Dates - Rich in Proteins, Vitamins

Muslims generally break their fast by eating dates. Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said, "If anyone of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier."

The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to break his fast by eating some dates before offering Maghrib Salaat, and if ripe dates were not available, he used to substitute them with some dried grapes. When they too were not available, he used to have a few sips of water, according to some reports. Modern science has proved that dates are part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat and proteins, as well as important vitamins. Hence, the great importance attached to them by the Prophet.

Dates are also rich in natural fibres. Modern medicine has shown that they are effective in preventing abdominal cancer. They also surpass other fruits in the sheer variety of their constituents. They contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium. In other words, one date satisfies the minimum requirements of a balanced and healthy diet. Arabs usually combine dates with milk and yoghurt or bread, butter and fish. This combination indeed makes a self-sufficient and tasty diet for both mind and body.

Dates and date palms have been mentioned in the Noble Qur'aan twenty times, thus showing their importance. The Prophet likened a good Muslim to the date palm, saying, "Among trees, there is a tree like a Muslim. Its leaves do not fall."

Dates are rich in several vitamins and minerals. When the level of trace elements falls in the body, the health of the blood vessels is affected leading to an increased heart-rate and a consequent inability to perform its function with normal efficiency. As dates are also rich in calcium, they help to strengthen the bones. When the calcium content in the body decreases, children are affected with rickets and the bones of adults become brittle and weak.

Dates are also important in keeping up the health of eyes. It is quite effective in guarding against night-blindness. In the early years of Islam, dates served as food for Muslim warriors. They used to carry them in special bags hung at their sides. They are the best stimulant for muscles and so the best food for a warrior about to engage in battle.

The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to combine dates with bread sometimes. At other times he mixed ripe dates with cucumber, or dates combined with ghee. He used to take all varieties of dates, but he preferred the variety called Ajwah.

Question: Does using a puffer for asthma in the mouth during the day in Ramadaan invalidate the fast for one who is suffering difficulty in breathing?.

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

Using a puffer for asthma during the day in Ramadaan does not invalidate the fast.

The puffer used for asthma does not invalidate the fast because it is a pressurized gas that goes to the lungs, and is not food, and it is something that is always needed, in Ramadaan and at other times.

Fataawa al-Da’wah, Ibn Baaz, no. 979.

See the booklet Sab’oon Mas’alah fi’l-Siyaam (Seventy issues related to fasting).

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:

This puffer evaporates and does not reach the stomach, so in this case we say that there is nothing wrong with using this puffer when you are fasting, and you do not break your fast by doing that.

Fataawa Arkaan al-Islam, p. 475

The scholars of the Standing Committee said: ,br> The asthma medication that the patient uses by inhaling it reaches the lungs via the trachea and does not reach the stomach, so it is not food or drink or anything of the sort… So it seems that the fast is not broken by using this medicine.

Fataawa Islamiyyah, 1/130

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)

Virtues and General Rules of Fasting

Praise be to Allah and prayer and peace be upon His Messenger Mohamed, his family members and companions.

A fasting person is encouraged to observe the following rules:

1. Late evening meal (Sohour): Scholars are consensus that the late evening meal is highly recommended, while no sin is associated for one who does not take it. As in “and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread;” Quran 2: 187. It was narrated under the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said “Take late evening meal it carries blessing” reported by Bokhari and Muslim.

Quantity of food is not essential in taking Sohour since even a sip of water is sufficient for one to fulfill this Sunnah. It was narrated under the authority of Abi Said Alkhodry (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said” Late evening meal is blessed so do not miss it even taking a sip of water for Allah and His angels Pray on those who take Sohour” reported by Ahmed.

Proper time for taking late evening meal:

Time span stretches between mid night until dawn with a recommendation to delay the meal as much as possible. It was narrated under the authority of Amr Ibn Maymoun (may Allah be pleased with him) that “Prophet Mohamed’s (PAPBUH) companions were the most people to accelerate fast breaking and delay their Sohour” reported by Bayhaqi. Doubting the due time of dawn:

One is allowed to continue eating and drinking until dawn due time is confirmed. Doubting the due time does not stand as an evidence to stop eating and drinking since Allah may He be Exalted made the confirmation by oneself a criterion to cease eating and drinking as in the same verse mentioned on the first paragraph.

