Ramadan 1445 (2024)

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The month of Ramadan is highly honored by Allah, His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as well as Muslims throughout generations.

In the Qur’an, Allah mentions Ramadan by name and refers to it in different verses. Allah Almighty says:

“The month of Ramadan 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, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you, and (He desires) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful.” (Al-Baqarah 2:185)

So, the month of Ramadan is the month of Qur’an, fasting, Remembrance of Allah, `itikaf, visiting Muslims, getting your heart ready to receive the light of this month.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say these words when the month of Sha`ban draws to a close, “O Muslims! A noble and generous month has come to you. A month in which a night is better than one thousand months and this month is the month of charity, patience, and mercy. In this month the gates of Paradise become wide open and the gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are chained…” (An-Nasa’i)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) urged us to fast, not only from food and drink, but also to refrain from any bad behavior, whether it is against one’s self, the society or the humanity at large.

Had the Muslims really known the status of Ramadan in Allah’s Sight, they would have wished if the whole year is Ramadan.

 Health Guidelines on Eating in Ramadan AVOID:

  •  Fried and fatty foods. These can upset your stomach and give you indigestion and heartburn
  •  Foods containing too much sugar, especially at suhoor. These can cause your blood sugar levels to drop too quickly and can cause headaches, dizziness and tiredness
  •  Over-eating especially at suhoor. This can lead to indigestion, heartburn and constipation
  •  Too much tea at suhoor: Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.
  • EAT:
  •  Slow-digesting foods at Suhoor. These last longer in the body thus making you feel less hungry
  •  Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium
  •  Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat
  •  Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates
  • DRINK:
  •  As much water or fruit juices as possible between Iftar and bedtime so that your body can adjust fluid levels in time.
  • 7 You should not make du’a for anything that is haram or that involves harming certain people
  • 8 You must be patient in having your du’a accepted
  • 9 Be confident and have belief in Allah that He will accept your du’a
  • 10 It is recommended to repeat your du’a three times
  • 11 The best of prayers are the du’as of the Prophet [saw]*

                Adapted from As-Sayyid Sabiq, Fiqh us-Sunnah, American Trust Publications, 1991, Vol IV

RAMADHAAN THE MONTH OF BLESSINGS

 

  • Ramadhaan is a month of countless blessings and virtues. The word Ramadhaan is derived from "ramdh" which means "burning of the feet from heat" This is because of the fast, which burns the sins of a Muslim into ashes.
  • Ramadhaan has been given the name of blessed month because:
  • In this month, the whole Qur'aan was sent down to the first sky from Lauh-e-Mahfooz.
  • In this month, there is the night of Qadr which is better than loco months.
  • In this month, the thawaab of good deed is equal to the Fardh of another month.
  • This is the month of patience and the reward of this patience is Jannah.
  • This month teaches the lesson of kindness towards others.
  • In this month, the daily-bread of Muslims is increased.
  • In this month, the first ten days are of mercy, second ten days are of forgiveness and the last ten days are of being freed from Hell.
  • The month of Ramadhaan is a month in which the Mercy and Blessings of Allah ta'aalaa descend upon us continuously.
  • This month is so precious that one should fast, recite Qur'aan and keep himself engaged in worship (Ibaadah) day night. One should perform Taraaweeh, Nafl Salaat, make du'aaetc. In this way, by giving preference to religion over self-desires, a person can acquire the  Pleasure and Nearness of Allah. Each day and night of this blessed month can bring the  reward of Ibaadah of years.

The Even though fasting in Ramadan is obligatory upon every able Muslim, Allah Has pardoned and excused certain people from the act of fasting if they are unable to fast during Ramadan due to certain legitimate reasons. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), Allah Has clearly mention that sick people and travelers are exempted from fasting during Ramadan. However, in the light of this Aya and according to many scholars, following people are also exempted from fasting:

1- Physical or Mentally ill people.

2- Travelers.

3- Women during menstruation.

4- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

5- Elderly People (if fast will further deteriorate their health).

6- Children who have not reached puberty.


Common Factors which nullifies the Fast

 

 

Following are some common factors which nullifies the fast of a person:

1- Medication taken through nose or ears.

2- Intentionally vomit mouth full.

