Conditions for breaking fast in Ramadan

The fast breakers, except menstruation (hayd) and post child­birth bleeding (nifaas), including marital relations, self-pollution, eating and drinking; indulging in them do not break fast and require redemption of the fast unless three conditions are met:

(1) Knowledge (`Elim)

The person should have full knowledge that what he is about to do will invalidate his fast. If he is ignorant and does not know, the fast remains valid. Allah (SWT) said,

“...But there is no blame on you if you make a mistake therein: (What counts) is the intentions of your hearts.” (Al-Qu`ran, 33:5)

Doubt In The Break of Dawn

In the case of the ignorant person mentioned above, he can be either
(a) ignorant of the Islamic rule in the matter, as a person who did not know that a certain act will invalidate fast, or

(b) ignorant of the time, as a person who thinks the dawn has not broken and continues his sahur, finding out later that the sun has risen. Or he mistakenly breaks fast thinking the sun has set. In all these instances, the fast is valid, despite the ruling to the contrary by the majority of the scholars.

In a hadith by Bukhari (raa) when the following verse was re­vealed:

“...And eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread...” (Al-Qur'an, 2:187)

`Adyi bin Hatim (raa) told the Messenger of Allah (saas) that he placed two threads, one black and the other white, under this pillow as he sat to eat his sahuur. He continued to eat while glancing at the thread under his pillow to see whether he can differentiate between them. By the time he could differentiate between them, it was already daybreak. When he finished this story, the Messenger of Allah commented and explained: `Your pillow must be very vast (to cover the spaces of white and black threads)' What is really meant is the whiteness of the day and the darkness of the night.'

The point of reference in this hadith is that 'Adyi ate after Fajr and after the time he was supposed to stop, but the Prophet (saas) did not ask him to make up the day because he was igno­rant of the Shari'ah rule. In another report by Bukhari, Asma bint Abu Bakr (raa) said: “We broke fast one day in Ramadan, on a cloudy evening during the time of the Prophet, but after a while the sun appeared.” Again in this citation there is no re­port that the Prophet commanded those who mistakenly broke their fast to make up the day. If he had, it would have been re­ported because of its importance.

Elsewhere, Hisham bin `Urwah (raa), who was one of the re­porters of the above hadith, said: “They were not commanded to redeem the day.”

(2) Remembering (Dhikir)

The faster should remember before an act that it will invalidate his fast. If he forgets, the fast remains valid and resumes, as mentioned earlier.

Allah (SWT) states:
“...Our Lord! condemn us not if we forget or fall into error...” (Al-Qur`an, 2:286)

In Islam no one is condemned for an act done out of forgetful­ness or due to a mistake. It is human, after all, to forget.
In a hadith mentioned earlier it was observed:
“Whoever forgets while fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast (of that day), for he has just been fed and quenched by Allah.” (Muslim and others)

Thus, regarding the eating and drinking of one who forgets, it is evident that he is not to be held responsible for his action. However, if he remembers or has been reminded, he should stop immediately, for if he continues to eat after that moment, the fast is invalid. Therefore, it is incumbent on anyone who sees a faster eating or drinking to remind him or her.

Allah (SWT) said:
“...Help you one another in righteousness and piety.” (Al-Qur`an, 5:2)

(3) Breaking Fast Willingly (Ikhtiyaar)

For the fast to become invalid, the person should break on his own accord, eating or drinking intentionally without force from anyone. For, if he is coerced under the threat of harm, the fast remains valid. Allah (SWT) states:

“ Anyone who, after accepting faith in Allah, ut­ters unbelief, except under coercion, his heart remaining firm in faith...” (Al-Qur`an, 16:106)

The point of reference here is if Allah absolves one from blame for claiming disbelief under compulsion (a person who has said a word of great sin), a person under similar conditions who has committed lesser offense deserves pardon.

Besides, the Mes­senger of Allah (saas) said in a hadith related by Ibn Abbas (raa):
“Allah absolves my community (Ummah) from respon­sibility if they make a mistake, or forget, or have been forced to do something against their own will.” (Ibn Ma­jah)

Relying on this citation, if, for instance, water is mistakenly swallowed during rinsing of the mouth or sniffing, or a person is forced under threat of harm to eat, the fast remains valid.

