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Your questions on zakat (here)

What is Ramadan?

Who is exempt from fasting?

Who has to fast in the month of Ramadan?

What do Muslims do during the Month of Ramadan?

Why do children fast during Ramadaan?

What are the spiritual benefits of Ramadan?

Are there any physiological benefits in fasting?

Are there any psychological benefits in fasting?

Things that break ones’ fast

Things that are makrooh whilst fasting

Things that make both Qadhaa and Kaffaarah waajib

Things that do not break the Fast

Things to do in Laylatul Qadr

Tawbah

Importance of Fasting in Ramadan

The concept of fasting is not to starve but to take oneself to a spiritual level where one fully devotes himself to god. It has been proved that during fasting, the body develops immunity and gets rid of the toxins that have earlier accumulated.

Fasting during Ramadan helps the Muslims develop the spirit of sacrifice through which they refrain from all natural desires on this earth. Although they may not think about the poor and downtrodden in everyday life, yet during fasting, they’ll learn to think about the less fortunate. Fasting also helps them get rid of overindulgence in life.

Fasting in Ramadan enables a Muslim to train his body and soul so as to develop self-restraint. It helps shape up the personality of a Muslim who is expected not to commit wrong during the remaining part of the year. Fasting is not just physical but the Muslims actually commit their body and soul to the spirit of fasting. They restrain every part of their body. For example, they restrain their tongue from backbiting or gossiping. They don’t touch anything that doesn’t belong to them. Their eye doesn’t see anything that’s unlawful. The Muslims also avoid listening to obscene words during the Ramadan.

During Ramadan, the Muslims re-evaluate their lives under the principles of Islam. They are expected to make peace with their dear ones even though the latter may have wronged them. The Muslims are expected to purify their minds during the month of Ramadan. Not only should they purify their thoughts, but also their words and actions.
Fasting was compulsory on all nations - but the Ummah of the Prophet (saw) have been honoured with 5 special virtues which have not been handed to any other nation. Our Rasool (saw) narrates:
My Ummah has been given five special things that were not given to anyone before them. Abu Hurairah relates that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) said

1. The smell from the mouth of a fasting Muslim is sweeter for Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) than the pleasant smell of musk.
2. The Fish in the sea seeks forgiveness on their behalf until they break their fast.
3. Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) prepares and decorates His special Jannah every day and then says (to it): "The time is near when My fruitful servants shall put away the load (of the world) and come to you."
4. In this month, the rebellious shayateen are chained, so as not to cause those evils which they normally do during months other than Ramadhaan.
5. On the last night of Ramadhan., the fasting Muslims are forgiven. The Sahabah there upon inquired O Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam), is that night "Laylat ul Qadr?" Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) replied No, But it is only night that a servant should be given his reward on having completed his duty.

- What is Ramadan?

ANSWER

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic Lunar calendar. It is a time of spiritual and social rejuvenation and bonding for believers globally, through the ritual of fasting. Although perceived to be somewhat austere, fasting on the other hand is looked upon by Muslims as one of the pinnacles of their devotion and love for Allah (Swt). The month of Ramadaan thus facilitates as a personal retreat for believers, who are encouraged to better themselves spiritually, physically and socially.

Ramadaan varies between 29 and 30 days each year, due to the lunar cycle. Consequently, the Islamic calendar moves back 10 days every year.

Throughout a Muslim's lifetime Ramadaan will fall both during winter months, when the days are short, and summer months, when the days are long and the fast is more difficult. Accordingly, it is a test of devotion, in which physical endurance mirrors the inner spiritual state, which a believer constantly strives to improve.

Who is exempt from fasting?

ANSWER

Persons temporarily exempt from fasting and should make up the missed days as soon as they are able:

Every sane Muslim adult should fast the month of Ramadan. In Islam, an adult is a person who has reached the age of puberty.

Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and intimate relations with their spouse during the daylight hours of the blessed month. It is a time for Muslims to contemplate on their belief and increase their faith by actively increasing in worship, prayer and reciting the Qur'an. It is an opportunity for spiritual and physical purification.

