Five Pillars of Islam - Social Importance and Benefits

Islamic structure has a solid foundation just like every sound structure have a solid foundation in order to remain strong. Islam’s solid foundation is the five pillars, forming the basis of Islamic teaching as taught by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Five Pillars of Islam are the five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a great and responsible life according to Islam.

The Five Pillars of Islam enclose the basic moral obligations for Muslims which we all should follow and act upon them. Those who inspect the basics of Islam are usually told about the “Five Pillars” of the religion Islam. These five pillars of Islam have the great impact on Muslim’s life.

1. Islam is built upon the Five Pillars of Islam which are as follows:
2. The Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)
3. Salah (Establishing regular Prayers)
4. Zakat (Paying charity)
5. Sawm (Fasting in the month of Ramadan)
6. Hajj

Now we will discuss these five pillars of Islam in detail about their importance, benefits and how they affect the Muslim’s life.

(1)

• Shahadah: The first pillar of Islam is the confession of faith; there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (SAW) is His last Prophet. Under this pillar, all other obligations are incorporated, for to believe in Allah and Muhammad (SAW) as His Prophet is to obey their teachings and the example of Muhammad’s life. We can also say that sincerely reciting the Muslim undertaking of faith is Shahadah. It must be based on a sincere and firm belief from the heart, as well as being expressed verbally. The declaration of the first pillar has two parts; the first part of the declaration signifies that no person, object or vitality has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone. Allah alone has the power over all things because He is the only Creator and Sustainer of all that exists in this world. Allah has no partner without any doubt. The second part of the declaration is that Muhammad (SAW) is Allah’s final Messenger. He is the last and final Prophet in a long chain of Prophets sent to call the people to the obedience and worship of Allah alone.

One will become a true Muslim only if he/she will utter Shahadah and also accept it by heart.

(2)

• Salah: The second pillar is prayer (Salah). Muslims are expected to engage in prayer five times a day, facing Mecca. Prayer provides a pattern of Muslim life. Muslims hope to please Allah by remembering him constantly by offering prayer regularly. Salah is basically performing practice prayers in a proper way five times daily. In Quran Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer the prayer for My remembrance” (Quran 20:14). Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Prayer is a pillar of the religion (Islam). Whoever establishes it, establishes a religion; and whoever destroys it (neglects it), destroys religion.” So we can say it is obligatory on every Muslim to offer prayer five times a day for the sake of Almighty Allah and also if you want to complete your faith. After Shahadah, it is the most important pillar of Islam.

Benefits of Salah

• Prayer establishes a personal and spiritual connection between the Muslim and his Creator based on faith and love
• It will have an enduring effect on the person, filling his heart with contentment, peace, and closeness with Allah
• Through prayer, Muslim remembers the greatness of his Creator and supplicates to Him for his needs and wishes
• Repeatedly humbling oneself before Allah prevents a person from falling into sin
• Salah is the type of purification for one’s soul
• Salah is an opportunity for repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah

When Salah is performed correctly with complete concentration, humility, and sincerity, it will have an enduring effect on the person, filling his heart with contentment, peace, and closeness with Allah. We should pray five times a day if we want to close to Allah and should make Dua in front of Him for anything for any cause He will absolutely listen and fulfill.

(3)

• Zakat: Zakat is paying an alms (or charity) to benefit the poor and the needy people for the sake of Almighty Allah. The meaning of the word “Zakat”, is both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Muslims are required to give at least 2.5 percent of their annual capital to the poor, either directly or through Muslim charitable organizations. Giving to the poor is intended to achieve a generous lifestyle and a sense of caring for the Muslim community, especially those lacking physical and financial means. We as a Muslim believe that if we give poor or needy people from our income and wealth then we will become trustworthy to Almighty Allah. As Allah (SWT) mentioned in Holy Quran: “Those who establish the prayer (Salah) and give the charity (Zakat) these are the ones who will prosper” (Quran, 31:4-5). The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah has made Zakat obligatory simply to purify your remaining wealth.” By fulfilling this obligation, Muslims purify their remaining wealth, as well as ensure both financial and spiritual growth.