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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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Step by Step Method for performing the Eid Prayer (Eid Namaz / Salat)

The method is to make intention for Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ud-Duha for two Rakats Wajib and then lift your hands up to your ears and say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and then fold them below the navel as normal.

Now pray ‘Sana’ and then say Allahu Akbar and lift your hands up to your ears and release them and again lift your hands and say Allahu Akbar and release them again and then lift your hands again and say Allahu Akbar and then fold them.

This means fold your hands after the first and fourth Takbeer and in the second and third Takbeers release your hands. The best way to remember is that if the Imam shall recite after the Takbeer then fold your hands and when he shall not recite (after a Takbeer) release your hands and hang them on the side.

After folding your hands after the fourth Takbeer the Imam will silently recite ‘A’udhubillah’ and ‘Bismillah’ and then he will pray Surah al-Fatiha (‘Alhamd Sharif’) and a Surat loudly and then go into Ruku and Sijdah and (thus,) complete one Rak’at (unit).

Then in the second Rak’at the Imam will first pray the Alhamdu and a Surat then lift your hands to your ears and say Allahu Akbar and release them; and do not fold them and repeat this twice. Therefore a total of three times the Takbeer shall be said. On the fourth time say Allahu Akbar and without lifting your hands go into Ruku.

This therefore means that in the Eid prayer there are six extra Takbeers; three before Qira’at (recitation) and after Takbeer-e-Tahrima in the first Rak’at and three after Qira’at in the second Rakat and before the Takbeer for Ruku.

Also in all the extra Takbeers you must lift your hands and between two Takbeers a gap of three Tasbeehs should be made and it is Mustahab in the Eid prayer to recite after Alhamdu, ‘Surah al-Jumu’ah’ in the first Rak’at and ‘Surah al-Munafiqun’ in the second or in the first pray ‘Sabbih Isma Rabbik al-A’la’ and in the second ‘Hal Ataaka Hadeethul Ghasihiyah’. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar Pgs. 113-114, Bahar-e-Shari’at]



Method of performing the Eid prayer has been taken from the English version of the book “Qanoon-e-Shari’at”, by ‘Allama Shamsul ‘Ulama Shamsuddin Ahmed al-Radawi, the student of Sadr al-Shari’ah, Allama Mufti Amjad ‘Ali al-‘A’azmi.

SUREHS TO BE READ IN NAMAZ

SURAH AL-FATIHA
Alhamdul lil-lahi rab-bil 'alameen
Ar rahma nir-raheem
Maliki yawmid-deen
Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een
Ihdinas siratal mustaqeem
Siratal Lazeena an'amta 'alayhim
Ghai-ril maghdubi 'alayhim
Walad dal-leen. Ameen.

SURAH AL-IKHLAS
Qul huwal lahu ahad.
Allah hus-Samad.
Lam yalid walam yulad.
Walam yakul-lahu Kufuwan ahad.

SUREH QADR
Innaa Anzalnaahu Fee Lailatil Qadr
Wa Maa Adraaka Ma Lailatul Qadr
Lailatul Qadri Khairum Min Alfee Shahr
Tanaz Zalul Malaa-ikatu War Roohu Feeha Bi Izni-rab Bihim Min Kulli Amr
Salaamun Hiya Hattaa Mat La'il Fajr

SUREH NASR
Iza Jaa-a Nas Rullahi Walfath
Wa Ra-aitan Naasa Yadkhuloona Fee Deenil Laahi Afwajah
Fa Sab Bih Bihamdi Rabbika Was Taghfir, Innahu Kaana Tawwaaba

AYTAL KURSI
Allahu laaa ilaaha illaa huwal haiyul qai-yoom; laa taakhuzuhoo sinatunw wa laa nawm; lahoo maa fissamaawaati wa maa fil ard; man zallazee yashfa'u indahooo illaa be iznih; ya'lamu maa baina aideehim wa maa khalfahum; wa laa yuheetoona beshai 'immin 'ilmihee illa be maa shaaaa; wasi'a kursiyyuhus samaa waati wal arda wa la ya'ooduho hifzuhumaa; wa huwal aliyyul 'azeem

اللَّهُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لاَ تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلاَ نَوْمٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِهِ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلاَ يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلاَّ بِمَا شَاءَ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاو ;َاتِ وَالأَرْضَ وَلاَ يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ

ATTAHIYAT
AttahiyyaatuLillahi Was Salawatu Wattayyibatu
Assalamu Alaika Ayyuhannabi 'yu 'Warahmatullahi Wabarka'tuhu
Assalamu Alaina Wa'ala'Ibadillahis Saa'liheen
Ash'had'u'un La ilahaillallahu
Wa Ash'hadu Anna MuhammadunAbd'uhu Wa Rasooluhu

DAROOD-E-IBRAHIM
Allahumma Salleh Ala Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa'ala' Aale Sayyidina Muhammadin Kama Sallaiyta Ala Sayyidina Ibraheema Wa' Ala Aale Sayyidina Ibraheema InnakaHameedum Majeed -Allahumma Baarak Ala Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa' Ala Aale Sayyidina Muhammadin Kama Baarakta Ala Sayyidina Ibraheem Wa' Ala Aale Sayyidina Ibraheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed

Then Read the below Dua
Allahumag Firii Wali Wale Dayya Wal Ustaad'e Wal Jamee'il Mu'mineena Wal Mu'meenat Wal Muslimeena Wal MuslimatAI'Ahya'eMinhum Wal Amwaat'e Innaka MujeebudDa'waatBirahmatikaYa Ar'hamarr'ahimeen' 

or pray another Dua-e-Ma'soor or pray 
'Allahumma Rabbana Aatina Fid DuniyaHasanatawWafil Akhirati Hasanataw Wa QinaAzaabanNaar' 

DUA QUNOOT (READ IN 3RD RAKAT OF WITR IN ISHA)
Allah humma inna nast'eenuka wa nastaghfiruka
wa nu'minu bika wa natawak-kalu 'alayka wa nuthne 'alayk-al khayr.
Wa nashkuruka wa laaa nakfuruka wa nakhla'u wa natruku man-y yafjuruka.
Allah humma iyyaka na'budu wa laka nusal-lee
wa nasjudu wa ilayka nas'a wa nahfidu wa narju rahmataka

wa nakhsha 'azabaka inna 'azabaka bil kuf-fari mulhiq.

Hadiths on Eid Prayers or Namaz

I. Hadrat Anas reported that when the Holy Prophet came to Madinah, the people had two days in which they used to entertain and amuse themselves. He asked: “What are these two days?” They said: “We used to amuse ourselves and take pleasure in these two days during the Days of Ignorance (jahiliyyah). The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah has substituted for you something better than these two; the Eid of Adha  (sacrifice) and the Eid of Fitr . [Sunan Abi Dawood - Book on Prayer, Vol 1, Page 162]

II. Hadrat Abu al-Huwairith reported that the Messenger of Allah wrote to Hadrat ‘Amr ibn Hazm, when he was in Najran, asking him to observe the prayer early on the Eid of Adha (sacrifice) and late on the Eid of Fitr, and to admonish the people. [Mishkaat - Book on Prayer, Vol 1, Page 127]

III. Hadrat Jabir ibn Samurah reported, “I prayed with the Messenger of Allah the two Eid prayers more than once or twice, without an Adhan or Iqamah.” [Sahih Muslim - Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 290]

IV. Hadrat Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah did not go (to the place of prayer) in the morning on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr till he ate some dates, and he used to eat an odd number. [Sahih Bukhari - Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 130]

V. Hadrat Buraidah reported that the Holy Prophet did not go out on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr till he had eaten some food; and that he did not eat any food on the day of Eid-ul-Adha (sacrifice) till he had prayed. [Sunan Tirmidhi - Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 120]

VI. Hadrat Jabir reported that on the day of Eid the Holy Prophet used to return by a different route from the one he had taken when going out. [Sahih Bukhari - Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 134]

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Eid-ul-Fitr is celebration at the end of Ramadan

What is Eid-ul-Fitr?

The arabic name Eid al-Fitr means 'festival of the breaking of the fast' in English. It marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. Like other festivals observed by the Muslim community, this festival symbolizes faith.

When is Eid-ul-Fitr?
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which can be on July 18 or 19 2015. Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca).

