Ahadith on Fasting and Ramadan

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): One who while fasting does not guard his tongue from telling lies and does not refrain from bad deeds, is not respecting his fast. Allah does not approve of mere abstention from food. He (pbuh), also said: Fast and you shall be healthy.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): When you are fasting, you should not speak ill of anybody, nor should you be rough and noisy. If anybody speaks ill of you or tries to pick a quarrel with you, reply him not, but say to him that you are fasting.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): A person gets the same reward by reciting in this month, one
verse of the Holy Qur’an, as others do by reciting the whole of the Qur’an in other months.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): Whoever is prevented from food that he likes, because of his fast, Allah will feed him from the food of Heaven and from its drink.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): If people understood what good there was in Ramadan, they would have liked that it last for a year.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): Unfortunate is the person who is deprived of the forgiveness of Allah during this great month.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): Whoever is not forgiven in the month of Ramadan, and then in which month will he be forgiven?

Imam Ali (pbuh): The sleep of a fasting person is worship, his silence is glorification (of Allah), his prayers are answered and his actions are multiplied.

Imam Ali (pbuh): Many persons get nothing out of their fasts but hunger and thirst; many more get nothing out of their night prayers but exertions and sleepless nights. Wise and sagacious persons are praiseworthy even if they do not fast and sleep during the nights.

Imam Ali (pbuh): The prayer of a fasting person at the time of Iftar is never rejected.

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (pbuh): O Jabir! Whoever during the month of Ramadan, fasts in
its days, stands up for prayers in parts of the night, controls his desires and emotions, puts a rein on his tongue, keeps his eyes down, and does not injure the feelings of others, will become as free of sins as the day he was born.

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (pbuh): Everything has a spring and the spring of the Qur’an is the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (pbuh): The day of your fast should not be like any ordinary day. When you fast, all your senses - eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet must fast with you.

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (pbuh): There are two pleasures for a fasting person; one when he breaks his fast, and one when he meets his Lord.

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (pbuh): Fasting is a protection from the fire.

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Fast Breaking Alms ( Zakaatul Fitr Part 2)

 Allah has mandated the observation of fast breaking alms (Zakaatul fitr) at the end of Ramadan before Eid Prayer. Although this obligation was established by the Messenger (saas), it has the power of all the established commands of Al­lah, for the power to legislate and prescribe a rule has been granted to the Messenger of Allah, by Allah (SWT), Who states:

“He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah; but if any turn away, We have not sent thee to watch over their (evil) deeds.” (Al-Qur`an, 4:80)

Also, “If anyone contends with the Messenger, even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming to men of faith...” (Al-Qur`an 4:115)

Also, “...So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you...” (Al-Qur`an, 59:7)

Eligibility

The giving of the fast breaking alms is mandatory on every Muslim, old, young, man and woman, etc. In a hadith related by Abdullah bin 'Umar (raa) he said: “The Messenger of Allah, has commanded the faster to observe Ramadan fast breaking alms, one Sa'a, (a beaker, a unit of measurement about two kilos and forty grams) of dates, on a bondsman, a freeman, on every
man and woman, young and old...”

This citation indicates that the eligible people who should give these alms, are virtually every living Muslim, provided he or she possesses more than the prescribed amount of provisions, in such a way that, after giving alms, there will remain enough food for him and his family for at least 24 hours.

However, there is no obligation of these alms on the unborn fetus, unless the parents or the guardian wants to give on its behalf voluntary alms. The Leader of the Faithful, `Umar (raa), gave for the unborn.

Thus, it is incumbent on every able believer to give for himself, and for those that he is responsible for; wife and children, and next of kin if they cannot give for themselves. If they can give, it is better that they do so, because every believer is com­manded to do so.
In the event that the person does not possess the amount, alms­giving is not mandatory. But, if he possesses half of the amount, it should be given.

Allah states: “So fear Allah as much as you can...” (Al-Qur`an 64:16)

And the Messenger of Allah said: “If I command you with something, do it as much as you
can.” (Agreed upon)

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Information on Zakat-al-Fitra

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Zakat-al-Fitra in Ramadan

Zakat-al-Fitra

Q: What is Zakat al-Fitrah?
A: It is religious tax/alms (zakat) paid on the day when Muslims break the fasting period at the end of the month of Ramadan. This tax/alms is known as Zakat al-Fitrah.

Q: What do the Qur’an and Hadith say about Fitrah?
A: Imams (pbut) say that the verses: Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success, and glorifies the Name of his Lord and prays (87:14-15) refer to giving of Fitrah and saying prayers on Eid al-Fitr. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (pbuh) said: For your fast to be accepted, give zakat.

Q: When does Fitrah become wajib (obligatory)?
A: Payment of Fitrah becomes obligatory after sunset on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. The Fitrah should be kept aside and paid on Eid al-Fitr before Eid prayers or before midday for those who cannot say their Eid prayers. It is necessary to have obligatory intention (Niyyat) of giving Fitrah for God’s pleasure only.

