Fasting in Ramadan: Strengthening the Bond with Allah

Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar that offers believers a unique opportunity to strengthen their connection with Allah through fasting, prayer, and charity. The act of fasting in Ramadan is not just a religious obligation but also a spiritual discipline that purifies the soul and instills a sense of responsibility towards others. This blessed month reminds believers of the importance of self-control, humility, and generosity.

In this article, we will explore the significance of fasting in Ramadan, its connection to spiritual growth, the role of Zakat, and how this holy month transforms lives through piety and good deeds.

The Significance of Fasting in Ramadan

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, making it an essential practice for every Muslim. It is observed from dawn to sunset, where individuals refrain from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures. The purpose of fasting is not just to experience hunger but to achieve Taqwa (God-consciousness), as mentioned in the Quran:

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

By observing fasts, Muslims develop patience, gratitude, and a deeper awareness of their dependence on Allah. This sacred month also provides an opportunity to reflect on one's actions, seek forgiveness, and purify the soul from sins.

The Role of Zakat in Ramadan

Another fundamental aspect of fasting in Ramadan is the emphasis on charity, particularly Zakat. Zakat is a financial obligation upon those who are financially able to support the less fortunate. It purifies wealth and fosters a sense of responsibility towards society.

Why is Zakat Important?

1. Cleanses Wealth – Zakat removes greed and purifies one's earnings, ensuring a fair distribution of wealth.

2. Helps the Needy – The poor, orphans, and widows benefit from Zakat, which improves their standard of living.

3. Promotes Social Equality – By redistributing wealth, Zakat reduces social inequalities and fosters a sense of unity among Muslims.

4. Brings Spiritual Rewards – Giving Zakat in Ramadan multiplies the reward, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized its significance during this holy month.

"The best charity is that given in Ramadan." – (Tirmidhi)

Muslims are encouraged to increase their generosity during Ramadan by offering Zakat, Sadaqah (voluntary charity), and providing food to those in need.

The Spiritual and Moral Impact of Ramadan

Strengthening the Connection with Allah

One of the most profound impacts of fasting in Ramadan is its ability to strengthen the believer’s connection with Allah. It is a time when individuals devote themselves to prayer, recite the Quran, and seek divine mercy.

1. Prayers and Worship – Muslims engage in additional prayers like Taraweeh, which is performed at night, enhancing their spirituality.

2. Seeking Forgiveness – The month is known for Allah’s boundless mercy, where believers ask for forgiveness and strive to become better individuals.

3. Increasing Quran Recitation – Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed, making it a time to engage deeply with its teachings.

Developing Self-Control and Patience

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is a means of self-discipline. It teaches:

• Patience – Learning to endure hunger and thirst builds self-restraint.
• Gratitude – Appreciating the blessings of food, water, and shelter.
• Avoiding Sin – Fasting encourages moral behavior by controlling anger, gossip, and negative thoughts.

Understanding the Plight of the Poor

Fasting in Ramadan provides a glimpse into the hardships faced by the less fortunate. Many individuals struggle daily with hunger and poverty. By experiencing temporary deprivation, fasting instills empathy and a sense of responsibility towards those in need.

1. Encouraging Acts of Kindness – Sharing food and helping others becomes an essential practice.

2. Building a Supportive Community – Fasting unites people, fostering a sense of togetherness through communal iftars and charity.

3. Providing for Orphans and Widows – Special attention is given to those without support, ensuring they receive help during this blessed month.

Avoiding Distractions During Ramadan

In today’s digital age, distractions like social media, mobile phones, and entertainment can reduce the spiritual essence of Ramadan. Instead of indulging in these distractions, believers should focus on:

• Engaging in Zikr (remembrance of Allah)
• Performing extra voluntary prayers
• Spending quality time with family and community
• Avoiding idle talk and gossip

This ensures that Ramadan is spent in meaningful worship rather than mindless distractions.

The Rewards of Fasting and Worship in Ramadan

Ramadan is not just about personal reflection but also about reaping immense rewards. The Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr), which falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan, is described in the Quran as:

"The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)

The rewards for worship during this night are greater than a lifetime of devotion. Muslims strive to seek this night through prayer, supplication, and seeking forgiveness.

Fasting in Ramadan is much more than a physical act of abstinence; it is a spiritual journey that transforms lives. Through fasting, prayer, Zakat, and self-discipline, believers strengthen their connection with Allah, develop empathy for the needy, and purify their hearts.

As we observe fasting in Ramadan, it is essential to maximize this sacred month by engaging in acts of worship, seeking forgiveness, and giving generously to those in need. By doing so, we attain Allah’s mercy and ensure that Ramadan leaves a lasting impact on our lives.

May Allah grant us the ability to benefit from the blessings, mercy, and rewards of Ramadan. Ameen.

Also Read

• Ramadan Sehri Iftar TimeTable 2025
• Dua for Iftar and Sehri in Ramadan 
• #Ramadan Prayers | Duas to be read in Holy Month of #Ramadan
• Nafil Namaz (Salat and Dua) on Shabe Qadr | Prayers for Shab e Qadr
• Rules of Taraweeh Salat and Taraweeh Dua
• Do's and Dont's during fasting in the holy month of Ramadan
• All you want to know about #Zakat-ul-Fitr. FAQs of Zakat with videos
• How to perform Eid-ul-Fitr Namaz and Nawafil Namaz (Salat) on day of Eid-ul-Fitr
• Itikaf Niyat and Itikaf Dua in Ramadan
• How to perform Taraweeh Salat with Taraweeh Tasbih
• Taraweeh Namaz, Taraweeh Niyat and Taraweeh Dua (Tasbeeh-e-Taraweeh)

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Tips for Kids (Children): How to Fast in Holy Ramadan

Here are some tips for kids Fast during the holy month of Ramadan. 

There are five pillars of Islam and in that Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

 For Muslim kids, its very difficult to fast. We bring some of the tips which can help the chidern to fast during Ramadan

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Blessings of Sehari (Suhoor) in Ramadan

 Below are the few Blessings of Sehari (Suhoor) in Ramadan. May Allah bless each of us with his blessings. Aameen

» Eat Sahari because it is a blessed (food). [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 633, Hadith 1923]

» The distinguishing factor between us and the people of the book (Ahl al-Kitab) lies in eating Sahari. [Sahih Muslim, Page 552, Hadith 1096]

» Allah and His angels send mercy upon the people who eat Sahari. [Sahih Ibn Hibban, Vol. 5, Page 194, Hadith 3458]

» Eat Sahari to gain strength for fast and take rest (siesta) in the afternoon to gain strength for worshipping at night. [Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 3, Page 321, Hadith 1693]

» Sahari is a blessing Allah has granted you (therefore) do not miss it. [Sunan al-Kubra, Nasai, Vol. 2, Page 79, Hadith 2472]

» There are three people who will not be held accountable no matter how much they eat, provided the food is Halal: (a) A fasting person at the time of Iftar. (b) The one who eats at Sahari and (c) A warrior that protects the Islamic border in the path of Allah. [At-Targhib wat-Tarhib, Vol. 2, Page 90, Hadith 9]

» Sahari is full of blessings, so do not miss it even if you drink just a sip of water. Allah and His angels send mercy upon the people who consume Sahari. [Musnad Imam Ahmad, Vol. 4, Page 88, Hadith 11396]

» Sayyiduna Irbad bin Sariyah [Radi Allahu Anhu] has narrated that once the Beloved and Blessed Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) called him to eat Sahari with him during the month of Ramadan and said: ‘Come for a blessed breakfast.’ [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 2, Page 442, Hadith 2344]

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Special Blessings Of Ramadan (BAHAR-E-RAMZAN)

Five Special Blessings Of Ramadan

Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah (Radi Allahu Anhu) has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has stated, "In Ramadan, my Ummah has been gifted five such things which were not given to any other Prophet (Alayhim as-Salam) before me:

1. On the first night of Ramadan, Allah showers special mercy upon them and the one upon whom Allah showers special mercy will never be punished.

