The Holy Month of Ramadan - Information about Ramadan and Fasting

The Month Of Ramadan:

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting.

This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29�30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.

The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root rami?a or ar-rama?, which means scorching heat or dryness.

10 Ramadan Quotes, Ramadan Images and Quotes,Perfect Quotes for Ramadan

  Fasting:

Fasting is fardh ("obligatory") for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, traveling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding. Fasting the month of Ramadan was made obligatory (w?jib) during the month of Sha'aban, in the second year after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina. Fatwas have been issued declaring that Muslims who live in regions with natural phenomenon such as the midnight sun or polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca.

While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations; in some interpretations, Muslims also refrain from other behavior that could be perceived as sinful, such as swearing, engaging in disagreements, backbiting and procrastination. Food and drink is served daily, before dawn and after sunset. Spiritual rewards thawab for fasting are also believed to be multiplied within the month of Ramadan. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of salat (prayers) and recitation of the Qur'an.

 Suhoor:

Each day, before dawn, many Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called the suhoor. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, Fajr. At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as iftar.

 Iftar:

In the evening, dates are usually the first food to break the fast; according to tradition, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) broke fast with three dates. Following that, Muslims generally adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.

Social gatherings, many times in a buffet style, are frequent at iftar. Traditional dishes are often highlighted, including traditional desserts, and particularly those made only during Ramadan. Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also often available, as are soft drinks and caffeinated beverages.

Zakat and Sadaqah:

Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadan. Zak?t, often translated as "the poor-rate", is obligatory as one of the pillars of Islam; a fixed percentage of the person's savings is required to be given to the poor.

Sadaqah is voluntary charity in giving above and beyond what is required from the obligation of zak?t. In Islam, all good deeds are more handsomely rewarded in Ramadan than in any other month of the year. Consequently, many will choose this time to give a larger portion, if not all, of the zak?t that they are obligated to give. In addition, many will also use this time to give a larger portion of sadaqah in order to maximize the reward that will await them at the Last Judgment.

 Tarawih:

Tarawih (Arabic: ������) refers to extra prayers performed by Muslims at night in the Islamic month of Ramadan. Contrary to popular belief, they are not compulsory. However, many Muslims pray these prayers in the evening during Ramadan. Some scholars[who?] maintain that Tarawih is neither fard or a Sunnah, but is the preponed Tahajjud (night prayer) prayer shifted to post-Isha' for the ease of believers. But a majority of Sunni scholars regard the Tarawih prayers as Sunnat al-Mu'akkadah, a salaat that was performed by the Islamic prophet Muhammad very consistently.

Recitation of the Quran:

In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Quran by means of special prayers, called Tarawih. These voluntary prayers are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Quran (juz', which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore, the entire Quran would be completed at the end of the month. Although it is not required to read the whole Quran in the Tarawih prayers, it is common.

  In the Quran:

 Chapter 2, Revelation 185, of the Quran states:

    The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.[Quran 2:185]

Thus, according to the Quran, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.

According to the Quran, fasting was also obligatory for prior nations of Islamic prophets and it should be noted that even the pagans of Arabia used to observe fasting prior to Islamic tradition.

It is believed that the first revelation to Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was sent down during the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, God proclaimed to Muhammad (P.B.U.H) that fasting for His sake was not a new innovation in monotheism, but rather an obligation practiced by those truly devoted to the oneness of God.

Laylat al-Qadr:

  

Laylat al-Qadr, which in Arabic means "the night of power" or "the night of decree", is considered the holiest night of the year. This is the night in which Quran was sent down to Muhammad (P.B.U.H) stating that this night was "better than one thousand months [of proper worship], as stated in Chapter 97:3 of the Qu'ran.

Also, generally, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last ten days of Ramadan, i.e., the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th.

Dua for Good Health - You Should Read on Daily Basis

Dua (An Act of Worship)

The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is reported to have said "Dua is the very essence of worship," while one of God's commands expressed through the Quran is for them to call out to Him:

    And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer):
    �Quran, sura 40 (Ghafir), ayah 60


Dua For Good Health

Responsibilities of a Muslim - Muslim's Manners and Duties according to Quran and Hadith

Muslim:

 

 Islam is a religion of peace. A Muslim is a person who follows the religion of Islam.