2. Acceleration of fast breaking:

As soon as sunset is confirmed one is encouraged to immediately break the fast according to a hadeeth narrated by Sahl Ibn Said: That Prophet Mohamed (PAPBUH) said “People will continue enjoy well being as long as they accelerate fast breaking” reported by Bokhary and Muslim. Furthermore, it is recommended to break the fast by eating some soft dates (odd number: 1, 3, 5) or water if dates were unavailable. This takes place before Maghreb prayer, and then one may pray and resume eating a regular meal.

3. Supplication at the fast breaking time as well as during fasting hours:

It was narrated under the authority of Ibn Mageh according to Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn Ala`as that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said: “A fasting person enjoys the advantage of accepting (will not be refused) a supplication at the time of fast breaking”. When the Messenger of Allah would break his fast he would say: Dhahaba 'adh-ama'u wabtallatil-`urooqu wa thabuta 'al-'ajru 'in shم'a 'allمhu. It means “The thirst is gone, the blood vessels have become moist, and the reward has been established with the Will of Allah. He also used to say:” Alahum laka somt wa a`al rizqeka aftart: it means Oh Allah I fasted to You and broke my fast on your provision” reported by Termidhi.

4. Avoid deeds, which contradict fasting: Fasting is a worship that is considered one of the best channels to secure nearness to Allah Who enjoined it in order to tame the human ego putting it in the correct direction. A fasting person, therefore, should strictly avoid all kinds of deeds which may negatively affect fasting in order to attain the desired benefit and piety as mentioned in “O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self restraint (achieve piety)” Quran 2:183. Fasting in not merely to cease eating and drinking, it entails more than this as in the hadeeth narrated by Abi Horaira that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said” Fasting is not to cease eating and drinking but to fast of unnecessary talking (pointless), vulgarity so when you encounter a situation when someone insult or misbehave with you just say: I’m fasting I’m fasting” reported by Ibn Khozaima, Ibn Habban. And in another hadeeth narrated by Abi Horaira and reported by consensus that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said “Allah Is not in need for one who does not stop false talking to stop eating and drinking”. This reveals the importance of observing proper ethics, especially during fasting hours, which acts as a condition for acceptance of fasting.

5. Using Sewak (a plant in a stick form used for teeth cleansing):

t is recommended for a fasting person to use Sewak either at the beginning or end of the day.

6. Generosity (provide financial assistance for others) and learning Quran:

Both deeds are highly recommended in general and during Ramadan in particular.

7. Multiply the amount of worship during the last ten days of Ramadan:

It was narrated under the authority of Aysha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (PAPBUH) “Upon the commencement of the last ten days of Ramadan, he stays up during night praying and reading Quran, wakes up his family members to join and tightens his underwear (in an indication that he ceased copulation).” Reported by Bokhary and Muslim. This reveals that it is highly recommended to exert extraordinary effort during the last ten days of Ramadan in terms of worship. As for the virtues of fasting in general (virtues of Ramadan were included in the first message):

1. It was narrated under the authority of Abi Horaira that the Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) said: Allah may He be Exalted said “All the deeds of children of Adam are for him/her except fasting it is for Me and I reward for it. Fasting acts as a shield against sins, so during fasting hours avoid vulgarity, shouting and bad behavior. In case someone insulted or fought with a fasting person, one should say I’m fasting twice. I swear in the name of Who holds the soul of Mohamed in His hand the breath smell of a fasting person is better in the eyes of Allah in the day of judgment than the smell of musk. A fasting person enjoys two joyful moments, one upon fast breaking while the other upon meeting Allah. In the first joy happens due to eating and drinking and the latter due to fasting” reported by Ahmed, Muslim and Alnesa`y.*

2. It was narrated under the authority of Abdullah Ibn Amr that Prophet Mohamed (PAPBUH) said “Fasting and Quran will act as means of intercession to Allah on the day of judgement. Fasting will say to Allah Oh my Lord I prevented the person from food and other desires during day time so allow me to mediate, while Quran will say: I prevented the person from sleeping at night so allow me to mediate. So Allah allows them to mediate” reported by Ahmed.