3- Water accidentally goes down the throat whilst gargling.

4- Ejaculate because of contact with a woman.

5- Swallow items that are not normally eaten, like a stick or a piece of iron.

6- Smoke a cigarette.

7- After eating or drinking forgetfully, one assumes his fast is broken and thereby continues to eat intentionally.

8- Eating after Suhoor / Subh Sadiq / Sehri (starting time of Fast before Fajr Salah) with the impression of it being before Suhoor / Subh Sadiq.

9- To make Iftar (time of breaking fast after Maghrib Salah) before sunset with the impression of it being after sunset.

MONTH OF ALLAH’S BLESSINGS

The month of Ramadan is an opportunity given by the Gracious Creator for His servants to come close to Him, seek forgiveness for their sins, and fulfillment of their needs. Allah Has said in Quran:

 

“… and men who fast and women who fast, … Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a mighty reward.”

(Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:35)

 

All past sins of a fasting person will be forgiven:

It was narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A.) that Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) said:

 

“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and hope for reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 38)

 

Gates of Heaven are opened

It was narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A.) that Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said:

 

"When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained."

(Sahih Bukhari: 1899)

 

Reward of all good deeds are increased by Seventy Times

Salmaan Farsi (R.A.) says that on the last day of Shabaan, Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.) spoke us and said:

 

‘O People, there comes to you a great month now, a most blessed month, in which is a night greater in value and goodness than a thousand months. It is a month in which Allah Has made fasting fardh (obligatory) by day and has made Sunnah the Taraweeh Salah by night. Whosoever wants to be close to Allah by doing any good deed, for such person shall be the reward like the one who had performed a fardh in any other time and whoever performs a fardh (obligation), shall be given the reward of seventy faraaidh (obligations) in any other time.’

(Ref: Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith No. 1887)  

                                                                               THINGS TO DO IN THIS MONTH

 

Four things have be instructed in the Hadeeth which one should continue to practice in abundance:

  • Recite the Kalimah Tayyibah.
  • Make Istighfaar.
  • Ask for Jannah.
  • Seek refuge in Allah from Hell.

In this month one should fast, perform all Salaat with congregation, engage in recitation of the Qur'aan, perform Taraaweeh, give charity and do whatever is possible to acquire the Pleasure of Allah. One should make sure that he does not do anything contrary to the Command of Allah and the teachings of His beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

FASTING

In Ramadhaan, Allah has made fasting compulsory. It is one of the five pillars of Islaam. Just like the flower which outsmarts other flowers in its smell and colour, and like the fruit which surpasses the other fruits in its taste, the Ibaadah of fasting outweighs the other forms of devotions in reward. A person gives up everything whilst fasting, only to please his Almighty Creator. It is one of the most accepted forms of Ibaadah, because Allah Himself will give the reward for fasting.

SEHRI

Allah and His Angels send Mercy upon those who eat Sehri. Allah has made Sehri full of mercy and blessings. People of other religions also fast, but they do not eat Sahri, therefore, to differ from them, it is advisable to have at least a sip of water with the intention of Sehri before morning. After all, Sehri is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophetsallallahu alayhi wasallam.

IFTAAR

Many virtues have been narrated for those who feed others when breaking fast. A person who feeds another who fasted in order to break the fast (at sunset), for him there shall be forgiveness and emancipation from the fire of Hell. Allah grants the same reward to him who gives a fasting person a mere date or a drink of water to break his fast.

TARAAWEEH

In Ramadhaan, Allah has made 20 rak'at Taraaweeh Sunnah. It is also Sunnah to complete the full Qur'aan in Taraaweeh. Taraaweeh is Sunnah for women too.

LAYLATUL QADR

This is a night of great blessings. It is better than a thousand months. The people of the past had very long lives compared to the much shorter lives of this Ummah. If this Ummah then wished to compete with them in doing of the good deeds, it would mean that because of the shorter lives it would be impossible for this Ummah to either emulate or surpass them. For this reason, Allah in His Infinite Mercy granted this Ummah, this night of great blessing. This night has great virtues i.e.

