Who is permitted to break the fast in Ramazan?

Who is permitted to break the fast in Ramadhan?

The Insane person

An insane person should not fast and should not be asked or forced to fast because he does not know or understand what he is doing. Furthermore the Prophet told us that he is not responsible for anything until he comes back to sanity.

Those permitted to break the fast, but who must pay a "fidyah" (ransom) for not fasting.

The frail elderly men and women are permitted to break their fasts, as are the chronically ill, and those who have to perform difficult jobs under harsh circumstances and who could not find any other way to support themselves. All of these people are allowed to break their fast, because such a practice would place too much hardship on them during any part of the year. Instead of fasting they are obliged to feed one poor person [miskin] a day (for every day of fasting that they do not perform).

Ibn 'Abbas said: "An elderly man is permitted to break his fast, but he must feed a poor person daily. If he does this, he does not have to make up the days that he did not fast.[ad-Daraqutni and al-Hakim].

The Essentials Elements of Fasting or Roza

Definition of Siyam (Fasting):

Siyam in Arabic means "to abstain from something". For example, Allah says about Mariam (Mary) in the Qur'an that she said [meaning]: "Verily!, I have vowed a fast to the Most Beneficent (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human this day "[Maryam 19:26]. In religion (Islam) Siyam means "abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn until sunset with the sincere intention of doing so (for the sake of Allah). Therefore the pillars of fasting are :

1-The Intention (Niyya):

To sincerely fast for the sake of Allah. The intension need not be uttered. It is in reality an act of the heart which does not involve the tongue. It is a bid`ah [innovation] to do so. The fact that one knows he is fasting the next day is "intention". The fact of taking Suhoor is "intention. About sincerity in acts of worship Allah said in the Qur'an [in the meaning of]: "And they were ordained nothing else than to worship Allah, keeping religion pure for Him" [al-Bayyinah,

Also the Messenger of Allah (S) said : Actions are judged according to the intention behind them, and for everyone is what he intended" [Bukhari and Muslim]

The intention must be made before fajr and during every night of Ramadan and is valid if made in any part of the night.

Hafsah reported that the Prophet (S) said: "Whoever does not determine to fast before fajr will have no fast" (that is it won't be accepted) [an-Nasa'i, at-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, and others, Sahih].

2-Abstaining from the acts that break the fast:

Allah says in the Qur'an [in the meaning of]: "Eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast until nightfall." [al-Baqara, 2:187]

Why do we fast in Ramazan?

It is from the nature of humans to ask and to wonder why they do things. Muslims do things to please Allah, and they can please Allah only by obeying Him and practicing His religion. Thus, in answer to the question some ignorants may ask "Why do we fast ?" we respond that it is a commandment and a clear order from Allah upon us and we have no other choice by to obey Allah and Please Him out of Love and Fear at the same time.
Allah says in the meaning of : "O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for people before you so that you will (learn how to) attain Taqwa" (Qur'an, al-Baqarah, 2:183)
Ibn 'Umar reports that Allah's Messenger said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):

1. To testify that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger.
2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) .
4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)
5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan. [Bukhari]

The Moon and Eid

There is a debate among the Muslim community on just how to calculate the beginning of the month of Ramadan (or indeed any month, but Ramadan takes on special importance). The traditional methods mentioned in the Qur'an and followed by the Prophet Muhammad, is to look to the sky and visibly sight the slight crescent moon (hilal) that marks the beginning of the month. If one sees the hilal at night, the next day is the first day of Ramadan and thus the first day of fasting. At the end of the month, when the community sights the hilal again, the Festival of Fast-Breaking (EID_UL_FITR) begins.

Over the years, various scholars and communities have answered this question in different ways. The prevailing opinion is that one should commit to a local moon-sighting, i.e. begin and end Ramadan based on the sighting of the moon in your local vicinity. Astronomical calculations can help us predict when the moon should be visible, but Muslims still tend to follow the traditional method of looking at the sky themselves and physically "sighting" the moon. Thus, the exact day of the beginning of Ramadan is not generally known until the night before the fast begins, when the moon is actually sighted and confirmed.

There are many hadith available regarding the moon sighting of Ramadan the messenger of ALLHA PROPHET MOHAMAD (PBUH) said : (HADITH_No 2378 SAHIH MUSLIM) Whenever you sight the new moon (of the month of Ramadan) observe fast, and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwal) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days.