How is Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated?

Eid is celebrated on the first date of Shawwal, that is, the tenth month of the Hijra calendar. During the festival, Muslims exchange gifts, greeting their neighbours as a mark of solidarity and brotherhood.

According to the Islamic tradition, there are two festivals observed by Muslims every year - Eid-ul-Fitr just after Ramzan and Eid-ul-Zuha in the month of Haj.

Ramzan, the month of fasting, symbolizes a lot practices and beliefs of the community. It is not merely restraining oneself from having food but also to abstain from all kinds of evil and unlawful practices in Islam.

Muslims, just before the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr, keep a month long fast throughout the month of Ramzan. The practice of fasting is also known as 'roza' that starts from the break of dawn till dusk and during this whole day an individual has to refrain hinself from drinking, eating or having sexual intercourse. The term 'roza' us an Arabic word means abstinence. This year Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on August 20 to mark the end of Ramzan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The month long fasting ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr that symbolizes a reward for their fasting.

Muslims on this day wear their best clothers and offer 'namaz' a congregational prayer at masjids or mosques. After offering their prayers they exchange good wishes of the festival with their neighbours and other people. They also donate alms to the poor on the auspicios occasion.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr not only has religious essence but also carries a social connotation.

Like other festivals, Eid-ul-Fitr is also observed with great enthusiasm. Delicious food and drinks are an indispensable part of the festivity. People decoare their houses and prepare luscious traditional sweets and cuisines to celebrate the festival. The most common recipe in this festival is the delicious meethi seviyan (Sweet Vermicelli) prepared from various healthy and mouth-watering ingredients.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr is no-doubt perks up the spirit inherent in all the festivity. The significance of this festival is also interpreted as a good time to bring people together in harmony and gratitude.

Method for performing the Eid-ul-Fitr Prayer

The method is to make intention for Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ud-Duha for two Rakats Wajib and then lift your hands up to your ears and say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and then fold them below the navel as normal.

Now pray ‘Sana’ and then say Allahu Akbar and lift your hands up to your ears and release them and again lift your hands and say Allahu Akbar and release them again and then lift your hands again and say Allahu Akbar and then fold them.

This means fold your hands after the first and fourth Takbeer and in the second and third Takbeers release your hands. The best way to remember is that if the Imam shall recite after the Takbeer then fold your hands and when he shall not recite (after a Takbeer) release your hands and hang them on the side.

After folding your hands after the fourth Takbeer the Imam will silently recite ‘A’udhubillah’ and ‘Bismillah’ and then he will pray Surah al-Fatiha (‘Alhamd Sharif’) and a Surat loudly and then go into Ruku and Sijdah and (thus,) complete one Rak’at (unit).

Then in the second Rak’at the Imam will first pray the Alhamdu and a Surat then lift your hands to your ears and say Allahu Akbar and release them; and do not fold them and repeat this twice. Therefore a total of three times the Takbeer shall be said. On the fourth time say Allahu Akbar and without lifting your hands go into Ruku.

This therefore means that in the Eid prayer there are six extra Takbeers; three before Qira’at (recitation) and after Takbeer-e-Tahrima in the first Rak’at and three after Qira’at in the second Rakat and before the Takbeer for Ruku.

Also in all the extra Takbeers you must lift your hands and between two Takbeers a gap of three Tasbeehs should be made and it is Mustahab in the Eid prayer to recite after Alhamdu, ‘Surah al-Jumu’ah’ in the first Rak’at and ‘Surah al-Munafiqun’ in the second or in the first pray ‘Sabbih Isma Rabbik al-A’la’ and in the second ‘Hal Ataaka Hadeethul Ghasihiyah’. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar Pgs. 113-114, Bahar-e-Shari’at]

Method of performing the Eid prayer has been taken from the English version of the book “Qanoon-e-Shari’at”, by ‘Allama Shamsul ‘Ulama Shamsuddin Ahmed al-Radawi, the student of Sadr al-Shari’ah, Allama Mufti Amjad ‘Ali al-‘A’azmi.

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Hadiths regarding SHAB E MERAJ

The Night of Ascension regarding Hadiths:

The story of the Al-Miraj goes that the beloved Prophet (PBUH) was asleep one night towards the end of his prophetic course in Makkah when he was wakened by the angel Gabriel(as) who cleansed his heart before bidding him alight on a angelic horse named Buraq.

Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, p. 101

I was brought al-Burg who is an animal white and long, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, who would place his hoof at a distance equal to the range of vision. I mounted it and came to the Temple (Bait-ul Maqdis in Jerusalem), then tethered it to the ring used by the prophets.

The journey from Makkah to Jerusalem is known as al-Isra, "the night journey". At Jerusalem the Prophet(PBUH) was tested in the following way by Gabriel(as).

Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, p. 196

Allah's Apostle was presented with two cups, one containing wine and the other milk on the night of his night journey at Jerusalem. He looked at it and took the milk. Gabriel said, "Thanks to Allah Who guided you to the Fitra (i.e. Islam); if you had taken the wine, your followers would have gone astray".

After this began al-Mi'raj, "the ascent". The Prophet(PBUH) passed the sea of kawthar, the sea of "abundance", and then met various prophets, from Adam(as) to Abraham(as), as well as a variety of angels as he passed through the seven heavens. After this Gabriel(as) took him to the heavenly lote-tree on the boundary of the heavens before the throne of Allah.

Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 5, p. 147

Then I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. the lote-tree of the utmost boundary). Behold! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr (i.e. a place near Medina) and its leaves were as big as the ears of elephants. Gabriel said, "This is the lote-tree of the utmost boundary".

Gabriel(as) and Buraq could go no further but the Beloved Prophet(PBUH) went on to the presence of Allah where he was commanded to order the Muslims to pray fifty times a day:

Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, p. 213

Then Allah enjoined fifty prayers on my followers. When I returned with this order of Allah, I passed by Moses who asked me, "What has Allah enjoined on your followers?" I replied, "He has enjoined fifty prayers on them". Moses said "Go back to your Lord (and appeal for reduction) for your followers will not be able to bear it".

The Prophet(PBUH) went back and forth between Allah and Moses(as) till the prayers were reduced to five per day. Moses(as) then told him to seek yet a further reduction but The prophet stopped at this point and answered Moses:

Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasulullah, p. 187

I replied that I had been back to my Lord and asked him to reduce the number until I was ashamed, and I would not do it again.

Allah then said whoever observed the five times of prayer daily would receive the reward of fifty prayers. The Prophet(PBUH) then saw some of the delights of paradise as he returned to Gabriel(as) and Buraq and then beheld the torments of the damned before going back to his home in Makkah that same night. This, briefly, is the narrative of the ascent.

The Qur'an also supports this miraculous journey.

Glory to (God) Who did take His Servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose precincts We did bless, - in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth (all things). Surah 17.1

The "Sacred Mosque" (al-masjidul-haram) is interpreted to be the Ka'aba at Makkah and the "Farthest Mosque" (al-masjidul- aqsa) the Temple at Jerusalem. The great mosque which presently stands next to the Dome of the Rock is accordingly known today as the "al-Aqsa" mosque.

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A Useful Guide to Halal Food as per Islamic Law

 What is the meaning of Halal?

HALAL in general term means permitted, allowed, authorized, approved, sanctioned, lawful, legal, legitimate or licit. The word ‘Food for Muslims’ or ‘food certified Halal’ or ‘Halal’ means it can be had or permitted for eating and must be carry all the legal documents for verification

Prophet(s) Muhammad is reported to have said:
"Halal is clear and Haram is clear; in between these two are certain things that are suspected. Many people may not know whether those items are Halal or Haram. Whosoever leaves them, he is innocent towards his religion and his conscience. He is, therefore, safe. Anyone who gets involved in any of these suspected items, he may fall into the unlawful and the prohibited. This case is similar to the one who wished to raise his animals too close to a restricted area, so that the animals may step into that area. Indeed for every landlord there is a restricted area. Indeed the restriction of Allah are the Haram." (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

For a product to be Halal(lawful) for Muslim consumption all its ingredients should be Halal. Follow the following list:

1. Read the ingredients on label carefully. Ingredients are listed according to the amounts present.

The first ingredient listed is present in the largest amount.