3. It was narrated under the authority of Abi Omama that he said: I came to see Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) and I told him” instruct me for a deed, which will make me, destined to heavens. He said” fasting because there is nothing that is equal to it. I came to him on another time and he said: fast” reported by Ahmed and Alnesa`y.

4. It was narrated under the authority of Sahl Ibn Saad that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said: “ One of the doors of heavens is called Alrayan. On the day of resurrection it will be said where are the fasting people? As soon as the last one of them enters from the door it will be closed” reported by Bokhary. We hope that we were able to cover the subject of fasting as much as possible and we seek Allah’s forgiveness for any failure in explanation or missing items. We also pray to Allah to assist those who are having their first Ramadan, which is according to the hadeeth “Allah grants Mercy at its beginning, forgiveness is in the middle days while at the end complete rescue of hell”. May Allah grant us all freedom of hell. *

Praise be to Allah and prayer and peace be upon His Messenger Mohamed, his family members and companions.

In the two previous messages about fasting we covered the meaning of fasting in general (which is to refrain from something), categories who are compelled to fast (sane adults either male or female), others who are allowed not to fast, or compelled not to fast. We included as well rules which a Muslim should observe during fasting hours in order to maintain its validity.

We also indicated that fasting Ramadan is obligatory, while there are other occasions, which are recommended for voluntary fasting. This in addition to other certain occasions which a Muslim is not allowed to fast.

The rules, which govern voluntary fasting, will be the topic of this message.

Occasions which are not supposed to be fasted:

1. Feast days: Scholars are consensus that fasting feast days are not allowed according to the hadeeth:” It was narrated under the authority of Omar (may Allah be please with him) that the Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) instructed not to fast on feast days saying that Al Fitr day indicates breaking your fast after Ramadan, while you should eat of your sacrifice slaughtered on the Adha day” reported by Ahmed.

2. Altashareeq days: Those are the three days which succeed the slaughter day according to the hadeeth:” It was narrated under the authority of Ibn Abass (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah sent someone to inform people: Do not fast during these three days as they are days of food, drink and copulation”.

3. Friday: one is not allowed to volunteer by fasting a Friday. However, one may combine the fasting of a Thursday before or a Saturday after. Also if a Friday coincided with an occasion (like Arafa or Ashoura which will be highlighted later), it could be fasted then. It is explained in a hadeeth as follows: “ It was narrated under the authority of Abdullah Ibn Omar: that the Messenger of Allah came to Jowairyia Bint Alhareth who was fasting on a Friday. He asked her did you fast yesterday? She said no. He said do you intend to fast tomorrow? She answered no. He told her then break your fast” reported by Albzar. 5. Continuous fasting throughout the year: In a hadeeth the Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) said, “One’s fasting will not be accounted in case it was continuous throughout the year” reported by Ahmed, Bokhary and Muslim.

6. A woman is not allowed to volunteer for fasting without her husband’s approval: It was narrated under the authority of Abou Horira that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said “A woman is not supposed to volunteer fasting for even one day unless with her husband’s approval except for Ramadan” reported by Ahmed. In case the husband is away or ill and unable for copulation, she is allowed then for fasting.

Occasions which are recommended to be fasted:

1. 6 days of the month of Shawal (the following month of Ramadan): Under the authority of Abi Ayoub Alansary that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said, “whoever fasts Ramadan succeeded with 6 days of Shawal will be rewarded as if fasted the whole year”. The days could be fasted sequential or individually.

2. The first nine days of Dhul Hija with emphasis on the Day of Arafa (when people gather at mount Arafa for Haj) but only for one who is not performing Haj. It was narrated under the authority of Abi Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said “ Fasting the day of Arafa for those who are not performing Haj eliminates the sins of two years, the past and future one, While fasting the day of A`ashoura (will be explained later) eliminates sins of the past year” reported by consensus.

3. Fasting the 10th of Moharam (A`ashoura): It was narrated under the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (PAPBUH) when he moved to Medina noticed that the Jews fast the day of A`ashoura so he asked them why? They said it is a good day when Allah rescued Moses (peace be upon him) and children of Israel from their enemy. So Moses (peace be upon him) fasted that day. Prophet Mohamed (PAPBUH) said “we are more obliged towards Moses (PUH) and he fasted the day instructing Muslims to fast it” reported by consensus. To further explain there are three options for the way of fasting Ashoura::To fast:

9th, 10th and 11th Dhul Hija.