2. In the evening, Allah likes the smell emanating from their mouths (due to hunger) more than even musk.

3. Angels pray for their forgiveness every night and day.

4. Allah orders Heaven to be adorned for His (righteous) people and says, ‘Soon they will get rid of the grief of the world and find solace in My house and My bounties.’

5. On the last night of Ramadan, Allah forgives them all."

[At-Targhib Wat-Tarhib, Vol. 2, Page 56, Hadith 7]

--------------------------------------------------------------------

🌹🌺🌹🌺🌹🌺🌹🌺

💫BAHARE-RAMZAN💫

🌹🌺🌹🌺🌹🌺🌹🌺

↪PART :- 11.

💐SEHRI KHANE KI FAZEELAT.....

🍃Sehri khaaya karo kyon ki Sehri khane me har Luqme ke badle 60 baras ki ibadat ka sawab milta hai...

🍃AAQA SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM ka Farman hai
Sehri khao !
Kyunki Sehri me barkat hai
Jis ne ALLAH PAK Ki Raah ME Roza rakha to ALLAH PAK uske chehre ko Jahannum se 70 saal ki Musafat jitna door farma dayta hai.....

🍂Jis shaks ne Roze Rakhkar bhi jhoot bolna aur jhoot par amal karna na choda to ALLAH PAK ko is se koi Dilchuspi nahi ki wo bhuka aur pyasa rahe...

📚(Muslim Sharif 1153)

↪Mas,ala :-

🍃Sahri ka khana aur usme Takhir (deri) karna mustahab hai magar itni takhir makrooh hai ki subah saadiq hone ka shak ho jaye...

📚[Alamgeeri]

↪Mas,ala :-

🍂Iftaar me jaldi karna mustahab hai magar iftaar us waqt kare ki guroob ka gaalib gumaan ho  jab tak gumaan gaalib na ho iftaar na kare Agarche muazzin ne azaan kah di hai aur abr ke din me aftaar jaldi nahi karni chahiye.

📚[Bahare shariat]

🍂IBNE UMAR RADIYALLAHU T'ALA ANHUMA riwayat karte hain ki HUZOOR E AKRAM SALLALLAHU T'ALA ALEIYHI WASALLAM ne farmaya ki ALLAH T'ALA aur uske farishte Sahri khane walon par durood bhejte hain.

📚[Bahare shariat]

🍃Bukhari wa Muslim wa Ibne Maja Me ANAS RADIYALLAHU T'ALA ANHU se rawi ki HUZOOR E AKRAM SALLALLAHU T'ALA ALEIYHI WASALLAM ne farmaya ki Sahri khaao ki Sahri Khane me barkat hai,

🍂Muslim wa Aboo Daud wa Ibne Khuzaima AMR IBNE AAS RADIYALLAHU T'ALA ANHU se rawi ki HUZOOR E AQDAS SALLALLAHU T'ALA ALEIYHI WASALLAM farmate hain ki Humare aur Ahle kitaab ke Rozon me Farq Sahri ka Luqma hai. .....

📚[ Bahare shariat ]

↪HADITH:

🍃HAZRAT ABU HURAIRA RADI ALLAHU TA'ALA ANHU kehte hai ki NABI KAREEM SALALLAHU TA'ALA ALLAIHI WA SALLAM ne farmaya ki
Jab mahe RAMZAN ki paihli raat hoti hai to shayateen aur sarkash jin Qaid kar liye jate hai aur JAHENNUM ke darwaze band kar diye jate hai unme se koi darwaza khola nahi jata aur JANNAT ke darwaze khol diye jate hai aur unme se koi darwaza band nahi kiya jata aur Munaadi pukarte hai A khair ki talab karne wale mutawajje ho aur Aye burai ka irada rakhne wale burai se baaz reh aur ALLAH bahot se logon ko DOZAK se aazad karta hai aur har raat aisa hota hai .

📚(TIRMIZI-IBN-E-MAJAH)

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Types of Fasting in Ramadan - Significance of Fasting in Islam

Allah's Name (we) begin with, The Compassionate Most Merciful

As Salaatu Was Salaamu Alaika Ya Rasool'Allah صلٰى الله عليه و سلم

Baz’zaar, Ibn Khuzaima and Ibn Hib’ban reported from Amr bin Mur’rah Radi Allahu anhu that a person (once) said, ‘Ya Rasool’Allah Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallam tell me, if I bear testimony that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that you are the Rasool of Allah, and if I perform my five daily Namaaz, and give my Zakaat, and if I fast in Ramadaan, and if I remain standing (in Ibaadat) during the nights, then which category of people will I be in?’  He Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘(you will be) from amongst the Siddiqeen and the Shuhada.’

There are three levels of fasting:

1. The fasting of the common folk (i.e. Laymen): this is to withhold the stomach and private parts from eating, drinking and sexual intimacy.

2. The Fasting of the (spiritually) Elite: with the exception of the above, they protect their ears, eyes, tongues, hands, feet and their entire body from sinful acts.

3. The Fasting of the (spiritually) Super Elite: they abstain from everything which is not for the sake of Allah completely, and they direct their attention only to Him (Allah).  [Jauhira Nayyira]

Sag e Mufti e Azam

Muhammad Afthab Cassim Qaadiri Razvi Noori

Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre, Durban, South Africa

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Sixty Thousand Sinners Forgiven Every Night in Ramadan

Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Masud (Radi Allahu Anhu) has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has stated,

"At every night of Ramadan, an announcement is made in the skies till dawn, ‘O seeker of goodness! Complete (i.e. keep worshipping Allah) and rejoice, and O evil one! Give up your evil and take some lesson. Is there any seeker of forgiveness, his desire will be fulfilled? Is there anyone repenting, his repentance will be accepted? Is there anyone making Dua, his Dua will be accepted? Is there anyone who seeks anything, he will be bestowed what he wishes for?’ Each evening of Ramadan at the time of sunset, Allah Almighty frees sixty thousand sinners from Hell, and on the day of Eid, He forgives as many people as the total number of those who were freed throughout the month."

