Ramadan, The Holy Month of Muslims
Ramadan 2022
The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year. The days of Ramadan each year are the time period for fasting imposed on Muslims.
What does “Ramadan” means?
The word “Ramadan” comes from “Ramada” which means to become hot.
Check the meaning of the Islamic months
History of fasting (Time of obliging fasting Ramadan)
Fasting in the month of Ramadan was made obligatory in the month of Sha’ban of the second year of HIGRAH (migration), about month after the shift of the Qiblah to the honorable Kaaba.
Stages of Legislating Fasting Ramadan
Fasting the month of Ramadan has not been imposed in one stage, but in three stages:
- First phase: Muslim has a choice to fast in Ramadan, or pay a ransom of feeding an indigent for every day he does not fast.
- Second Stage: Muslim should fast form Fajr to Maghrib, however if one sleeps, he would wake up at any time of the night in a case of fasting.
- Third Stage: Muslim should fast form Fajr to Maghrib. He shall start fasting from Fajr. Even he sleeps and wakes up before Fajr, he may eat, drink and consume marriage. That is the final case that Muslim do till today.
How We Can Know the Start of Ramadan
The start of Ramadan is proven by seeing the crescent moon. If the crescent moon of Ramadan is sighted after sunset of 29th of Sha’ban, then the month of Ramadan has started accordingly. If the new moon could not been seen after sunset on the 29th of Sha’ban, or clouds, dust, or smoke prevent its sighting, then the month of Sha’ban shall be completed thirty days.
Prophet Mohammed, Pbuh, said: “Fast when you see it and break your fast when you see it, and if the weather is cloudy treat Sha‘ban as having thirty days.”
How to Receive Ramadan
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Receive Ramadan with true repentance
Repentance is obligatory in all times, especially at those times of Mercy and Blessing. Ramadan is an opportunity for repentance and avoiding bad deeds and sins.
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Receive Ramadan with sincerity to Allah
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.”
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Receive Ramadan with making du’aa upon sighting the crescent moon
At the sight of the new moon (of the lunar month), the Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: (O Allah, let this moon appear on us with security and Iman; with safety and Islam. (O moon!) Your Rubb and mine is Allah. May this moon be bringing guidance and good).”
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Receive Ramadan with learning the rulings and etiquettes of fasting
Muslim shall learn and let his family know the rules and etiquettes of fasting in order to be liable to get the reward of fasting. Ignorance of the rules may lead to lose the reward.
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Receive Ramadan with firm determination
Muslim shall receive Ramadan with strong determination that he will fill Ramadan with righteous deeds, from its beginning to its end. Muslim should ask Allah to help him with righteous deeds, for obedience is a gift from Allah, Almighty.
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Receive Ramadan with joy and pleasure
Muslim feels joy with Ramadan’s virtues. Ramadan is the month of forgiveness, opening the gates of heaven, and closing the gates of Hell. It was from the habit of the Prophet – Pbuh – to rejoice with the coming of Ramadan, and to give good tidings to his companions about it.
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Receive Ramadan with getting rid of the heart diseases
Such as talking a lot of what is useless, laziness in performing acts of worship, and sleeping a lot, and so on.
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Receive Ramadan with environment of faith
One should resolve disputes, and avoid sins as well as wasting time.
Definition of Fasting
Linguistically fasting means: abstaining from something.
According to Islamic law: fasting is worshiping Allah Almighty by abstaining from food, drink and sexual intercourse, from dawn to sunset.
Wisdom of the Legislation of Fasting
- Achieving Allah-fearing by responding to His command and submitting to His law, the Almighty said about the purpose of fasting: {that you may have piety} [Al-Baqarah: 183].
- Accustoming one’s self to patience, and to strengthen the will to control desires.
- Accustoming Muslims to charity and compassion for the needy and the poor; for tasting hunger soften the heart towards the needy brothers.
- Achieving the body’s health and well-being by fasting.
Medical and Health Benefits of Fasting:
- Helps detoxify the body:
Many of toxins are stored inside body fat, and during fasting these fats are burned, which helps to get rid of toxins.