To fast 9th and 10th only.

To fast the 10th only.

4. Fast as many days of Shaban as possible:It was narrated under the authority of Osama Ibn Zaid (may Allah be pleased with them) that he asked Prophet Mohamed (PAPBUH) Oh Messenger of Allah I did not notice you fast as many days in any other month like during Shaban? He said: this is a month which people usually ignore being between Rajab and Ramadan. It is also a month when deeds are taken to be presented before Allah, and I would like my deeds to be presented while I’m fasting” reported by Abou Dawoud.

5. Fasting during the sacred months (made forbidden by Allah it means that war is not allowed during those months): The four months Dhul Qe`ada, Dhul Hija, Moharam and Rajab: It is recommended to fast as many days as possible during those months. It was narrated under the authority of a man from Bahela that he came to meet the Prophet (PAPBUH) and said Oh Messenger of Allah I’m the man who met you last year. The Prophet (PAPBUH) asked him what changed your appearance which was better? He answered since I met you; I became in the habit of not eating any food except in the evening. The Messenger of Allah said: why did you torture yourself? He further advised him saying you may fast the month of patience (Ramadan) and one day of each month. The man said advise me for more I’m strong. He said fast two days each month. The man said more. He said fast part of the sacred months and leave some and he contracted his three fingers and retracted them” reported by Ahmed and Abou Dawoud.

6. Fasting Mondays and Thursdays each week throughout the year: It was narrated under the authority of Abou Horira that the Prophet (PAPBUH) mostly fasted Mondays and Thursdays about which he was asked. He explained” Deeds are presented on Mondays and Thursdays when Allah Forgives each Muslim or a believer except those who are in conflict. Allah Says delay their case” reported by Ahmed.

7. Fasting 3 days of each month: Abou Dhar Alghafary (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “ The Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) instructed us to fast 3 days of each month: 13th, 14th, and 15th which he explained that they count for fasting the whole year” reported by Alnesa`y.8. Fasting day after day: It was narrated under the authority of Abi Salama Bin Abdel Rahman according to Abdu Allah Ibn Amr who said” The Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) told me: I was informed that you stay up all night praying and fasting all day, I replied yes. He said fast and not fast, pray and sleep your body has a right over you, your wife has a right over you and your guest has a right over you. It is sufficient that you fast three days of each month. I said I could do more, he said fast three days of each week. I said I could still do more. He said fast in the manner of Daoud the Prophet of Allah and never exceed this limit. I asked how was that manner. He said he used to fast day after day” reported by Ahmed.

General Rule:

One who is fasting voluntarily is allowed to break the fast:

1. It was narrated under the authority of Om Hani may Allah be pleased with her: that the Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) came to me on the day of entering into Mecca and drank. He handed me to drink but I told him I was fasting. He said one who is fasting voluntarily supervises him/herself you may fast or break the fast if you wish” reported by Ahmed.

2. It was narrated under the authority of Abi Said Alkhodri (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: I prepared food for the Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) who came along with his companions. However, as soon as the food was served one of the group said I’m fasting. The Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) said your brother invited you and cost himself. He further explained break your fast and compensate with another day if you wish” reported by Albayhaqy. Accordingly most of the scholars see the possibility for one to break the fast and compensate with another day.

Praise be to Allah and peace and prayer upon His Messenger

May Allah accept and make this useful knowledge for everyone.

Praise be to Allah and prayer and peace be upon His Messenger Mohamed.


In this message we will tackle two important aspects of fasting:


What is permissible during fasting hours


1. Use of water in general according to companions of the Prophet (prayer and peace be upon him) who told Abou Bakr Ibn Abdul Arahman that “ I saw the Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) pour water over his head while he is fasting due to strong thirst or heat.” Reported by Ahmed and Malik. It was also narrated under the authority of Aysha (may Allah be pleased with her) used to wake up fasting, in spite the fact that he is Junub (had a sexual intercourse and not yet washed), then he bathes for purification. Furthermore, in case water would accidentally go into a fasting person’s abdomen, fasting will remain valid.


