The blessed month of Ramadaan is here again. It is a season which brings with it great blessings and rewards and offers to the believers the ideal opportunity of achieving closeness to their Creator. We should therefore thank Allah for this great favor and recognize that it is a special gift, which has been given to us.

We should also value this time of our lives which has been granted to us by Allah and use it wisely, for certainly there have been many of our brothers and sisters who had to leave this world and depart to the permanent hereafter. Their actions have come to an end and they are not able to do anything for their own souls. However, those of us who are alive still have the chance to do many more good deeds and to make amends for our wrong actions.

As taught by the beloved Messenger of Allah (S.A) the month of Ramadaan is filled with great virtues and great specialities, all of which make it distinctively honoured above other months.

In a tradition narrated by Abu Hurairah (R.A) the Messenger of Allah (S.A) is reported to have said, “When Ramadaan enters, all the doors of paradise are opened and all the doors of hell are locked and the satans are chained”. (Reported by Imam Bukhari and Muslim)

In another tradition reported by Tirmizi, Ibn Majah and others, the Prophet (S.A) is reported to have said, “When the first night (of the month) of Ramadaan enters, the satans and mischievous jinns are chained, and all the doors of hell are locked and not a single one is left open. All the doors of paradise are open and not a single one remains closed. An announcer then announces, ‘O seeker of good, advance (in your good deeds) and O seeker of evil, abate and decrease (your evil deeds), and Allah emancipates many souls from the fire of Hell, and this occurs every night.” (Reported by Ibn Majah, Ibn Khuzaimah with a good Isnad (chain of narrators).

The traditions speak about certain actions which occur only in the month of Ramadaan and hence are all special with this blessed month. The opening of the doors of paradise is due to the great number of good actions done by the believers in this month and also an encouragement to them to perform more good deeds.

The locking of the doors of hell is a mercy to the believers due to the minimum number of sins and ill deeds committed in this month.

The chaining of the satans and mischievous jinns is also a mercy to the believers so that their acts of worship may not be disrupted by these wicked beings.

In another tradition Ubaadah bin Saamit (R.A) narrates that the Prophet (S.A) said, “The month of Ramadaan, the month of blessings has come to you. It is a month, in which Allah turns towards you and sends down upon you His special mercy, forgives your faults, accepts Duas (supplication), appreciates your competition for the greatest good and boast to the angels about you. So show to Allah your righteousness; for certainly the most unfortunate one is he who is deprived of Allah’s mercy in this month”. (Reported by Tibrani who said that all the narrators are reliable and trustworthy)

In the above traditions the believers are informed that in the month of Ramadaan Allah turns to them in mercy and forgiveness. They should therefore continue to beg Allah for his forgiveness and mercy (in this month). They are also informed that Allah accepts their Duas and supplications which is an encouragement to make many Duas and supplications in this month, especially at the times when they are more accepted, like the time of Tahajjud and before breaking the fast at sunset.

The believers are further told that they should increase their good deeds to the extent that it seems as if they are competing with each other. At the end of the narration they are warned that if they allow the month of Ramadaan to end without gaining Allah’s mercy (through the performance of good deeds) then they would be the most unfortunate of people.

Along with these great virtues of the month, one of the most outstanding act of worship which is directly associated with the month is that of fasting. From among all acts of worship fasting in Islam is known to be that worship which causes one’s sins to be forgiven quickly by Allah. Regarding this the Messenger of Allah (S.A) said, “Whosoever fast the month of Ramadaan with Imaan (firm faith) and the hope of receiving rewards then all his past sins will be forgiven”. (Reported by Imaam Bukhari and Muslim from the Riwaayah of Abu Hurairah (R.A).

The numerous rewards of this fast, which Allah has made compulsory in the month of Ramadaan, is further elucidated in the following tradition. The Messenger of Allah (S.A) said, “Every act of the son of Adam is multiplied. A good deed is rewarded with ten of its kind until (the amount of) seven hundred times. Allah says, ‘except the fast, it is for me and I shall give its reward. He (the fasting person) gave up his desires and food for my sake’. There are two (times) of joy for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking the fast and the other at the time of meeting his Lord. Certainly the scent of the mouth (of the fasting person) is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk.” (Reported by Imaam Bukhari and Muslim).