2. Identify the Halal/Haram/Mushbooh status of each ingredient using this guide.
3. Search the ingredient name in the list and its status will be next to it.
4. If all ingredients of a product are Halal, the product is fit for Muslim consumption.
5. If any of the ingredient is Haram, the product should not be consumed.
6. If any ingredient falls under Mushbooh category avoid this product, as the Prophet has advised us to avoid doubtful matters. This ingredient could come from a Haram source. To find out the status of this ingredient you should write or call the manufacturer of the product

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SALAAT (NAMAZ) IS THE PILLAR OF ISLAM AND HAS GOT TEN VIRTUES

Hadharat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that he heard the Prophet (SAW) saying: There is no place in ISLAM for a person who does not offer his SALAAT and there is no SALAAT without WUDHU.

The position of SALAAT in ISLAM is a position of head in a body.

The position of salaat in jamaat is twenty-seven times more and in some hadith it is mentioned twenty-five times more, why is the difference?

* This variation is due to variation of ikhlaas (sincerity) in different individuals
* In Sirri (quiet ) salaat i.e. zohr and asr it is twenty-five times, while in Jahri(loud) salaat i.e fazr,magrib and Ishaaa it is twenty-seven times.
* In fazr and ishaa, when it is somewhat inconvenient to go out in cold and darkness, it is twenty –seven times.
* In the beginning it was twenty-five times but subsequently ALLAH favour on the followers has it been raised to twenty-seven times.

Muhammad bin Samaak (Rahmatullah alaiho) is a famous theologian and sheikh. He died at 103. He used to perform two hundred rakaats of nafil salaat daily. He writes : For forty years he never missed the first takbeer of salaat with jammat ,except once when my mother died .Once I missed the salaat with jammat .As I knew that the salaat was twenty-seven times superior, I repeated this salaat individually for twenty-seven times to make up the loss.

The Prophet (SAW) said:

SALAAT IS THE PILLAR OF ISLAM AND HAS GOT TEN VIRTUES:

1. It is the charm on the face
2. A light in the heart
3. health and refreshment for the body
4. a company in the grave
5. a key in the heaven
6. a means of willingly ALLAH pleasure
7. it establishes deen and the one who neglets demolishes it
8. a price of paradise
9. descent of ALLAH's mercy
10. A weight of scale of good deeds.

The angels address a person who misses

FAJIR NAMAAZ AS O U WRONG DOER
ZUHR NAMAAZ AS O U LOSER
ASR NAMAAZ AS O U TRANSGRESSOR
MAGRIB NAMAAZ AS O U KAAFIR
ISHAA NAMAAZ AS O U VOILATOR OF ALLAHS COMMANDMENTS.

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The Spiritual and Moral Benefits of Fasting

1. It brings a fasting man/woman closer to his/her Creator (Allah).

2. One develops a sense of love for the Holy Quran, as this month brings along with it an opportunity towards a special dedication, and also a love towards its recitation, understanding an remembrance.

3. Lailat-ul-Qadr (i.e., the Night of Majesty) falls in this month, and provides an opportunity for acceptance of prayer.

4. I'tikaf, i.e., staying in the mosque for the last ten days of this month (Ramazan), is observed, and in doing so one gets a better concentration and more time towards praying, reciting the Holy Quran and undergoing other religious activities.

5. Punctuality in the five obligatory prayers helps one develop a habit of offering one's prayers regularly and punctually.

6. The Tahajjud prayer is more widely observed. The faithful leave their warm beds in search of the Bliss of Allah.

7. The Tarawih prayer is an event that allows faithful to hear the Holy Quran from beginning to end.

8. The fasting Muslim learns to obey every command of Allah, the "Supreme Commander", both publicly and privately.

9. One refrains from evil deeds while one is fasting.

10. One is prepared for radical changes in one's life, as the advent of this month brings similar changes to one's daily schedule.

11. One develops a sense of unity and brotherhood with fellow Muslims all over the world by sharing the same spiritual experience (i.e., of fasting).

12. One obeys the saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, by following his advice to refrain from harming one's fellow Muslims, physically and/or verbally.

13. Equality and uniformity is observed, as both black and white, wealthy and poor, master and servant, act according to the will of Allah.