[Bayhaqi, Shu'ab al-Iman, Vol. 5, Page 221, Hadith 3334]

Message from :
Muhammad Afthab Cassim Qaadiri Razvi Noori
Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre, Durban, South Africa


Allah's Name (we) begin with, The Compassionate Most Merciful

As Salaatu Was Salaamu Alaika Ya Rasool'Allah
صلٰى الله عليه و سلم

Tomorrow here in Durban, South Africa marks the 29th Day of Sha'baan. In sha Allah if the moon of Ramadaan is sighted and the proper Shahaadat (testimony) is received as per the stipulations of Shariah, we will commence Ramadaan on Thursday, if not we will complete the counting of 30, as per the Hadith of Rasoolullah Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallam and the injunction of Shariah. We should attempt to follow the strict rule of Shariah in this, just as we are commanded to do so in all other issues of our Ibaadat. We should abstain from following the ways that have been implemented contrary to the Shariah, and especially from pre-set dates for Ramadaan. Allah bless us all with following the Shariah and protect us from following our desire. Aameen

It is in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim from Ibn Umar Radi Allahu anhu that Rasoolullah Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘Do not commence fasting unless you have seen the new moon, and do not make Iftaar (i.e. Do not end your fasts and make Eid) unless you have seen the new moon, and if it is cloudy, then complete the counting.’

It is also reported in Sahihain from Hazrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu anhu that Rasoolullah Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘Commence fasting by sighting the moon and end fasting by sighting the moon, and if it is cloudy, then complete the counting of 30 for Sha’baan.’

Important Law:  On the evening of the 29th of Sha’baan, one should look for the moon (of Ramadaan).  If it is seen, then one should keep fast on the following day, otherwise one should complete 30 days of Sha’baan and then commence the month of Ramadaan.  [Alamgiri]

Please go out in your numbers and make a sincere and dedicated effort to sight the moon. Hold firmly to this Sunnah of the Beloved Rasool Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallam. It is mentioned in the Hadith that, one who holds firmly to a  Sunnah of Rasoolullah Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallam in times of strife, will receive the reward of 100 Shaheeds (Martyrs).

Sag e Mufti e Azam

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What is Laylatul Qadr - Information on Shab-e-Qadr

Information on Shab-e-Qadr

Let's to analyze this topic with commentary, (tafseer) on chapter 97 of Al-Qur'an, Al-Qadir (the Night of Power).

Watch Speech on Shab E Qadr and its importance




Al-Qadr

This chapter (surah) was revealed in Makkah, and its basic theme is honoring the revelation of this blessed book, the Holy Qur`an. The Night of Power or honor is a special gift only to the community (Ummah) of Islam. The night is one which even the angels in the heavens see as worthy of witnessing. The night is so rich with holiness, as the night when good deeds are returned, and is equal to a thousand months in the sight of Al­lah.

In a report by Abi Hatim and Al-Wahidi, by way of Mujahid, the Messenger (saas) mentioned that there was a man among the Israelites who devoted his life to the cause of Allah for a thousand months. The companions were amazed and im­pressed, but were saddened because they knew there would be no way that they could reach this status of devotion. So Allah (SWT) revealed this surah to inform them that He had just blessed this Ummah with the Night of Honor, which is equal to a thousand months.

“We have indeed revealed it, (Al-Qur`an) in the Night of Power.”

In surah Al-Qadr Allah (SWT) clearly states:
"Surely We revealed it (the Holy Quran) on the grand night. And what will make you comprehend what the grand night. The grand night is better than a thousand months. The angels and Gabriel descend in it by the permission of their Lord for every affair, Peace! It is till the break of the morning." Holy Quran (97:1-5)

By revealing Al-Qur'an in the Night of Power, Allah (SWT) inaugurated or started its revelation for the beginning of the prophethood ('Bi'ethah), and the Prophet's mission of Al-Islam began in the month of Ramadan on that Night. Al-Qur'an was not revealed in one night; it was revealed over the course of 23 years.

Ibn Abbas (raa) said: The whole Qur'an was revealed to the lower heavens from the protective slate (Lawhul Mahfuz) on the Night of Power, then from there to the earth in the course of 23 years.

The word power, Al-Qadr, has several implications and mean­ing, but we cover only those implications which are relevant to the issues here.

Qadr implies having power over something, as in the case of the Creator over the creation. Allah's (SWT) excellence is Al-Qadr, capable, omnipotent, almighty, all powerful. It also im­plies excellence and high esteem, and as for this Night of Power, it is highly esteemed and regarded.

For this night is equal to over 80 years in the sight of Allah (SWT).
It also implies to maintain, appoint, assign or decree an order. Thus, in the Night of Power, Allah (SWT) proclaims to the an­gels His commands and orders in regards to the affairs of the universe. From this meaning is derived the concept of Al-Qada Wa Qadar, the fifth article of faith, that Allah has decreed or preordained or, in other words, has full knowledge of all that the human being will do with his free will. A man's decision to act freely in good conscience or bad conscience is all known to Allah (SWT), past, present and future.

Qadr also implies measurement, that is all the events of the year will occur in accordance to the exact measurement of what is in the knowledge of Allah, Who states:
“Verily, all things have We created in propor­tion and measure.” (Al-Qur`an, 54:49)

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Kaffara (Penalty) for not fasting Ramadan

Kaffara (Penalty) for not fasting Ramadan

Q: How much is the Kaffara (Penalty) for not fasting in Ramadan?

A: It is a great sin to eat or drink during the days of Holy Ramadan, or deliberately commit acts which break the fast without a justifiable reason. Anyone who leaves out a fast purposely have to give Qaza as well as Kaffara. 

The Kaffara for each fast is either:

(1) To free a slave. Or
(2) To fast for 60 days. Or
(3) To feed 60 poor.


If you choose to fast for 2 months (60 days) as Kaffara, you will have to fast for 31 days together and thereafter, you can complete the balance of 29 days in your own time. However, you will not begin fasting your 31 days when you know there will be a day in between when it is Haraam to fast; e.g.

You will not begin fasting your Kaffara at the beginning of Zilhajj as on the 10th of Zilhajj [Eid-ul- Hajj] it is Haraam to fast.

If however, you choose to feed 60 poor, you have to give away food or grain which would be enough for a full meal. This can be in the form of wheat, barley or loaves. If a person breaks his fast by a Haraam acts like:

(1) Drinking Alcohol, etc. Or

(2) Attributing lies to Allah, His Prophets and the Imams. Then he or she will have to give ALL the three above said Kaffara together.

Also Read

• Forbidden during fasting in Ramadan
• F.A.Q on Ramadan - part1
• #Ramadan Prayers | Duas to be read in Holy Month of #Ramadan
• Itikaf Niyat and Itikaf Dua in Ramadan
• Nafil Namaz (Salat and Dua) on Shabe Qadr | Prayers for Shab e Qadr
• How to perform Taraweeh Salat with Taraweeh Tasbih
• Do's and Dont's during fasting in the holy month of Ramadan
• All you want to know about #Zakat-ul-Fitr. FAQs of Zakat with videos
•  How to perform Eid-ul-Fitr Namaz and Nawafil Namaz (Salat) on day of Eid-ul-Fitr

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Do's and Dont's during fasting in the holy month of Ramadan

The things, which are forbidden during fasting can be divided into three (3) groups as follows:

(A) Related to Head and Mouth:

01. Eating
02. Drinking
03. Intentionally letting the thick dust or smoke enter the throat
04. Vomiting intentionally (even if it is for a medical purpose)
05. Submerging the head completely into the water

(B) Related to Private Parts:

06. Sexual intercourse
07. Doing anything that would cause discharge of semen
08. Using liquid enema
09. Intentionally remaining in state of Janabat [It is a state of ritual impurity (Najasat) caused by sexual intercourse or discharge of semen. “Junub” means the person on whom Ghusl-e-Janabat is Wajib] till the time of fajr.