Responsibilities of  Muslims:

 

• Responsibilities towards Allah, All-Mighty

Allah is the Creator of all that exists. We, as His creatures, are obligated to worship and believe in Him based on the teachings of Islam; otherwise it (our belief or worship) will be not accepted and will be of no avail.

Allah, All-Mighty says in the Holy Qur'an, "Say: He is Allah, the One and Only! Allah, the eternal, Absolute! He begetter not nor is He begotten, and there is none like unto Him." (Holy Qur'an, 112)

We believe in Him and whatever He commanded us to believe in: His Names and Attributes, His angels, His books revealed to prophets, His prophets and messengers, the Day of Resurrection and everything concerning it, and faith in Qada and Qadar (decree and predestination by Allah).

•  Responsibilities towards Oneself

Man is created in his mother's womb without knowledge, not free to choose his own shape and attributes. Allah, All-Mighty, says "�enguard yourselves against the fire prepared for disbelievers, whose fuel is of men and stones." (Holy Qur'an, 2:24)

Allah says: "�and be not cast by your own hands to ruin�" (Holy Qur'an, 2:195) Surely, man will give account to The Creator regarding himself. 

•  Responsibilities towards Other People

Man has social character. Life is based on interaction and communication between people; they share many things, and together they form the family and society.

Human rights have a very high status in Islam.  The true Muslim is distinguished by loving his friends and brothers for the sake of Allah.

• Preaching

The importance of Dawah has been emphasized many times in the Qur'an:

   You are the best nation raised up for humankind. You enjoin righteousness, forbid corruption and you believe in Allah.
    Quran , Sura 3 (Al-Imran), ayah 110

    Let there arise among you a group inviting to all that is good, enjoining righteousness and forbidding evil. Those are the successful ones.
    Quran , Sura 3 (Al-Imran), ayah 104

    Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good preaching.
    Quran , Sura 16 (An-Nahl), ayah 125

Five Religious Duties of a Muslim:

• Faith - Shahada
• Prayer - Salah
• Almsgiving - Zakat
• Fasting - Siam
• pilgrimage to Makkah - Hajj 

Kalma - The First Pillar of Islam - Importance of Kalma

Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam are the framework of the Muslim life. The five pillars of Islam refer to the five duties that every Muslim must perform. Pillars of Islam - Islamic Faith

The believer's duties are summed up in five simple rules, the so-called Five Pillars of Islam:

They are as follows:
1)Shahada
2)Namaz
3)Zakat
4)Fasting
5)Hajj

An introduction to the first pillar of Islam:

Shahada

The first pillar of Islam, LA-ILAHA-ILLA-ALLAH, MUHAMMADUR-RASUL-ULLAH. (i.e. There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). The first pillar if Islam is the fundamental and basic need of human. It clearly indicates that we must have faith in both the parts of the first pillar of Islam.

 FIRST PART - LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH (THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH)

    Allah declared: Translation: So know Muhammad "There is no god but Allah." (Al-Quran, 47:19)

    The prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever says LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH." sincerely, will enter Paradise". (Sahi-al-Jami)

Almighty Allah caused all of Adam's descendants to come into existence and took a pledge from them, saying, "Am I not your Lord? to which they all replied, "Yes, we testify to it (i.e. "LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH" )(Al-Quran, 7:172)

The name of the Creator of the Universe in the first Pillar of Islam is "Allah". Another word very frequently used for the Almighty in the Holy Quran is "Rabb" which is generally translated into English version of the Quran, as "Lord". The Holy Quran declares "But Allah has excellent names, call Him thereby." (Al-Quran, 7:180).

This verse is commented upon in his tradition, and Abu Hurairah (Radi-allah-anha) narrates that the Holy Prophet said: Tranlation: "Verily, these are ninety names of Allah, and whoever recites them shall enter into Paradise."

SECOND PART - MUHAMMAD -UR - RASULULLAH

The Holy Qur'aan says in S 21 V 107 - Al - Ambiya

"O ! Prophet (Sallallahu alai hi wa sallam) I have not sent you but as a mercy to all the worlds." All the worlds , beyond this earth and humanity . This is called the cosmic or universal level. He is the mercy for the entire creation of Allah i.e.