2. Use of kohl (type of powdered eyeliner) or eye drops or other substances used for eyes since the eye is not a channel to the abdomen. One may also use oil or cream on either body or hair (moustache or beard). Smelling perfume or scented sticks will also not affect validity of fasting.


3. Kissing: however this point is conditional on ones ability of self-control. It was narrated under the authority of Aysha that she said “ The Prophet (PAPBUH) used to kiss or touch his wives during fasting hours and he is the most person among you capable of self-restraint”. However, it is more recommended to avoid falling into this situation, since it needs a confirmation of self-control. In other words, one needs to ensure that this act will not arouse any desire.


4. Injection: either inter veinous, under skin or others provided it is for treatment purposes and not nutrition. Enema also may be used during fasting hours, in addition to the asthma inhaler and taking blood samples for test purposes.


5. Taking blood from the head (this is a type of treatment which was used during the time of the Prophet (PAPBUH). Nevertheless, it will be not recommended in case weakness will result. (this point raised controversy among scholars and it is best to avoid it).


6. Washing the mouth and moving the water within (as in ablution) as well as sniffing water: Yet one should be limited while washing mouth or nose during ablution. It was narrated under the authority of Loqayt Ibn Sabra that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said “ when you sniff water during ablution you should take it to the utmost back of your nose unless you are fasting” reported by Ashab Alsunan.


7. It is also permissible for a fasting person (validity of fasting will not be affected) items which can not be avoided. These include for example: swallowing the saliva, road dust, gas (while being in a gas station) or other unavoidable items. In addition to treatment of head injuries will not break the fast. Fasting will remain valid also in cases of nose bleeding.


8. Tooth filling will not break the fast even when the patient could feel the taste in the mouth.


9. A fasting Muslim may eat, drink and have sexual intercourse between sunset and dawn. One should immediately cease any of the above mentioned as soon as it is dawn time. In case food is still in mouth one should throw it away. Similarly the intercourse. Otherwise, if one willingly continues any of those situations, fasting will be invalid.


10. In cases when woman’s menstruation or postpartum ends during the evening, she may postpone purification bathing until the morning. Yet she could take the fasting intention.


11. In cases where a fasting Muslim eats or drinks while forgetting, he / she may resume fasting as soon as he / she remembers and fasting will remain valid. Nothing is required.


12. When one eats, drinks or have sexual intercourse thinking that the grace period is still on (between sunset and before dawn) fasting remains valid. Nothing is required according to the verse: “And there is no sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend” Quran 33:5.


13. In case one experiences wet dreams while sleeping during day time, fasting will remain valid.


What is not permissible (will break the fast):


This part is divided into two titles:


It is worth noting though that fasting will be broken when a Muslim undertakes any of the fast breaking items while he /she is doing this willingly, and fully aware (not forgetting):


I. Cases, which break the fast while making up the days, would be mandatory.


II. Cases which break the fast but require making up and ransom.


I. Cases which break the fast while making up the days would be mandatory:


1. Deliberate eating or drinking.


2. Deliberate vomiting.


3. Smoking is not allowed and does not stand as an excuse for not fasting.


4. Cases of menstruation or postpartum even if it occurs at the last minute before sunset.


5. Deliberate orgasm: As a result to any reason either kissing or holding between a husband and wife. Fast is then broken and making up the day is required. While if it occurred due to just looking during daytime, fasting would remain valid yet still the day has to be made up on a later time after Ramadan. As for thick discharges, it does not affect the validity of fasting.


6. Eating huge amounts of non-nutritional items such as salt.


7. In case one intends to break the fast even without taking any fast breaking item. This is because the intention is one of the corners of fasting.


II. Cases which break the fast but require both making up and ransom:


1. Only sexual intercourse: The ransom has to be in one of the following three options:


a. Free a slave.


b. Continuous fasting of 60 days (with no interruption).


c. Provide food for 60 poor people.


One should observe the order of the ransom options. Only when the first is not possible one may move to the second and so forth.


Some scholars say that only the man has to give the ransom while others apply it for both man and woman.


May Allah accept our fasting, prayer and all of our deeds Ameen

Praise be to Allah and prayer and peace be upon his Messenger Mohamed.

