to harden' (5:13).
Among the things that cause a loss of mercy is arrogance with wealth and pride with riches. Allah says: 'Nay, verily, man becomes grossly overweening whenever he believes himself to be self-sufficient' (96:6-7).
The day the heart is disciplined with faith and good deeds it fills with mercy and kindness.
Another reason for the weakness of mercy is an abundance of gluttony and saturation. They give rise to contempt and recklessness. Hence the month of fasting was prescribed to crush this unruliness and ill discipline. The fasting person is naturally among the most merciful people. That is because he has tasted hunger, experienced thirst and endured hardship. His soul is, therefore, enveloped with mercy, care and gentleness for Muslims.
Mercy is something which every Muslim is required to render to his brother Muslim. It is a requirement from every responsible custodian toward those under his care. He should feel sorry for them and be lenient toward them. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: 'O Allah! Whoever was entrusted with authority over any affair of the Muslims and made it difficult for them, please make it difficult for him. And whoever was entrusted over any affair of the Muslims and was kind toward them, then be kind toward him.'
In a related hadith Allah's Messenger (pbuh) also said: 'Whoever oversees an affair for my nation and disappeared or abandoned them without fulfilling their needs while impoverishing them, Allah will debar him from his needs and impoverish him on the Day of Judgement.'
Mercy demands that the scholar and teacher should be gentle toward his students and lead them to the easiest and best ways to love him and benefit from his teachings. If he does this Allah will decree for him the most excellent and abounding reward. Listen to the manner in which Allah praises His Prophet (pbuh): 'And it was by God's grace that thou [O Prophet] didst deal gently with thy followers: for if thou hadst been harsh and hard of heart, they would indeed have broken away from thee' (3:159).
Mercy further requires from the imam that he should not make worship difficult for his followers or cause them harm. On the contrary, he should be merciful, kind and wise. The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Whoever from you leads the people in prayer must make it easy because among them are the old, the sick, the young and the needy.' It was narrated that when Mu'adh once extended the prayer the Prophet (pbuh) said to him: 'Are you a troublemaker O Mu'adh? Are you a troublemaker O Mu'adh? Are you a troublemaker O Mu'adh?'
In the same manner, when Uthman ibn Abi al As al Thaqafi requested: 'O Messenger of Allah, make me an imam of my people.' The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'You are their imam so lead the prayer according to the weakest of them and take a caller to prayer who would seek no payment for doing so.'
Mercy dictates that the one who calls to Islam must advise those whom he is inviting with tenderness. That he should, moreover, clarify issues to them with concern. He should not hurt, defame people or even revile the disobedient in public. Allah advised Moses and Aaron to employ the following methods in their call to the tyrant Pharaoh: 'But speak unto him in a mild manner, so that he might bethink himself or [at least] be filled with apprehension' (20:44). He also says: 'Call you [all mankind] unto thy Sustainer's path with wisdom and goodly exhortation, And argue with them in the most kindly manner' (16:125).
The eminent jurist and Islamic scholar, Imam al Shafe'e wrote:
Support me with your advice in private,
and avoid advising me in public.
Surely giving advice among the people is a kind of reproach,
which I would rather not listen to.
If you disobey and ignore my wish,
don't be saddened if you are not obeyed.
Mercy is required from a father to his children. The mercy of the father or mother toward her children has the greatest effect on their integrity, well-being and obedience. Self-praise and harshness only open the door to despair. The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Kindness was never bestowed upon something except that it beautified it, and it was never removed from that thing except that it made it ugly.'
O you who fast and cause hunger to your stomach, there are thousands of stomachs more awaiting a meal. Will there not arise from among you those who would feed them? O you who fast and cause thirst to your liver, there are thousands more who await a mouthful of water. Will there not arise from among you those who would quench their thirst? O you who fast and wear the finest garments, there are naked people out there awaiting only a piece of cloth to cover their bodies. Will there not then come forth from among you those who would clothe them?