Benefits of Paying Zakat

• Purify one’s heart from greediness, selfishness, and arrogance
• Made people be sympathetic and compassionate towards needy and poor
• Reminds blessings of Allah and encourage to be grateful to Almighty Allah
• Reduce poverty from society and balance the gap between different socio-economic classes and groups.

If someone wants to give more than specified that is 2.5 percent then he can give if he has a will to do more for needy people for pleasing Almighty Allah.

(4)

• Sawm: Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan for Almighty Allah because it is the Holy month of Allah. Fasting involves refraining from such things as food, tobacco, and sexual relations during daylight hours. One should also abstain from all sinful actions. These periods of fasting are to encourage and enable Muslims to develop self-control, to oppress bad habits, and to refocus their minds towards personal spiritual progress. Allah Almighty said in the Holy Quran:”Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain piety” (Quran, 2:183). As with any act of worship, fasting requires obedience and submission to Allah’s commands through the highest degree of commitment and sincerity. Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory on every physically and mentally capable adult Muslim. Children, the sick, the mentally unfit, the elderly, menstruating women, and travelers are privileged.

Benefits of Fasting

• Promotes self-purification and spiritual growth
• Fasting has health benefits it is proven scientifically
• Forgiveness of sins
• Purifies the soul and helps it acquire obeying Almighty Allah by restraining desires, and promotes steadfastness
• Create awareness about the state of affairs across the globe and the hardships encounter
• Fasting is a mean of learning self-restraint and patience

(5)

• Hajj: The fifth pillar is Pilgrimage. All Muslims are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if their finances and health grant. During the pilgrimage, Muslims dress in white garments and remove all indicators of status or class. This practice is intended to help Muslims recognize that before Allah they are all equal. Racial, gender and economic differences are subdued as commonalty of Muslims from many nations bow together to worship Allah. Performing the pilgrimage is a temporary suspension of all worldly activities, and is a time for one to reflect, worship, seek the forgiveness of Allah and attain His closeness. In Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says: “And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makah) to the House (Kabah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who can afford the expenses (for one’s transportation, provision, and residence)” (Quran, 3:97). This great act of worship consists of many components including sacrificing an animal, supplicating, visiting and praying at various sites, circling the Kabah, walking between two mountains, as well as many other rituals, all of which are performed over a period of 6 continuous days. During Hajj Brotherhood is increased, as is the sense that all Muslims, regardless of their differences, are one nation.

The five pillars of Islam have been prescribed by Allah, and a Muslim is required to believe and act according to them. They are practical as well as easy, and the blessings and wisdom behind them are multiple. Carrying out the Five Pillars demonstrates that the Muslims are putting their faith first, and not just trying to fit it in around their worldly lives. These five pillars provide the solid structure for the betterment and success of all humanity. It’s obligatory on us (Muslims) to practice these in our lives for getting benefits in this life and the Hereafter. 

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source: quranreading.com

How does your family welcome Ramadan ?

How does your family welcome Ramadan ?

Ramadan is like a special guest who only comes once a year and is beloved by Muslims all over the world. It is the month which brings countless blessings, and in which we can earn the mercy and forgiveness of our Lord.

As adults, parents, teachers, and leaders in the community, we want our children to be just as happy and excited about Ramadan as we are, and more. How can we involve them in welcoming the month of Ramadan, and in becoming dedicated to observe the fast and prayers throughout the whole month?

Due to the television and Internet, our children see all the festivities and happiness that surround the non-Muslim holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and others. They see the lit up homes, the decorations, wrapped gifts, and celebrations, but we do not partake in those holidays. That is all the reason why we need to make the coming of Ramadan and Eid a happy occasion for our children. We should bring about a lot of hype and excitement surrounding Ramadan.

Creating an uplifting ambiance in the home will give the children something to look forward to, and will make Ramadan dear to their hearts, without of course neglecting to teach them the significance of fasting and worship.

Clinical psychologist, Haleh Banani, said, “The objective is to develop a positive association with Ramadan for our kids, in order to increase their spirituality. It’s about creating a certain atmosphere in the home. With a little time and effort, we can make Ramadan special for the kids.”

We have compiled a number of ways and fun ideas that different families have adopted for welcoming Ramadan. Let us know, which is your favorite? We would also like to hear the special ways our readers celebrate Ramadan with their families.