In another hadith PROPHET said: (SAHIH MUSLIM HADITH_No 2379) Observe fast on sighting it (the new moon) and break (fast) on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy for you, then complete the number (of thirty).

Islam has taught us when to start the holy month and when to end it and celebrate Eid_ul_Fitr and we can find these teaching through different hadith and Quran.

30 Days of Ramadan

God has gifted the month in which all ‘shieatien’ evils are been captured and mercy of God is appears for every one Muslims called this month the month of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan has 30 days some time 29 days it depends on the sighting of moon. Muslims all around the world start fasting when they see the Ramadan moon and stop when they see the moon of shawal and prepare them self for EID_UL_FITR.

The month of Ramadan is divided into three parts which has different aspects in Islamic point of view these parts are called ‘ASHRA’ the first ashra is called the ‘ASHRA of REHMAT’ the second one is called ‘ASHRA of MUKHFIRAT’ and the last one is known as ‘ASHRA DOZAKH SY NIJJAT’ all these there Ashars have importance in Islamic point of view and Muslims all around the world pray in each Ashra.

This is mandatory on every Muslims to pray five time a day whether it is Ramadan or any other month but there is some special prayers which are arranged by Muslims in Ramadan and this prayer is called ‘TARAWHI’ in this prayer Muslims all round the world stand in front of ALLHA at the end of ‘ESHA PRAYER’ this prayer consist of ’20 rakats’ in which Muslims read Quran and pray to God to forgive them.

Ulemah give importance to reading of the Quran in Ramadan and stay awake in the nights of Ramadan especially in the last ASHRA of Ramadan, to find out the night which is better than 1000 nights, this night is known as LYLA_TUL_QADAR. Prophet Mohammad has clear words regarding the night that Prophet said ‘ In the month of Ramadan there is a night which is better then 1000 of nights so people find the night and ask forgiveness from God’

Zakat

Zakat is the one of the fundamental pillar of Islam with out which a person can not called him or her self a Muslim. As every Muslim believes that every thing belongs to GOD and the wealth is just been to human as a trust to give it back in the way of GOD. The word Zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth' Zakat is the amount of money that every adult, mentally stable, free, and financially able Muslim, male and female, has to pay to support specific categories of people.

This category of people is defined in surah at-Taubah (9) verse 60: "The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise." (The Holy Qur'an 9:60).

It is agreed between Muslims in all the centuries the obligatory nature of paying Zakat for gold and silver, and from those the other kinds of currency, Islam has set some standard for paying ZAKAT which is defined by many Islamic scholars and Islamic ulemah with the guidance of hadith and Quran according to hadith and Quran Zakat is obligatory when a certain amount of money, called the nisab is reached or exceeded. Zakat is not obligatory if the amount owned is less than this nisab. The nisab (or minimum amount) of gold and golden currency is 20 mithqal, this is approximately 85 grams of pure gold. One mithqal is approximately 4.25 grams. The nisab of silver and silver currency is 200 dirhams, which is approximately 595 grams of pure silver. The nisab of other kinds of money and currency is to be scaled to that of gold, 85 grams of pure gold. This means that the nisab of money is the price of 85 grams of 999-type (pure) gold, on the day in which Zakat is paid. (Current Gold Prices)

Zakat is due on every adult Muslim after a time span of one lunar year passes with the money in the control of its owner. Then the owner needs to pay 2.5% (or 1/40) of the money as Zakat. (A lunar year is approximately 355 days).

Zakat_al_Fitr After Ramadan

Zakat al-Fitr is a small amount that Muslims are obliged to pay as charity at the end of Ramadan. Zakat al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr (voluntary charity).

The word Fitr means the same as Iftaar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same root word as Futoor which means breakfast.

Thus, Islamically, Zakat al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadan.

Zakat al-Fitr is compulsory on those who can afford it, and it is a sin not to give it.Fitr is dependent on the major item of food consumed by a person during the year.

These may be rice, wheat, barley, dates, etc. In weight Fitr should be three Kilograms per person. It is also permissible to pay cash to the value of three Kilograms food grains.

It is obligatory on the head of the family to give Fitr of all persons (including servants of both sexes of any cast or creed) that take food in his house.

The Mercy Of Allah

As we live in the world, there are many returns, that most of us have experienced such as: The return of missing Child or the finding of any thing precious, these are the moments of joy and happiness, but do we know what is the Greatest Return; the greatest return of all is, when a sinful person, who has disobeyed the sayings of Allah and continuous to sin in this world, sincerely decides to do ‘Tauba’ which literally means to return, to his creator the most merciful Allah, there can never be a happier moment in the world comparable to this.