  1. The Qur'aan was revealed in this night.
  2. The reward of worship in this night is better than the reward of 1000 months.
  3. On this night, Jibra'eel descends to the earth with a group of angels, reciting salaam and praying for the blessings for those they see in Worship and Praises Allah.
  4. This is a night of peace. The blessings and mercy descends right until the break of day. The author of Mazahir-e-Haqq states the following significance and virtues of this auspicious night:
  • On this night, the angles were created.
  • On this night, the matter from which Adam alayhis salaam was created had been collected.
  • On this night, Jannah and Jahannam were created.
  • On this night, 'Eesaa alayhis salaam was raised up bodily into the heavens.
  • On this night, the repentance of Banoo Israa'eel was accepted.

It is stated in a Hadeeth: Whosoever stands in Ibaadah on this night with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.

Bukhaari, Muslim

WHICH NIGHT IS LAYLATUL QADR

There is a difference of opinion amongst the ulamaa about this night. According to the vast majority of them, the Laylatul Qadr falls on the odd dates of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhaan - i.e. 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. However, one should strive to search for this great night in all nights of the month of Ramadhaan, particularly in the last ten nights.

I'TIKAAF

 

It was the general practice of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam to perform i'tikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadhaan. The women should also try to perform i'tikaaf in their homes. It is stated in a Hadeeth: Whoever performs i'tikaaf in the final ten days of Ramadhaan, for him is the reward of Hajj and Umrah.

Ensure during fasting

1- Keep Fast during Ramadan with only intention to seek reward from Allah.

2- Perform your five prayers on time in congregation (Jamah).

3- Give food to fasting people and also give lot of charity.

4- If possible, perform Umrah during Ramadan as it is equal to Hajj in reward. (Tirmidhi: 939)

5- Preserve yourself from doing any bad deed such as lying, cursing, backbiting and slander etc.

6- Increase in remembrance of Allah, seeking of forgiveness, asking for Paradise and protection from hell.

7- Offer more voluntary Salah (Nawafil). Increase in supplication for yourself, your parents, your children and Muslims.

 

So Ramadan is a month of worship and contemplation. Every Muslim should prepare themselves to receive blessings from Allah during this month by standing in prayer, asking for Allah’s forgiveness, worship with sincere faith and hoping for Allah’s reward (in both worlds).

Family Routines :


A Muslim family usually rises about 4:00 a.m. before the first of dawn and eats a modest, breakfast-like meal called suhur. After the meal, the family performs the morning prayer, and depending on the circumstances, the family goes back to bed or begins the day. Particularly during the long summer months, people often take a nap in the late afternoon after work or school. At sunset, family members break the fast with a few dates and water, and depending on the culture, other light foods such as soup, appetizers or fruit. This is referred to as iftar which means “breaking the fast.” After performing the sunset prayers, the family eats dinner. Inviting guests to break the fast or going to someone else’s house for iftar is very common in Ramadan. Many families then go to the mosque for the night prayer and a special Ramadan prayer called taraweeh. After completing their prayers, the families return home around 11:45 p.m. (All of these times vary depending on the time of year, with shorter days in the winter and longer days in the summer.)

Interesting Facts About Ramadan;

 

Did you know the rewards for charity are greater during the month of Ramadan?  Did you know the word “Ramadan” stems from the word “heat”?  Interesting enough?
 
Here are some basic, but interesting facts about Ramadan.  Read on to find out more.

 

v  Ramadan falls on the ninth lunar month in the Islamic Calendar. The lunar calendar means the start of each month is based on various factors, such as the sighting of the moon. Therefore, like all Islamic months, the month of Ramadan rotates every year.

v  The month of Ramadan is believed to be the month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as a guidance for all mankind.

v  Ramadan is the month of fasting. Fasting (sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

v  In between the hours of sunrise and sunset, fasting isn’t just accomplished by abstaining from food and drink. It involves refraining from sinful acts such as cursing, lying, bad intentions and sexual relations; amongst many other things. These can negate the validity of a fast.

v  The beginning of a fast is initiated with a dua (prayer) of niyah (intention).

v  Eating dates is a popular way to break the fast. It is said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used dates to break his fast with. But what is actually in a date? The health benefits of dates are vast. They contain natural sugars, are high in fibre, are excellent for digestion, high in countless vitamins and nutrients, and so much more!