1. Decorating the home is a sure way of getting the kids enthusiastic about Ramadan. You can use lights both inside and outside of the home. Hang lanterns and signs of “Ramadan Kareem” that you can find at the store, or order on-line, or your kids can make. Supply them with some art and crafts materials and you will be surprised how creative they can be.

2. Designate a small, coffee table in the corner of your living room and decorate it with special Ramadan items. Cover the table in a red table cloth with the Islamic artistic patterns on it. Adorn the table with the things that make Ramadan so special. Lay out the Holy Qur’an on a decorative wooden book-holder; also put a fancy bowl of dates, an Arabic coffee pot, crystal coffee cups, some supplication booklets, and candles.

3. Use a Ramadan calendar. Print out a calendar for each child and hang it up on the wall, so young children can mark and count all the days they were able to fast. Promise them a reward at the end of the month for fasting a certain number of days.

4. During Ramadan, start something new with your family, such as learning a Hadith a day. Each day, read a saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with a brief commentary on the lessons that can be learned from the Hadith. Some sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are really like short stories that children will love, for example the following story.

Prophet Muhammad said, “A person visited his brother in another town and Allah sent an angel to wait for him on his way.  The angel said, ‘Where do you intend to go?’ The man answered, ‘I intend to go to my brother in this town.’ The angel said, ‘Have you done any favor to him, the repayment of which you intend to get?’ He said: ‘No, I love him for the sake of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious.’ Thereupon the angel said, ‘I am a messenger to you from Allah to inform you that Allah loves you as you love your brother.’” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

5. Play some Ramadan songs in the home so the kids will anticipate the approaching Ramadan. Beautiful songs to help your children get into the Ramadan spirit are: Ramadan Moon by Yusuf Islam and Ramadan by Maher Zain.

6. Another activity that you can prepare now to implement in Ramadan is the good deeds bucket. Write down on small pieces of paper one good deed on each paper, such as help mom in the kitchen, read 5 pages of the Holy Qur’an, serve food to the neighbors, pray a voluntary prayer, call my grandparents. Fold up each paper and put the bunch of papers in a pretty basket or bucket. Each day of Ramadan, the kids have to pick a random paper, like a raffle, and they must do whatever good deed they picked.

7. Involve your kids in searching for delicious recipes for soups, meals, or desserts that they would like you to make during Ramadan. And better yet, let them help you cook soups and bake sweets during Ramadan.

8. Invite your child’s friends over before Ramadan and give them a brief talk on the importance of Ramadan, and how our good deeds are multiplied up to seventy times more in Ramadan. Encourage them to read Qur’an daily because it is the month that the Qur’an was first revealed. When your child is having fun around friends, he/she will be more receptive of the lesson you would like to give. Give them an activity to do, such as making Ramadan greetings cards or making paper lanterns.

9. Create iftar bags with your children. In each bag, you can put fresh fruit, a bundle of dates, juice, laban, lentils, some tea bags, and sugar. Go with your children to a poverty stricken neighborhood, and pass out the iftar bags.

10. Teach your children that Ramadan is also the month of charity. Before Ramadan starts, give each child a large bag and ask them to go to their rooms and fill their bags with toys, story books, and clothes that are in good condition to give to the poor. Make it into a competition, so the children will want to give more than their siblings. You can you’re your children’s donations to refugee camps overseas or give them to poor families in your town.

11. Have your children fill out a gratitude chart, in which they list all the blessings they are thankful to Allah for: family, a home, delicious food, chocolate, friends, toys, health, eyesight, the beautiful sky, and the list goes on and on. They can color it and hang it in their rooms or the living room. It helps remind them to be grateful to Allah for what they have.

12. Set Ramadan goals. Discuss with your children what they would like to accomplish in Ramadan. It could be memorizing verses of the Qur’an, reading the entire Qur’an in the month of Ramadan, praying fajr on time, and praying the nighttime voluntary prayers. Ramadan is the perfect time to stop bad habits, such as saying bad words, backbiting, hitting, or lying. Use Ramadan as the time to refine our character.