Q: What happens if someone forgets or does not give Fitrah on time?
A: If one does not give out or set aside the Fitrah within the due time, he should give the Fitrah later, on the basis of precaution, without making the Niyyat of Adaa or Qaza but only ‘Qurbatan ila Allah.’

Q: Can we give Fitrah in advance?
A: Giving Fitrah before the eve of Eid al-Fitr is not permissible. However, if you wish to send Fitrah earlier so that it reaches the needy on time, then you can send it as a temporary loan to the needy and then change your intention from loan to Fitrah on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.

Q: To whom is Fitrah obligatory?
A: Paying Fitrah is obligatory on every Muslim who is mature (Baligh), sane, financially able, &conscious on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. Fitrah should also be paid on behalf of all dependents (e.g. wife, children) whom one supports financially.

Q: When is a host required to pay Fitrah for his guest?
A: If a person invites another person to his house on the eve of Eid al-Fitr and if the guest is present at the host’s place at the time of the sunset then it is obligatory for the host to pay Fitrah for his guest.

Q: What happens if the guest arrives after the sunset on Eid night?
A: In this case the guest will pay his/her own Fitrah and it is not obligatory on the host to pay Fitrah for the guest.

Q: What happens if a guest comes uninvited and is present at the time of the sunset on the eve of Eid al-Fitr?
A: Ayatullah Sayyid As-Sistani says that the host should still pay the Fitrah as an obligatory precaution. However, Marhum Ayatullah Sayyid al-Khui was of the opinion that is recommended for the host to pay Fitrah of an uninvited guest.

Q: How much should we pay for Fitrah?
A: Fitrah for a person is given on a weight of 5.5 pounds , which is 2.49 kg(2.5kg) on any food commodity like wheat, barley, rice, millet, raisins or dates.

Q: Can we give cash value of any commodity mentioned above?
A: Yes, cash value in lieu of any foodstuff mentioned can be given as Fitrah. Thus, if a Kilogram of rice costs Rs.18.00, the cash value of Fitrah on rice per person would be 45.00. (Please check prices for other items in your areas.)

Q: Whom should we give the Fitrah to?
A: It is given to the needy who are unable to meet their own or their dependants annual living expenses, nor do they have the means to do so through earning.

Q: Who should not be given the Fitrah?
A: A needy who: consumes alcohol, does not say his daily prayers (Salat), commits sins openly, or he who is known to use the Fitrah in sinful way.

Q: Are there any additional rules that we need to be aware of?
A: Following are some important rules:
(i) Fitrah should not be sent outside the town one resides in, if there are deserving Mumineen in that town.
(ii) Fitrah from a non-Sayyid cannot be given to a needy Sayyid; the reverse is permissible.
(iii) A needy should be given at least one Fitrah
(iv) Amongst the needy, relatives should be preferred over others when giving Fitrah, next in line are neighbors and then the learned.

Also Read:
21 Common Misconceptions about Zakaah

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What is zakat? Information on zakat al fitr

F.A.Q on Zakat al - Fitra

Q: What is Zakat al-Fitrah?
A: It is religious tax/alms (zakat) paid on the day when Muslims break the fasting period at the end of the month of Ramadan. This tax/alms is known as Zakat al-Fitrah.

Q: What do the Qur’an and Hadith say about Fitrah?
A: Imams (pbut) say that the verses: Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success, and glorifies the Name of his Lord and prays (87:14-15) refer to giving of Fitrah and saying prayers on Eid al-Fitr. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (pbuh) said: For your fast to be accepted, give zakat.

Q: When does Fitrah become wajib (obligatory)?
A: Payment of Fitrah becomes obligatory after sunset on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. The Fitrah should be kept aside and paid on Eid al-Fitr before Eid prayers or before midday for those who cannot say their Eid prayers. It is necessary to have obligatory intention (Niyyat) of giving Fitrah for God’s pleasure only.

Q: What happens if someone forgets or does not give Fitrah on time?
A: If one does not give out or set aside the Fitrah within the due time, he should give the Fitrah later, on the basis of precaution, without making the Niyyat of Adaa or Qaza but only ‘Qurbatan ila Allah.’

Q: Can we give Fitrah in advance?
A: Giving Fitrah before the eve of Eid al-Fitr is not permissible. However, if you wish to send Fitrah earlier so that it reaches the needy on time, then you can send it as a temporary loan to the needy and then change your intention from loan to Fitrah on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.

Q: To whom is Fitrah obligatory?
A: Paying Fitrah is obligatory on every Muslim who is mature (Baligh), sane, financially able, and conscious on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. Fitrah should also be paid on behalf of all dependents (e.g. wife, children) whom one supports financially.

Q: When is a host required to pay Fitrah for his guest?
A: If a person invites another person to his house on the eve of Eid al-Fitr and if the guest is present at the host’s place at the time of the sunset then it is obligatory for the host to pay Fitrah for his guest.

Q: What happens if the guest arrives after the sunset on Eid night?
A: In this case the guest will pay his/her own Fitrah and it is not obligatory on the host to pay Fitrah for the guest.