- Benefits the digestive system:
Fasting relaxes the digestive system and helps maintain fluid balance in the body. During the month of Ramadan, some are forced to change some of their bad habits, such as smoking and drinking coffee, which greatly affect the stomach and digestive system.
Moreover, fasting relief the symptoms of some of the digestive diseases, such as Reflux Esophagitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- Helps treat infections and allergic diseases:
Some studies have proven that fasting helps treat infections, some allergic diseases, arthritis, and skin diseases such as psoriasis.
- Reduces blood sugar levels
Fasting helps break down glucose which reduces insulin production. That relaxes the pancreas, which ultimately leads to lower blood sugar levels.
- Helps burn fat:
Fasting helps break down glucose, which facilitates the burning of fats, especially fats stored in the kidneys and muscles, in order to produce the energy needed for the body.
- Treats high blood pressure:
Fasting is the most important natural way to lower blood pressure levels. That is because it helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, reduce metabolic rates and hormone levels such as adrenaline, which helps lower blood pressure levels.
- Promotes healthy eating habits
Medical studies have proved that fasting reduces the desire to eat processed and fast food, and enhances the desire to eat healthy foods
- Boosts the immune system:
Fasting helps to get rid of body toxins and fats. Moreover, it promotes healthy eating habits, thus it greatly enhances the immune system.
Ruling of Fasting
Fasting has two types:
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Obligatory fasting:
- Fasting of Ramadan
Allah says: {O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous}
Prophet Mohammed said: “Islam was built upon five things: the testimony that there is no Allah but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, the observance of the prayer, the payment of zakat, the Pilgrimage, and the fast during Ramadan.”
- Fasting That Muslim made obligatory upon himself
Such as fasting for vows, and fasting for penances.
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Recommended fasting
Days that are recommended to be fasted, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, and fasting three days of every month. Fasting the day of Ashura, fasting the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, fasting the day of Arafa and fasting the six days of Shawwal are all examples of the same kind.
Breaking fast in Ramadan
Breaking fast in Ramadan is forbidden and is a major sin. Fasting for eternity is not sufficient for that one who breaks the fast of one day without an excuse and does not repent.
Conditions for Fasting
- Islam: Fasting is not obligatory upon a non-Muslim.
- Puberty: Fasting is not obligatory for a young child. However, the child is commanded to fast if he can bear it, in order to get used to it.
- Reason: A madman is not obligated to fast.
- Ability: Fasting is not obligatory for the incapable.
Pillars of Fasting
The pillars of fasting are two:
- Abstaining: from things that break the fast from dawn to sunset.
- Intention: which is necessary for the validity of the fast, according to the consensus of the scholars. That is because fasting is an act of worship, and acts of worship are not valid without intention.
Prophet Mohammed said: “Actions are but by intentions.”, so whoever fasts without intention, his fast is not valid unanimously.
When do one should Make Fasting Intention
In the Obligatory Fasting, according to the majority of scholars, intention must be made at the night before Fajr.
In the Recommended Fasting, the time for intension extends until before the meridian of the sun.
The time of the intention to fast begins with the entry of the first part of the night.
The Hanafi School is of the view that it is permissible to extend the time of the intention for obligatory and recommended fasting until before the meridian.
Is Intention Obligatory for each Day of Ramadan?
Scholars have different opinions about the issue if it necessary to set the intention for each day of Ramadan, or is one intention sufficient for the whole month? They are of two opinions:
The first opinion
It is required to renew the intention for each day of Ramadan. This is the view of the majority: the Hanafis, Shafi’is, and Hanbalis. They provide the evidence that Prophet -Pbuh- said: “Actions are but by intentions, and every person will have only what he intended.”
They saw that intention must be renewed for each day because it is an independent act of worship. On the authority of Hafsa, the wife of the Prophet -Pbuh, she said: “There is no fast for the one who does not intend to fast before dawn”.
So they took fasting like Salah that intention shall be renewed for each one of it during the day.