With only one week left for Ramadan, now is the time to set the tone for a month of greater happiness and closeness to Allah.

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source: saudigazette.com.sa

Preparedness to deal with Umrah rush reviewed

Preparedness to deal with Umrah rush reviewed

JEDDAH: The Cabinet during its weekly meeting on Monday was briefed on plans prepared by various government and private agencies to serve those performing Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, which outlines the commitment of the leadership to provide top quality services.

The Cabinet was briefed on the outcomes of the 23rd annual meeting of the region’s governors and decisions taken to improve service delivery and enhance security for citizens throughout the country.

Essam bin Saad bin Saeed, acting minister of culture and information, said the Cabinet also hailed the announcement of the National Transformation Program 2020, part of Vision 2030, for outlining concrete plans to achieve sustainable economic growth in the country.

Saeed said that the Cabinet welcomed the decision by the United Nations to delete the names of the countries involved in a coalition, to restore the legitimate government in Yemen, from a list accusing them of causing the deaths of children in that country. The initial UN report was “not based on accurate and reliable information about the coalition’s efforts,” he said.

The Cabinet announced several decisions, including tasking the General Authority of Civil Aviation to assist in forming a board of directors for Saudi Arabian Airlines, with a president appointed by the prime minister.

The board should consist of four people representing the government and five from the private sector for a period of three years, renewable once. The chairman of the board has to be appointed by the head of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs.

The Cabinet decided to approve the protocol amending the Marrakesh Agreement on the establishment of the World Trade Organization, and authorized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to sign the document.

The Cabinet further authorized the Ministry of Labor and Social Development to sign a draft executive cooperation pact with Jordan, under the auspices of the Saudi-Jordanian Joint Committee.

The Cabinet also approved the regulations around the 2.5 percent annual tax on undeveloped land in the Kingdom. The most prominent features of the rules include the definition of undeveloped lands as all vacant land dedicated to residential use or commercial residential use within urban boundaries.

The application of fees, to be collected by the Housing Ministry, would be “in stages” outlined as: On undeveloped land of 10,000 square meters and more; developed land belonging to one owner of no more than 10,000 square meters; and developed land belonging to one owner of no more than 5,000 square meters. The ministry would be responsible for penalyzing tax evaders.

Source: arabnews.com

Ramadan and self-development

Ramadan and self-development

RAMADAN, a very special month, has come again. It is the right time to start planning for your self-development. As an individual looking to be successful in the future, perhaps now is the best time for you to start questioning yourself and to ask what is important to you and what you want in life. Here are some tips which will help you with your self-development in Ramadan:

Get into a dialogue with your heart. There are many times when the heart actually protests against our wrongdoings, but we ignore it. Now is the time for you to be true to yourself and consult the heart when in doubt. Do not feel scared to admit your ego and crush your deeply-rooted arrogance.

Spend some time alone every day for deep contemplation. This is a very good way of doing self-reflection. Think of what has gone wrong in your life or why you have not been happy despite all that you have. Come up with some resolutions to improve yourself and leave your old bad habits and attitudes. Then pray for strength. When your intention is sincere, divine help will follow.

Mend broken relationships. The concept of solidarity, brotherhood and kinship is passionately emphasized. If you have not been on good terms with a friend or a family member, honor Ramadan with reconciliation and by patching up broken hearts through soothing words of apology or loving gestures. Remember, apologizing does not mean losing and the reward of building human relationship is immense. Be kind and exercise patience.

Patience is crucial for success in anything you do. Whether it is work or calamity, patience has to always be there as the most powerful tool. When angered, restrain yourself and think before blurting out any word.
Remember, every success starts with a single step and every step starts with intention. May you become successful with the blessings of this Ramadan!

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

Fasting in summer a quality of faith

Fasting in summer a quality of faith

THE blessings related to fasting are truly astounding. Those who fast are able to scale the ranks; expiate their sins; tame their desire; give much in charity; engage in a variety of acts of worship; give thanks to their Creator; avoid being swayed by impulses of disobedience and violations; distance themselves from the blazing Fire; and tap on the doors of Paradise. Fasting possesses so many virtues; some of these are presented below.