A person becomes Junub and goes to sleep:
(a) With intention of not doing Ghusl before dawn = Fast is Batil (Null/Void)
(b) With intention of doing Ghusl before dawn:
i. But did not wake up before dawn = Fast is valid
ii. Woke up once and went back to sleep till fajr = Fast + do Qaza
(Make up the fast during other days after Ramadan)
iii. Woke up twice and went back to sleep till fajr = Fast + do Qaza + it is recommended to pay Kaffara (Penalty)
Similarly, intentionally remaining in state of Hayz (period) for a woman whose bleeding
has stopped and has enough time to do Ghusl or, at least, Tayammum before fajr.

(C) Moral or Ethical:

10. Kizb (lying) of the highest type - falsely attributing a statement to Allah, the Prophets, and
the Imams - makes the fast Batil (Null/Void)

Note: If a person does any of the Muftirat intentionally, then the fast will become Batil. However,
doing any of these unintentionally does not harm the validity of fasting.

Also Read FAQ on Ramadan

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The Beloved Prophet (Peace be upon Him) Sermon for Holy Month of Ramadan

The Sermon given by the Most Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam on the last Friday of Sha'ban on the reception of the month of Ramadan

"O People!

Indeed ahead of you is the blessed month of Allah.

A month of blessing, mercy and forgiveness.

A month which with Allah is the best of months.

Its days, the best of days; its nights, the best of nights; and its hours, the best of hours.

It is the month which invites you to be the guests of Allah and invites you to be one of those near to Him.

Each breath you take glorifies Him; your sleep is worship, your deeds are accepted and your supplications are answered.

So, ask Allah, your Lord; to give you a sound body and an enlightened heart so you may be able to fast and recite His book, for only he is unhappy who is devoid of Allah's forgiveness during this great month.

Remember the hunger and thirst of the day of Qiyamah (Judgement) with your hunger and thirst; give alms to the needy and poor, honour your old, show kindness to the young ones, maintain relations with your blood relations; guard your tongues, close your eyes to that which is not permissible for your sight, close your ears to that which is forbidden to hear, show compassion to the orphans of people so compassion may be shown to your orphans.

Repent to Allah for your sins and raise your hands in dua during these times, for they are the best of times and Allah looks towards his creatures with kindness, replying to them during the hours and granting their needs if he is asked...

O People! Indeed your souls are dependant on your deeds, free it with Istighfar (repentance), lighten its loads by long prostrations; and know that Allah swears by his might: That there is no punishment for the one who prays and prostrates and he shall have no fear of the fire on the day when man stands before the Lord of the worlds.

O People! One who gives Iftaar to a fasting person during this month will be like one who has freed someone and his past sins will be forgiven."


Some of the people who were there then asked the Beloved Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam: "Not all of us are able to invite those who are fasting?"

The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam replied:

"Allah gives this reward even if the Iftaar is a drink of water."

"One who has good morals (Akhlaq) during this month will be able to pass the 'Siraat'...on the day when feet will slip...

One who covers the faults of others will benefit in that Allah will curb His anger on the day of Judgement...

As for one who honours an orphan; Allah will honour him on the day of judgement.

And for the one who spreads his kindness, Allah will spread His mercy over him on the day of Judgement.

As for the one who cuts the ties of relation; Allah will cut His mercy from him...

Who so ever performs a recommended prayer in this month, Allah will keep the fire of Hell away from him...

Whoever performs an obligator prayer, Allah will reward him with seventy prayers [worth] in this month.

And who so ever prays a lot during this month will have his load lightened on the day of measure.

He who recites one verse of the Noble Qur'an will be given the rewards of reciting the whole Qur'an during other months.

O People! Indeed during this month the doors of heaven are open, therefore ask Allah not to close them for you;

The doors of hell are closed, so ask Allah to keep them closed for you.

During this month Shaytan (Satan) is imprisoned so ask your Lord not to let him have power over you."

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The Medical Benefits of Taraweeh Prayers

Muslims derive therapeutic and spiritual benefits starting from the Wudu to the physical movements in the Salat-Takbir, Qiyam, Ruku, Sajda, Jalsa, and Tasleem. We perform five daily contact prayers (Salat) and voluntary prayers (Sunnah, Nafl) throughout the year and Taraweeh prayers during the month of Ramadan. This results in moderate physical exercise particularly to every muscle in the body. Some muscles contract isometrically (same length) and some contract in approximation or isotonically (same tension). The energy needed for the muscle metabolism increases during the performance of Salat, resulting in a relative deficiency of oxygen and muscle nutrients. In turn this deficiency causes vasodilatation - an increase in the caliber of blood vessels, thereby allowing blood to flow easily back to the heart. The temporarily increased load on the heart acts to strengthen the heart muscle and to improve the circulation within the heart muscle.

During the month of Ramadan, additional prayers are performed after salatul Ishaa, called Taraweeh prayers which vary from eight rakat to 22 rakat. There's a few minutes break after every four rakat for chanting and extolling the Majesty of Allah. After Iftar the blood glucose level continues to rise from the food ingested. Just before the Iftar meals, the blood glucose and insulin levels are at their lowest level. After an hour or so after the Iftar meal, the blood glucose begins to rise and also plasma insulin. The liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose. The blood sugar reaches high levels in an hour or two and the benefits of Taraweeh prayers come into effect. The circulating glucose is metabolized into carbon dioxide and water during the Taraweeh prayers.

Hence, the Taraweeh prayers help in expanding the extra calories and improve flexibility, coordination, reduce stress-related autonomic responses in healthy persons, and relieve anxiety and depression.

Physical and Emotional Well-being

The gentle exercises performed in Taraweeh prayers improve physical fitness, emotional well-being and increase the longevity of the Namazi (one who performs the Salat or Namaz). When a little extra effort is made, as in performing the Taraweeh prayers, there will be a betterment in the endurance, stamina, flexibility and strength. It was noted that the five daily prayers (salat) produce the same physiological changes without any undesirable side effects as those produced by jogging or walking at about three miles per hour. Recent research studies performed on 17,000 Harvard alumni who entered college between 1916-1950 gives strong evidence that only moderate aerobic exercise, equivalent to jogging about three miles a day, promotes good health and may actually add years to life. Men who expended about 2000 kcal of exercise on a weekly basis (equal to a daily 30 minute walk, run, cycle, swim, etc.,) had one-quarter to one-third lower death rates than classmates who did little or no exercise. In addition to the health-boosting qualities of the salat (Namaz), the Namazi will be trained to be ever-ready for any unexpected physical exertion such as sudden lifting of children, chairs, or catching a public transportation vehicle. The elderly will accomplish this more securely and efficiently. Hence, this is an advantage for the elderly to maintain their physical fitness for a longer period of time. It has been observed that those who fast and perform the Taraweeh prayers report feeling much convalescing and robust.