Returns to Allah Ta’ala with sincerity brings the blessings and mercy, from the most powerful personality existing in the world. Due to his mercy, those previously known as the Faasiq(sinner), are now known as the Habibullah(the beloved of Allah). Their crying and sobbing, when begging for forgiveness, is more closer to Allah Ta'ala, than the recitation of tasbeeh of those who are busy glorifying Allah Ta'ala.

This return is more rewarding, when a person asks for forgiveness, in the holy month of Ramadan, the object of the holly month, is to truly return to Allah by abstaining, from all sin, adopting good deeds and transforming your life style as the teachings of Islam The Qur'an-al-Kareem declares: “O you who believe, fasting has been made mandatory upon you, just as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may acquire taqwa (piety)” (S2:183). Taqwa in a simple terms is, giving up every sin and performing good deeds and living ones life as the saying of the Prophet. Taqwa cannot be acquired without sincere Tauba, to have Taqwa one should do sincere Touba and promise to not commit further sins.

Ramadan the Month of Victory

All praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. He who revealed in His Glorious Quran, “Oh you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord (having taqwa),” 2:185.

Ramadan is the month in which ALLHA the almighty tests his creation by ensuring the ritual of fasting is carried out and gives them the opportunity to achieve his pleasure. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) passed through approximately nine Ramadans together after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events, that took place in Ramadan and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission to Allah the Most exalted and High in the cause of making His Word the highest.

In Islamic history, there are many examples in which, momins are directed, to the way of islam and sacrifice their, life in the way of GOD, for instance the INCIDNT OF MASJID AL_DHIRAR, in which Muslims sacrificed their lives and took a stand, for the name of GOD.

In the first year after the Hijrah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Hamzah ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders, to Saif al Bahr, to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish, who had camped auspiciously in that area. The Muslims were about to engage the disbelievers, but they were separated, by Majdy ibn Umar al-Juhany. The Hypocrites of Al-Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid al-Dhirar). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered this masjid to be destroyed in Ramadan, after he returned from the ghazwah of Tabuk.

Another example, in which Muslims got victory, in the month of Ramadan, is the battle of BADAR, in which only 313 Muslims win against the army of thousands by the grace of GOD.

And indeed Allah assisted you at Badr when you were weak, so be observant to your duty to Allah, so that you may be of the thankful ones. When you said to the believers 'Does it not suffice you that your Lord should assist you with three thousand angels sent down." Surat Aali Imran 3:123 & 124

The battle of the BADAR was the first and the greatest battle of the world in which ALLHA ALMIGHTY, told his messenger (pbuh) that he will help Muslims with an army of thousands of angels, enabling Muslims to win against the big army.

Women And Islam

Islam is the religion of peace and mercy. In Islam men and women have the same rights, but some where Allha subhanutallh has gifted women with some extra rights. It should be understood that Islam is there, to bring ease to all aspects of our daily life. Allah grants special mercy for women, and requirements of worship are less hard for them than for men.

Women and men are exempt from fasting, during the time of traveling, (beyond fifty miles and a duration of more than one day) and during any illness, which is too severe to continue the fast, and if they are very old /or weak. Women, however, are further exempt from the fasting, if they are pregnant or are breast-feeding, unless fasting does not interrupt feeding schedules, nor creates a serious imbalance in the natural supply and quality of milk so as to disturb the baby. This exemption is again to facilitate women, as Allah intends the mother, should not have to undergo undue hardship.

A nursing mother cannot fast without the permission of the infant’s father, as she may be emotionally moved to observe fast, when doing so she may impair her health, or that of the baby. As the protector of the mother and child, the father is expected to be objective when taking his decision, not overly strict and not overly soft.

Women are also exempt from the fast of Ramadan during their monthly periods, a time when they are also given leave from performing the five times daily prayers. While some Muslims believe this state renders a woman unfit to pray or fast because she is “unclean”, the reality of the matter is that Allah subhana wa ta`ala in His Infinite Mercy has relieved women of their religious responsibilities during this period so that they may relax. During Ramadan and all other times throughout the year, part of the woman’s biological monthly cleansing process is that she not obstruct or collect the flow of unclean matter which issues from her womb, such as with the use of tampons, which is categorically haram (forbidden) and can cause severe toxic reactions in the body. A woman’s duty to fast in Ramadan resumes at the time when prayer becomes binding.