1. Sa’ihun: Allah describes the righteous believers in the Qur’an with many names. One such description is sa’ihun. Allah says, “(The believers whose lives Allah has purchased are) those who repent to Allah, who worship Him, who praise Him, who are the sa’ihun, those who bow down (in prayer), who prostrate themselves (in prayer), who enjoin virtue and forbid vice, and who observe the limits set by Allah. And give glad tidings to the believers.” (Qur’an, 9:112)

Sa’ihun literally means travelers and many scholars mention that this refers to those who fast. Some scholars of the Arabic language state that the fasting person was named a traveler (sa’ih) because a traveler has no provision with him but eats wherever and whenever he finds food.

2. Fasting has no equivalent: Abu Umamah relates: “I approached the Messenger of Allah and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger, command me with a matter by which Allah will benefit me” (in another narration, ‘Command me with an action by which I will enter Paradise’) He replied, “Take to fasting for it has no equivalent”.’ (Al-Nasa’i) It was said that smoke (from cooking) was never again noticed during the day in Abu Umamah’s house and if it was, then people knew for sure he had guests.

3. Allah claims the action for Himself: This reveals its sublime and dignified status. The Prophet said: “Allah Almighty said, ‘Every deed a person does is for his own self except fasting; it is for Me and I compensate for it’.” (Bukhari/Muslim)

One reasoning given is that fasting is free of riya’, which means to perform an action not solely for Allah but to be noticed by others in order to seek their awe, praise or worldly gain. Ibn Al-Jawzi said, “All acts of worship are noticeable (by others) when performed and it is rare for it to be free of some tarnishing, except fasting.” (Al-Fath, vol. 4)

4. Superiority of reward: Al-Qurtubi discusses the meaning of the aforementioned hadith “and I compensate for it.” He says, ‘This means that the measure of rewards for actions (in general) are known to people and that they are multiplied anywhere from 10 to 700 fold to whatever Allah wills, to the exception of fasting as Allah rewards one for it without any pre-determined measure.” (Al-Fath, vol. 4) Al-Manawi states, ‘This is a sign of the immense compensation and rich rewards for it because if Al-Karim (The Most Generous) informs that he will grant an offering without any intermediary, this necessitates its swiftness and merit’. (Fayd Al-Qadir)

5. Suitability of fasting: Allah is Al-Ghani (The Rich), Al-Qayyum (The Self-Sustainer and Supporter of all) and Al-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master), Who has no need for food or drink and Whom all creatures need). Al-Hafidh said, ‘The lack of need for food and other desires is a characteristic of the Lord Almighty; because a fasting person draws near to Him in a manner appropriate to His own attributes, He ascribed it to Himself.’ Al-Qurtubi said, ‘The actions of slaves are all in agreement to their own dispositions except for fasting.

This is appropriate to one of the characteristics of Al-Haqq (The One True Deity); it is as if He is saying, “My servant draws near to Me with a matter that is connected to one of My attributes”.’ (Al-Fath, vol. 4)

6. Fasting expiates sins: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The trials (fitnah) a person experiences through his family, wealth, self, children and neighbor are expiated by fasting, prayer, charity, commanding virtue and forbidding vice.” (Al-Buhkari/Muslim)

7. Praise from Allah and supplication from the Angels! The Prophet said, “Indeed Allah sends His salah (praise, grace, honor, blessings, mercy) and His angels send salah (ask Allah for them to be praised, graced etc.) upon those who take the pre-dawn meal.” (Ibn Hibban in his Al-Sahih and others)

If Allah and His angels send salah for those who take the pre-dawn meal, which is an aid to fasting, what do you think about fasting itself?

8. A formidable shield: The Messenger said, “Fasting is a shield from the punishment of Allah.” (Al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab Al-Iman, Ahmad, Al-Nasa’i) He also said, “Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire.” (Al-Tabarani in Al-Kabir, Ahmad, Al-Nasa’i) He also said, “Fasting is a shield from the Fire just like one of your shields in battle.”(Ahmad, Al-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah) Al-Manawi says, “A protection in this world from disobedience by curtailing desire and preserving the limbs and in the Hereafter from the Fire.” (Fayd Al-Qadir, vol.4) Ibn Abd Al-Barr stated, “As a virtue of fasting, this is surely sufficient for you!”

