Ramadan

From the wisdom of fasting is that: It is an act of worship done for Allah, in which the ‘abd (servant) draws closer to His Lord by abandoning the things that he loves and desires, such as food, drink and sexual intercourse. So because of this, the truthfulness of his Faith and the completeness of his servitude to Allah become apparent, as well as his love for Allah and his longing for what Allah has prepared for him (of good). This is since the one who fasts does not abandon something that is beloved to him except for that which is [...]

There is a dangerous tendency noticed especially in Ramadan, i.e. wasting one's time instead of spending it in Allah's worship, remembrance and obedience. In fact, it is the renunciation of Allah's worship and obedience which results in the deprivation of Allah's Mercy and Divine awards. Thus, Allah said: "But whosoever turns away from My message verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgement. He will say: 'O my Rubb, why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)? Allah will say: ' Thus did you, when Our signs [...]

Sahl ibn Sa‘d reported that Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “The people will continue to prosper as long as they hasten to break the fast.” [Collected by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.][1] Sahl ibn Sa‘d ibn Maalik was from the Khazraj tribe of Madeenah. It is said that his name was originally “Huzn (sadness)” and the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) renamed him “Sahl (easy)”. When the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) died he was only fifteen years old. He was the last of the companions to die in Madeenah in the year 91AH (some said it was 88AH). Ahmad’s collection had the addition: “…and they delay the suhoor.” [2] Aboo Daawood’s narration had the addition: “Because [...]

The month of Ramadan has approached. It the month of blessings, during which the entire universe is adorned to receive it and hearts beat out of joy and yearning to witness the month. During which the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell-Fire are closed, and devils and demons are chained. During which a caller is saying: O you who intend good, approach and O seekers of evil, desist. And freedom from fire is (allowed) by Allah and that is every night. However these blessings, a Muslim is afflicted by things which corrupt the days and nights of Ramadan. [...]

Muslims worldwide observe total fasting (no food or water) between dawn to sunset in the month of Ramadan. They do so not for losing weight or any medical benefit, but as it is ordained in Qur’an which says. "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed for those before you (i.e. Jews, & Christians) so that you may (learn) self-restraint."(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183) According to Islamic Laws, children below the age of 12, sick patients, travelers, and women who are menstruating or nursing a baby are exempt from fasting. In addition to staying away from food or [...]

Some aspects of fasting are obligatory (fard) and others are recommended (mustahab). We should make sure that we eat and drink something at suhoor (the time before dawn), and that we delay it until just before the adhaan of Fajr. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “Have suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing (barakah).” [1]  “Suhoor is blessed food, and it involves being different from the people of the Book. What a good suhoor for the believer is dates.” [2] One should not delay iftaar (breakfast after dusk), because the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “The people remain upon goodness so long [...]

The reason for mentioning the manner in which these saintly ones spent their Ramadan is not that we may just read without deriving any benefit or pass a casual remark. It is written with the object that we in our way may build up courage and to the best of our ability endeavor to copy and follow their noble examples. Every pious elders programme had its particular specialty. How wonderful would it be if those who are not forced by worldly necessities try their utmost to mend their religious life in this one month after having allowed eleven months of the [...]

Avoid forbidden actions and useless things. Take care to fast and pray along the month of Ramadan by increasing worships, especially in the last ten days of Ramadan so that you can take the rewards of Lailat Al-Qadr (Night of Power). May Allah the Almighty guide us to fast and pray in Ramadan on the manner which pleases Him. Here are some things to bear in mind (Niyyah) and the proof of each Niyyah: Niyyahs related to the month of Ramadan: 1- Performing an Islamic Obligation: The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Islam is founded on five pillars; bearing witness that [...]

Patients are exempt from fasting. But some do decide to fast. For physicians treating Muslim patients, the following guidelines are suggested. Diabetic Patients: Diabetics who are controlled by diet alone can fast and hopefully with weight reduction, their diabetes may even be cured or at least improved. Diabetics who are taking oral hypoglycemia agents along with the diet should exercise extreme caution if they decide to fast. They should reduce their dose to one-third, and take the drug not in the morning, but with Iftar in the evening. If they develop low blood sugar symptoms in the daytime, they should break [...]