Women and men are each responsible for days of obligatory fasting which were not fulfilled. However, in the case of women who are aged and extremely weak or who suffer from long-term illness, Allah has allowed that their children may fast on their behalf to make up unfulfilled days of obligatory fasting. Under these circumstances the adult children make their intention to fast on behalf of the exempted parent, and each day of fasting must be observed independent from any other fasts.

For each day of obligatory fasting (in Ramadan) missed due to travel or temporary illness, both men and women must fast one day sometime before the next Ramadan. However, a pregnant woman or nursing mother who did not fast the entire month of Ramadan has been given the option to make up one day of fasting for one day missed (which is best), or she may feed two poor individuals for thirty days (sixty meals), or give sadaqah to the equivalent of sixty meals. Again, this option is intended to help women who are unable to make up an entire month of fasting, either due to illness, weakness, or because they are again pregnant or still nursing their baby, but who nevertheless need to make up missed days of fasting, which are a debt we are all held accountable for.

The days of the holy month of Ramadan

Ramadan is a month whose beginning is Mercy, whose middle is Forgiveness and whose end is "freedom from the fire."-Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh).

The first ten days of Ramadan is for mercy, we cannot be forgiven from the fire, unless we have the mercy of ALLHA, and to attain this mercy from ALLHA, we need to put some efforts. How can we expect to receive mercy, if we only deprive our bodies of food and drink? Of course not. So the holy month of Ramadan is the month to cleanse ourself, from the dirt of the world and stand in front of ALLHA, to ask the mercy.

Because Ramadan is meant for SPIRITUAL development through fasting. Physiologically, by fasting the body eliminates toxins efficiently and the mind becomes clear for "power thinking". ALLHA is looking for some sincere commitment from us, this is not just during Ramadan,but to be carried through out the year, we need to make a true commitment to GOD for his mercy.

The second 10 days of Ramadan is FORGIVENESS, we all must now beg to ALLHA for his mercy, because we all have broken so many of his rules and disobeyed him so many times, so this is the time to say ;istakwar; and ask him forgiveness. Ramadan is the month in which ALLHA forgives every one, even those who have committed several crimes, the mercy of ALLHA lays on them too.

The third and the last 10 days of Ramadan, are FREEDOM FROM THE FIRE, these are the last ten days of the holly month and these are the days in which Prophet was asked to find the night which is better than thousand nights, the night of ;LYLA_TU_QADAR; in which ALLHA himself asked his people, that is there anyone, who wants forgiveness and freedom from the fire, just imagine the creator of the world, the creator of human race asked this question from all his people and so all this came about, because of the spiritual and holly month of Ramadan, so don’t let this Ramadan pass, go ask for forgiveness and mercy in the month.

Taraweeh ( Prayer Of Ramadan)

There is no mention of Taraweeh in the Quran. These were initiated at the time of Allah's Messenger or of Hazrat Umar's. This is a question in history. The Shias and the sunnis have disagreement over it. Everyone is aware of these discussions and controversies. On the question whether the number of rak'ahs in Taraweeh is eight or twenty, there is a disagreement within the sunnis itself. And no one is unaware of these debates.

Islam is the name of the life for preserving a human being, within the boundary walls of the Quran. For this purpose, it is necessary that all humans (Muslims) must know, as to what are the boundary walls of the Quran and along with it, they must also get themselves, up for self-control. The month of Ramadan is the specific instrument for inculcating and substantiating each of these two matters: (i) what are the boundary walls of the Quran; and (ii) getting him/herself up for self-control. In the modern terminology, call it Training classes or a Refresher Course. Fasting makes humans get themselves up for leading striven-life through self-control. And its fixing is in this month, wherein the beginning of revelation of the Quran was initiated.

So it brings this stark fact to the fore-front. Special arrangements during this Training Course should be made for gushing forth the entire Quran to the striven-people, the Mujahideen so that they may fully comprehend, as to what the connection of "the sword and the Quran" is with each other; and That is how these two, "the sword and the Quran", became the instrument for safeguarding each other.

It appears that the Islamic system of the First Era was made, in order to bring the Quran, to the mind of the people, all at the same time and this method is now being performed, only to attain the reward of a virtuous act (Sawaab). It is because the way the Quran is recited now, during the Taraweeh, is neither understood by the Quran-conner, who causes others to hear it, as to what he had recited, nor do the disciples in the congregation comprehend as to what they have listened.

