Fasting inRamadan–A Guide for New Muslims

Fasting inRamadan–A Guide for New Muslims
www.newmuslims.org.uk
What is fasting
• Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam
• Fasting is to abstain from consumption and certain acts between the start of dawn and sunset
• Many other faiths have or had types of fasting prescribed upon them
• Fasting in Islam is an act of worship done solely for the sake of Allah
Virtues of fasting
• The one who fasts will get multiple rewards from Allah
• Fasting is a shield from the fireof Hell
• In the hereafter, fasting will intercede for the one who fasted
• The one who fasts will be allowed to enter paradise through a special gate called Ar-Rayyaan
The Islamic month of Ramadanand its virtues
• The commencement and ending of Ramadan is dependent upon the sighting of the new moon
• It is theninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and can consist of 29 or 30 days
• It is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed
• In the month of Ramadan the Shayateen are chained up
• The one who fasts sincerely in Ramadan can have his entire sins forgiven
Upon whom it is obligatory to fastin Ramadan
• It is obligatory for all to fast during the month of Ramadan
• Those who are exempt are
o Menstruating women and post natal
o Childrenbelow the age of puberty
o The insane
o The sick (short term during which fasting would harm health and long term)
o The elderlywho find it difficult to fast
o Pregnant and breastfeeding womenwho fear for themselves or the child
o The travellerwho has difficulty in fasting
Starting of the fast and its manners
• The start time of the fast is calledimsak, suhooror sehri
• This is just before twilight appears at the start of true dawn (Fajr)
• It is recommended to eat a meal called suhoor close to the time of true dawn
• If not a meal, one should at least have a sip of water
An intention to fast should be madebefore the fast

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Ending of the fast and its manners • The time of opening the fast is called iftaar • It is when the sun sets (Maghrib) • It is recommended to open the fast with dates, if not then water • It is recommended to supplicate at the time of opening the fast ذهب الظمأ وابتلت العروق وثبت الأجر إن شاء الله Dhahaba azh-zhama’u, wa abtallat il-‘urooqu, wa thabata al-ajr insha’Allah The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills. Factors that break the fast • The person who is fasting is not permitted to eat or drink anything forthe duration of the fast • The person should not engage in any sexual relations or acts either • Deliberate vomiting breaks the fast • Smoking also breaks the fast Factors that do not break the fast • To clean the teeth using a miswak is actually recommended • If one wakes up junoob (major ritual impurity needing a ritual bath) this does not affect the fast • Having a showeror rinsing the mouth does not break the fast, but care must be taken not to swallow water • Forgetfully eating or drinking does not break the fast • Accidental vomiting does not break the fast Recommended actions when fasting in Ramadan • All good deeds are multiplied during Ramadan, so general good deeds should be increased • It is recommended to read the whole Qur’an during Ramadan, or as much as one can • Taraweehprayers are offered congregationally in the mosques after Esha • It is more likely that Du’as are accepted from the fasting person during Ramadan • It is also recommended to be generous and give charity • It is recommended to feed a fasting person when it is time to open the fast Things which should be avoided when fasting in Ramadan • Fasting is offered to Allah and acceptance may depend on the fasting persons behaviour • Arguing,fighting and using bad languagemay adversely affect the fast • It is prohibited to tells lies and backbite generally, but more so when fasting • Watching films with possible questionable content, listening to music, or doing other things which waste time may also affect the fast or even erase the reward altogether

The Night of Qadr

• The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most virtuous
• In these nights worship should increase
• The Night of Qadr occurs in the last ten nights
• It occurs in one of the odd nights, most people think it is likely to be the 27th night of Ramadan
• The Night of Qadr is worth more than a thousand months
• It is a great opportunity to increase the good deeds
• Some people stay in amosque in seclusion (I’tikaf) for these ten days and nights

Making up missed fasts

• A perpetual fast will never make up for one missed fastin Ramadan
• Some people who cannot fast can feed the needy to absolve themselvesby paying fidya (an amount enough
to feed a person for a day)
• One who misses a fast due to a valid reason, or breaks a fast would usually have to make it up
• The one who breaks the fast with sexual relations may need to make up with sixty consecutive fasts

Wisdom and benefits of fasting

• Fasting makes us empathize with those who are less fortunate than ourselves
• Fasting helps us to be grateful to our Creator for the blessings He has given us
• Fasting also allows us to control our desires and increase our will power
• Sharing food with friends and family strengthens family ties and friendships
• Fasting increases the awareness of Allah and heightens spirituality during the fasting period
• Proper fasting should regulate our eating habits and prevent obesity
• Fasting is recommended by many scientific and medical experts as being good for the health