Introduction

Ramadhan is indeed a very blessed month, which is filled with great blessings and favors. It is a month in which the mercy and forgiveness of Allah descends immensely to His servants. The blessed traditions of the Prophet (S.A.) inform us that in this month the doors of Hell are closed and the Satans are chained, while the doors of Paradise remain open.

It is certainly a month in which a believer has the opportunity to increase in good deeds and gain rich rewards. It is a month which teaches patience and forbearance, self-restraint and piety. A believer is taught to be charitable, kind and sympathetic to others. By observing the sacred month of Ramadhan, the believer is able to curb his bad habits, which will be of everlasting benefit to him and most of all it helps in the purification of his soul.

We must also understand that Ramadhan is a very special month given to us by our Creator, Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala. We should appreciate this favor from Allah and endeavor to observe the month of Ramadhan with due respect, patience, worship and supplication to Him. Very often, because of the lack of knowledge of how Ramadhan should be observed, the blessed month comes to a completion without much being gained from it. It is therefore extremely important to know what is required of us in this Holy month of Ramadhan, so that it shall truly be a month of great blessings, rewards and a means of achieving piety and closeness to Allah.


Virtues of Ramadhaan

Salmaan (R.A.) states that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.) addressed them on the last day of Sha’baan saying: “O people, there comes upon you now a month in which lies a night better than one thousand months. It is a month in which Allah has made compulsory that fasting should be observed by day and has made the ‘standing by night’ a practice. In this month, whosoever draws closer to Allah by any good action, for him shall be such reward as if he had performed a compulsory act at any other time of the year. It is indeed a month of patience and the reward for patience is Paradise.

It is a month of sympathy with one’s fellowmen. It is the month wherein a true believer’s sustenance is increased. Whosoever feeds a fasting person in order to break his fast (at sunset), for him there shall be forgiveness of his sins and emancipation from the fire of Hell, and for him shall be the same rewards as for him (whom he fed) without that person’s reward being diminished in the least. Upon this we said ‘O Messenger of Allah (S.A.), not all of us possess the means whereby we can provide enough for a fasting person to break his fast’. The Messenger of Allah (S.A.) replied, ‘Allah grants the same reward to him who gives a fasting person a single date, or a drink of water or a sip of milk to break his fast. This month the first part of which brings the mercy of Allah, the middle brings His forgiveness and the last part brings emancipation from the fire of Hell.

Whosoever lessens the burden of his servants (bondsmen) in this month, Allah will forgive him and free him from the fire of Hell.

In this blessed month, there are four things you should endeavour to perform in great number, two of which shall be to please your Lord, while the other two shall be those without which you cannot do. Those which shall please your Lord are that you should in great quantity recite the Kalimah ‘Laa ilaaha il-lal-laah’ and make much ‘ Istighfaar’ (seeking Allah’s forgiveness). As for those which you cannot do without, you should beg Allah for entry into Paradise and seek refuge in Him from the fire of Hell.

And whosoever gave a person who fasted water to drink, Allah shall grant him a drink from my fountain such a drink whereafter he shall never feel thirsty until he enters Paradise.” (Reported from Ibn Khuzaimah in his Sahiih and Baihaqii).


Virtues of Fasting (Saum)

Fasting is a great act of ‘Ibaadah in Islaam which is not done for any physical or medical reason but solely for the pleasure of Allah. The only purpose for which it should be done is the spiritual development and rewards promised by Allah. If it is done for any other reason then this intention will lack ‘Ikhlaas or sincerity.

In a tradition reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) the Messenger of Allah (S.A.) said, “Every action of a man increases in its rewards ten times until seven hundred, but Allah says, except fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give its reward as I desire.” (Muslim).


The Law of Fasting in Ramadhaan

Fasting literally means ‘ to abstain’ and in Islaam it means to abstain from food, drink, sexual relations with one’s wife/husband and all other things which can break the fast, from the break of dawn until sunset with the intention of an act of worship. It is therefore essential that the intention of observing the fast be made by the individual.

Observing the fast of Ramadhan is compulsory on an individual basis and is evident from the Holy Quraan which states, ‘The month of Ramadhan is the month in which the Holy Quraan was sent down, a guidance for mankind and clear signs of guidance and a criterion. So whosoever among you is present in this month, let him observe the fast’. (2:183). The Prophet of Allah (S.A.) said, “Islaam is founded on five pillars- To bear testimony that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger, to establish Salaah, to pay Zakaah, to fast in Ramadhan and Pilgrimage to the house of Allah”. (Bukhaarii, Muslim).