v  Ramadan is an auspicious month for generosity and giving. The sawab (reward) for charity and benevolence in this month are immense. It is known as a month of humbleness and simplicity, and to remember those who are less fortunate than us. Many people choose to commit to Ramadan donations in this month. Some opt to contribute regularly, some dedicate their time to one of the many campaigns, and some volunteer to help in fundraising towards a good cause.

v  Ramadan concludes with Eid ul-Fitr, a celebration which follows the period of fasting. It is commonly known as a day of joy and thanking Allah for the strength in accomplishing the spiritual month. It is a day of gratitude, prayers, unity and happiness. For a large number of people, the day usually consists of attending the Mosque, praying, visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, giving to charity, and a lot of eating!

v  In effect, however, Ramadan isn’t the same for everyone. There are people out there who observe Ramadan without the suhoor to begin their fast, nor the iftar to break it.

 

 

The month of Ramadan is a blessing. A time to reflect on cleansing, prayer, religion, and remembrance of those around us.
 

10 things to do on The  last 10 days Ramadan :

 

Here are 10 things we can do in Ramadan’s last ten blessed days.

 

 

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, used to strive hard (in worship) during the last ten days of Ramadan in a way that he did not strive at any other times (Muslim).

1. Pay Zakat

Many Muslims plan to pay this obligatory pillar of Islam yearly at some point in Ramadan, to benefit from the greater spiritual reward attached to charity during the month. If you haven’t already, do so this month, keeping in mind needy relatives, neighbors, as well as current hot spots of suffering (this year, please consider East Africa, where millions are enduring a famine, many even as they fast).

2. Pay Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr allows needy families to enjoy the Eid holiday. Pay this to your local Masjid or an organization of your choice well before Eid-ul-Fitr in these last 10 days of Ramadan.

3. Up your giving

 Remember that Allah is al-Razzaq, the Provider, and that that the Prophet reminded us that “charity does not decrease wealth” (Muslim).

4. Attend Tarawih more than you have all month

If you haven’t been able to attend Tarawih prayers most of the  month of Ramadan due to work or other commitments, make a special effort to go in these last 10 days. Even if you decide to pray only eight units of prayer in a Masjid that normally offers 20, you will benefit from the sense of community and the blessings of congregational prayer.

To be able to stay awake for Tarawih, try your best to take a short nap after coming home from work or during your lunch hour. Also, try not to overeat during Iftar, making it more likely you will be sluggish and sleepy come Tarawih time.

5. Connect to Laylatul Qadr with more Qur'an reading

Muslims are encouraged to seek the night of Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. This is the night that is described as better than a thousand months (Quran 97:3), and it is the one on which the Quran’s revelation began.

Apart from seeking to do more good than usual, in specific, push yourself to finish reading at least a couple of parts of the Quran, preferably in Arabic and English. Cut or drastically reduce television, Facebook, and socializing time to accomplish this goal.

6. Call your relatives to make Eid plans

Islam puts a premium on maintaining family ties. If you haven’t been able to keep in touch with relatives, use these last 10 days to call or shoot them an email or text about getting together for Eid-al-Fitr.

7. Shop and give

As you shop for Eid or back to school items for yourself or your kids, pick up a few extra clothes or supplies and drop them off at various sites collecting these things for those in need.

8. Make your last fasts really count

If you’ve caught yourself succumbing to un-Ramadan-like habits while fasting, make an extra special effort in these last days of the month to become conscious of these behaviors and stop them before they start. These can range from swearing, backbiting, talking about frivolous things, watching television shows or movies with sexual innuendo or jokes, etc.

9. Set your alarm for Tahajjud

It’s hard getting up for Suhoor, so why make the effort for Tahajjud? This blessed time is one in which Allah is very close, answering prayers and offering forgiveness, in particular (Bukhari). Multiply that by the fact that it’s Ramadan and you’ve got an exceptional opportunity to really connect with God and ask for all that you need or want.

10.  Maximize you DUA

Use as many of Ramadan’s last minutes to make plenty of Dua. These include not only the standard supplications recommended for everyday use (e.g. before and after eating, dressing, entering and leaving the home, etc.), and those seeking God’s Mercy and Forgiveness. Truly pour your heart out, asking from the One Who already knows your needs and wants and faces no barriers to fulfilling them. 

 

 

 

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