We are about to enter the most sacred day of the entire year.
The best day of the best days.
The crown of Ḍhul Ḥijjah.
A day wherein Allāh’s mercy is in full flow.
A day when Satan is humiliated, depressed and infuriated.
A day when more souls are freed from Hellfire than any other.
A day of fasting that erases the sins of the previous year and coming year.
A day of acceptance of du’ās, especially between ‘Aṣr and Maghrib.
A day to declare from the depths of your heart:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ ، ولَهُ الْحَمْدُ ، وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ
Laa ilaaha ill-allaahu, waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay’in qadeer.
A day to turn to Allāh with sincerity, seeking forgiveness and protection from the Hellfire.
A day to keep the tongue moist with the remembrance of Allāh.
A day to connect with Allāh on a deeply personal and intimate level.
Be focused.
Do not let this day pass by like any other.
You may never witness another Day of ‘Arafah, so make this one unforgettable.
Do not waste a single moment.
Do not be neglectful.
Seize the opportunity to amass huge gains.
Maximise every second.
Let this day transform you.
Make it count.
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The arrival of Ramadhan brings a major change in the routine of a person, therefore, those who don’t prepare beforehand, find it difficult to settle in and get used to the routine once its upon them.
Muslims should try preparing for the month before hand, so that it remains easy for them to make the most out of the entire month.
In the month prior to Ramadhan, Muslims should try to increase in their acts of worship by fasting, increasing in the recitation of Quran and the remembrance of Allah.
Fasting
Fasting refers to abstention from eating, drinking, and conjugal rights whilst having made the intention to fast that day. A person should try and fast in the month of Shaban so that the body can get used to and finds it easy in Ramadhan.
Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said: “I never saw Allah’s Apostle fasting for a whole month except the month of Ramadhan, and did not see him fasting in any month more than in the month of shaban. [Bukhari]
The Holy Quran
There is a special connection between Ramadhan and the Holy Quran as the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadhan. As the month of Ramadhan draws close we should increase in our recitation of the Quran. In this way, we will connect ourselves with Allah and develop the habit of reciting the Quran.
The prophet (peace be upon him said):
Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” [Tirmidhi]
We should increase our recitation of the Quran to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well.
Dua at the approach of Ramadān
Ubadah bin Samit (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the prophet (peace be upon him) used to teach the companions the following Dua at the approach of the blessed moth of Ramadhan:
O Allah! Protect me for observing the fast of Ramadhan, make the month of Ramadhan clear for me and protect me from sins so that my acts of worship are accepted. [Kanzul Ummal]
Remembrance of Allah
In Ramadhan, every moment is precious; therefore, to get the maximum reward from the days of Ramadhan, a Muslim must be constant in doing Tasbeeh (reciting Allahu akbar, Subhanallah, Alhamdolillah etc).
A person should try to increase in his tasbeeh a month before the arrival of the Holy month, then by the time the month comes, you are already in the habit of recitation of Tasbeeh, while sitting, walking, or doing any work.
Virtues of Ramadhan
“O you who believe! Observing al-sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-muttaqoon (the pious).” [Quran]
The prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever does any good in Ramadhan, he will get the reward of doing a compulsory act out of the month of Ramadhan and whoever does a compulsory act in Ramadhan, he will get the reward of doing 70 compulsory acts”.[Mishkaat]
Generally man does not appreciate and value divine favors, because it comes his way without any effort. First and foremost, we should turn our gaze and ask Allah to grant us the opportunity to witness the great and auspicious month of Ramadhan. Secondly, we should make a firm intention to reform our lives and make this Ramadhan a turning point in our lives.
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Islam always teaches a lesson or two through each and everything and Eid is no different. Islamic teachings and practices are full of wisdoms for those who look deeper.
Eid is a full of messages and lessons.
1. It teaches us how we should celebrate moments of happiness. In Eid there is no clubbing or drinking, nor fireworks or loud parties. A person wakes up, prays Fajr then has a shower, wears his best clothes, puts perfume on and leaves for the Eid prayer. When he walks, his eyes are lowered and his lips are busy praising Allah by reading the Takbeers. After reaching the mosque, the person reads two Rakats to gratitude and bows to Allah in a display of humility. This teaches us that even in times of happiness, a true Muslim is not proud; rather he is humble before his lord. Times of happiness make him turn to Allah just like times of difficulty. Events such as weddings, births, buying a new car or house, a promotion at work etc are celebrated but in a way that pleases Allah.
2. Eid also a message of unity. Whether a person is rich or poor, a scholar or a layman, white or black, all unite and pray side by side before Allah. There is no discrimination as all are equal before Him. Can there be anything better? All these Muslims are united by their belief in the oneness of Allah, the Prohethood of Muhammad SAW, the hereafter, the Quran. They have a few differences, no doubt, but they still stand side by side. If only we could be like this during the remainder days of the year! The essentials of the Deen are enough to unite these people. Their others differences are respected or overlooked for the sake of unity.