The universe. His mundane status is , as the Qur'aan say in S 18 V 110 - Kahaf

" O! Prophet proclaim to the people that I am nothing more than a human being' Mislukum'. "

Remember Allah has said in the Holy Qur'aan in s49 v 2 - hujerat

"O Believers do not raise your voices above the pitch of the voice of the Holy Prophet (as) and do not talk with him in the fashion which you speak amongst yourselves. If you make even this slight unconscious mistake, remember all your namaaz, prayers, fasting, Hajj, Zakaat, and every act of virtue will be annulled totally and you will not even know it."

Kalma

Zakat - Zakat in Islam - Zakat on Gold

 The Five Pillars of Islam

 

A Muslim who fulfills the Five Pillars of Islam, remains in the faith of Islam, and sincerely repents of his sins will make it to Jannah (paradise).  If he performs the Five Pillars but does not remain in the faith, he will not be saved. Pillars of Islam - Islamic Faith

1) Shahada: An Important Pillar Kalma - The First Pillar of Islam - Importance of Kalma
2) Salat: Namaz - The important Pillar of Islam
3) Zakat: Giving charity. Zakat - Law of Islam
4)Fast: Fasting - What is fasting in Islam?
5) Hajj: Pilgrimage. Hajj - Hajj Information

Zakat

Offering Zakat is one of five pillars of Islam. This is about charity given to the poor. It benefits the poor and helps the giver by moving him towards more holiness and submission to Allah.

Recipients of Zakat:

The recipients of Zakat, according to Quran are as follows:

"Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom." (Quran 9:60)

    FUQARA: 
 people who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but do not possess wealth equal to Nisaab.

    MASAKEEN:
people who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent they are forced to beg for their daily food rations.

    AL-AMILEEN:
people appointed by an Islamic Government to collect Zakat.

    MU-ALLAFATUL-QULUB:
persons who have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities who would benefit from encouragement by Muslims which would help strengthen their faith.

    AR-RIQAAB: slaves who are permitted to work for remuneration and have an agreement from their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amounts.

    AL-GHAARIMEEN:
persons who have a debt and do not possess any other wealth or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-Islamic purpose.

    FI-SABILILLAH:
 persons who have to carry out an obligatory deed which has become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to complete that obligation.

    IBN-US-SABEEL:
 persons who are travelers and during the course of their journey do not possess basic necessities, though they are well to do at home. They could be given Zakat in order to fulfill travel needs to return home.


 Types of Wealth on which Zakai is Imposed:

    Gold and silver, in any form.
    Cash, bank notes, stocks, etc.
    Merchandise for business, equal to the value of Nisaab.
    Live stock.
    On income derived from rental business.

 Calculation of Zakat

To calculate Zakat on jewelry etc. one must first determine the gold or silver content and then calculate the Zakat according to current market price.

    If the Gold possessed is less than 87.48 grams or if silver possessed is less then 612.36 grams, but the value of both combined is equal to or exceeds the Nisaab of either Gold or Silver, the Zakat will be due.

    In the event of an article not being of pure gold or pure silver, but containing a mixture of other metals and the gold or silver content is more than the other metal, it will be regarded as gold or silver and Zakat will be due. But in the case where other metal/s is of greater quantity than either gold or silver, Zakat will not be due on this article.

    For stocks (shares held in a company), Zakat is calculated based upon the current market value. As machinery, land, fixtures and fittings, furniture, buildings etc. are exempt from Zakat, one is allowed to subtract these from the total asset. This could be obtained from annual reports. For example, if one has shares worth $1000 and machinery, land etc., are worth 5% of the total asset, then deduct $50 for these assets, afterwards deduct the liabilities of the company proportionately to the percentage of shares held. Zakat must be calculated on the balance.

Virtues and Blessings of Giving Zakat:

Allah says in the Quran:
"The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases manifold to whom He pleases." (Quran 2:261)
It is stated in the Hadith that by giving Zakat the following benefits are derived:

    Gain the pleasure of Allah.
    Increase in wealth and protection from losses.
    Allah's forgiveness and blessings.
    Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death.
    A shelter on the Day of Judgment;
    Security from seventy misfortunes.

The Punishment for not Giving Zakat:

Allah says in the Quran:
"And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on the Day of Judgment heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, taste then the treasure that you have been hoarding." (Al-Quran 9:34-35)

Fasting in Islam - Fasting Meaning and Rules

What is Fasting?

Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day (24 hours), or a specific time.

Fasting in Islam 

Fasting is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, which is probably the most notable time for fasting among Muslims.