O Allah! We implore your extended mercy that will forgive our sins and erase our misdeeds and errors. Ameen.
Mercy is a favour from Allah which He places in the hearts of whomsoever He wills. Verily, Allah will have mercy on His servants who are merciful. Allah is the Most Compassionate the Most Merciful. He loves the merciful and calls to mercy. He orders His servants to enjoin patience and mercy. A person may lack mercy for any number of reasons, among them, an abundance of sins and disobedience. They stain their hearts so much so that they ultimately blind them until their hearts become harder than stones. Allah says of the Children of Israel: 'And yet, after all this, your hearts hardened and became like rocks, or even harder.' (2:74).
Allah also says about them when they opposed and rebelled against the divine law: 'Then, for having broken their solemn pledge, We rejected them and caused their hearts to harden' (5:13).
Among the things that cause a loss of mercy is arrogance with wealth and pride with riches. Allah says: 'Nay, verily, man becomes grossly overweening whenever he believes himself to be self-sufficient' (96:6-7).
The day the heart is disciplined with faith and good deeds it fills with mercy and kindness.
Another reason for the weakness of mercy is an abundance of gluttony and saturation. They give rise to contempt and recklessness. Hence the month of fasting was prescribed to crush this unruliness and ill discipline. The fasting person is naturally among the most merciful people. That is because he has tasted hunger, experienced thirst and endured hardship. His soul is, therefore, enveloped with mercy, care and gentleness for Muslims.
Mercy is something which every Muslim is required to render to his brother Muslim. It is a requirement from every responsible custodian toward those under his care. He should feel sorry for them and be lenient toward them. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: 'O Allah! Whoever was entrusted with authority over any affair of the Muslims and made it difficult for them, please make it difficult for him. And whoever was entrusted over any affair of the Muslims and was kind toward them, then be kind toward him.'
In a related hadith Allah's Messenger (pbuh) also said: 'Whoever oversees an affair for my nation and disappeared or abandoned them without fulfilling their needs while impoverishing them, Allah will debar him from his needs and impoverish him on the Day of Judgement.'
Mercy demands that the scholar and teacher should be gentle toward his students and lead them to the easiest and best ways to love him and benefit from his teachings. If he does this Allah will decree for him the most excellent and abounding reward. Listen to the manner in which Allah praises His Prophet (pbuh): 'And it was by God's grace that thou [O Prophet] didst deal gently with thy followers: for if thou hadst been harsh and hard of heart, they would indeed have broken away from thee' (3:159).
Mercy further requires from the imam that he should not make worship difficult for his followers or cause them harm. On the contrary, he should be merciful, kind and wise. The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Whoever from you leads the people in prayer must make it easy because among them are the old, the sick, the young and the needy.' It was narrated that when Mu'adh once extended the prayer the Prophet (pbuh) said to him: 'Are you a troublemaker O Mu'adh? Are you a troublemaker O Mu'adh? Are you a troublemaker O Mu'adh?'
In the same manner, when Uthman ibn Abi al As al Thaqafi requested: 'O Messenger of Allah, make me an imam of my people.' The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'You are their imam so lead the prayer according to the weakest of them and take a caller to prayer who would seek no payment for doing so.'
Mercy dictates that the one who calls to Islam must advise those whom he is inviting with tenderness. That he should, moreover, clarify issues to them with concern. He should not hurt, defame people or even revile the disobedient in public. Allah advised Moses and Aaron to employ the following methods in their call to the tyrant Pharaoh: 'But speak unto him in a mild manner, so that he might bethink himself or [at least] be filled with apprehension' (20:44). He also says: 'Call you [all mankind] unto thy Sustainer's path with wisdom and goodly exhortation, And argue with them in the most kindly manner' (16:125).
The eminent jurist and Islamic scholar, Imam al Shafe'e wrote:
Support me with your advice in private,
and avoid advising me in public.