The second opinion
Only one intention at the start of an act of worship, that succession is required in it, is sufficient. However, if sequence is interrupted for an excuse then the person returns to fasting, then he has to renew the intention. This is the opinion of Maliki School, as well as Zafer who belong to Hanafis. They saw that successive fasting is like one worship. Therefore, one intention at the start is sufficient.
Setting intention is not difficult. For a Muslim to think that he will fast the next day of Ramadan because Allah made it obligatory, then the intention was set. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine a Muslim who fast and breaks the fast without intention. Heart is place for intention.
However, one, sleeps before sunset and does not wake up until after Fajr, may has no intend to fast. So he should Not break his fast throughout this day and make this day up. That is rare, as noticed.
Sunnahs and Recommendations for Fasting
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Having suhoor (Predawn meal)
Prophet Mohammed -Pbuh- said: “Take a meal a little before dawn, for there is a blessing in taking a meal at that time.” (Agreed upon).
Suhoor is achieved with much and little food, even if it is a dose of water.
Prophet Mohammed -Pbuh- said: “Having Suhoor is a blessing, so do not miss it, even it was a dose of water. For Allah has Mercy and his angles Asks Allah for Mercy for those who are having Suhoor.”
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Delaying suhoor
It is recommended to delay the suhoor and have it just before Fajr.
On the authority of Zaid bin Thabit, may Allah be pleased with him, That Prophet Mohammed -Pbuh- said: “We took Suhoor (predawn meal) with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and then we stood up for (Fajr) Salat (prayer). It was asked: “How long was the gap between the two?” He replied: “The time required for the recitation of fifty Ayat.“” (Agreed upon).
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Hastening to break the fast
It is recommended for the fasting person to hasten the breaking of his fasting when he is certain that the sun has set.
Prophet Mohammed is reported saying: “The people will continue to prosper as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast” (Agreed Upon)
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Eat dates first
It is recommended to break you fasting upon wet dates, if not, then comes dry dates, if not, one can take a dose of water.
Anas, may Allah be please with him, reported: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to break his Saum (fasting) before performing Maghrib prayer with three fresh date-fruits; if there were no fresh date- fruits, he will eat three dry dates; and if there were no dry date- fruits; he would take three draughts of water.“
If one has nothing available to break his fasting with, he may have intention that his fasting already come to an end.
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Making Du’aa when breaking fasting
Ibn ‘Umar told that the Prophet said when he broke his fast, “Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills.”
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Leaving idle talk:
It is narrated by Abu Hurairah that Allah’s Messenger said: “When anyone of you is fasting, let him not utter evil or ignorant speech. If anyone speaks to him in an ignorant manner, let him say: ‘I am fasting.” (Agreed upon).
Abu Hurairah narrated as well that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink.“
Benefits of Suhoor
- Strengthening Muslim to endure fasting, especially at long and hot days.
- Suhoor is a special mark that distinguishes Muslim fasting from fasting of the People of the book. In Sahih Muslim: On the authority of Amr Ibn Al-Aas, that Prophet Mohammed -Pbuh- said: “The difference between our fasting and that of the People of the Book is eating shortly before dawn.”
- The time of Suhoor is a blessed time in which Muslim may remember Allah or ask Him. Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Massaenger –Pbuh- as saying “Our Lord who is blessed and exalted descends every night to the lowest heaven when two-thirds of the night have passed and says, “Who supplicates me so that I may answer him? Who asks of me so that I may give to him? Who asks my forgiveness so that I may forgive him?” (Agreed Upon)
Disliked Acts of Fasting
Most of the disliked acts of fasting are things that if Muslim continues with them, they may lead to the invalidation of his fasting. That include:
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Deep rinsing or sniffing when performing WUDU (ablution):
It is reported that the Prophet said: “sniff water deep into the nose except when you are observing fast.” (Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi).
If water enters one’s stomach intentionally, his fast is broken, unanimously, and he must make it up.
However, if water reaches the stomach unintentionally, scholars are of two opinions, and the most reliable of which is that fasting is still valid.
