The Fragrance of a Fasting Person’s Breath: A Sign of Devotion in Islam

Fasting in Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink but a spiritual purification that strengthens one’s connection with Allah (SWT). One of the unique aspects of fasting is that the natural odor from the mouth of a fasting person, caused by hunger, is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk.

This might seem surprising, but as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned in authentic Hadiths, it signifies the sincerity, patience, and devotion of the believer. Let us explore the Islamic perspective on this topic and understand why this natural phenomenon of fasting holds such great virtue in Islam.

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The Hadith on the Fragrance of a Fasting Person’s Breath

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"When a fasting person experiences hunger, the smell from their mouth is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk."

This Hadith highlights that fasting is not merely a physical exercise, but a spiritually elevated state, where even something as ordinary as the body’s reaction to hunger becomes a symbol of divine appreciation.

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Why is the Breath of a Fasting Person Special?

There are different types of odors that come from a person’s mouth due to various reasons:

✔️ Food Consumption – If someone eats strong-smelling foods, their breath carries the residual scent.
✔️ Poor Oral Hygiene – If someone does not brush or clean their mouth, an unpleasant odor can develop.
✔️ Natural Hunger – When a person does not eat for long hours, the body undergoes metabolic changes, resulting in a distinct odor.

The odor that develops due to fasting is different from all others because it is a result of devotion and obedience to Allah (SWT).

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Can the Smell Be Removed?

Some people wonder if the fragrance of a fasting person’s breath can be eliminated through brushing, miswak (tooth-stick), or mouth fresheners.

Islamic teachings clarify:

✔️ Using Miswak while fasting is allowed and encouraged for oral hygiene.
✔️ However, the fragrance mentioned in the Hadith is not the result of poor hygiene but of fasting itself.
✔️ The odor will only disappear when the person breaks their fast, as it originates from an empty stomach rather than external factors.

This explains why Shariah (Islamic Law) has permitted the use of miswak during fasting, but even after using it, the unique fasting breath remains until Iftar (breaking of the fast).

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Spiritual Meaning Behind This Virtue

Islam teaches that acts of worship have unseen spiritual benefits, some of which are beyond human understanding.

This Hadith signifies that:

✔️ Fasting is a highly honored act of worship.
✔️ Even the natural physical effects of fasting are valued by Allah.
✔️ The true essence of fasting is sincerity and devotion, not just hunger and thirst.

In essence, Allah (SWT) looks at the sincerity of the fasting believer, rewarding them for every sacrifice they make—even the hunger-induced changes in their body.

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The Connection Between Fasting and Divine Love

The fragrance of a fasting person's breath being more beloved to Allah than musk teaches us a profound lesson:

✔️ Worldly standards of beauty and fragrance do not define divine acceptance.
✔️ What matters is the effort and sincerity behind acts of worship.
✔️ A fasting believer is honored even in their most physically weakened state.

This is a reminder that true spirituality is measured not by appearances, but by one’s connection with Allah.

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Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Fasting in Islam

The Hadith about the breath of a fasting person serves as a powerful message:

✔️ Fasting is a deeply spiritual act of devotion.
✔️ Every struggle for the sake of Allah is rewarded, even the changes in one's breath.
✔️ True beauty in Islam lies in sincerity, not just external appearance.

As we fast, let us embrace the deeper spiritual significance of this practice and strive to make our fasting a means of drawing closer to Allah (SWT).

May Allah accept our fasts, our struggles, and our sincere efforts in Ramadan and beyond. Ameen!

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The Five Special Blessings of Ramadan: A Gift Exclusively for the Ummah

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is a time of immense blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. It is a period when the doors of Jannah (Paradise) are opened, the doors of Jahannam (Hell) are closed, and believers have an unparalleled opportunity to attain spiritual purification.

The significance of Ramadan is emphasized in numerous Hadiths, highlighting the special virtues granted exclusively to the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—virtues that were not bestowed upon any previous nation. Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) narrates that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"My Ummah has been given five special things in the month of Ramadan that were not given to any other nation before."

These five blessings are divine gifts from Allah (SWT), distinguishing the Muslim Ummah from previous nations. Let’s explore these special blessings of Ramadan and their impact on our faith.

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1. Allah’s Mercy Descends on the First Night

The first unique blessing of Ramadan is that Allah (SWT) showers His mercy upon the believers from the very first night of this sacred month.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"When the first night of Ramadan arrives, Allah, the Lord of Glory, looks upon this Ummah with mercy. Whomever Allah looks upon with mercy, He will never punish them."

This emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah’s mercy during the early days of Ramadan. However, the Quran warns that some individuals may be deprived of Allah’s mercy due to their attachment to worldly gains over faith.

Quranic Warning:

"They are those who have sold their faith for a small price. They preferred wealth over Allah, and for them, there will be no share in the Hereafter, nor will Allah speak to them, nor will He look at them with mercy on the Day of Judgment." (Quran)

Thus, true success in Ramadan is attained by aligning oneself with faith and righteousness, rather than worldly attachments.

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2. The Beloved Fragrance of a Fasting Person’s Breath

The second unique gift of Ramadan is that the smell from the mouth of a fasting person is beloved to Allah (SWT).

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"The smell from the mouth of a fasting person, caused by hunger, is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk."

This emphasizes that fasting is not just about abstaining from food but about demonstrating sincerity and devotion to Allah. Unlike other odors that can be removed by brushing or using miswak, the fragrance of an empty stomach remains until the person breaks their fast.

This unique distinction highlights the immense spiritual value of fasting.

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3. The Continuous Prayers of Angels for the Fasting Person

The third exclusive blessing of Ramadan is that angels continuously pray for the fasting believer throughout the day and night.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"In Ramadan, the angels pray for the fasting person, asking for their forgiveness and blessings throughout the day and night."

Outside Ramadan, angels pray for a person only when they wait in the mosque for prayer. However, in Ramadan, angels pray for the fasting believer all day long, demonstrating the greatness of fasting in Islam.

This divine favor further proves that fasting is not just a physical act but a spiritual transformation.

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4. The Gates of Jannah Open, and the Gates of Jahannam Close

The fourth special blessing of Ramadan is that the gates of Jannah (Paradise) are opened, and the gates of Jahannam (Hell) are closed.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Jahannam are closed, and the devils are chained."

This highlights the unparalleled opportunity for believers to purify themselves and attain forgiveness. However, despite these open doors of mercy, the Prophet (PBUH) also issued a strong warning:

"Woe to the person who witnesses Ramadan but does not attain forgiveness."

This statement emphasizes the importance of actively seeking Allah’s forgiveness in this sacred month.

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5. Complete Forgiveness on the Last Night of Ramadan

The final and greatest blessing of Ramadan is that Allah (SWT) forgives all those who have fasted sincerely by the end of the month.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"When the last night of Ramadan arrives, Allah, the Lord of Glory, forgives all."

The companions (RA) asked:

"Is this night Laylatul Qadr?"

The Prophet (PBUH) replied:

"No, but a laborer is given his wages in full when he completes his task."

This means that Allah (SWT) grants complete forgiveness to those who have observed Ramadan with sincerity, devotion, and faith.

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How to Attain These Blessings?

To fully benefit from these special blessings of Ramadan, one must:

✔️ Seek Allah’s mercy through sincere repentance.
✔️ Fast with devotion, understanding its significance.
✔️ Increase good deeds, knowing that angels are praying for us.
✔️ Make the most of open doors to Jannah by engaging in worship.
✔️ Strive for complete forgiveness before the month ends.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"If people truly understood the blessings of Ramadan, they would wish for the whole year to be Ramadan."

This reminds us that Ramadan is not just a month of fasting but a divine opportunity to earn immense rewards and mercy.

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The five special blessings of Ramadan highlight its unique spiritual status in Islam.

From the first night of mercy to the final night of forgiveness, every moment of Ramadan is an opportunity for believers to earn Allah’s pleasure.

The gates of Jannah are open, angels are praying, and forgiveness is being granted—but are we making the most of it?

Let’s strive to embrace the true essence of Ramadan, seek Allah’s mercy, and ensure that by the end of this month, we are among those who receive Allah’s complete forgiveness.

May Allah (SWT) bless us with the full rewards of Ramadan. Ameen!

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The Importance of Moon Sighting in Islam: A Religious Obligation (Wajib-e-Kifaya)

 The Importance of Moon Sighting in Islam: A Religious Obligation (Wajib-e-Kifaya)

Moon sighting holds immense significance in Islam, marking the beginning and end of key Islamic months, including Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram. The process of sighting the crescent moon is a deeply rooted tradition, referenced in Islamic jurisprudence and considered Wajib-e-Kifaya, meaning a communal obligation.