9. The summer fast: Abu Musa relates, ‘Allah decreed upon Himself that whoever goes thirsty for Him on a hot day, that He would grant him water on the Day of Judgment.’ (Related by Al-Bazzar) Fasting in summer is a quality of faith because of the length of a summer day and the severity of its heat.

10. The winter fast: The Prophet said, ‘Fasting in winter is easy prey.’ (Ahmad/others) Omar Ibn Al-Khattab said, ‘Winter is prey (for the taking) for worshippers.’ (Ahmad in Al-Zuhd)

11. Al-Rayyan: “In Paradise, there are eight doors. One of these doors is called Al-Rayyan and only those who fast will enter through it.” (Al-Bukhari) “Indeed there is a door in Paradise called Al-Rayyan. Those who fast will enter through it on the Day of Judgment. It is only they who will enter it and when they have entered, it will be closed so that no one else can enter.” (Al-Bukhari/Muslim)

— Sheikh Farid Haibata studied Arabic Language and other religious sciences at the Islamic University in Madinah and is a prominent Islamic scholar in the West.

Al-Zarkashi said, “Rayyan means to be well-sated with drink, the opposite to thirst; it was named this in compensation for the thirst and hunger endured by those who fasted.’ (Mirqah Al-Mafatih Sharh Mishkah Al-Masabih)

Izz Al-Din Ibn Abd Al-Salam said, “As for the restriction of those entering Paradise through the door of Al-Rayyan to only those who fasted, they were set apart because of the distinction and nobility of their worship.” (Fawa’id Al-Sawm)

12. A fine finale: The Prophet said, ‘Whoever passes away on a day he fasts will enter Paradise.’ (Al-Bazzar/Ahmad)

Al-Manawi said, ‘i.e., whoever completes his lifetime with a day of fasting either dying while fasting or after having broken the fast for that day, will enter Paradise along with the forerunners and foremost generations or without any previous punishment.’ (Fayd Al-Qadir)

13. An intercessor: The Prophet said, ‘Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for the servant on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, “My Lord, I forbade him food and desire so accept my intercession for him”. The Qur’an will say, “My Lord, I prevented him from sleep at night, so accept my intercession for him”. So their intercession will be accepted.’ (Ahmad/Al-Tabarani on Al-Kabir)

14. Accepted supplication: The Prophet said, “Three supplications are responded to: the supplication of the one fasting; the one oppressed and the traveler.” (Al-Bayhaqi)

He also said, “There are three whose supplication will not be rejected: the fasting person at the time of breaking his fast; the just ruler and the supplication of an oppressed person.” (Ibn Hibban, Ahmad)

15. Two occasions for joy: The Prophet said, “The fasting person has two occasions for joy, one when he breaks his fast and the other when he meets his Lord.” (Al-Tirmidhi/Ahmad)

16. A smell more pleasant than musk: “Every deed a person does is for his own self except fasting; it is for Me and I compensate for it. Indeed, the smell of the fasting person’s mouth is more pleasant to Allah than that of musk.” (Muslim and Ibn Hibban)

17. Fasting prevents distraction: Al-Manawi states, “Fasting was legislated to tame the desires of the soul and to put a stop to what causes one to be in servitude and enslaved by things; if people continue to satisfy their desires they will be enslaved by things and will be disconnected from Allah. Fasting severs any connection to devoting servitude to other than Him and delivers freedom from being bound to what one covets; the meaning of freedom is to own things and not for things to own a person. If they do own and control him, wisdom is upturned and what is to be preferred becomes the opposite and what is most lofty becomes the most low...’ (Fayd Al-Qadir)

18. Realizing the need for gratitude: Al-Qastalani says concerning the aims and virtues of fasting, ‘It causes one to offer much gratitude for one’s blessings and bounties and to acknowledge the previous blessings of satisfying one’s need because of hunger and thirst; this causes one to strive to be grateful since something is truly known by its opposite.’ (Madarik Al-Maram fi Masalik Al-Siyam)