Elderly

As human beings grow older, their physiological activity diminishes. As a result, their bones become thinner, and if not taken care of, will suffer from Osteoporosis. This condition causes the fractures of the bones in the elderly when they fall due to a loss of bone mineral content and consequent sponginess of the bones. The bone then becomes structurally unstable, brittle and susceptible to fractures. Primary osteoporosis is most common among postmenopausal (due to reduction in estrogen) women or those who have undergone a bilateral ocphorectomy (both the ovaries removed).

Women are six times more likely than men to develop Type I osteoporosis. The three major prevention strategies of osteoporosis are a high dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise and estrogen replacement in postmenopausal women. The skin also becomes fragile and crinkled. The repair processes of the body become slower and immune responses are decreased. In the elderly, their physical activity is reduced. As a result, they have lower levels of Insulin Growth Factor 1. Reserve functions of all vital organs decrease and the elderly are more susceptible to mishaps and ailments. Because of repeated and regular movements of the body during salat, the muscle strength, tendon power, joint, flexibility and the cardiovascular reserve are improved.

Hence, salat and Taraweeh prayers enable the elderly to enrich the quality of life and to meet with unforeseen difficulties such as falls which could injure their bodies. Therefore, Taraweeh prayers will improve their endurance, self-respect and self-confidence in being self-reliant.

Adrenaline is secreted even by minor activity. The secretion outlasts the incitement. Even after the Taraweeh prayers are over, the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline are manifest. Adrenaline, also called epinephrine, is produced by the adrenal glands. The middle part of these glands, the adrenal medulla, secretes the hormone, which is chemically almost identical to the transmitter substance noradrenaline produced at the ends of sympathetic nerves. Adrenaline secretion into the bloodstream in stress causes acceleration of the heart, constriction of arterioles, and dialation of the pupils.

In addition, adrenaline produces a marked increase in metabolic rate thus preparing the body for emergency. Even the thought or the intention of performing the Taraweeh prayers is sufficient to activate the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic nervous system (thoraco-lumber nervous system) is one of the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which supplies motor nerves to the smooth muscles of internal organs and to the heart muscle. Sympathetic nerve fibers arise via spinal nerves in the thoracic and lumbar regions. Their endings release mainly noradrenaline, which increases heart rate and breathing rate, raises blood pressure, and slows digestive processes, thereby preparing the body for "fight or flight" and antagonizing the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system. The adrenaline would re-distribute the blood in the body to the active muscles, mobilize liver glycogen if necessary in order to provide glucose for the active tissues, diminish fatigue in skeletal muscles, facilitate alveolar ventilation by relaxing bronchiolar muscle, and would initiate cardiovascular changes. Exercise induces a more effective functioning of beta-adrenoreceptors located on cell membranes.

Metabolic Effects

Salat and Taraweeh prayer improve body weight control and expand calories without proportionate increase in appetite. A combination of moderate dietary restriction, both at the Sahur and Iftar meals, accompanied by the Taraweeh prayers, should achieve weight reduction. This will also reduce both fat and body weight, but fat-free weight will remain constant or may even increase slightly. Hence, during Ramadan one should not over eat at the Sahur and Iftar meals and continue to perform Salat and Taraweeh prayers in order to lose some of the excess weight.

It is well known that exercise prevents coronary heart disease (CHD), increases high density lipo-proteins (HDL or healthy Cholesterol), increases maximum oxygen intake, slows the heart, lowers the B.P. slightly, decreases ventricular ectopic activity, enlarges the lumen of the coronary arteries and increases cardiac output. Exercise also improves carbohydrate tolerance and improves late-onset diabetes, and helps cases of chronic respiratory diseases. Beneficial changes have been recorded in the lipid profile, B.P. clotting factors, weight reduction and insulin sensitivity of muscles and other tissues in persons who exercise regularly. Growth Hormone secretion is elevated by fasting and it is further elevated by Taraweeh prayers. As Growth Hormone is necessary for collagen formation, this may be an important factor as to why the skin of those who fast regularly during Ramadan and perform the Taraweeh prayers do not get wrinkled, even when they grow old.

Mental Health

It is a known fact that exercise improves mood, thought and behavior. Exercise improves the quality of life, induces greater sense of well-being and energy, reduces anxiety and depression, influences mood favorably and contributes to self-esteem and an aura of confidence; improves memory in the elderly especially with constant repetition of the ayat (verses) from the Glorious Qur'an and other Ayaat which exalt His Glory. This constant repetition of the Qur'anic Ayaat would help to screen the mind from the incoming thoughts. It has been found by a Harvard University researcher. Dr. Herbert Benson, that repetition of a prayer, ayat of the Qur'an or remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah or muscular activity coupled with passive disregard of intensive thoughts cause a "relaxation response" that leads to the lowering of Blood Pressure and decreases in oxygen consumption and a reduction in heart and respiratory rates. All these are combined in the Taraweeh prayer which is an ideal condition for "relaxation response." It combines repeated muscular activity with repetition of salat, chanting of words of glorification of Allah and of supplications.

The Taraweeh prayer puts the mind in a relaxed state. This calm state of the mind may be partly due to the release of encephalins, beta-endorphins (endogenous morphines) and others into the blood circulation. Endorphins are any one of the neuropeptides composed of many amino acids, elaborated by the pituitary gland and acting on the central and peripheral nervous systems to reduce pain. Endorphins are categorized as alpha-endorphin, beta-endorphin, and gamma-endorphin which produce pharamacologic effects similar to morphine. Beta-endorphin found in the brain and GI (gastro-intestinal) tract is the most potent of the endorphins and is a powerful analgesic (pain killer) in humans and animals. For example, during childbirth many women release endorphins reducing a woman's sensation of pain.

The release of endorphins is associated with an euphoria. During childbirth, women who give birth with little or no medication sometimes label this euphoria a "birth climax".

Conclusion

Islam is the only religion in which physical movements of salat and Taraweeh prayers are combined with spiritual exercise. When salat and Taraweeh prayers are practiced throughout a person's life, recurring every few hours or so, it trains a person to undertake the difficult task of meditation during physical maneuvers of salat and Taraweeh prayers, so that the Namazi (one who performs the salat) benefits both from spiritual as well as physical exercise. Salat and Taraweeh prayers are unique in that tension builds up in the muscles during physical maneuvers on the one hand, while tension is relieved in the mind due to the spiritual ingredient, on the other hand.

The following benefits have been noted among those who perform the Taraweeh prayers: burning off calories and losing weight, maintaining muscle tone and body composition, joint flexibility (stiff joints are often the result of disuse, not arthritis), increasing metabolic rate, improving circulation, improving heart and lung function and aerobic capacity, decreasing heart disease risk profile, increasing your sense of self-control, reducing your level of stress, increasing your ability to concentrate, improving your appearance, reducing depression and resistance to depression, helping you sleep better and suppressing your appetite. Evidence is also accumulating that those who perform regular Salat along with voluntary prayers can conserve and actually retard the loss of bone mass in the elderly, thus starving off the ravages of osteoporosis that afflicts both men and women. It is also possible to retard the aging process and confer some protection to health in later life.