What is Wajib-e-Kifaya in Moon Sighting?

According to Islamic scholars, Wajib-e-Kifaya means that if some individuals within a community fulfill the obligation, the entire community is absolved of the responsibility. However, if no one sights the moon and reports it, then the entire community is considered negligent. This ruling applies particularly to five key months where moon sighting plays a crucial role in Islamic rituals and observances.

The Five Key Months for Moon Sighting

1. Ramadan – The sighting of the Ramadan moon is one of the most significant in Islam, as it determines the start of the fasting month. Some scholars classify it as being close to Fardh (compulsory) because it is directly linked to an obligatory act—fasting. Just as ablution (wudu) is necessary for prayer (Salah), moon sighting is essential for determining Ramadan.

2. Shawwal – The Shawwal moon sighting marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr. Unlike the Ramadan moon, those who claim to have seen the Eid moon may be questioned about their sighting details.

3. Dhul Qa’dah – The moon sighting of this month is important as it connects to the sacred month of Hajj preparations.

4. Dhul Hijjah – This moon sighting is essential as it determines the date of Eid-ul-Adha and Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.

5. Muharram – The moon of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, making its sighting significant for the Islamic calendar.

Authenticity in Moon Sighting: Phone-Based Announcements and Shariah Compliance

Islamic scholars have emphasized the necessity of physically sighting the moon rather than relying on technological methods such as phone-based testimonies. This ruling is derived from authentic Islamic jurisprudence and outlined in classical Islamic texts. Some of the reasons why moon sighting by phone is not Shariah-compliant include:

• Verification Issues – One cannot be sure if the person reporting the sighting over the phone is accurately describing what they saw.

• Language Barriers and Miscommunication – In modern technology, real-time translations and distortions in communication can lead to incorrect announcements.

• Scholarly Precedents – Islamic scholars over a century ago issued fatwas that discouraged reliance on indirect moon sighting reports.

For a moon sighting report to be accepted, a person must witness it in the same location and present their testimony in person. This ensures accuracy and reliability in the process.

The Prohibition of Pointing at the Moon

Another key aspect scholars have mentioned is the prohibition of pointing at the moon when one sights it. While the exact reason may not be explicitly mentioned in religious texts, it is considered a disapproved act. Some scholars suggest that pointing at the moon is a sign of disrespect, while others emphasize that Islamic tradition discourages unnecessary gestures towards celestial bodies.

Reflections for the Muslim Community

Moon sighting in Islam is not merely a cultural tradition; it is a religious duty that ensures the proper observance of Ramadan, Eid, Hajj, and the Islamic New Year. The concept of Wajib-e-Kifaya makes it a communal responsibility, ensuring that the entire Muslim ummah benefits from accurate and verified reports.

Moreover, modern technology cannot replace the authenticity of physical moon sighting, and adherence to traditional methods remains essential for following the teachings of Islam correctly. By upholding these principles, Muslims maintain the integrity of their religious practices while ensuring that significant Islamic months begin and end on their rightful days.

For accurate moon sighting reports, it is advised to follow local Islamic scholars and committees who uphold the traditions and rulings established by Islamic jurisprudence.

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Ramadan FAQs: Is Sehri Intention Necessary for Fasting? Islamic Ruling

Is Sehri Intention Necessary for Fasting? Islamic Ruling

Question:

If we forget to read the intention of Sehri, can we fast without intention after Sehri?Agar hum Sehri ki niyyat bhool jayein, toh kya hum bina niyyat ke Sehri ke baad roza rakh sakte hain?

Answer by Mufti Muhammad Shaheed:

Islamic fiqh ke mutabiq, niyyat (intention) dil ke irade ka naam hai. Zubani kehna zaroori nahi hai, lekin kehna behtar hai.

Roze Ki Niyyat Ke Bare Mein Aham Baaten:

1. Niyyat dil mein honi chahiye – Bas yeh sochna ke aaj roza rakhna hai, kaafi hai.

2. Zubani niyyat farz nahi hai – Agar aap “Maine roza rakhne ki niyyat ki” nahi bhi kahe, toh bhi roza valid hai.

3. Sehri khana bhi niyyat ka hissa hai – Agar aapne Sehri ki hai, toh iska matlab aapne roza rakhne ki niyyat ki thi.

4. Niyyat ka waqt:

   • Raat ko kisi bhi waqt Sehri se pehle niyyat kar sakte hain.

