With Ramadan starting literally just right around the corner, it’s important to take a minute to think about this time. I received an email (all credit goes to the original writer) entitled “What Everyone Should Know About Ramadan” and I wanted to share parts of it now before we start striving to do our best during this blessed month.
First off, Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for every sane, healthy, and mature Muslim. This means that we must fast unless we are not yet reached puberty or we are in an ill state either mentally or physically. We must be able to mentally understand fasting and be able to physically carry out the fast without putting ourselves in harm in order for it to be a valid fast. To deny the obligation of fasting during this time is an act of Kufr. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Baqara Ayah 183 “Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwah”. As long as we meet the conditions above so that we are mentally and physically sound to fast, we must fast during this month of Ramadan.
----Preparation----
* We need to learn the rules and regulations of fasting such as the times when we can break our fast, what we can and cannot do during fasting hours, and what to do in case we make a mistake during this time.
* We should begin this month with a clean slate: Make Tawba (sincere repentance) for the sins we commit on a daily basis.
* Make du’aa that Allah (swt) helps us fast properly and correctly.
* Begin this month with a firm intention to follow the example of the Prophet (SAW) by fasting not only with the stomach and the private parts, but with the tongue, the hand, etc.
* Set realistic and reachable goals to accomplish each day such as give $5 in sadaqah, read a certain number of pages of Qur’an, improve our character, etc.
* Remember that every night, Allah Descends from His Throne (in a manner that befits His Majesty), extends His Hand, and asks who will turn to Him in repentance. Take advantage of this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
* If someone is missing fasts and is able to make them up (due to sickness, traveling, pregnancy, menstruation, post-natal bleeding.. etc) then they must make them up before the next Ramadan. Those without a valid reason must make the fasts up ASAP. Some scholars also say they must offer Kaffaarah (expiation) for every day that they missed but some don’t agree that it’s necessary.
----Merits and Virtues of Ramadan----
* The gates of Hell are shut, the devils are chained, and the gates of Heaven are open wide.
* Baa bar-Rayyaan is a gate of Jannah reserved specially for those who fast.
* Fasting is a form of expiation for minor sins
----REMEMBER----
* If someone tries to pick a fight with you, say “Ana saa’im” (I’m fasting). This is a reminder to yourself, and a warning to the other person.
* Make every pang of hunger a reminder to yourself to be thankful to Allah, to turn to Him in repentance, to beg of His Mercy for you and your fellow brothers and sisters in Islam.
*HADITH QUDSI: “Fasting is for Me, and I give the reward for it. (A man) gives up his sexual desires, his food and his drink for My Sake. Fasting is like a shield, and he who fasts has two joys: joy when he breaks his fast, and joy when he meets his Lord. The change in the breath of the mouth of he who fasts is better in Allah's estimation than the smell of musk.”