Muslims usually wake before subha saadiq (dawn) to take a small meal called suhoor. They abstain from eating, drinking and sensual pleasures during the daylight hours of the blessed month. Muslims exert more effort in worship, praying, contemplating, helping others, giving charity, reciting the Quran.

Many Muslims endeavour to complete the Qur'an's recitation at least once during the month. At sunset, Muslims break their fast, usually with a big meal with family and friends. Many Muslims also attend the mosque at night, to engage in special night prayers called taraweeh

Children who have not yet reached puberty are not required to fast. However, it is good for them to practice, and for this reason many Muslim children do fast starting from age ten. It is the same ruling for salah (ritual worship).

Fasting is a complete purification and a means to developing the consciousness of Allahs’ presence. It allows a believer to draw closer to their Lord, as Allah opens the doors of mercy during this month. Furthermore, the physical discipline heightens an inner discipline whereby a person can become in control of their base and primitive desires.

Ramadaan enables a believer to aspire to more lofty goals in an increasingly materialistic world. In this way they will learn to become less attached to this worldly life and cultivate for what’s to come. A crucial factor in developing this awareness is appreciating the what one has and learning the true meaning of contentment. No longer does the self covet more, rather it learns to appreciate blessings. This is not only a mental appreciation but the believer physically feels for the poor and needy, by experiencing to some degree what they feel.

Naturally, this makes one become more benevolent and generous. Charity, an Islamic obligation reaches a heightened new level, whereby the joy of the donor precedes that of the recipient.

The physiological effect of fasting includes lowering of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for the treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity, and essential hypertension. Ramadan can be the ideal detox for individuals in a society whose bodies accumulate harmful toxins, with no chance of excretion.

Most notable and novel are the psychological effects of fasting. As a result of the significantly altered milieu, a believer experiences peace and tranquility. Those fasting are encouraged to display a selfless attitude, practice forgiveness and focus on making themselves better people. Thus, personal hostility and hate is at a minimum, transgressions decrease and Muslims take advice from the Prophet who said, "If one slanders you or aggresses against you, just say ‘I am fasting’"

Such conduct and attitude would be very hard to maintain in an individualistic era, in which personal whims, desires and rights are paramount. Ramadaan gives the believer a taste of the alternative which they are encouraged to pursue throughout the year.

2. Fardhe ghair mu-ayyan - The duty upon one to keep qadhaa of a fast (rozah) missed in the month of Ramadaan with or ithout a valid reason.

3. Waajib mu-ayyan - To vow to keep a fast on a specific day or date for the sake of Allah, upon the fulfillment of some wish or desire (nazr)

4. Waajib ghair mu-ayyan -To vow or pledge to keep a fast without fixing any day or date, upon the fulfilment of a wish (nazr). Those fasts (rozahs) which are kept for breaking ones oath (qasm) also fall under this catergory.

5. Sunnat - Those rozahs which Rasulullah s.a.w kept and encouraged others to keep, eg fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram and the 9th of Dul Hijjah.

6. Mustahab - All fasts beside fardh, waajib and sunnat are mustahab, eg fasting on mondays and thursdays

7. Makrooh - Fasting only on the 9th and 10th of muharram or fasting only on Saturdays.

8. Haraam - It is haraam to fast on five days during the year. They are Eidul fitr, Eidul adhaa and three days after Eidul adhaa

Things that break ones’ fast but make only Qadhaa waajib (Qadhaa - to keep one fast in place of one that breaks, or is broken intentionally).

2. Water going down the throat whilst gargling, (whilst being conscious of ones’ fast)

4. Swallowing intentionally a pebble, piece of paper or any item that is not used as food or medicine.

5. Swallowing something edible, equal to or bigger than a the size of grain. Grin which was stuck between the teeth. However if it is first taken out of the mouth and swallowed, it will break the fast whether it is smaller or bigger than the size of a grain.

8. Swallowing the blood from the gums if the colour of the blood is more apparent than the saliva

9. To eat and drink forgetting that one is fasting and thereafter thinking that the fast is broken, to eat and drink again.

