That time of the year has come again when everyone around will stop eating and drinking from dawn till dusk in hopes of pleasing The One True God, The Almighty Allah. And surely so will you if you’re a Muslim for which Truly Yours brings you some facts everyone should know to carry out their Ramadan Fasting properly.
Significance of Ramadan: Fasting during the Ramadan had been made compulsory on Muslims during the second year of migration (Hijra) of The Prophet (pbuh) from Makkah to Medina in order to let them achieve piety and consciousness of Allah. It’s said in the Quran: “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may gain Taqwa (piety)” (2: 183) Muslims also engage themselves in reciting the Quran more often during this month because the noblest way of honouring the Quran is by reading it.
People who need to Fast: Every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty and is sane is obligated to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. So if you’re a Muslim and not a retard, you fall in the category. But Allah being as Merciful as He is has made fasting an exception for people who are of old age, who are ill and children. It is preferable for travellers to fast unless it causes them hardship for which they have to make up for later. Females having menstrual bleeding or post-natal bleeding and men incurring seminal ejaculation are also required to make up for the missed fasting days later.
Three Pillars of Fasting: The First Pillar is of course to make the intention of fasting. Now the intention is not just verbally reciting something your parents have told you to after eating Seheri. In fact, the verbal intention has not been legislated yet; the intention must be made in heart and before the break of dawn for the fast to be accepted. The second pillar is to keep away from things which break the fast from the Fajr to Maghrib. And the second pillar is to fast during the days of Ramadan and not during the night.
Induced Vomiting: If someone throws up unintentionally or swallows vomit (who’d do that?) then his/her fast is not broken but fasting Muslims are advised to keep away from things which might result in vomiting.
Eating or drinking unintentionally: As long as it’s accidental and unintentional, eating or drinking during the fast does not have to be made up for afterwards and the fast can recommence on as normal. Swimming is also permissible unless the swimmer has had beforehand experience of swallowing water more frequently than usual.
Maintaining your attitude: A fasting Muslim must not only restrain from eating and drinking but also from any undesirable act which displeases Allah. They must not see immoral things, hear music or vain speeches, swear or backbite, anger anyone or hit anyone, express anger on anyone and go to places which encourage unholy acts.
Breaking the Fast: When breaking the fast with odd number of dates or by drinking water, one must recite the following: Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'ala rizq-ika aftarthu. This means: O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance.
The last 10 days of Ramadan: The ten days which mark the end of Ramadan is said to be immensely holy especially because the night of Lailatul Qadr lies in one of the odd numbered dates. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to engage himself in excess prayers on this night because every act of worship will have a reward better than a thousand nights of worship. So, all believing Muslims are encouraged to utilize the last ten days of the month of Ramadan in acts of worship of The Almighty Allah and ask for His forgiveness.
The holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for Muslims everywhere to glorify Islam and ask for Allah’s forgiveness. And hope not but this could even be your last (Hint: next year is 2012). So, ask Allah to strengthen your faith and to bless you and everyone around you. Remember, if you can be a good person for a month, I’m sure eleven more would not be that hard.
Source: http://qa.sunnipath.com http://www.missionislam.com