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Kissing during fasting:
Kissing is disliked for the fasting person. Because it may lead to arousing desire that leads to invalidating fast by sperm or sexual intercourse. There is no difference in that between an old man and a young man.
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Persistently looking to the wife:
If that arouses the desire; because it may lead to the invalidation of his fast.
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Thinking about sexual intercourse.
For that may lead one to ejaculate or have intercourse, which breaks his fast and causes him to commit sin
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Chewing Pure Gum
It is disliked to chew pure gum that has no taste or color while fasting. However gum that has taste or color breaks the fast.
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Tasting food during fasting:
It is disliked for the fasting person to taste food if there is no need for that. However, if there is a need to taste the food, then it is not disliked.
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Continuous Fasting:
Fasting two days or more without eating or drinking anything at the night is disliked, however does not invalidate the fast. Rather it may cause harm to body.
What Breaks Fasting (sawm)?
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Sexual Intercourse during sawm:
If a fasting person has intercourse during the day in Ramadan, his fast is broken, and he must repent and seek forgiveness and make up that day. Besides making the day up, he should free a slave, if cannot, he should fast two consecutive months. If cannot fast, he should feed sixty of the poor.
One cannot shift from fasting to feeding unless he is unable to fast for a valid reason, such as if he has a disease or fears that illness will occur. Potential hardship with fasting is not a valid reason.
Fasting must be consecutive, one cannot break the two months except for a legitimate excuse, such as the days of the two Eids. Days of Tashreeq, days of menstruation, and illness and travel, without the intention of breaking the fast, all are valid excuses to break the two months.
If one breaks his fast without an excuse, even for one day, he must resume fasting the two months again from the start.
Abu Hurairah –may Allah be please with him- said that while they were sitting with the Prophet a man came to him and said, “Messenger of Allah, I am undone.” He asked him what had happened to him and he replied that he had had intercourse with his wife while he was fasting. Allah’s messenger then asked him whether he could get a slave to free, but he replied that he could not. He asked if he could fast two consecutive months, but he replied that he could not. He asked if he could provide food for sixty poor people, and when he replied that he could not, he told him to sit down. The Prophet then waited for a time, and meanwhile an ‘araq containing dates was brought to him, an ‘araq being a huge basket. He asked where the man who had questioned him was, and when he replied, “[Here] I am,” he said, “Take this and give it as sadaqa.” The man replied, “Am I to give it to one who is poorer than I am, messenger of Allah? I swear by Allah that there is no poorer family than mine between the two lava plains of Medina,” i.e. the two harras. The Prophet thereupon laughed so that his eye-teeth became visible and said, “Give it to your family to eat.”
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Ejaculation by choice during sawm:
If a fasting person deliberately ejaculates by kissing, touching, or masturbating or otherwise, the fast is broken. He has to make up for it only –without penance. However, kissing or touching the wife without ejaculation does not break the fast.
Ejaculating with a wet dream or thinking without kissing, touching, or masturbating does not break the fast.
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Eating and drinking intentionally during sawm
It is the delivery of food or drink of any kind into the stomach through the mouth or nose.
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Indirect nutrition during sawm
Such as injecting blood as well as feeding injection that are used instead of eating and drinking.
Other injections, that are not nourishing, do not break the fast.
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Deliberate vomiting during sawm
Intentionally extracting food or drink from the stomach through the mouth breaks the fast. Intentionally vomiting whether by squeezing the stomach, or by smelling odd smell, or by looking at ugly thing breaks fast.
Sudden attack of vomiting does not beak fasting. It is reported Allah’s messenger as saying, “If one has a sudden attack of vomiting while he is fasting no atonement is required of him, but if he vomits intentionally he must make atonement.”
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Menstrual and postpartum bleeding during sawm:
Whenever a woman sees menstrual and postpartum blood, her fast is invalidated. Whether she sees it at the beginning of the day or at the end of it. Mu’adha al-‘Adawiya said that when she asked ‘A’isha why one who has been menstruating must make up for her fast but not for her prayer, she replied, “That happened to us, and we were ordered to make up for the fast, but were not ordered to make up for the prayer.”