3. Eid is also a reminder that true happiness is such in which all are able to join in. A house full of laughter and smiles, whilst the neighbours are full of doom and gloom and not cared for is not really something to celebrate. This is why the Prophet SAW instructed us to give Sadaqatul-Fitr; a small donation to be given to the poor before the Eid prayer so the poor within the society are also able to join in with the rest in the celebrations. This concept should also be applied to other occasions of happiness within our lives. This is why Islam teaches us to do ‘Aqiqah’ when a child is born, and to do a ‘Walima’ when two families become one. The Prophet SAW is reported to have said that ‘The worst Walima is in which the rich are invited and not the poor’ (Bukhari). A Muslim is one who has concern for others around him and not just himself. The troubles and difficulties of others also trouble him. He shares their pain. He treats others like he would like to be treated and treats others like he would treat his own family. He worries about happiness and wellbeing of others.
These are only a few of the main lessons in Eid which should be applied to the rest of the year.
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Our respected teacher, Molânâ Dr Ábdur Razzâq Iskandar[1], often advises the graduates at the end of an academic year that “at various relevant times, read the related chapters from the books of Ĥadîth and books of Fiqh. In this way, your knowledge will remain fresh.”
The month of Ramadhân has started. In this month, the Noble Qur’ân, without doubt is an obligation[2]. Most of the time should be spent in reciting the book of Allâh and in understanding it. For an increase in encouragement and interest, reading the following selected books will be beneficial InshâAllâh:
- From the books of Ĥadîth, ‘the chapter of fasting’ from either ‘Mishkât al-Maŝâbîĥ’ (A Niche for Lamps) or any other book that has a great compilation of Ĥadîth should be resorted to, such as ‘Jamï al-Usûl’
- From the books of Fiqh, ‘the chapter on fasting’, Álâmah Kasâni’s ‘Badâi’ü-Ŝanâi’ï’ or Molânâ Zawwâr Hussain’s ‘Ümdat al-Fiqh’, or as a last resort, Mufti Ináâm al-Ĥaq’s ‘Roze ke masâil kâ encyclopedia’ (encyclopedia on the rulings of fasting) or any other such book.
- For an insight into the wisdoms behind fasting and Tarâweeĥ, relevant chapters from Shâh Walîullah’s ‘Ĥujjatullâh al-Bâlighah’ (The Conclusive Argument from God).
- To bring forth a ‘true taste’ of the Qur’ân, Molânâ Abû l-Ĥasan Alî Nadwî’s ‘Muťâlá-e-Qur’ân ke mabâdî uŝûl’.
- In relation to Tasawwuf/Tazkiyah[3], ‘Dil kî dunyâ’ (The World Within) by Muftî Shafî’ï.
It’s natural to have differences in taste when selecting books. According to one’s taste, the capacity to make changes is extensive. The purpose of the above is just to give an idea or reflection.
[1] Principle and the Shaikh of Ĥadîth at Jamiáh ülûm-e-Islâmiyyah, Binori Town, Karachi.
[2] Not a Sharia obligation.
[3] Purification of the heart.
Translated by Muftî Sufyân Ibn Yákûb
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A: No, irrespective of the amount swallowed. However, it is disliked to deliberately gather one’s own saliva in the mouth and swallow it whilst fasting.
Q: Does applying eye drops invalidate the fast as eye drops can be tasted in the mouth?
A: No, even though the eye drops may be tasted in the mouth.
Q: Is it permissible to have a blood test whilst fasting?
A: Yes and this will not invalidate the fast. However, it will be disliked to have a blood test if one fears that by having a blood test, he/she will become weak and thus will be unable to maintain the fast.
Q: Will an injection invalidate the fast?
A: No. However, it is best to avoid unnecessarily taking injections whilst fasting.
Q: Will smoking invalidate the fast?
A: Yes.
Q: Will using a nasal spray invalidate the fast?
A: Yes.
Q: Will having a wet dream, whilst fasting invalidate the fast?
A: No.
Q: Is it permissible to have sexual intercourse whilst fasting.
A: No. It will invalidate the fast, in which case one will have to make up for the fast and it will also make Kaffârah binding.
Q: Is it permissible to have sexual intercourse during the nights of Ramadhan?
A: Yes. One must stop before the Fajr starting time.
Q: Is it permissible to kiss one’s wife whilst fasting?
A: Yes, if there is no fear of it leading to intercourse or ejaculation. Otherwise it will be disliked, and if one ejaculates then the fast will be invalid.
Q: Does mistakenly swallowing water during Wudhu invalidate the fast?
A: Yes. In such case one will only have to make up for the fast and Kaffârah will not be binding.
Q: Can one use mouthwash and brush the teeth using tooth paste whilst fasting?
A: Both are disliked as there is a chance of consuming them.
Q: Can a female apply henna whilst fasting?