19. Opportunity and incentive to more acts of worship: Izz Al-Din Ibn Abd Al-Salam, “As for the opportunity to engage in more acts of worship, this is because it reminds one of the hunger and thirst of the dwellers of the Fire so it urges one to perform more acts of worship in order to attain salvation from the Fire. As for restraining impulses of disobedience and violations, this is because a soul that has had its fill desires and yearns for disobedience whereas if it is hungry and thirsty it desires food and drink. The desire of the soul for deliverance (from hunger and thirst) and being preoccupied with this is better than its yearning for disobedience and sin. This is why some of the early generations (salaf) preferred fasting to all other acts of worship; when questioned why, they replied, ‘For Allah to look upon me whilst my soul is challenging me concerning food and drink is more beloved to me than for Him to look upon me whilst it is challenging me concerning disobedience....” (Fawai’d Al-Sawm)

20. Opportunity for being charitable and benevolent

Al-Qastalani said, ‘...the fasting person experiences hunger so he comprehends the severity of the pain of hunger; this urges him to be benevolent to those who are without food. It also causes him to reflect on the harms of being powerless and isolated; as only one who is afflicted with a difficulty can really be aware of it...’ (Madarik Al-Maram)

21. A gentle heart and safeguarded limbs

The Prophet said, “There will enter Paradise a people whose hearts are like the hearts of birds.” (Muslim)

Al-Qastalani lists as one of the benefits of fasting, ‘The gentleness of the heart and much weeping; and this is one of the causes of happiness. Eating one’s fill does away with the light of real knowledge and imposes harshness and disentitlement.’

He also lists, ‘Safeguarding the limbs from persisting in wrongdoings; this is one of the greatest benefits to fasting. In fact it lies at the foundation of fulfilling the purpose. If one’s soul is touched with the pain of hunger it becomes submissive and obedient and distracted with this circumstance from extending its aspirations toward vile thoughts and thus its limbs will cease from committing improper movements and will stop short of violating what is sacred. The limbs are seven: the eye, ear, tongue, stomach, private parts, hand and foot. The soul supports these limbs and is the considered root. If the root weakens the branches weaken likewise and this is the secret to fasting...’ (Madarik Al-Maram)

— Sheikh Farid Haibata studied Arabic Language and other religious sciences at the Islamic University in Madinah and is a prominent Islamic scholar in the West.

Source: arabnews.com

Qur’an and Hadith on fasting

Qur’an and Hadith on fasting

O you, who believe. Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.” (Qur’an, 2:183-84)

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.

Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” (Qur’an, 2:185).

“It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of the fasts. They are garments for you and you are the same for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your fast till the nightfall. And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in Itikaf in the mosques. These are the limits (set) by Allah, so approach them not. Thus does Allah make clear His signs to mankind that they may become Al Muttaqun (the pious).” (Qur’an, 2:187)

“Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is? The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees, Peace! Until the appearance of dawn.” (Qur’an, 97:1-5)

Hadiths on fasting

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it.” (Bukhari)

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” (Muslim).

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upom him) said: Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness (Darimi).

When to start fasting

Ibn Umar related that the Prophet said: “Do not start fasting unless you see the new moon, and do not end fasting until you see it. If the weather is cloudy then calculate when it should appear.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Suhoor (pre-dawn meal)

Anas related that the Prophet said: “Take the suhoor meal, for there is blessing in it.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Breaking your fast

Salman ibn Amir Dhabi related that the Prophet said: “Break your fast with dates, or else with water, for it is pure.” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)

During journey

Aisha related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked whether one should fast when on a journey, and he replied: “Fast if you like, or postpone it if you like.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Behavior while fasting

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during Siyam, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Forgetfully eating or drinking while fasting

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks he should complete his Siyam, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Providing for those who are breaking the fast

Zaid ibn Khalid Johni related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “He who provides for the breaking of the Siyam of another person earns the same merit as the one who was observing Siyam without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.” (Tirmidhi)

Lailat Al-Qadr

Aisha related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Look for Lailat Al-Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 nights of Ramadan.” (Bukhari).
Anas ibn Malik related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When Lailat Al-Qadr comes, Gabriel descends with a company of angels (may Allah bless them all) who ask for blessings on everyone who is remembering Allah, whether they are sitting or standing.” (Baihaqi)

Source: arabnews.com