Fasting in islam rules
Rules Related to Fasting in Ramadan
Using eye, ear and nose drops at the day in Ramadan
Using Eye and Ear Drops do not break fasting according to the most reliable view of two scholarly opinions. However, if he finds the taste of the drop in his throat, then it is better to make up for that day. Making up is not obligatory since the eyes and ears are not usual passage for food and drink.
As for the nose drop, it is not permissible unless it is necessary, for nose is an outlet for the throat. So whoever use nose drop and found a taste in the throat, should make up for the day.
Using a manual asthma inhaler
It is permissible to use asthma inhaler in the day of Ramadan. For it does not reach the stomach, rather it is in the throat and lung, moreover, it is not food, drink, or nutrition material.
Using analgesic injection at the day of Ramadan
Analgesic Injection does not break the fast, for it is not nutritious.
Using sugar injection at the day of Ramadan
As for the sugar injection, it is more likely that it does not break the fast. However, it is better for a diabetic not to use it during the day of Ramadan unless needed.
Using an enema
Some scholars are of the view that it breaks the fast. That is based on the legal principle: “Everything that reaches the stomach breaks the fast.”
Using suppositories at the day of Ramadan
No wrong with using suppositories at the day of Ramadan, for it is not food, drink, or nutritious martial. Then, suppositories dissolve and do not seep inside.
Using anesthesia at the day of Ramadan
Nothing wrong with anesthesia if it goes with the blood at the day in Ramadan.
In case of tooth extraction, fasting person should not swallow the blood that comes out of the molar, but rather spit it out.
Using Toothbrush and Toothpaste
It is permissible for the fasting person to use toothbrush and toothpaste at the day of Ramadan. It does not break the fast as long as nothing of it reaches the stomach. But if something of it reaches the stomach deliberately, it invalidate the fast and one should make the day up.
It is better for the fasting person not to use the toothbrush and toothpaste except at night, for some of the toothpaste may reach his stomach without him realizing.
If blood comes out of his teeth when brushing, then it does not break the fast unless he swallows something of it deliberately.
Swallowing saliva and it’s like
Nothing in swallowing normal saliva, but it is not permissible to deliberately swallow phlegm. If the fasting person swallows it unintentionally, it does not break his fast, for it is often unavoidable.
Using Gargling Medicine
Using this medicine during the day of Ramadan does not break fasting if he does not swallow it. However, one must not take it unless there is a need for it.
The same ruling would be for every medicine for teethes or gums as long as it does not reaches the throat or stomach.
Who are allowed not to Fast in Ramadan?
Reasons that give permission to Muslims not to fast in Ramadan are varied:
Reason one: Pregnancy or breastfeeding:
If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman needs to break her fast, she can break the fast in all or in some days of Ramadan, based on her need.
What should a pregnant and breastfeeding woman do if they break their fast?
If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman breaks her fast, they must make up for same number of days that they have not fast.
Reason Two: Illness
The patient has three conditions:
First case: A sick person is harmed by fasting, and there is no hope of recovery. Then they break their fast and they feed one poor person for each day of Ramadan.
Second case: A sick person is harmed by fasting, and there is no hope of recovery. However he still can fast some days of Ramadan, and make up for others. Then he should fast what he can of Ramadan, and break fast in these days difficult. He should make them up later after Ramadan.
Third case: A sick person is harmed by fasting, but there is hope in recovery. Then he breaks the fast if he cannot fast or fasting would be really difficult to him. Then he should make these days up. He does not have to feed for that.
Reason Three: Inability to fast due to old age
The elderly who is unable to fast, or fasting is so difficult to him has permission to break fast in Ramadan. Then they must feed a poor person for each day of Ramadan.
If the old person reaches dementia, that he is no longer sane. Then religious duty is removed from him, he does not have to fast or feed the poor.
Reason Four: Traveling
It is permissible for a traveler for lawful purpose to break the fast according to the consensus of the scholars. Unless he intends to circumvent the fast, then it is not permissible for him to break the fast.
