Islam

The merits of Fasting in the month of Ramazan

Kalabooshanam

M.Y.M. Meeadh

The fourth principle of Islam is fasting in the month of Ramazan. It is obligatory upon all Muslims except the sick, and the young ones. It is prescribed by Allah for the benefit of all ground of physical, mental and spiritual health.

Fasting enjoys in the eyes of God a grace unparalleled by other acts of piety and worship. In a Qudsi Hadith (utterance attributed to God outside the Quran) Allah says: “All man’s work belongs to him. A good deed is repaid from 10 fold to 700 times. God said: Fasting belongs to me and I repay.

From the above Hadith Qudsi, we clearly understand that merit of fasting is personally decided by Allah in an immeasurable manner. A man gains an immeasurable merit from Allah for his sincere fasting by controlling his desire for food and drink while guarding himself from, satanic acts.

The Prophet Muhammed (Sal) said: By he in whose hands Muhammad’s soul rests Allah prefers the stench of the mouth of he who fasts to the scent of musk.

From the about Hadith, it is quite evident that Allah loves those who observe fasting for the sake of Allah.

Al Bukhari and Muslim both reported that Prophet (Sal) said.

“With the advent of Ramazan the Portals of Paradise are opened, the gates to hell are closed and the devils are chained” from this declaration, we understand that a favourable environment is created by Allah for us to observe fasting without any obstacle from any satanic act.

The reward for fasting is offered before hand as an incentive for all pious Muslims.

According to Abuhturairah (Rali) the Prophet (sal) said at the beginning of Ramazan: a glorious and blessed month has come. Allah ordained that you fast during it; during this the Portals of Paradise are opened, the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained. In this month there is one night which is worth more than 1000 months. From this, we understand that pious Muslims can gain more merits from fasting in the Month of Ramazan.

The Prophet (sal) said: whoever fasts during Ramazan out of faith seeking no reward will have all his past sins forgiven from this hadith, we clearly understand that all our past sins will be forgiven by Allah because of our pious fasting in the month of Ramazan.

Abuhturairh (Rali) reported that Prophet also said, “whoever breaks the fast even for one day in Ramazan without any legitimate reason cannot compensate for it by a period of fasting at another time during the period.

Therefore, all healthy Muslims should make up their minds to observe fasting piously in order to gain all the merits from Allah.

A Blessed month of a special nature

What the Quran says about Fasting

“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.”

(Al-Qur’an, 2:183-184 (Al-Baqara))

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Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars upon which the structure of Islam is built. The other four are the declaration of one’s belief in God’s oneness and in the message of Muhammad (peace be upon him), regular attendance to prayer, payment of zakah (i.e. obligatory charity), and the pilgrimage.

If we examine these five pillars, taking into account the fact that Islam aims at improving the quality of human life at both the individual and social levels, we find that the first of these five pillars is concerned with beliefs which influence man’s conduct. The second, i.e. prayer, provides a constant reminder of man’s bond with God. Zakah, the third pillar, is a social obligation which reduces the gap between the rich and the poor, while the fifth, i.e. the pilgrimage, has a universal aspect that unites the Muslim community throughout the world.

Fasting in Ramadan, which is the fourth of these pillars, has a particularly high importance, derived from its very personal nature as an act of worship. Although in a Muslim country it is extremely difficult for anyone to defy public feelings by showing that one is not fasting, there is nothing to stop anyone from privately violating God’s commandment of fasting if one chooses to do so. This means that although fasting is obligatory, its observance is purely voluntary. The fact is that fasting cannot be used by a hypocrite in order to persuade others of one’s devotion to God. If a person claims to be a Muslim, he is expected to fast in Ramadan. On the other hand, a person fasting voluntarily at any other time should not tell others of the fact. If he does, he detracts from his reward for his voluntary worship. In fact, people will find his declaration to be fasting very strange and will feel that there is something wrong behind it.

This explains why the reward God gives for proper fasting is so generous.

In a sacred, or Qudsi hadith, the Prophet quotes God as saying: “All actions done by a human being are his own except fasting, which belongs to Me and I reward it accordingly.” This is a mark of special generosity, since God gives for every good action a reward equivalent to at least ten times its values. Sometimes He multiplies this reward to seven hundred times the value of the action concerned, and even more. We are also told by the Prophet that the reward for proper fasting is admittance into heaven.

It may be noted that we have qualified fasting that earns such great reward as being ‘proper’. This is because every Muslim is required to make his worship perfect. Perfection of fasting can be achieved through restraint of one’s feelings and emotions. The Prophet said that when fasting, a person should not allow himself to be drawn into a quarrel or a slanging match. He teaches us: “On a day of fasting, let no one of you indulge in any obscenity, or enter into a slanging match. Should someone abuse or fight him, let him respond by saying: ‘I am fasting! I am fasting!’”

This high standard of self-restraint fits in well with fasting, which is, in essence, an act of self-discipline. Islam requires us to couple patience with voluntary abstention from indulgence in physical desire. This is indeed the purpose of fasting. It helps man to attain a standard of sublimity, which is very rare in the practical world. In other words, this standard is actually achieved by every Muslim who knows the purpose of fasting and strives to fulfill it.