Surely giving advice among the people is a kind of reproach,
which I would rather not listen to.
If you disobey and ignore my wish,
don't be saddened if you are not obeyed.
Mercy is required from a father to his children. The mercy of the father or mother toward her children has the greatest effect on their integrity, well-being and obedience. Self-praise and harshness only open the door to despair. The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Kindness was never bestowed upon something except that it beautified it, and it was never removed from that thing except that it made it ugly.'
O you who fast and cause hunger to your stomach, there are thousands of stomachs more awaiting a meal. Will there not arise from among you those who would feed them? O you who fast and cause thirst to your liver, there are thousands more who await a mouthful of water. Will there not arise from among you those who would quench their thirst? O you who fast and wear the finest garments, there are naked people out there awaiting only a piece of cloth to cover their bodies. Will there not then come forth from among you those who would clothe them?
O Allah! We implore your extended mercy that will forgive our sins and erase our misdeeds and errors. Ameen.
Mistakes made in Ramadaan:
It is clearly understandable to see Muslims living in the West making many mistakes in relation to their ritual acts and even transactions, since they have grown up, studied and live in a kufr environment. Most Muslims unfortunately no longer prioritise with seeking the pleasure of Allaah, often being too busy working, studying (dunya), watching TV and sleeping; leaving no time to carry da’wah (inviting the non-Muslims to Islaam) or even study their great, divine and unique way of life. Therefore it has come to our attention to address certain misconceptions, errors and mistakes that have occurred among the Muslim Community.
It is not necessary for every single person on earth to sight the moon (which is impossible) of Ramadaan, and neither is it allowed to follow the innovation (bid’ah) of the Saudi government who claim that every single country should follow their own sighting of the moon. According to the Sharee’ah, the month of Ramadaan enters when the moon has been sighted, and not according to what the majority of people or the Saudi government says.
From observation and studying the situation of Muslims living in Britain, the following mistakes and errors have been seen among the Imaams of salaah and the Muslim community in general. All these errors and mistakes must be resolved and corrected in order to fulfill our duties properly and have complete obedience to Allah. Verily, failing to make the utmost effort to please Allah may lead to our deeds to be nullified or not accepted.
Defections in the Imaams of Salaah:
1. Fast recitation of the Qur’aan
Most Imaams have a great misunderstanding regarding the Ahkaam of Taraweeh and the etiquettes of Ramadaan. One of the first defection of these Imaams is that they recite the Qur’aan at a very fast pace, to the level where the Musallee (the one who is praying) will completely lose any opportunity to have any khushou’ (ritual fear/focus) and tranquillity in his salaah, purely for the sake of finishing the salaah quickly in order that the people can go home early.
This totally destroys the concept of praying with concentration, tranquillity and khushoo’, which is what every person should seek in their prayers, and moreover it is completely against the teachings of the Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions.
2. Transgression in Du’aa
Another defection of the Imaams is that they transgress and prolong the du’aa, beyond what the Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions used to do. The Prophet (pbuh) never used to prolong the du’aa and make Du’aa al-Qunoot continuously.
3. The completion of the Qur’aan
There is no evidence whatsoever related to the saying of many Imaams who claim that the recitation of the Qur’aan must be completed during the month of Ramadaan in the Taraweeh prayers. This does not exist at all in the Sharee’ah and results in the Imaams rushing salaah and distorting the recitation in order to complete the Qur’aan as fast as possible.
4. Avoiding the Sunnah
The Imaams avoid the Sunnah (divine traditions) of the messenger Muhammad (pbuh) by performing more than 8 rik’ah of Taraweeh and by even praying the Witr salaah like salaat ul-Maghrib. It has been narrated that the Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) used to pray 8 rik’ah Taraweeh followed by 2 rik’ah of Witr, and then by another 1 rik’ah of Witr. The evidence for not praying salaat ul-Witr like Maghrib (i.e. in one 3 rik’ah salaah) is the hadeeth of the messenger Muhammad (pbuh) who said:
‘Do not pray Witr like Maghrib.’ (At-Tabaraani)
5. They should remind and advise the people
Rather than pausing between every 4 rik’ah of salaah in order to collect money for their so called ‘Masjid’, they should advise the people from time to time (before or after Taraweeh), as Ramadaan is an opportunity for da’wah and advice.