Virtues of the Month of Ramadan
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Fasting and observing Qiyam in Ramadan forgives the previous sins.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.” (Agreed upon).
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Observing Qiyam at Lailat-ul-Qadr forgives the previous sins
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whosoever performs Qiyam during Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah’s reward, will have his former sins forgiven.“
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Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj with the Prophet – Pbuh –
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj.”
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Gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed
Abu Hurairah reported that The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Agreed Upon)
Good Deeds in Ramadan
Fasting in ramadan
Allah, the Exalted, made fasting in Ramadan a reason for the forgiveness.
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet – Pbuh – said: “He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.”
Real Fasting to Get the Reward
In order to get this great reward, one must observe a real fast. Fasting is not merely abstaining from food, drink and lust. Rather, the true fasting person is the one whose limbs fast from sins.
So eyes fast from looking at what is forbidden. Ears fast from hearing what is prohibited, such as lies, backbiting, gossip and all kinds of falsehood. Hands fast from oppression, and feet fast from walking to what is forbidden. Tongue fast from lying, backbiting, obscenity and false speech.
Qiyam or Tahajud (night prayer)
The Prophet – Pbuh – urged to pray the night prayer in Ramadan, and explained that it is a reason for forgiveness. It is permissible for a Muslim to pray it as many rak’ahs as he wants, and the honorable companions were keen to perform night prayer in Ramadan. For example, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab – may Allah be pleased with him – used to pray until midnight.
Women are not to be prevented from attending the Qiyam prayer in the mosque as long as she adheres to the legal regulations and etiquette that they must follow. That includes the commitment to the legal Hijab, and avoiding perfume and adornment.
Reading Quran in ramadan
The month of Ramadan is highly related to the Quran, not like the rest of the months. That is because the Quran was revealed in it. Allah Almighty said: {The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.}
Ibn Abbas reported that “the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur’an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind.”
This hadith proves the recommendation of reciting and studying the Quran in Ramadan, especially at night. For the night is that time when concerns dismiss, and determination is stronger to contemplate the word of Allah, the Almighty.
Allah says: {Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue]1 and more suitable for words.} [Muzzamel: 6]
The righteous, may Allah have mercy on them, had an amazing diligence in reciting the Qur’an in Ramadan. Rather, they used not to engage in anything else. Some of them complete reciting the Qur’an in the prayer during Ramadan every three nights, some of them do every seven days, and some of them every ten.
Charity in ramadan
The Prophet – Pbuh – was keen in Ramadan to give a lot of charity. Ibn Abbas reported that “the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan”
Al-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, said: I like for a man to increase his generosity during the month of Ramadan, following the example of the Messenger of Allah – Pbuh. Moreover, fulfilling the people’s need during Ramadan, for many of them are preoccupied with fasting and prayer over their earnings.
One kind of generosity in Ramadan is giving food to a fasting person to break his fast.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “He who provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.“
Making Duaa in ramadan
The month of Ramadan is highly related to making Du’aa.
Allah says in the middle of the verses talking about fasting: {And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided}
Abu Hurairah reported that Allah’s Messenger said: “There are three whose supplications are not turned back: A just ruler, and a fasting person until he breaks his fast. And, the supplication of one who has been wronged is raised by Allah up to the clouds on the Day of Resurrection, and the gates of heaven are opened for it, and Allah says, ‘By My Might I will help you (against the wrongdoer) even if it is after a while.“
The Last 10 Days of Ramadan
The Prophet – Pbuh – used to venerate these ten days, and strive hard in them.
Lady Aisha tells us about the activity of the Messenger of Allah in these ten days, saying: ” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to strive more in worship during Ramadan than he strove in any other time of the year; and he would devote himself more (in the worship of Allah) in the last ten nights of Ramadan than he strove in earlier part of the month.” [Narrated by Muslim]
She also said: “When the last ten nights began Allah’s messenger prepared himself for religious exercises, stayed awake at night and wakened his family.”