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Ramadan is the Month of the Qur'an

Ramadan is the month of the Qur'an as well as the month of all good deeds. A Muslim is recommended to read the Qur'an and do good deeds in this blessed month as much as he can. In this context, we recall the Prophetic Hadith addressed by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to his Companions on the last day of Sha`ban:

"O people! A great month has come; a blessed month in which is a night better than a thousand months; a month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month), shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time; and whoever performs an obligatory deed in (this month), shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Paradise. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Hell-Fire, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all." (Reported by ibn Khuzaymah)

Shedding more light on this interesting question, we'd like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by the late Sheikh Sayyed Ad-Darsh, former Chairman of the UK Shari`ah Council:

Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was revealed. Allah 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.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 185)

This verse establishes the link between Ramadan and the Qur'an. We know that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was in the habit of retreating to Mount Hira during Ramadan and it was during one of these periods of contemplation that the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him with the first revelation. So Ramadan marks the beginning of the call to Islam and the prophetic mission of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Secondly, when Ramadan Fasting became obligatory, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to recite the Qur'an with Gabriel. Gabriel used to descend from the heavens every night to read everything that had so far been revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Thirdly, when we offer our Taraweeh prayers, it is recommended that over the course of the month the whole Qur'an be completed. This presents a great opportunity for those who haven't read the whole Qur'an to hear it.

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Ramadan Duas

Ramadan Duas for 3 Ashra's

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Sunnah Of fasting as per hadith

SUNNAH OF FASTING

We should make sure that we eat and drink something at suhoor, and that we delay it until just before the adhaan of Fajr. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Have suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing (barakah).” (Reported by al -Bukhaari, Fath, 4/139). “Suhoor is blessed food, and it involves being different from the people of the Book. What a good suhoor for the believer is dates.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, no. 2345; Saheeh al- Targheeb, 1/448).

Not delaying iftaar or Hastening to break the Fast, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The people will be fine so long as they do not delay iftaar.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, 4/198).

Breaking one's fast in the manner described in the hadeeth narrated by Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him): “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if fresh dates were not available, he would eat (dried) dates; if dried dates were not available, he would have a few sips of water.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 3/79 and others. He said it is a ghareeb hasan hadeeth. Classed as saheeh in al-Irwa’, no. 922).

After iftaar, reciting the words reported in the hadeeth narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both), according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when he broke his fast, would say:

“Dhahaba al-zama’, wa’btallat al-‘urooq, wa thabat al-ajru in sha Allaah" 
The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.
(Reported by Abu Dawood, 2/765; its isnaad was classed as hasan by al-Daaraqutni, 2/185).
Not allowing oneself to be provoked, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If someone fights him or insults him, he should say, ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.’”  (Reported by al-Bukhaari and others. Al-Fath, no. 1894) One reason for this is to remind himself, and another reason is to remind his adversary. But anyone who looks at the conduct of many of those who fast will see something quite different. It is essential to exercise selfcontrol and be calm, but we see the opposite among crazy drivers who speed up when they
hear the adhaan for Maghrib.


Being generous by sharing knowledge, giving money, using one’s position of authority or physical strength to help others, and having a good attitude. Al-Bukhaari and Muslim reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was the most generous of people [in doing good], and he was most generous of all in Ramadaan when Jibreel met with him, and he used to meet him every night in Ramadaan and teach him the Qur’aan. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was more generous in doing good than a blowing wind.”  (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, no. 6). How can people exchange generosity for stinginess and action for laziness, to the extent that they do not do their work properly and do not treat one another properly, and they use fasting as an excuse for all this.

Combining fasting with feeding the poor is one of the means of reaching Paradise, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “In Paradise there are rooms whose outside can be seen from the inside and the inside can be seen from the outside. Allaah has prepared them for those who feed the poor, who are gentle in speech, who fast regularly and who pray at night when people are asleep.”  (Reported by Ahmad 5/343; Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 2137. Al-Albaani said in his footnote, its isnaad is hasan because of other corroborating reports). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, will have a reward equal to his, without it detracting in the slightest from the reward of the fasting person.”  (Reported by al -Tirmidhi, 3/171; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/451). Shaykh al-Islam [Ibn Taymiyah] (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “What is meant is that he should feed him until he is satisfied.” (Al-Ikhtiyaaraat al-Fiqhiyyah, p. 109).

A number of the pious predecessors (may Allaah have mercy on them) preferred the poor over themselves when feeding them at the time of iftaar. Among these were ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar, Maalik ibn Deenaar, Ahmad ibn Hanbal and others. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar would not break his fast unless there were orphans and poor people with him.

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Ask forgiveness to Almighty Allah

It is a must for the all Muslim to pray for forgiveness to Almighty Allah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray for forgiveness one hundred times every day and night.

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I ask Allaah for forgiveness one hundred times a day.”
Narrated by Muslim (2702).

And Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “By Allaah, I ask Allaah for forgiveness and I repent to Him more than seventy times every day.”
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (6307).

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: We used to count the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saying in a single gathering one hundred times: Rabb ighfir li wa tubb ‘alayya innaka anta al-Tawwaab al-Raheem (O Lord, forgive me and accept my repentance, for You are the Acceptor of repentance, the Most Merciful).
Narrated by Abu Dawood (1516) and al-Tirmidhi (3430)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw anyone say “Astighfir Allaah wa atoobu ilayh (I ask Allaah for forgiveness and I repent to him)” more than the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
Narrated by al-Nasaa’i in al-Sunan al-Kubra (6/118).

One of the best forms of seeking forgiveness is by reading the dua which is commonly known as Sayyidul Istighfar.

“O Allah! You are my Cherisher. There is no deity except You. You have created me and I am Your servant and as far as possible, I abide by my solemn promise and covenant (which I made to You). I seek Your protection against the consequences of my wrongdoings. I fully acknowledge the grace You have bestowed upon me and I confess my faults. So pardon me my sins as none besides You can pardon sins.”

The Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam, added, “If somebody recites it during the day with firm faith in it and dies on the same day before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise and if somebody recites it at night with firm faith in it and dies before the morning he will be from the people of Paradise.”

Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 318

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The Three Categories of Fasting (Roza)

Imam Ghazzali Rehmatullahi alaih has divided fasting into three categories :

1.)  In the first group is the fast of those who merely abstain from food, drink and sensual activities from before true dawn (Fajar al-Sadiq) until after sunset, as is the case with the common people.