Fasting has another special aspect. It makes all people share in the feelings of hunger and thirst. In normal circumstances, people with decent income may go from one year’s end to another without experiencing the pangs of hunger which a poor person may feel every day of his life. Such an experience helps to draw the rich nearer to the poor. Indeed we are encouraged to be more charitable in Ramadan in order to follow the Prophet’s lead who was described by his companions as “the most generous of all people.” Yet he achieved in Ramadan an even higher degree of generosity. His companions say of him that he was in Ramadan “more generous and charitable than unrestrained wind.” Fasting has also a universal or communal aspect. As Muslims throughout the world share in this blessed act of worship, they feel their unity and equality. Their sense of unity is enhanced by the fact that every Muslim individual joins voluntarily in the fulfillment of this divine commandment.

The unity of Muslims is far from superficial; it is a unity of action and purpose, since they all fast in order to be better human beings. As a person restrains himself from the things he desires most, in the hope that he will earn God’s pleasure, self-discipline and sacrifice become part of his nature. He learns to give generously for a good cause.

The month of Ramadan is aptly described as a “festive season of worship.” Fasting is the main aspect of worship in this month, but people are more attentive to their prayers in Ramadan than they are in the rest of the year.

They are also more generous and charitable. Thus, their devotion is more complete and they feel in Ramadan much happier because they feel themselves to be closer to God. Therefore, they love this month, which is one of endless benefits and blessings. Indeed, nothing describes our great month better than the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as he addresses his companions and all generations of Muslims on the eve of Ramadan, saying:

“A great and blessed month is approaching. One of its nights is better than a thousand months. God has made fasting in it obligatory and worship in its nights voluntary. He who fulfils one religious obligation in it receives the reward of 70 such obligations fulfilled in other times. It is the month of perseverance and endurance, which can be rewarded only by admission into heaven. It is the month of comforting in which the means of a believer are improved.

He who gives food to another to break his fast is forgiven his sins; thus he saves his neck from hell. He is also given a similar reward to that given to the fasting person without detracting anything from the other’s reward... God gives this reward even to a person who offers another a piece of a date, a drink of water or milk... the beginning of this month is compassion, its middle is forgiveness and its end witnesses people’s release from the fire of hell.”

Adil Salahi I Arab News

Best Time to make a Du’a

Marshad Barry

Life is all about belief of the unseen, the unseen that is more powerful than all the riches of this world. “Oh Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful, grant me a peaceful life in this world and the other” a du’a. The only means of pleading with our Lord. A Du’a or a supplicating that makes us come close to Allah think of him and showing our faith to him, the unseen. It is very important to remember to ask Du’a which means Supplication at a time of need in our life. There are certain times due (supplication) is more likely to be accepted by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) as mentioned by Prophet (PBUH). These times are as follows: There are certain times du’a (supplication) is more likely to be accepted by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) as mentioned by Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam). These times are as follows:

1. The Last Third Of The Night

Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; “Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?”

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi]

Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘The closest any worshipper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.’

[At-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa’i, al-Hakim - Sahih]

2. Late at night

When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for whatever they need.

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘There is at night an hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs) every night.’

[Muslim #757]

3. Between Adhan and Iqamah

Anas (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.’

[Ahmad, abu Dawud #521, at-Tirmidhi #212, Sahih al-Jami #3408, an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound)]

4. An Hour on Friday

Narrated Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu ): Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) talked about Friday and said:

‘There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), then Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will definitely meet his demand.’ And he the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) pointed out shortness of that particular time with his hands.

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

Some have said that this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s leader) enters the mosque on Friday’s prayer until the prayer is over (ie between the two khutbahs), whereas others have said that it is the last hour of the day (ie after the Asr prayer until the Maghrib prayer).

(Note: when we say an hour here we do not mean the hour everyone knows (60 minutes) but an unspecified period of time because the time counters which we use today came after the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) had died.

5. While Drinking Zamzam Water

Jaber (Rali Allahu Anhu ) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.’

[Ahmad 3: 357 and Ibn Majah #3062]

This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness.... etc.

6. While Prostrating

Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu ) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam), said:

‘The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) much in it.

[Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa’i and others, Sahih al-Jami #1175]

When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so it is best to invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) at this time.

It is said that while in prostration, one should not ask for worldly needs (ie a nice car, a new job, etc), but for the Hereafter.

7. When Waking Up at Night

Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Whoever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai’in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) All the glories are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala),

He will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted.

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

8. At The End Of The Obligatory Salat

Narrated Abu Omamah (Rali Allahu Anhu ): that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) was asked, O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he said the end of the night and at the end of the obligatory Salat (prayer) [at-Tirmidhi] This time is after saying ‘At-tahyat’ , and before making Tasleem (finishing prayer)

9. The Night Of ‘Qadr’ (Decree)

This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) said about it, “The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months.”

[Surah al-Qadr, 97: 3]

The Night of Decree is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The angels descend down to the earth, and the earth is overwhelmed with peace and serenity until the break of dawn and when he doors of Paradise are opened, the worshipper is encouraged to turn to Allah to ask for his needs for this world and the Hereafter.

10. During The Rain

Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa’ad (Rali Allahu Anhu ): that the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain’.

[Al-Hakim 2: 114, and Abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah]

‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [Reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so, one should take advantage of this time when Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is having mercy on His slaves.

11. At the Adhan

‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [Reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

In another hadith; ‘When the prayer is called, the doors of the skies are opened, and the du’a is answered’ [al-Tayalisi in his Musnad #2106, al-Sahihah #1413]

12. The One Who Is Suffering Injustice and Oppression

The Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said to Mua’ad Ibn Jabal (Rali Allahu Anhu ), ‘Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)’

[Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]