I’tikaf in the Last ten Days of Ramadan
I’tikaaf is staying in the mosque for worshipping Allah in a specific manner, whether that is by a man or a woman. I’tikaaf is recommended at any time. It is highly recommended in Ramadan, especially at the last days searching for Laylat al-Qadr.
I’tikaaf aims:
- Clearing the heart of all worldly relationships
- Coming close to Allah
- Turning to Alllah alone
The prophet – Pbuh – used to observe I’tikaaf at the last ten days of Ramadan. Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to observe I’tikaf every year (during Ramadan) for ten days; in the year in which he passed away, he observed I’tikaf for twenty days.”
Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree)
The Night of Power
One of the characteristics of the last ten days of Ramadan is the laylatul qadr (Night of Decree). The Night of Decree is the greatest of the year nights.
Allah says: {The Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months.}
Anas b. Malik told of Allah’s messenger saying when Ramadan began, “This month has come to you, and it contains a night which is better than a thousand months. He who is deprived of it is deprived of all good, but only those who are denied prosperity are deprived of it.“
Praying at the Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree) is the reason for forgiveness.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whosoever performs Qiyam during Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah’s reward, will have his former sins forgiven.“
‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He (ﷺ) replied, “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).“
Zakat al-Fitr in ramadan
Allah ordained for us, at the end of the month of Ramadan, acts of worship that complement Ramadan and increase us in goodness. Allah ordained Zakat al-Fitr to purify fasting person from mistakes and false talking as well as to be a help for the poor.
Zakat al-Fitr shall be paid for the free, the slave, male, female, young, or old. Ibn Umar said that Allah’s Messenger (way peace be upon him) prescribed the payment of Zakat-ul-Fitr (on breaking the fast) of Ramadan for people, for every freeman, or slave, male and female among the Muslims-one sa’ of dried dates, or one sa’ of barley”
It is obligatory for a Muslim, who owns food more than what he and his family needs for the night and day of Eid, to pay Zakat al-Fitr. It shall be paid on himself as well as those who is responsible for. Zakat al-Fitr shall be paid before Salat al-Eid, otherwise it will be considered like a normal charity.
Takbeer and Eid Al Fitr prayer
It is one of the rituals of religion that Muslim remember Allah and thank him at the end of Ramadan. Allah says after mentioning the month of Ramadan: {and [Allah wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.}.
So it is recommended to say takbeer and thank Allah for his guidance and help in Ramadan.
The time for takbeer begins from sunset of the last day of Ramadan and continues until the Eid prayer.
Most Prominent Battles in Ramadan
The month of Ramadan is the month of conquests, victories and heroism, in which great victories and brilliant conquests were achieved, and the banners of Muslims rose high.
Whoever flips the papers of history will find great Muslim victories happen in the month of Ramadan. These battles and victories confirm that the month of Ramadan is the month of glory, conquest and empowerment. Among the most prominent of these battles and invasions:
On the seventeenth of Ramadan of the second year of the Hijrah.
On the tenth of Ramadan of the eighth year of Hijrah.
In Ramadan in the fifteenth year of the Hijrah, led by Saad bin Abi Waqqas.
In Ramadan in the year 92 AH, led by Tariq bin Ziyad.
In the south of the state of Spain today, it was in Ramadan in the year 479 AH.
In Ramadan 685, led by Sultan Qutuz and the military commander Baibars.
In Ramadan 584 AH, led by Salah al-Din.
In Ramadan in the year 1393 AH, in which the Egyptian forces were able to defeat the Zionist forces. The Egyptian armies crossed the Suez Canal and shattered the myth of the indomitable “Israeli Army”. They destroyed the Bar Lev Line, thank Allah.
Fasting the Six Days of Shawwal
When Ramadan ends, Muslims would about to start a new act of worship.
It’s fasting 6 days of Shawwal. Shawaal is a blessd month, and a month of obedience. Muslims start to prepare themselves for Hajj in Shawwal.
Prophet Mohammed urged Muslim Ummah to observe fasting 6 days of Shawwal as saying: on the authority of Aub Ayyub, may Allah be pleased with him, “He who observes As-Saum (the fasts) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year.”
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