Defections among the people:
1. Jumping from Masjid to Masjid
Some Muslims have a very bad habit of jumping from Masjid to Masjid and travelling from place to place in order to look for the best recitation of the Qur’aan and the best Qurraa’ (plural for Qaari’). The Muslims should avoid this bad habit as the Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) said:
‘Pray in the Masjid which is closest to you and do not jump from Masjid to Masjid.’ (At-Tabaraani)
2. Shouting and crying loudly in the prayer
There are some people who raise their voices, shout and cry very loudly in their salaah. This type of exaggeration is not from the Sunnah and could even lead to Ar-Riyaa’ (showing off) which is a form of shirk asghar (apostasy). It has been reported that the Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) used to have azeez in his salaah i.e. withhold his tears as much as possible and not to shout loudly. However, if a person is sincerely taken over by crying then it is a completely different situation.
3. Being affected by what people say but not by what Allah says
Many people are affected more by what other people may say or think, rather than what Allah says. They prefer to stand by the deviant majority in order to be praised and not to upset their community, and are not even concerned at all about angering Allaah in the process. Allah informs us in the Qur’aan about how we should have ritual fear and focus in our salaah, and orders us not to have a heart that is solid like a rock:
“Had we sent this Qur’aan upon a mountain, you would have seen it have khusoo’ (ritual focus / humility) and tremble out of fear from Allah.” (al-Hashr, 59: 21)
4. Deliberately missing suhoor (sehri)
Many people deliberately miss suhoor for the sake of not waking up and disturbing their sleep. This is very common among those who are not ‘practicing’ as they are not concerned about praying salaat ul-Fajr and benefiting from the blessings of eating at sehri. Hence, they eat as much as they can after ‘Ishaa and then go to sleep, waking up in time for work or school but not for Fajr. The messenger Muhammad (pbuh) encouraged the Muslims to wake up for suhoor in order to distinguish ourselves from the kuffaar. He (pbuh) said:
‘The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the book (non-Muslims) is suhoor (predawn meal).’ (Riyaad us-Saaliheen, book of virtues #1232)
5. Deliberately delaying the breaking of fast
Another defection amongst the people is pretending to have extra Taqwaa (fear from Allah) and deliberately delay the breaking of their fast. The messenger Muhammad (pbuh) said:
‘Allah the most high says: ‘from amongst my slaves, the quicker the one is in breaking the fast, the dearer he is to me.’’ (At-Tirmidhi, chapter 13, hadeeth #696)
6. Purposely joining the salaah late
There are some individuals who delay joining the salaah intentionally by gossiping and talking right until the Imaam makes rukou’. This will make him miss the initial takbeer with the Imam and hence will lose most of the reward of salaah. It is also a sign of a person who does not worship Allah out of love and fear, and prays just for the sake of it – in order for people to praise him or to get it out of the way.
7. Looking at the Qur’aan during the salaah
Looking to the Qur’aan in salaah whilst the Imaam is reciting is also a great defection among the Muslims and will also lead to other errors and bad habits, such as looking around at other people, playing with his watch or mobile and constantly fidgeting. Again this will destroy the idea of having khushou’ in the salaah and again, could even lead to ar-Riyaa’ (showing off).
8. Leaving the salaah after praying only two, four or six rik’ah with the Imaam
This is another defection as the goodness and fruitfulness of prayer is to pray with the Imaam until he finishes. The prophet (pbuh) said:
‘Whoever stands with the Imaam let him pray with him until he finishes; (and if he does so) Qiyaam ul-Layl will be recorded for him.’