   • Agar kisi ne Sehri ke waqt niyyat nahi ki, lekin subah se le kar Zawal (dopehar) se pehle tak kuch nahi khaya-piya, toh wo ab bhi niyyat kar sakta hai.

   • Nafl Roza ke liye niyyat Fajr ke baad bhi ki ja sakti hai, jab tak kuch khaya-piya na ho.

Islamic Hawale (References):

• Durr-e-Mukhtar: “Niyyat dil mein hoti hai, aur Zawal se pehle tak valid hai.”

• Bahar-e-Shariat: “Roze ki niyyat Zawal se pehle tak karni chahiye.”

• Durr-e-Mukhtar: “The place of intention is the heart, and it is valid until before Zawal.”

• Bahar-e-Shariat: “The intention of fasting should be made before Zawal for it to be valid.”

If you forget to make an explicit intention at Sehri but had the thought of fasting in your heart, your fast is still valid. It is preferable to make the intention before Fajr but can still be made before Zawal if nothing has been consumed.

Dua for a Blessed Fast:

Wa bisawmi ghaddan nawaiytu min shahri ramadan

Translation: "I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan."

Alternatively, another commonly recited dua is:

Navaitu an asuma gadala lilaahi ta aalla min fardi ramadan

May Allah accept our fasts and grant us steadfastness in His worship. Ameen.

Allah Hafiz.

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Ramadan FAQs: Isha ki Fardh Namaz Pehle Ya Taraweeh? Islami Fatwa

Agar Taraweeh shuru ho chuki ho aur ab tak Isha ki Fardh namaz nahi padhi, to kya pehle Taraweeh me shamil hona chahiye ya pehle Isha ki Fardh namaz ada karni chahiye?

Jawab:

Jo shakhs Taraweeh ke waqt aaye, usko pehle Isha ki Fardh namaz aur do Sunnatein ada karni chahiye, uske baad Taraweeh me shamil hona chahiye.

Hazrat Mujaddid-e-Azam, Aalim-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (RA) ne Fatawa Razawiyyah Jadeed (Jild 7, Safha 544, Sawal 1108) me farmaya hai ke agar Isha ki Fardh namaz ada kiye bagair Taraweeh padhi jaye to ye sahi nahi hoga. Yani, pehle Fardh Isha zaroori hai, uske bagair Taraweeh ada nahi hogi.

Isi tarah Jamiyur Ramooz me bhi likha gaya hai ke agar koi shakhs Taraweeh ki jamaat ke dauraan aaye, to pehle Isha ki Fardh namaz ada kare, phir Taraweeh me shamil ho.

Jab Witr ki jamaat ho rahi ho, to agar kisi ne Isha ki Fardh namaz jamaat se nahi padhi, to usko Witr tanha (akela) padhna hoga.

Fatawa Razawiyyah Jadeed (Jild 7, Safha 468, Sawal 1073) me likha hai ke jo shakhs Isha tanha padhe, wo Taraweeh ki jamaat me shamil ho sakta hai, lekin Witr ki jamaat me shamil nahi ho sakta. Agar kisi ne Isha tanha padhi ho, to usko Witr bhi tanha hi padhna hoga.

Islami Hawale:

🔹 Al-Bahrur Ra’iq, Sharh Kanzud Daqa’iq (Jild 2, Safha 75) me Al-Kuniya ke hawale se likha hai:
"Agar kisi ne Isha tanha padhi ho, to usko Taraweeh Imam ke saath padhni chahiye."

🔹 Durre Mukhtar (Safha 95) me bhi Al-Kuniya ke hawale se likha hai:
"Agar kisi ne Isha ki namaz tanha padhi ho, to usko Taraweeh ki jamaat me shamil hona chahiye."

Nateejah:

• Pehle Isha ki Fardh namaz ada karni zaroori hai, uske baad hi Taraweeh padhi jaye.
• Agar Isha tanha padhi ho, to Taraweeh ki jamaat me shamil ho sakta hai, magar Witr tanha hi padhe.
• Jisne Isha ki jamaat nahi payi ho, uske liye Witr ki jamaat me shamil hona jayaz nahi.

Allah Ta’ala humein sahih tareeke se namaz aur ibadat karne ki taufeeq ata farmaye. Ameen!

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