Intention of Fasting

Intention of observing the fast is essential upon an individual since it is through this, the fast becomes an act of worship. Once this intention has been made in the heart it is enough, however it is a good act to say it with the tongue also. The intention for observing the fast should be made from the night (i.e. any time preceding the break of dawn of that specific day).

The Intention for observing the fast can be made in the following words:

Nawaitu an a suuma ghadan lil-laahi Ta’aala.
I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah.

The Dua that can be recited at the time of breaking the fast is:

Allahumma laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alaika tawakkaltu wa alaa rezqika aftartu.
O Allah for your sake have I fasted and have believed in you and upon you do I put my trust and with Your Sustenance do I break my fast.

Sunnah Acts of Fasting

• It is Sunnah to take Sihri (small meal) in the morning before observing the fast. The Prophet (S.A.) himself said, “Take Sihri for certainly there are blessings in having Sihri”.
  
  
• It is more virtuous to delay the Sihri from being very early in the morning. However it is Makruuh (disliked) to delay it to the time when it becomes doubtful of the ending time of Sihri ( i.e. break of dawn).
  
  
• It is Sunnah to break the fast immediately after sunset without delay and it is Mustahab (desirable) to recite the Du’aa for breaking the fast. However a person should not be so hasty in breaking his fast so as to do it before the sun has set.
  

Things which nullify the Fast

• It is not permissible to eat, drink or have sexual relations with one’s spouse while one is observing the fast. Similarly talking oral medication or using nasal sprays and other specific medicines by Asthma patients will all invalidate the fast.
  
  
• While performing Ghusl or Wuduu if water mistakenly goes down the throat while being conscious and aware that one is fasting, then the fast is nullified and has to be made up afterwards.
  
  
• If medicine is placed in the ear or nose while fasting then the fast is nullified and must be made up afterwards.
  
  
• If medication is placed on a wound on the head or stomach and it enters into the head or stomach then the fast is broken and must be made up afterwards.
  
  
• If after eating something forgetfully, a person thought that his fast was broken and thereafter ate something intentionally, his fast is nullified and must be made up afterwards.
  

Things which do not nullify the Fast

• Unconsciousness or illness does not break the fast. However it is permissible to break the fast for medical reasons such as illness etc. In such a case Qadaa is necessary.
  
  
• It is Makruuh (disliked) to use toothpaste while fasting since there is a high possibility of the effects entering the throat. If it enters the throat then the fast is broken and Qadaa is necessary.
  
  
• By using a Miswak the fast is not broken.
  
  
• If while taking a bath water enters the ear then the fast is not broken.
  
  
• If saliva enters the throat and is swallowed then the fast is not broken.
  
  
• Taking medication by injection does not break the fast.
  
  
• The sweet scent of Lobhan, incense, ‘Itr or perfume does not break the fast. However if the smoke of the Lobhan or incense enters the throat by his action then the fast will be broken and Qadaa is necessary.
  
  
• The emission of blood or pus from a wound or pimple does not break the fast even if it is a large amount. It is however disliked to cause the emission of blood in a fasting person.
  

Things that are to be avoided while Fasting

• It is not permissible for a fasting person to lie, give false witness or statements, backbite, slander or do immoral, indecent or shameful acts.
  
  
• It is not permissible for the fasting person to be unjust to anyone, to entertain hatred, malice and enmity against anyone, cast lustful gazes, meet strange women or go to cinema etc. These acts do not invalidate or break the fast, however they are totally disliked and decrease the blessings and rewards of the fast.
  
  
• It is also disliked to apply Surma to the eyes while fasting. Similarly it is disliked to do cupping or donating blood while fasting since this may lead to weakness.
  
  
• It is Makruuh (disliked) to be excessive in pouring water down the nostrils or gargling while observing the fast.
  
  
• While observing the fast it is Makruuh (disliked) to touch or kiss one’s wife with excitement or lust.
  
  
• It is Makruuh (disliked) to chew or taste anything while fasting.
  