Q: What happens if a guest comes uninvited and is present at the time of the sunset on the eve of
Eid al-Fitr?
A: Ayatullah Sayyid As-Sistani says that the host should still pay the Fitrah as an obligatory precaution. However, Marhum Ayatullah Sayyid al-Khui was of the opinion that is recommended for the host to pay Fitrah of an uninvited guest.

Q: How much should we pay for Fitrah?
A: Fitrah for a person is given on a weight of three kilograms (one sa’a) on any food commodity like wheat, barley, rice, millet, raisins or dates. Ayatullah Sayyid As-Sistani is of the opinion that the item that is not a staple food in your town should not be given in Fitrah. Say, for example, if millet is not a staple in Windsor then Windsor Mumineen should not pay Fitrah on millet.

Q: Can we give cash value of any commodity mentioned above?
A: Yes, cash value in lieu of any foodstuff mentioned can be given as Fitrah. Thus, if a Kilogram of rice costs $2.00, the cash value of Fitrah on rice per person would be $6.00. We recommend, Fitrah on Basmati rice to be Canadian Dollars 7.00 for residents of Canada and US Dollars 6.00 for US residents. (Please check prices for other items in your areas.)

Q: Whom should we give the Fitrah to?
A: It is given to the needy who are unable to meet their own or their dependants annual living expenses, nor do they have the means to do so through earning. Ayatullah Sayyid As-Sistani says that the needy who are given the fitrah must be a Shiah Ithna Ashari.

Q: Who should not be given the Fitrah?
A: A needy who: consumes alcohol, does not say his daily prayers (Salat), commits sins openly, or he who is known to use the Fitrah in sinful way.

Q: Are there any additional rules that we need to be aware of?
A: Following are some important rules:
(i) Fitrah should not be sent outside the town one resides in, if there are deserving Mumineen in that town.
(ii) Fitrah from a non-Sayyid cannot be given to a needy Sayyid; the reverse is permissible.
(iii) A needy should be given at least one Fitrah
(iv) Amongst the needy, relatives should be preferred over others when giving Fitrah, next in
line are neighbors and then the learned.

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Information on the holy month of Ramadan - Part 2

Q: What about children, can they fast voluntarily?
A: Muslim children under the age of puberty can fast with the permission and supervision of their parents. The parents will help them develop the practice of fasting gradually so that when the children reach the age of puberty they are mentally and physically prepared to fast in Ramadan. If a child cannot or does not feel like continuing the fast, he/she will be allowed to break the fast before dusk without blame or penalty.

Q: What are the traditional practices for the month of Ramadan?
A: Many practices can be seen in various cultures and ethnically groups. However, the following
four practices are universal among all Muslims.

(1). Suhoor, i.e. Waking up before dawn to eat something before the commencement of the fast.
(2). Futoor (Iftar), i.e. Breaking the daily fast with a drink of water, salt or dates at dusk.
(3). Tilaawah, i.e. Qur’an Recitation. Most Muslims recite 1/30th (Juz or Sipara) of the Holy
Qur’an every night so as to complete reciting the entire Holy Qur’an during the month.
(4). Social visits and giving of alms and charity are highly recommended during this month.

Q: Are there any special events during Ramadan?
A: The most important event is the celebration of Laylatul Qadr.

Q: What is Laylatul Qadr?
A: Laylatul Qadr, i.e. “the Night of Power & Grandeur” marks the anniversary of the night on which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) received the Qur’an from God, through the angel Gabriel. An entire chapter in the Qur’an deals with this night: “Surely, We have sent it (the Qur’an) down inthe night of Qadr.

What will make you know what the night of Qadr is?
The night of Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the (holy) spirit descend in
it, with the permission of their Lord, with (decrees) for every affair. Peace, until the
break of dawn.” (Chapter 97)
Muslim’s believe Laylatul Qadr is one of the last odd numbered nights of Ramadan.

Q: Are there differences between the Sunni and the Shi’a regarding Ramadan and Fasting?
A: There are a few minor differences between the two on account of the interpretations of the
respective jurists. The following differences should be noted.
(1). The Sunnis end the fast at sunset, whilst the Shi’ahs ends at dusk.
(2). The Sunnis celebrate Layltul Qadr on the eve of 27th of Ramadan. The Shi’ahs celebrates it on the eve of the 23rd. They also perform the rites of Laylatul Qadr on the eve of 19th and the 21st of Ramadan.
(3). The Sunnis give a lot of importance to Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan after the daily evening (Eisha) prayer. The Shi’ah Muslim’s do not say the Taraweeh. Instead, they gather in their centers to do Qur’an recitation, say supplications (Du’as) for Ramadan and partake from lectures on the significance of fasting, Ramadan, and other religious topics. Plus they do the following special Nawafil (recommended or supererogatory prayers):

(a). 1st to 20th day: 20 Raka’at (2 Rak’at x 10) each of the first twenty nights.
(b). 19th, 21st & 23rd: 100 Raka’at (2 Rak’at x 50) each of the three eves.
(c). 21st to 30th: 30 Raka’at (2 Rak’at x 15) each of the last ten nights.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “…I recommend you to say prayers in your homes because the best of a person’s prayers is in his home except for the obligatory (prayers).”

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