10. To eat and drink after subha saadiq (sunrise) or to break the fast before sunset due to a cloudy sky or any faulty observations etc and then realising ones’ mistake.

Any fast other than the one in Ramadaan , whether broken intentionally or with a good and valid reason, makes only qadhaa waajib. There is no compensation (kaffaarah) for breaking any fast besides that of Ramadaan. (must check)

2. To taste any article of food or drink and spit it out. If a woman has very ill tempered husband, it is permissible for her to taste the food, provided it does not go down her throat

3. To collect ones’ saliva in the mouth and then to swallow it, trying to quench thirst.

5. To use paste or tooth powder to clean one's teeth. It is permissible to use a fresh branch or root (teeth stick - miswaak)

10. To backbite, tell a lie and swear etc, are sinful acts even when one is not fasting. Therefore the sin is much greater when fasting.

1. Eating, drinking, and inhaling (smoking) or breaking the fast in any other manner without a valid reason will make both qadhaa and kaffaarah necessary.

2. Applying surma into the eye or rubbing oil on the head and then thinking that the fast is broken, to eat and drink intentionally.

12. A dream that makes Ghusl (ritual bathing) obligatory bt does not break fast.

13. Application of perfume, or Itr. It is Not permitted to inhale smoke of Lobaan or Agar Bhatti whilst fasting

So valuable is this Night of Qadr that the Quran devotes a special surah to
it “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months”

This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.

We should strive to stay up at least on the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If we can't manage that then let us pray at least on the 27th night. If one prays on all of the last odd numbered nights then there is more chance that one may have caught this most powerful night and the reward is of over 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP! Subhanallah! Most will not even live upto that age!

It is a night that we CANNOT miss out on so here is how we can maximise this blessed night:

1. Recite the Qur’an abundantly

Az-Zuhri used to say upon the coming of Ramadan, “It is only about reciting the Qur’an and feeding the poor.”

Abdur-Raziq said, “When Ramadan came, Sufyan Ath-Thawri would give up all acts of (voluntary) worship and devote himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.”

Laylatul Qadr is the night the Qur'an was revealed so we should spend much of the night reciting it for we will gain 700 hasanah or more by reciting each letter!

2. Strive to gain forgiveness

One should strive and do their utmost to gain the mercy of Allah especially in the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If one leaves Ramadan without gaining the mercy of Allah then surely they are the most unfortunate ones and are the biggest losers in this world and the next.

The main Dua for Laylatul Qadr is the following:

Aisha (Ra) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' “

"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee" (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

Gaining forgiveness on laylatul Qadr

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

We should sincerely repent for past and present sins with the intention of not repeating them again and ask of Allah Ta’aala to help us prevent ourselves from doing them again and ask Allah to perfect our characters and to help us improve ourselves in every way possible.

3. Do much Superogatory Prayers (Nafil)

Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." (Muslim)

The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever draws near to Allaah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah,

In this most blessed month of Ramadhan all good deeds are multiplied by 70 or more. Every Nafil one prays one will gain the reward of a Fard Salaah and every Fard Salah is the reward of 70 Fard salaah. Subhanallah what other time of the year is this possible? NONE! So let us make the best of these precious seconds and pray as many Nafil prayers as is possible!

Here are some Nafil prayers we can pray on Laylatul Qadr:

1. Two Rakat after performing Wudu (Ablution)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” - (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

2. Tahajjud

Imam Abu Sa'id al-Khadimi said,

"There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer." - al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]

The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur'an and prophetic hadiths:

- The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 rakats. - Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir

- Its optimal recommended amount is 8 rakats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions). - Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir

- Lengthier recitation is superior to a larger number of rakats prayed. - Durr al-Mukhtar, Radd al-Muhtar

- It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short rakats, because of the hadith of Abu Hurayra that the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "If you get up for night prayer, start with two short rakats." - Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud

Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, "I cannot pray at night." He said, "Your sins have prevented you."