A: Yes.
Q: Can one apply oil to the head whilst fasting?
A: Yes.
Q: Can one apply cream on the face and body whilst fasting?
A: Yes.
Q: Does forgetfully consuming food or water invalidate the fast?
A: No.
Q: Does one have to have Suhûr for the fast to be valid?
A: No. However, partaking in Suhûr should not be missed as it is a Sunnah.
Q: Does ear drops invalidate the fast?
A: When the eardrum is perforated (has a hole/tear), then applying eardrops will invalidate the fast as this will allow the drops to go to the inner ear and throat, subsequently reaching the stomach. Otherwise, it will not invalidate the fast.
Q: Is one excused from fasting merely because the days are too long?
A: No.
Q: Will inhaling dust or smoke invalidate the fast?
A: If it is unintentional, then no.
Q: Will vomiting invalidate the fast?
A: Vomiting unintentionally or intentionally vomiting less than a mouthful will not invalidate the fast. (A mouthful is that which cannot be kept in the mouth but with difficulty).
Q: Will menstruation and post-natal bleeding invalidate the fast?
A: Yes. A woman in such state cannot fast and will have to make up for her missed fast/s.
Q: Will a pregnant woman have to fast?
A: Yes. However, if there is fear of sickness or harm to her or the baby, then she is excused from fasting, in which case she will have to make up for the fast/s later.
Q: Is a sick person excused from fasting?
A: An ill person is excused from fasting, if he falls ill and fears that his situation will get worse if he fasts or his recovery will be delayed or he will suffer an additional illness.
Q: Does a traveller have to fast?
A: No, subject to the condition that he is a Musâfir according to Sharia and he travels prior to dawn. A Musâfir travelling after dawn will have to fast.
Q: Can a person break his fast, due to some illness that necessitates him to take medicine?
A: In such situation, if not breaking the fast could bring danger to his life or seriously affect his health , then it will be permitted to break the fast, in which case one will have to make up for the fast/s.
Q: What is Fidyah and who gives it?
A: A person who does not have the strength and ability to fast due to a long-lasting or fatal illness and has no hope of recovering even after Ramadhan, should give Fidyah. Fidyah is a form of compensation. For each fast the compensation is equivalent to that which is given as Sadqat-ul-Fitr (approx. £3 in monetary value for each fast). As soon as one recovers, such that he gains the ability to fast, then he will have to make up for the previous fasts and whatever was given as Fidyah will be additional reward.
Q: What is Kaffârah?
A: Kaffârah is an expiation which becomes binding due to breaking a fast (bear in mind that not all such situations make Kaffârah binding). One will have to expiate by consecutively fasting, without missing a fast for two months. A person who cannot fast, for example due to a long-lasting illness, will have to feed sixty poor people two meals to their fill or feed one poor person two meals a day for sixty days or give them the equivalent in monetary value.
And Allah, the Almighty, knows best,
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Fasting is an expression of one’s love and devotion for Allah. A person stops eating, drinking, and leaves the worldly distractions just to please Allah. He has one thing on his mind- that is succeed in attaining the pleasure of Allah. Different types of food and drinks are available, and he is surrounded by them and opportunities to eat and drink them are plenty; his mouth and lips become dry, yet not a single morsel of food, or drop of a drink goes down his throat throughout the day.
After fasting though the day, a person is tired and fatigued, and the body wants to rest, but the order of Allah is there to perform extra prayer (salaah). This prayer is no ordinary prayer, rather it is long and tiring; 20 rakaats of Taraweeh.
A person is tired by the fasting of the day and the prayer at night, and sleeps for a few hours. Then once again the order of Allah comes to wake up and eat, and a person fast for another day. This routine repeats itself during the entire month.
Throughout the month, we leave our normal routines and perform extra actions that will bring a closer to Allah. This is a way of expressing our love and devotion to Allah. It is a way of disconnecting with other things and building a stronger connection with Him. A person is ready to loose other things, but not Allah.
This is the reason that Allah the He Himself will give the reward of fasting.
The purpose of Fasting
Allah says in the quran: Fasting has been made obligatory on you, just as it was done on those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.
Taqwa means to control one’s nafs and desires. The desires of the stomach and the nafs open doors to great sins. Most sins can be connected to these two. A person will steal, rob, kill, take other’s rights away, eat haram and ignore the limits and boundaries set by Allah, just to feed his stomach. In a similar way, a person will fornicate, commit adultery, look at things he should not be looking at etc just to satisfy his sexual desires.
Through the fast, Allah orders us to stay away from things that are normally permissible. When a person is able to control his desires from the permissible, by the end of the month a person will also be able to control his desires from the impermissible. As a result, a person will be able to fulfil the commands of Allah and stay away from sins for the other eleven months of the year.
May Allah give us the ability to make the most out of this Ramadhan, draw closer to Him, and make us from the mutaqeen. Aameen.
Article by Hafizullah Mahar
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