2.)  In the second group is the fast of special people who protect their ears, eyes, tongue, hands, feet and other limbs from sin. This can be achieved by the following six things :  

2.1 The person should protect his eyes from seeing all that is contemptible and undesirable as well as from anything that would distract him from the rememberance of Allah. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said :

    " An evil gaze is a poisonous arrow from the poisonous arrow's of the devil. Thus he who abstains from an evil gaze due to the fear of Allah Almighty, will be granted Faith (Iman) by Allah Almighty, whose sweetness will be felt in every part of the heart. " 

2.2 The tongue should be protected from uttering worthless abusive talk, lies, back-biting, etc. During the time of the Beloved Prophet  Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam two women were observing fast. At the latter part of the day they were much troubled by hunger and thirst which threatened their lives. A message was sent to the Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam to seek permission for them to break their fast. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam sent a cup and asked them to spew out whatever they had eaten into it. When the first woman spewed, it contained half blood and half flesh. The second woman too spewed the same. On seeing the astonishment of the people, the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said that although these two women fasted, they merely abstained from things which are made lawful by Allah Almighty but perpetrated that which was forbidden by Allah. They sat together and were back-biting about people. Back-biting about a person is like eating his flesh.

2.3  Ears should be protected from hearing every sound which is forbidden to hear. If back-biting takes place in any gathering one should walk out of it. It is reported in a Hadith that the one who back-bites and the one who listens to it are both sinners. One should save oneself from hearing this type of evil and listen to that which is good according to Shariah.

2.4  At the time of Iftaar do not over eat which would make a person indolent.

2.5  After Iftaar let your heart remain between fear and hope. We are not certain whether our fast has been accepted although we should not despair of the Mercy of Allah Almighty.

2.6  Refrain from walking to any place or gathering in which anything un-Islamic is said or done; e.g. cinema, dance hall, gambling places, etc.

3.)   In the third category is the fast of those very special and selected persons who, in addition to, abstaining from the above keep their hearts aloof from all wordly thought's. They spend every moment of it in total meditation of Allah Almighty and do not think of anything besides Him. They spend every moment of the day and the night in the remembrance and contemplation of Allah Almighty. This type of fast is observed by the Prophet's of Allah, the Faithful servants of Allah and those who have obtained nearness to Him.

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What is I'etikaaf - Retreat

Retreat (Al-I'etikaaf)

I'etikaaf is from the root word “Akafa” to adhere, cling, stick or keep. It means to engage and to devote something, to a thing, be it good or bad.
Allah (SWT) states in Al-Qu'ran: “...What are these images to which ye are (so as­siduously) devoted?” (Al-Qu'ran 21:52)

In Shari'ah it means to engage in a retreat in the Masjid and stay there with the intention of seeking nearness to Allah the Almighty, and His reward.

Its Legalization

The majority of Muslim scholars agree that I'etikaaf is permis­sible, for the Messenger of Allah (saas) observed I'etikaaf in the Month of Ramadan during the last ten days. In his last Ramadan he observed it 20 days, as is related by Bukhari and others. Besides, his companions and wives observed it during his lifetime and after.

I'etikaaf can be either Sunnah or obligatory, wajib. The Sunnah I'etikaaf is when a Muslim volunteers to seek nearness to Al­lah, and to imitate the Messenger by observing this kind of
'ebadah, and the Sunnah is meritorious in the last ten days of Ramadan.

The obligatory I'etikaaf is the one when a believer makes it obligatory on himself, by invoking a conditional vow, such as saying: I am vowing in the Name of Allah to engage in retreat; or if Allah cures my sick relative, I will engage in I'etikaaf.

In Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: “Whoever vowed to obey Allah, should obey him.”

In the same hadith, Umar (ra) told the Messenger (saas),
“I vowed to engage in a night retreat in the Sacred Mas­jid, and the Messenger responded, “Fulfil your vow.” (Bukhari)

Also Read:

• Time of I'etikaaf ( Retreat)
• The Beginning And Ending Time Of I`etikaaf
• Things That Invalidate Al-I`etikaaf

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The Battle of Badr- Islamic History

The Battle of Badr

Ramadan is a source of spiritual as well as physical inspiration for Muslims. Physically, no month in our history has been more charitable and generous with victories than the month of Ramadan. One of the more remarkable examples is the Badr campaign (Battle of Badr). This was a battle in which the forces of truth, numbering 300 men against all odds, defeated an army three times their size. Badr is the name of a rural city about 150 miles from Madinah.

The day of the battle was named the Day of Criterion, Yawmul Furqaan, for Allah set apart the distinction between truth and falsehood by aiding His Messenger and the believers against all odds, and abandoning the unbelievers. All this took place in the month of Ramadan, in the second year of Hijrah. The reason for this encounter was purely coincidental. The Messenger of Allah (saas) was informed that his old antagonist and leader of the Quraysh, Abu Sufyan, was returning from Shaam (Northern Arabia) to Makkah with many camels in a large caravan.

The Messenger called upon his companions to intercept and confiscate the caravan which contained merchandise for Quraysh businessmen and women. The reason was because the Quraysh were in a state of war with the new ummah in Madinah, and because the Quraish had appropriated the wealth of the companions who were forced to flee Makkah because of their faith in Islam and suffer merciless persecution at the hand of Makkans. Furthermore, there was no treaty of nonbelliger­ence between the two parties.

Undoubtedly, the Muslims had every right to seize the contents of the caravan. Thus, the Messenger and the companions marched out of Madinah with 310 men with two horses and the 70 camels. Seventy of the men were muhajireen (immigrants from Makkah), and the rest were ansaar (the helpers from Madinah). Their objective was to capture the caravan. They did not intend to fight. But Allah, in His own will and wisdom de­termined otherwise, Allah (SWT) stated

“That Allah might accomplish a matter already enacted.” (Al-Qur`an, 8:44)

Abu Sufyan knew that he was being tailed so he dispatched a messenger to Makkah to inform them of the impending doom of their caravan, and urged them to swift action. Meanwhile, he drove the caravan off the desert's main highway and took a safer but longer coastal route instead, and escaped. The Quraysh, on the other hand, upon receiving this alarming news called for a general declaration of war.

The Quraysh were mighty and heavily prepared. Immediately, 1000 strong men were enlisted, including their warlords and generals. They amassed 100 horses and 700 camels. Their ob­jective was to show off.
Allah (SWT) stated: “And be not like those who started from their homes insolently and to be seen by men and to hinder (people) from the path of Allah...” (Al-Qur`an, 8: 47)

The army included singers to sing ill of the Muslims and dance at their defeat. When Abu Sufyan knew of their setting out, he sent them a message that the caravan had escaped, and that there was no need for the Quraysh to continue the journey, and urged them to return to Makkah and not to fight. The warmon­gers of the Quraysh refused to heed Abu Sufyan's call and in­sisted on continuing.

The head of the pack, Abu Jahl (the Fa­ther of Ignorance), was reported as saying:
“By Allah, we will not return until we reach Badr, spend three days there, slaughter camels, eat and drink wine and liquor, and let the Arabs hear about us so they will continue to fear us forever.”

As for the Messenger (saas), when he leaned that the Quraysh were heading towards Madinah, gathered his companions and sought their counsel in this grave matter. He told them,
“Allah has promised me one of two groups, either the caravan or the army.”

Al-Miqdad bin Aswad (raa) stood up to represent the muha­jireen, and said: “O Messenger of Allah, proceed with what Allah (SWT) commanded you. By Allah, we will not say to you what the Israelites said to their Prophet Musa: ‘Go thou and thy lord and fight ye two while we sit here and watch.’ Instead we will fight on your right, on your left, in your front and on your rear.”