3. Increase in Dhikr (Rememberance of Allah)

We should glorify Allah night and day, especially in the last odd nights.

Here are some easy and very beneficial Dhikr and glorification we can do throughout the last ten odd nights:

- Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee

- Subhanallah

- Alhamdulillah

- Allahu Akbar

- Laa ilaha ilallah

- LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH

- Asthaghfirullah

- SUB-HAN'ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM'DIHI,

- Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm

- Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr

Or the shortened version:

- Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer

One can also recite the durood that one recites in one's Salaah or a Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim

4. Make lots of dua

We should be very busy in Dua as much as we can especially in the last 10 odd numbered.

Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:

"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me."

The place of duaa is so high to Allah, that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) had said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than du`a." - Sahih al-Jami`

Almighty Allah also said: "The most excellent worship is du`a." - Sahih Al-Jami

Therefore let us devote much of the night of Qadr in dua asking of Allah for his mercy and forgiveness for all of our past sins and making firm intentions to Allah that we will change for the better and strive to become closer to him as well as make our deen a FULL part of our lives and not just a little part of our life as Allah says:

Allah tells us In the Qur'an to enter fully into our deen and not partly:

O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy.... (Surah Al-Baqara, Ayah 208-210)

So then will we not make Islam a FULL part of our lives? This is our best opportunity and if we don't take it and death comes to us then surely we will regret it for ETERNITY!

And Allah knows best in all matters

If you are committing any of the following sins remember that Allah will not forgive you for these actions until you make tawbah.
1. Associating anything with Allah
2. Murder
3. Practising magic
4. Not Praying
5. Backbiting
6. Disrespect to parents
7. Not paying Zakat
8. Not fasting on a Day of Ramadan without excuse
9. Not performing Hajj, while being able to do so
10. Abandoning relatives
11. Fornication and Adultery
12. Homosexuality(sodomy)
13. Interest(Riba)
14. Wrongfully consuming the property of an orphan
15. Lying about Allah and His Messenger
16. Running away from the battlefield
17. A leader's deceiving his people and being unjust to them
18. Pride and arrogance
19. Bearing false witness
20. Drinking Khamr (wine)
21. Gambling
22. Slandering chaste women
23. Stealing from the spoils of war
24. Stealing
25. Highway Robbery
26. Taking false oath
27. Oppression
28. Illegal gain
29. Consuming wealth acquired unlawfully
30. Committing suicide
31. Frequent lying
32. Judging unjustly
33. Giving and Accepting bribes
34. Women imitating men and men imitating women
35. Being cuckold
36. Marrying a divorced woman in order to make her lawful for the husband
37. Not protecting oneself from urine
38. Showing-off
39. Learning knowledge of the religion for the sake of this world and concealing
that knowledge
40. Betrayal of trust
41. Recounting favours
42. Denying Allah's Decree
43. Listening (to) people's private conversations
44. Carrying tales
45. Cursing
46. Breaking contracts
47. Believing in fortune-tellers and astrologers
48. A wife’s bad conduct towards her husband
49. Making statues and pictures
50. Lamenting, wailing, tearing the clothing, and doing other things of this sort
when an affliction befalls
51. Treating others unjustly
52. Overbearing conduct toward the wife, the servant, the weak, and animals
53. Offending one's neighbour
54. Offending and abusing Muslims
55. Offending people and having an arrogant attitude toward them
56. Trailing one's garment in pride
57. Men wearing silk and gold
58. A slave running away from his master
59. Slaughtering an animal which has been dedicated to anyone other than Allah
60. To knowingly ascribe one's paternity to a person other than one’s own father
61. Arguing and disputing violently
62. Witholding excess water
63. Giving short weight or measure
64. Feeling secure from Allah's Plan
65. Offending Allah's righteous friends
66. Not praying in congregation but praying alone without an excuse
67. Persistently missing Friday Prayers without any excuse
68. Usurping the rights of the heir through bequests
69. Deceiving and plotting evil
70. Spying for the enemy of the Muslims
71. Cursing or insulting any of the Companions of Allah's Messenger