14. The wealthy realise the essence of the word hunger, and thus become more dutiful towards the rights of the poor, the orphans, the widows and the needy. Thus one is more mindful towards the giving of charity and bringing about other pious deeds that can alleviate the miseries of the poor.

15. It develops the habit of eating moderately and avoiding wastage of food.

16. Allah forgives the previous sins of the fasting men and women when they seek His forgiveness.

17. Owing to a fasting person's pious acts, fellow-people love him and thus the foundation of a solid and healthy brotherhood is laid down.

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What Is Ramadan and How and Why do a Muslim Fast ?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Every day of this month, Muslims fast on the day from sun rise to sun set. In the night Muslims gather together to offer Namaz or Prayers in Masjid . These night prayers are called Taraveeh

“Islam is built on five (pillars), testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, and testimony that Muhammad is His messenger, establishing Salat, giving Zakaat, observing the fast of Ramadan, and pil­grimage to the House of Allah.” (Bukhari/Muslim)

The hadith established fasting during the month of Ramadan as one of the pillars on which this religion is built. This hadith re­inforces the obligation of fasting as stated in Al-Qur'an. We will see later that there are other Hadiths that explain in detail how to observe the 'Ebadah, the worship of fasting.

“Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to humanity and as a clear 18 sign for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So anyone of you who witnesses the month should spend it in fasting...” (Al-Qur'an, 2:185)

This verse contains important rules and reasons for fasting that will be explained later. However, what concerns us here is the statement,

“So anyone of you who witnesses the month should spend it in fasting.”

WHY DO A MUSLIM FAST?

Fasting is one of the best acts of worship. It is mandated by Al­lah (SWT) to purify the soul along with the practice of good deeds. Thus the faster ought to be aware of acts or behaviors that may spoil his fast so that he or she will attain the highest benefit physically and spiritually.

Fasting is not only restraining oneself from fast-breakers ­food, drink and sex -that restrain only the mouth and the pri­vate parts. Every limb (jawarih) must be restrained. The tongue must desist from slander and back-biting. The eyes must re­strain themselves from any unlawful look. The hand must not touch or take what does not belong to it. The ears must not lis­ten to idle talk, gossip, lyrics and notes that contain obscene and indecent things; the nose must fast also by not sniffing, smelling unlawful things. The feet must fast by not going to places where sinful acts are propagated.

When you eat sahuur and iftar, make sure the food on the table has been obtained lawfully. If the servant has observed the fast in these terms and acted accordingly, he or she will have

gained positively by Ramadan and will receive the maximum reward. Hence, fasting is a state of mind that transcends the physical restraint.

In a hadith by Abu Hurairah, the Messenger of Allah (saas) said:

“It is not fasting, just to restrain from food and drink, instead the fast is to cease from idle talk, ob­scenity, and should anyone insult or provoke you, or act ignorantly towards you, respond to it by saying, ‘I am fasting, I am indeed fasting.’ ” (Ibn Khuzaimah)

The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry.

Fasting is an exercise in self-restraint. It's seen as a way to physically and spiritually detoxify by kicking impulses like morning coffee, smoking and midday snacking.

Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one's prayers. Many Muslims dress more conservatively during Ramadan and spend more time at the mosque than at any other time of the year.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and performing the hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

HOW DO MUSLIMS FAST?

Observant Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk for the entire month of Ramadan, with a single sip of water or a puff of a cigarette considered enough to invalidate the fast.

Muslim scholars say it's not enough to just avoid food and drinks during the day, though. Spouses must abstain from sexual intercourse during the day, and Muslims should not engage in road rage, cursing, fighting or gossiping.

Muslims are also encouraged to observe the five daily prayers on time and to use their downtime just before breaking their fast at sunset to recite Quran and intensify remembrance of God.

To prepare for the fast, Muslims eat what is commonly called "suhoor," a pre-dawn meal of power foods to get them through the day.

HOW DO MUSLIMS BREAK THEIR FAST?

Muslims traditionally break their fast like the Prophet Muhammad did some 1,400 years ago, with a sip of water and some dates at sunset. That first sip of water is by far the most anticipated moment of the day.

After a sunset prayer, a large feast known as "iftar" is shared with family and friends. Iftar is a social event as much as it is a gastronomical adventure. Across the Arab world, juices made from apricots are a staple at Ramadan iftars. In South Asia and Turkey, yogurt-based drinks are popular.