This Hadith illustrates many virtues of the fast of Ramadaan. It outlines that fasting, filled with sincerity, is such a great act of Ibaadah (worship) that Allah considers it to be done only for Himself and He will give the fitting reward. The rewards for good deeds are given in abundance. A person’s reward for a certain action may start at ten times and increase to seven hundred, doubled and multiplied. However, the reward for fasting is much greater, which is known only to Allah.

While abstaining from food, drink and the fulfilment of ones desires, the fasting person is also ordered to give up such things which can corrupt the fast and erase the rewards. He must give up vain talk, falsehood, lust, sins and indecent/ immoral behavior. It is for this reason the Messenger of Allah (S.A) is reported to have said, “When one of you is fasting he should not behave in an obscene (indecent) manner nor should he shout, yell or rage. If anyone curses or abuses him or fights with him he should say I am a fasting person”. (Reported by Imaam Bukhari)

While observing the fast the stomach of a person normally remains empty which produces different scents in the mouth. Since this odour is caused mainly due to the fasting, which is a great act of worship, Allah has made it sweeter and more pleasurable than the fragrant scent of musk.

The fasting person is given two great moments of joy. One in this life while he is breaking the fast and one in the hereafter when he meets his Lord.

The virtue of fasting is also explained in another tradition in the following manner. Sahl bin Sa’d (R.A) reports that the Messenger of Allah (S.A) said, “In Jannah (paradise) there is a door which is called Ar-Rayyaan, the fasting ones would enter through this on the Day of Judgement, and no one besides them will be able to enter. It shall be announced (by the angels) ‘Where are those who observed the fast?’ The fasting ones will then stand and enter and no one besides them will enter. When they have entered, the door will be locked.” (Reported by Imaan Bukhari and Muslim)

These are some of the virtues of the blessed month of Ramadaan and fasting. Muslims should appreciate this great favour and kindness from Allah and exert themselves in performing good deeds in abundance in this Holy month. They are encouraged to observe the fast, which is compulsory upon them, stand by night in prayer, and to engage themselves abundantly in the remembrance of Allah. They are further exhorted to increase their recitation of the Holy Quran, which has been revealed in this month, and to humble themselves and supplicate to Allah frequently, for this is the month in which Duas (supplications) are accepted by Allah.

Along with these the believers should be sympathetic, compassionate and charitable to the poor and needy. They should also be obedient to their parents and strive hard in maintaining family ties and relations. Likewise they should be kind to their neighbours and friends and should not forget the old and sick ones.

Additionally, the believers must refrain from all such things which can destroy their fast. They must refrain from that which has been made Haraam (unlawful) upon them and fulfill the orders which Allah has prescribed and made compulsory in Islam.


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 to a safe time before the break of dawn than partaking of it very early in the morning. However, it is Makruuh (disliked) to delay it to the ending time of Sihri (i.e. at the break of dawn) when it becomes doubtful.
  
  
• It is Sunnah to break the fast immediately after sunset without delay and it is Mustahab (desirable) to recite the Du’a for breaking the fast. However a person should not be so hasty in breaking his fast that he breaks 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, taking oral medication or using nasal sprays and other specific medicines (via the mouth or nostril) by Asthma patients will all invalidate the fast.
  
  
• If water mistakenly goes down the throat while performing Ghusl or Wudu while one is conscious and aware that he 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 ones own 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 by 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 rinsing the nostrils or gargling water in the mouth 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 Ramadaan is an emphasized and strong practice of the Prophet (S.A), who continuously performed ‘Itikaaf of the last ten days of Ramadaan from the year he entered Madinah until he left this world. As such, spending the last ten days of Ramadaan 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 Ramadaan 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, Ch 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 Bukhari 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 Ramadaan 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 a Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A) and is a highly recommended act of ‘Ibaadah in the month of Ramadaan. 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 binding upon oneself or the Jamaa’ah anything to be read or recited during this pause.


Sadaqatul Fitr

Sadaqatul Fitr is a compulsory charity which is given at the end of Ramadaan 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 cautious in this matter, every Muslim who may not even be well to do must also pay the Sadqatul Fitr (or Fitrah).


Fidyah

Fidyah is a redemption given to the poor for every day of Ramadaan missed due to weakness of old age or sickness with no hope of recovering until death. It is not an option given to those who are able to fast.

The amount of the fidyah to be given is half a Sa’a of wheat or its value for every missed fast, (i.e the same amount as the Sadaqatul Fitr).


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