In Islam, fasting for a month is an obligatory practice during the holy month of Ramadan, from fajr (dawn), until maghrib (sunset). Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking (including water), and engaging in sexual activity. They are also encouraged to temper negative emotions such as anger and addiction.

Fating in Ramadan

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of Islam, and thus one of the most important acts of Islamic worship. By fasting, whether during Ramadan or other times, a Muslim draws closer to God by abandoning bodily pleasures, such as food and drink. This makes the sincerity of their faith and their devotion to God (Allah) all the more evident.

The Qur'an states that fasting was prescribed for those before them (i.e., the Jews and Christians) and that by fasting a Muslim gains taqwa, which can be described in one word as 'God consciousness' or 'God wariness'. Fasting is believed to help promote chastity and humility and prevent sin, the outburst of uncontrolled lusts and desires and far-fetched hopes. To Muslims, fasting acts as a shield with which the Muslim protects him/herself from jahannam (hell).

Muslims believe that fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. Fasting also includes abstaining from any falsehood in speech and action, abstaining from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing, fighting, and having lustful thoughts. Therefore, fasting strengthens control of impulses and helps develop good behavior. During the sacred month of Ramadan, believers strive to purify body and soul and increase their taqwa (good deeds and God-consciousness). This purification of body and soul harmonizes the inner and outer spheres of an individual. Muslims aim to improve their body by reducing food intake and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Overindulgence in food is discouraged and eating only enough to silence the pain of hunger is encouraged.

Muslims believe they should be active, tending to all their commitments and never falling short of any duty. On a moral level, believers strive to attain the most virtuous characteristics and apply them to their daily situations. They try to show compassion, generosity and mercy to others, exercise patience, and control their anger. In essence, Muslims are trying to improve what they believe to be good moral character and habits^.
For some Muslims, fasting may inculcate a sense of fraternity and solidarity, as they believe they are feeling and experiencing what their needy and hungry brothers and sisters are feeling. Those who are already poor and hungry are often considered exempt from fasting, as their condition renders them effectively fasting all the time; however, they still must refrain from eating during the day if they can. Moreover, Ramadan is a month of giving charity and sharing meals to break the fast together.

The Siyam (fast) is intended to teach Muslims patience and self-control, and to remind them of the less fortunate in the world. Faithful observance of the Siyam (fast) is believed to atone for personal faults and misdeeds, at least in part, and to help earn a place in paradise. It is also believed to be beneficial for personal conduct, that is, to help control impulses, passions and temper. The fast is also meant to provide time for meditation and to strengthen one's faith.

While fasting in the month of Ramadan is considered Fard (obligatory), Islam also prescribes certain days for non-obligatory, voluntary fasting, such as:

• The Day of Arafa (9th of Dhul Hijja) the pilgrims at Arafah should not fast this day
• The Day of Ashura, which is the tenth day of Muharram
• Six days in the month of Shawwal (the month following Ramadan)
• The 13th, 14th, and 15th of every lunar month
• Each Monday and Thursday of a week
• Every other day, also known as the fast of the prophet David

Fasting is forbidden on these days:

• Eid Fitr (1st Shawwal)
• Tashriq (11th, 12th, 13th Dhulhijjah) in accordance with Sunni Islam.
• Eid Al Adha (10th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Hijri (Islamic calendar).

Although fasting at Ramadan is fard (obligatory), exceptions are made for persons in particular circumstances:

• Prepubescent children; though some parents will encourage their children to fast earlier for shorter periods, so the children get used to fasting.
• Unconditional vomiting because the food leaves through an unintentional part of the gut.
• Serious illness; the days lost to illness will have to be made up after recovery.
• If one is traveling but one must make up any days missed upon arriving at one's destination.
• A woman during her menstrual period; although she must count the days she missed and make them up later.
• A woman till forty days after giving birth to child or miscarriage. But she must count the day she missed in Ramadan and they should donate the amount of a normal person's diet for each day missed to the poor or needy.
• A woman who is pregnant or breast feeding. But she must count the day she missed in Ramadan and they should donate the amount of a normal person's diet for each day missed to the poor or needy.

• An ill person or old person who is not physically able to fast. They should donate the amount of a normal person's diet for each day missed if they are financially capable.
• A mentally ill person.
• For elders who will not be able to fast, a lunch meal (or an equivalent amount of money) is to be donated to the poor or needy for each day of missed fasting.