The head of Al-Aws, Sad bin Mu`aadh (raa), spoke on behalf of the ansaar, saying:
“O Messenger of Allah, I hope you are not afraid that ansaar will not see it incumbent upon them to join you unless the enemy is in their homes. I would like to say on behalf of the ansaar: ‘Go wherever you wish, connect the rope of whoever you wish, break the rope of who­ever you wish, take from our wealth whatever you de­sire, give us out of it whatever you wish, whatever you take from us is better for us than what you left, what­ever you command of us we shall obey you. By Allah, if you decide to travel and take us with you until you reach the pool of Ghamdan, we will travel with you. If you ask us to cross a sea and you cross it we will cross it with you. We are not afraid to meet the enemy tomor­row. We are patient in war, truthful in the battlefield.
Perhaps Allah will show you in us what will please your eyes.’ ”

The Messenger of Allah (saas) was delighted with what he heard from both the muhajireen and ansaar (raa). He said, “Go delightfully forward. By Allah, it is as if I am look­ing at the death places of the people.”

The Messenger of Allah (saas) proceeded with the army of the Most Gracious until they camped at a well among the wells of Badr. When they were about to settle down, Al-Hubab bin Al-Mindhir Bin `Amru bin Jamuh (raa) asked:
“O Messenger of Allah, this place we settled in, is it a place Allah commanded us to camp in whereby we can not leave it? Or is it your idea of war strategy and tac­tics?”

The Messenger replied, “It is my own idea of war strategy and tactics.”

He counselled “O Messenger of Allah, this is not a suitable place. Let us move to the well nearest to our enemy and settle down there while we cover up all the wells behind us with sand and palm trunks. We then should build on it a trough and fill it with our drinking water and they will not have any to drink.”

The Messenger liked the idea; he moved to the lower side with the city of Medinah at their back, and the Quraysh took the side that faced Makkah.

On the eve of the battle, Allah sent a mysterious rain. On the side of the Quraish it fell heavily. It soaked everything and cre­ated very slippery muddy conditions, making it difficult for the enemy's army to move forward. Whereas on the side of the Muslims, it was a light drizzle that refreshed them and ce­mented the sand and stabilized their movement.

The believers built a war booth on a hill overlooking the battle­field for their commander in chief, the Messenger of Allah (saas). He came down from the booth to straighten the lines of his companions and as he walked over the field he pinpointed the death spots of the enemy soldiers, he prophesied: “This is where so and so will fall, Allah willing; this is where so and so will fall.”

When the battle was over none of these people missed where they were supposed to fall and die, as the Messenger had pointed out before the war.

The Messenger then looked at his companions and at the Quraysh and said:
“O Allah the Quraysh came with their vain glory, and boasting, and horses daring You, belying Your Messen­ger. O Allah, grant me Your assistance that You prom­ised me. O Allah, accomplish for me that which You promised me. O Allah, I remind You of Your promise and Your decree. O Allah, if You willed You would never be worshipped. O Allah, If this army is defeated today You will never be worshipped.”

Muslims sought help from Allah and He answered them, as He stated:
“Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): ‘I am with you, give firmness to the believers I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, smite ye all their fingers-tips off them. This because they contended against Allah and His Apostle. If any contend against Allah and His apostle, Allah is strict in punish­ment.’ ” (Al-Qur`an, 8: 12-13)

The two armies met in a fierce battle. The fighting intensified and went on and on. The Messenger was in his war camp and with him was Abu Bakr and Sa`ad bin Mu`aadh guiding him. The Messenger in the meantime, was praying Allah for help and victory. He napped for a little while and woke up to en­courage the Muslims and to promise:
“Nay, the hour of Judgement is the time prom­ised them, for their Hour will be Most grievous and most bitter.” (Al-Qur`an, 54: 46)

He encouraged his companions to fight, and said:
“I swear by the One in whose hand Muhammad's soul is, any man who fights them today and is killed while he is patient in the ordeal and seeks the pleasure of Allah, going forward and not backing off, Allah will enter him into Paradise.”

`Umair bin Himaam Al-Ansaari (raa) stood up with a few dates in his hand and was about to eat them, and asked:
“O Messenger of Allah, a paradise whose width is like the width of heavens and earth?” The Messenger re­sponded: “Yes.” `Umair said: ‘Bakhin! Bakhin! (indicat­ing strong appreciation and acceptance) O Messenger of Allah, there is nothing between me and paradise except to be killed by these people. If I live to eat these dates that will be a long life.” Then he threw the dates away and fought until he was killed.

The Messenger (saas) took a handful of sand or stones and threw them at the enemy soldiers and no one was hit by this sand but blinded them and or it preoccupied them. This was a divine intervention from Allah. The enemy soldiers could not fight after that and they were defeated. The remaining soldiers flew from the battlefield in all directions and the Muslims went after them. Seventy of them were killed and seventy were taken as prisoners of war.

Twenty four of the dead were the warlords of the Quraysh whom, the Messenger ordered to be thrown into a well. They included the arch-infidel, Abu Jahl, Ahaibah bin Rabee`ah and his brother `Utbah and his son Al-Waleed bin `Utbah. Abdullah bin Mas`ud (raa) reported that the Messenger (saas) faced the Ka`abah and prayed over these four and said:
“I bear witness that I saw them dead. The sun has changed their appearance because it was a hot day.”

After the war the Messenger (saas) stayed at Badr for three days, and as he was riding his horse, on the third day, he pulled away where he came to the edge of a well. He stood and started to call the dead among the enemies by their full names and the names of their fathers.

“O so and so, the son of such and such, are you happy that you have disobeyed Allah and His Messenger, for we found what Allah promised us in truth have you found what Allah promised you in truth?”. `Umar (raa) and many companions, inquired in astonishment, “O Mes­senger of Allah, why do you speak to bodies that have no souls?” The Messenger replied: “I swear by the One in whose hand Muhammad's soul is, you do not hear what I say more than they do.”

As for the prisoners of war, the Messenger asked his compan­ions their opinions.
Sa`ad bin Mu`aadh (raa) commented: “This is the first defeat for the polytheists. I would have preferred the continuation of the battle than to have taken men as prisoners of war.”

`Umar bin Khattab (raa) said: “I think that it would have been better to allow us to kill them. Allow `Ali bin Abi Talib to kill `Aqeel and allow me a member of my family, for these people are the leaders of the unbelief.”

Abu Bakr, on the other hand, said: “These are our uncles and families. I think it would be better to take ransom from them to strengthen our­selves with funds, perhaps Allah will guide them into Is­lam.”

The Messenger took ransom from them. Most of them gave between four to a 100 dirham. Some provided services by teaching the Muslim children of Madinah the basics of reading and writing, others by freeing a Muslim bonds man or woman in Makkah. Some were killed because of their crimes against Muslims, while others were let go.

The lessons of this battle are very obvious. An army outnum­bered three to one was victorious because it was fighting in the path of Allah, because it stood firm to raise the banner of Allah and to defend Allah's religion, so Allah helped them. Anyone who stood on the same principle, the result would be the same. Indeed, Ramadan is not a period to slacken, it is a serious time in which serious decisions are taken and higher goals are achieved.

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