9. Eating too much during iftaar
Eating too much during iftaar until a point where one cannot stand up to pray or burps too much is also another defection among many Muslims. Rather than having a simple iftaar, people have resorted to having a 3 course meal in order to make up what they didn’t have all day. It is better to break your fast with a few dates and water, and then resume eating after praying Maghrib, as the messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
‘When one of you breaks his fast let him break it with dates, if he does not have any let him break his fast with water, for it is pure.’ (Sunan Ibn Majah, book of fasting #1699)
Defections among sisters:
1. Wearing perfume on the way to and in the Masjid
Some women attend the Masjid by dazzling themselves (wearing bright colours and jewellery) and by wearing perfume. This is a great sin defection among the women as the Prophet (pbuh) said:
‘Any woman who wears perfume and passes by people in order to let them smell her scent is as though she has fornicated.’ (Musnad al-Imaam Ahmad)
The Muslim woman is obliged to cover herself completely (accept her hands and face) and must avoid dazzling herself by decorating her khimaar and jilbaab (patterns, gold trims, see-through material, bright colours, CK, YSL and other fake designer khimaars) by wearing perfume and by softening her voice.
2. Coming by minicab or taxi alone
For sisters it is prohibited to go alone to the Masjid or any other place in fact, with a foreign man in a taxi or a minicab and this sin must be stopped immediately.
3. Leaving her children at home while they are doing something that will effect their deen
Do not leave your children at home while they watch TV, listen to music, or accompany bad friends for the sake of attending Taraweeh salaah at the Masjid. This is something that many Muslim women do and in order to do something recommended, they end up leaving their obligation. Allah says:
“Oh you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is of men and stones.” (at-Tahreem, 66: 6)
Save your children by not sending them to the schools and institutions of the kuffaar, by preventing them from watching munkar on TV, listening to music, obeying the laws of the kuffaar and having sympathy for the kuffaar etc.
4. Not controlling their children
Those sisters who take their children to the Masjid should control their children as much as possible and must prevent them from disturbing other Musalleen (people in prayer). Many people believe that they can just let the children run wild, without to remember that they (the parents) are accountable for what their children do.
5. Busy gossiping and chit-chatting during the time of salaah
During the time of salaat sisters should avoid gossiping, back-biting and chit-chatting as it is not allowed and will disturb the salaah of others.
6. Delaying leaving the Masjid
Sisters should stop leaving huge spaces between each other and leave the Masjid as quickly as possible before the men finish their salaah, rather than strolling out late, wandering around and gossiping among each other. They should also avoid going to the market places unnecessary as it is the most hated place in the sight of Allah.
7. Leaving all their duties while in their menses
The Muslim woman has a permit not to pray and fast whilst on her menses, but not to leave all her other duties and good deeds such as da’wah, making du’aa and studying the deen.
Some Naseehah (advice):
We call upon all Muslims to fear Allah, stop all this misbehaving and not to lose all your rewards by engaging in what has been mentioned above. Remember the hadeeth of the Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) who said:
‘There will be some of my Ummah who will bring good deeds equivalent to the mountain of Yemen and Allah will destroy it all. They are your brothers (Muslims) and are from your skin. They stay up all night the way you stay awake, but when they are alone they do all what Allah forbids.’
And he (pbuh) also said:
‘There could be someone who fasts all day but gains nothing but hunger, and there could be a person who stands (in prayer all night) but gains nothing but sleepiness.’ (Sunan Ibn Maajah, book of fasting #1690)
Therefore, dear Muslimeen fulfill your duties and responsibilities and work for the Khilaafah collectively with Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, in order to prevent yourself from dying in the state of jaahiliyyah (kufr and ignorance), and having no excuse for living under kufr law. Study what is shirk and what is kufr in order to keep far away from the anger of Allah, not to lose all of your good deeds and for your fasting to be accepted. Without the Khilaafah (Islamic state) there will always be corruption, oppression and disunity.
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