Conditions of Tawbah:
1. Stop committing the sinful acts
2. Make intention not to commit such an act again
3. Sincerely regret for committing such acts

Kaab Ibn Ujrah ( رضي الله عنه) relates that Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said :Come near to the mimbar and we came near the mimbar. When He (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) climbed the first step of the mimbar, He (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said "Aameen", When He (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) ascended the second step, He ( صلى الله عليه و سلم) said "Aameen", When He (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) climbed the third step, He (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) said "Aameen" When He ( صلى الله عليه و سلم) came down, We said "O Rasool of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم ), we have heard from you today something which we never heard before" He (صلى الله عليه و سلم )said When I climbed the first step, the angel Jibraeel appeared before me and said

"Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramdhan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness"

upon that I said 'Aameen'. When I climbed the second step, he said,

"Destruction to him before whom thy name is taken and then he does not make Dua for Allah's blessing on me (by saying, for example صلى الله عليه و سلم )."

I replied 'Aameen'. When I climbed the third step, he said

"Destruction unto him in whose lifetime his parents or either one of them reaches old age, and (through failure to serve them) he is not allowed to enter Jannah".

I said 'Aameen'. (Hakim, Baihaqi)

Note In this Hadith, it appears that Jibraeel (AS) gave expression to three curses, upon which Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said Aameen every time. In al-Durr al-Mansoor it is reported that Jibraeel (AS) advised Rasulullah ( صلى الله عليه و سلم) to say Aameen. Being an angel of such high mark, Jibraeel giving these curses is sure to be accepted. May Allah () in His infinite mercy grant us His help and save us from these three dangers.

AN OLD SHIRT AND THE DAY OF EID
Sayyiduna ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) once cried when he saw his son wearing an old shirt on the day of Eid. His son asked him why he was crying. He replied:
‘I am worried that when the other children see you wearing an old shirt on the day of Eid, you will be heartbroken’
He replied:
‘The one who will be heartbroken is the one who has not won the pleasure of Allah and his parents. I hope that I have won your pleasure and as a result, Allah will be pleasured with me.’
Sayyiduna ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was overcome by his son’s response. He hugged him and prayed for him.

Moral:
This story reminds us that real goal is not the glitters of this world but the pleasure of Allah. A person is fortunate if he has attained the pleasure of Allah, even if his clothes are simple, his home is basic and his bank balance is unimpressive. Conversely, a person is unfortunate if his Lord is displeased with him, even if his clothes are flashy, his home is grand and his bank balance is impressive. It is said that if Allah is pleased, then everyone else is too.

Whom the Zakaat is payable to?
1. Fuqaraa: people who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but do not possess wealth equal to nisaab.
2. Masaakeen: people who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent that they are forced to beg for their daily food ration.
3. Al’aamileen: those persons who are appointed by an Islamic head or state or government to collect Zakaat. It is not necessary that this be a needy person .
4. Mu allafatul quloob: those persons that have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities. Such persons would benefit from encouragement and assistance by the Muslims which would help strengthen their faith if Islam.
5. Ar riqaab: those slaves that are permitted to work for remuneration and have an agreement with their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amounts.
6. Al ghaarimeen: those persons that have a debt and do not possess any other wealth or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-islamic or sinful purpose .
7. Fee sabeelillah: those persons that have to carry out a fardh dee which has become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to complete that fardh.
8. Ibnus sabeel: those persons who are musaafirs (travellers in the view of sharee’at) and during the course of their journey do not posses basic necessities, through they are well to do at home .They could be given Zakaat. In order to fulfil travel needs to return home.

Zakaat can be also given to:
Brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts (both paternal and maternal) step-grandfather, step-grandmother, father-in-law, and mother-in-law provided they do not have more than enough money to be called poor.

The basic information above is there to be used concurrently with opinions of Imams. The published information is Hanafi school of thought.

ZAKAT

RAMADAN (importance):

What is Ramadan?

- What is Ramadan?

-Tawbah/Repentance