As I came across this research prepared on Fasting in response to inquiries from a lady who was going to have her first Ramadan.

I saw to post it here in this section in order to spread the benefit and of course you are encouraged to even circulate it more for one who guides for good deeds receives equal reward as one who did it.

.

Fasting 1/3

Fasting means taking the intention to refrain, between dawn until sunset, from the prohibited items (food, drinks and sexual intercourse) which break the fast.

Fasting of Ramadan:

It is compulsory as in “O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self restraint,” Quran 2: 183 and “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). so every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any is ill, or on a journey, thee prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; he does not want to but you to difficulties. (he wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify him in that he has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.” Quran 2:185.

Fasting Ramadan is also the fourth pillar of Islam according to the Prophet’s (Prayer and peace be upon him) hadeeth saying” Islam is based on five: the testimony of faith I testify that there is no other God but Allah and that Mohamed is the Prophet and Messenger of Allah, perform prayer, payment of Zakah, fasting Ramadan and Haj”. While in another hadeeth narrated by Talha Ibn Obaiyd Allah: “A man came asking the Prophet (PAPBUH): Oh Messenger of Allah tell me about what Allah enjoined on me in terms of fasting? The Prophet (PAPBUH) answered the month of Ramadan. The man further inquired am I obliged for any more? the Prophet (PAPBUH) said no unless you volunteer”. Scholars are accordingly consensus on the necessity to fast Ramadan which is one of the pillars of Islam. Also that one who denies its position as obligatory and claims other wise puts him / her in the position of denouncing the religion.

The month of Ramadan enjoys a remarkable position in the eyes of Allah explained in a hadeeth as follows. Under the authority of Abou Horaira, it was narrated that the Prophet (PAPBUH) at the beginning of Ramadan said “Here is a blessed month, of which fasting is compulsory, has come to you. During this month gates of heavens are opened while those of hell are closed, and devils are chained down. There is one specific night of that month that outweighs thousand months whoever is deprived of its goodness suffers a major loss” reported by Ahmed, Alnesa`y and Bayhaqy.

Also another hadeeth that clearly manifests the advantage one retains through fasting Ramadan is as follows: Under the authority of Abou Horaira that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said “The five prayers, from Friday prayer to Friday prayer, and from Ramadan to Ramadan eliminate sins committed in between as long as major sins are avoided” reported by Muslim.

Now let us shed light on how grave it is not to fast Ramadan without a valid reason or legitimate permission (we will include the legitimate permissions in the following section). It was narrated under the authority of Abou Horaira that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said:” One who does not fast one day of Ramadan without a legitimate permission from Allah will not be able to make it up through fasting the whole life even if he/ she fasted it” reported by Abou Daoud, Ibn Mageh and Termidhi.

As for aspects of fasting, there are two factors:

1. Refrain from fast breaking items (food, drinks and sexual intercourse) between dawn and sunset according to the verse “Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. they are your garments and ye are their garments. God knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but he turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what God hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. those are limits (set by) God: approach not nigh thereto. thus doth God make clear his signs to men: that they may learn self restraint.” Quran 2:187

2. Intention as in “And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship God, offering Him sincere devotion, being True (in faith); to establish regular Prayer; and to practice regular Charity; and that is the Religion right and straight.” Quran 98:5. This verse is further explained through a Prophet’s (PAPBUH) hadeeth saying: “Deeds are dependent on intention and each will be rewarded according to the respective intention”. However, taking the intention should be performed during each night of Ramadan according to the hadeeth saying: “Whoever does not take the intention for fasting will not be accounted as fasting” reported by Ahmed. It could also be taken during any part of the night. The intention could be taken just by heart; in other words it does not have to be pronounced out loud.

Permission for not fasting:

This part consists of two sections:

The category who are allowed not to fast and are obliged for financial compensation:

1. Old male or female.

2. A sick person who suffers a chronic disease, which according to doctors will never be healed.

3. Individuals whose profession is associated with serious hardship due to which fasting could be jeopardizing (this should be evaluated by the given person according to one’s conscience).