Across the Muslim world, mosques and aid organizations set up tents and tables for the public to eat free iftar meals every night of Ramadan.

Typically, the start of the month is welcomed with greetings such as "Ramadan mubarak!" (AP Photo)

CAN MUSLIMS BE EXEMPTED FROM FASTING?

Yes. There are exceptions for children, the elderly, the sick, women who are pregnant or menstruating and people traveling, which could include athletes during tournaments.

Many Muslims, particularly those who live in the U.S. and Europe, are accepting and welcoming of others around them who are not observing Ramadan. They also are not expecting shorter work hours, as is the case in the public sector across much of the Arab world during Ramadan.

However, non-Muslims or adult Muslims who eat in public during the day can be fined or even jailed in some Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, home to large Western expat populations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, minority Chinese Uighur Muslims complain of heavy restrictions by the Communist Party, such as bans on fasting by party members, civil servants, teachers and students during Ramadan, as well as generally enforced bans on children attending mosques, women wearing veils and young men growing beards.

WHAT ARE SOME RAMADAN TRADITIONS?

Typically, the start of the month is welcomed with greetings such as "Ramadan mubarak!" Another hallmark of Ramadan is nightly prayer at the mosque among Sunni Muslims called "taraweeh."

In Egypt, a common sight during Ramadan is a lantern called the "fanoos," which is often the centerpiece at an iftar table and can be seen hanging in window shops and balconies.

In the Arabian Gulf countries, wealthy sheikhs hold "majlises" where they open their doors for people to pass by all hours of the night for food, tea, coffee and conversation.

Increasingly common are Ramadan tents in five-star hotels that offer lavish and pricey meals from sunset to sunrise. While Ramadan is a boon for retailers in the Middle East and South Asia, critics say the holy month is increasingly becoming commercialized.

Scholars are also disturbed by the proliferation of evening television shows during Ramadan. In Pakistan, live game shows give away gifts promoting their sponsors. In the Arab world, monthlong soap operas starring Egypt's top actors rake in millions of dollars in advertising.

HOW DO MUSLIMS MARK THE END OF RAMADAN?

The end of Ramadan is marked by intense worship as Muslims seek to have their prayers answered during "Laylat al-Qadr" or "the Night of Destiny." It is on this night, which falls during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, that Muslims believe that God sent the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad and revealed the first versus of the Quran.

Some devout Muslims go into reclusion those final days, spending all of their time in the mosque.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated by a three-day holiday called Eid al-Fitr. Children often receive new clothes, gifts and cash.

Muslims attend early morning Eid prayers the day after Ramadan. Families usually spend the day at parks and eating — now during the day.

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Pay your Zakaat and secure your Wealth

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

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

Abu Dawud report from Hasan Basri Radi Allahu anhu and Tabrani and Baihaqi have reported from a huge Jama’at of Sahaba-e-Kiraam Radi Allahu ta'aala Anhum that Rasoolullah Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘Give your Zakaat and fortify your wealth in powerful fortresses, and treat your ill through Sadaqa, and when evil descends, then seek assistance in Dua (supplication) and lamentation.’

Law:  Making it Mubah (lawful) does not fulfil the Zakaat.  For example, if a Faqeer is fed some food with the Niyyat of Zakaat, the Zakaat has not been discharged, because in doing so the (condition) of making him the Maalik (Owner) is not existent.  If one gave him the food; in the sense that he may either eat it or take it with him, so in this case, it (Zakaat) has been discharged.  Similarly, if he gave (the Faqeer) a house to live in with the Niyyat of Zakaat, the Zakaat will not be discharged.  [Durr-e-Mukhtar vol.2 pg.3]

Law:  If one gave a Faqeer a house to live in, the Zakaat will not be discharged, because in doing so he has not given him any portion of the asset (i.e. in this case the property), but rather, he has simply made him the owner of the benefit.  [Durr-e-Mukhtar vol.2 pg.3]

MASLAK E AALA HAZRAT
ZINDA BAAD!

JUMMAH MUBAARAK

Sag e Mufti e Azam

Muhammad Afthab Cassim Qaadiri Razvi Noori

Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre, Durban, South Africa

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