Laws relating to 'Itikaaf

‘Itikaaf literally means seclusion and in Islaam it means to seclude oneself to the Masjid in worship in order to achieve the pleasure of Allah (with the clear intention of ‘Itikaaf). ‘Itikaaf in the month of Ramadhan is an emphasized and strong practice of the Prophet (S.A.), who continuously performed ‘Itikaaf of the last ten days of Ramadhan from the year he entered Madinah until he left this world. As such, spending the last ten days of Ramadhan in ‘Itikaaf is a strong and emphasized Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.)

The last ten days of ‘Itikaaf begins before the sunset of the 20th day of fasting. In other words it begins before the 21st night of Ramadhan and continues until the moon of Shawwaal is sighted. It is therefore necessary for those performing ‘Itikaaf that they should be in the masjid before the sunset of the 20th day of fasting.


Lailatul Qadr - The Night of Power

“We have indeed revealed this (message) on the Night of Power And what will explain to you what is the Night of Power? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein comes down the Angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission on every errand.” (Quraan, Chapter 97).

Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reports that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.) said, “Whoever stands in prayer and worship on the Night of Power, with complete faith and with sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven.” (At-Targhiib from Bukharii and Muslim)

The night (being so great) should be spent diligently in devotion, recitation of the Quraan and supplication. As stated in the above-mentioned Hadith, Allah grants forgiveness of all the previous sins of a person who spends the night in prayer. In another tradition reported by Anas (R.A.) he says, “Once when Ramadhan commenced the Messenger of Allah (S.A.) said, “A month has verily dawned over you wherein lies a night better than a thousand months. Whoever misses such a night has indeed been deprived of all that is good and none is deprived of it, except he who is really unfortunate.” (Ibn Maajah).


Taraawiih

Taraawiih is Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.) and a highly recommended act of ‘Ibaadah in the month of Ramadhan. It is the Ijmaa’ (consensus) of the Sahaabahs (R.A.) that it consists of twenty Rakaahs.

The time of Taraawiih Salaah begins after ‘Ishaa Salaah. If it is performed before then it is not valid. Taraawiih can be performed before or after the Witr Salaah.

Taking a short break every four Rakaahs of Taraawiih is permissible. During this time it is permissible to be engaged in any form of Tasbiih, Dhikr, or Daruud silently. Even to remain silent is permissible. However it is not proper to make anything binding upon oneself or the Jamaa’ah to be read or recited during this pause.


Sadaqatul Fitr

Sadaqatul Fitr is a compulsory charity which is given at the end of Ramadhan to the poor and needy. It is given to help them particularly on the day of Eidul Fitr and also serves as a purification for the giver against mistakes made while fasting.

Sadaqatul Fitr is incumbent on every Muslim male and female who is sane, has reached the age of puberty and possesses the Nisaab of Zakaah on the day of Eidul Fitr beyond the basic necessities of life. Some scholars have mentioned that Sadaqatul Fitr is compulsory on every Muslim who possesses approximately 4 _ lbs. of barley, raisins or dry cottage cheese which is not needed as a basic food for himself or his family for the Eidul Fitr. To be precautious in this matter, every Muslim who may not even be well to do must also pay the Sadqatul Fitr (or Fitrah).


The Darul Uloom

The Darul Uloom is an Islamic institution disseminating primary to tertiary Islamic Studies and secondary academic education. We are a non-profit organization whose objective is to educate Muslims about the Sacred Deen of Allah (S.W.T.).

To achieve this end the Darul Uloom offers many programmes and courses on a full-time and part-time basis for brothers and sisters separately.

Our five-year full time secondary programme offers training in Islamic and academic studies up to O’levels. Students graduating from this course have the option to spend the next three years in the full time A’alim programme where they can qualify as Maulana. There is also a full Hifz programme where students can learn to memorize the entire Quraan with the aid of qualified teachers. The Darul Uloom also conducts classes for adults on a part time basis. Every Monday night lectures are given on various Islamic themes. This year a two-year Tafseer programme is continuing. Classes in Arabic Language and Quraan reading are done on Wednesdays. Also on Saturday a Comprehensive programme of Islamic Studies called the Al Faadhil programme is conducted for adults.

In addition to these programmes, services such as Counseling, the issuing of Islamic legal opinions, and collection of Zakaah and Sadaqah are done at the Darul Uloom.

Through the Grace and Mercy of Allah (S.W.T) the Darul Uloom is able to conduct these various programmes and courses only through the kind and generous donations of the Muslim Community.

As a service to Islam you are humbly requested to contribute to these efforts as we strive together to establish the Deen of Allah (S.W.T.).