4. A pregnant or breast feeding woman when she or the baby could be endangered by fasting.

The previously mentioned conditions stand as legitimate causes not to fast with no obligation for making up the fasting in another time. But instead financial compensation is permitted (to feed a poor person in return for each day). The amount of money to be given out is not determined. One could estimate the proper amount sufficient for his/ her meal and give it out. Or even could give the food itself. This is described in “for those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom,” Quran 2:184.

As for pregnant or breast feeding women, there is another religious opinion which states to make up the fasting once their status ends and no ransom is required. Or in case she is concerned about herself and the fetus she has to do both (make up the days as well as ransom). While if she is concerned only about her health, she is allowed to make the days up after her condition changes.

The category who are allowed not to fast Ramadan but compelled to make the days up once their condition changes:

1. An ill person (on a temporary basis in other words healing is expected). However, only severe illness which would be further complicated or when healing would be delayed due to fasting stand as a cause not to fast. (This could be judged through experience or according to medical opinion through a trustworthy Muslim doctor). While another ruling states the generalization of the permission on any given illness even tooth or finger ache based on the generalization of permission for a traveler. But if the ill person decided to fast regardless of the effort, the fasting will be valid, though it is not recommended since he/she decided not to benefit of Allah’s license.

2. A traveler. Those two conditions are stated in Quran as follows: ” but if any is ill, or on a journey, thee prescribed period (should be made up) by days later.” Quran 2:185.

The category who are compelled not to fast and has to make up the days:

Women are not allowed to fast during menstruation or postpartum period, actually they are compelled not to fast to the extend that a woman would be sinful if she does. Moreover, her fast will not be valid or accepted by Allah. As soon as the condition ends (menstruation or postpartum) she could resume fasting and then make up for the number of days she missed after Ramadan. It was narrated under the authority of Bokhary and Muslim that Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said “ We were instructed during the time of the Prophet (PAPBUH) to make up for days we missed of fasting due to menstruation while we were not instructed to make up for missed prayer for the same purpose.”

One Minute Message

What is Ramadhan?

Ramadhan is that time of the year when Muslims recharge their spiritual batteries. For a whole month, they fast from dawn to sunset, and offer additional prayers at night. After the end of Ramadhan comes one of the two Muslim festivals, a day of Eid. On this day, Muslims thank God for His guidance and grace in helping them to control their baser

desires and fulfill their spiritual needs.

Muslims agree on all the fundamentals of the fast. This makes the fasting a worldwide phenomenon observed by the devoted among the world's more than one billion Muslims as one international community. Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Muslim year, which follows the lunar calendar. Each month begins with a sighting of the moon's crescent and lasts for 29 or 30 days until a sighting of the next month's crescent.

Ramadhan is the month in which the Qur'an was revealed as guidance for all mankind. It is a criterion by which to distinguish truth from falsehood. The prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, said that on each day of Ramadhan God frees many souls from the Fire of Hell. Muslims should introduce the Quran's teachings to others so that they too can have the opportunity to be free.

Fasting is a major feature of Islam. Many religions recognize the benefits of fasting, but only Islam institutes a whole month of it to secure its benefits for all its adherents. God prescribes in His Book that all able-bodied Muslims must fast.

This will develop in them a consciousness that will help them towards right conduct and prevent them from wrongdoing.

To obtain this result, a Muslim must stick to both the formal and informal aspects of the fast. The formal aspects include abstaining from food, drink and sexual intercourse.

The informal aspects of the fast are just as important. The fasting person must abstain from lying, cheating, argumentation, fighting, foul language and every sort of evil. In this month, one has to cultivate a lasting awareness of God, and a keen sense to observe His commandments throughout the year. The Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, said that if someone does not give up falsehood in speech and actions, God has no need for such a one to give up his food and drink.

As Salam alykom

As the blessed month is coming soon Insh a Allah, we thought to create a temporary room just for Ramadan. Use it to post about fasting, prayer, taraweek (Qiyamulail) about even customs in different countries, types of food, besides of course any fasting or ramadan related info. Pls enjoy the room and may Allah allow us all to benefit

as salam alykom my brothers and sisters

I do need dua, pls

as salam alykom

May be he is not a Muslim and may be the news is not directly related to Muslim world, however, Edward Said was one of the most known intellecutls with his fair and open position for the Palestenian cause.

http://www.edwardsaid.org/

The link contains info and tributes to him

Just for the record