And it is obvious, that the way, the words of the Quran are repeated and heard without being understood, therefore, cannot make the exposition of the Quran understandable. And neither can it be known which design of life it carves for us. When the system of caliphate based on the precept of Nabuvva is established, its job will be to oversee, as to where the revamping is essential in our traditional mores and cores of life. It will then be the time, whence-fore the correct concept of "Sin and Sawaab" would come to the fore-view of the masses.

Fasting And Its History

Fasting is as old as the human race, All the major religions in the world, like Judaism, Christianity and Islam, expect their followers to fast in some form or another. It is believed that fasting has always been the same in all the major religions in the world but changes happened as time passed by and by the appearance of new sects in different religions.

The most common motives for fasting are religious ones. In a religious fast there are three primary purposes: self-control over the body and its appetites; focusing the mind on God or prayer; making sacrifice to God for offenses committed. The Western religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have, from their inception, set aside certain times in the year for regular fasting observances.

Although the number of occasions on which fasting is practiced has tended to diminish over the centuries in all religions, most branches of Judaism still observe a Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) fast in the fall. Early Christianity developed a number of fasting periods: food was not eaten on Fridays in commemoration of the death of Jesus Christ.

Later a period of 40 fast days before Easter, called Lent, was set aside to allow Christians to meditate on the suffering of Jesus. In the 20th century the number of fast days has been dramatically reduced by the Roman Catholic church to two: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday the beginning and end of Lent.

The church formerly required abstinence from eating meat on most Fridays and certain other days, but this did not include any restriction on the amount of food eaten. Protestant churches generally leave fasting to individual choice. In Islam abstention from food and drink is required of all able Muslims from dawn until dusk each day of the month of Ramadan.

Concept Of Lail Tul Qadar

In Quran Allha Almighty said that "Their is night in the nights of Ramdan which is better then thousands of nights" and that night is described by the Name Laila Tul Qadar. According to this view "Lail tul Qadar" or "Shab Qadr" belongs to the transcendental world.

It is the most virtuous and the most reverend night of the year. Its complete detail has not even occurred in Hadith. However, according to this view, it is the Hadith through which it has been identified that it falls in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, the five nights.

The mind of great many religious scholars goes to the 27th night. It unfolds the open expediency of Sharia, that all the five nights and when it becomes a habit: all the ten nights be lived busy in striving for the Divine prayer, the invocation and the revamping of one's self.

Surely there would have been shower of special lightning and sparkling and a few of the pious men (Ahl-i-Dil) would have had the visibility of something through their material eyes.

Medical Benefits of Ramadan

There are many Muslims who fast in Ramadan, because it has been ordained in Quran to fast and they dont do for its medical benefits. The medical benefits of fasting are.

Fasting in general, has been used in medicine, for medical reasons, such as: weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting, as well as so-called crash diets, but fasting in Ramadan or Islamic fasting is different, from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily observed and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.

Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope, that this training will last beyond the end of Ramadan. If the lessons learned during Ramadan, in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadan, it is beneficial for one’s entire life. Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadan does not have any selective criteria of crash diets such as,, those which are protein only or fruit only type diets. Everything that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities.

The only difference between Ramadan and total fasting is the timing of the food; during Ramadan, we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improves their longevity.

The physiological effect of fasting includes lowering of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension. In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan," held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients’ health or baseline medical condition. On the contrary, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not try to fast.

There are psychological effects of fasting as well. There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan. Personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. ... This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes. ... Similarly, recitation of the Quran not only produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but improves the memory also.

Ramadan and the Muslims

amadan is a month, in which Muslims, from all over the world observe fasting, as it is one of the pillars of Islam. In Islam fasting in Ramadan is mandatory, but one can also observe fasting in other months, like Rajab and Shabaan as, it is the time in which an individual's deeds are presented, before the holy month of Ramadan to the creator.

Fasting during other months, will also make a persons' body accustomed, to the physical and mental strain of fasting, during the entire month of Ramadan. Ramadan is not all about fasting, this month is very much there to thank God for all his blessings and to ask forgiveness from the creator of the world. As in Ramadan muslims fast, they also perform different types of prayers like Nawafil and tahajood. People start observing such prayers, just before Ramadan, so one can become used to standing, for the long periods of time in Ramadan and in Tarawee prayers.

Reading the, Quran is the best practice which, is mentioned by prophet Mohammad (pbuh), which is available in different kinds of Hadith, of him and even Written in the Quran. Muslims all over the world give importance to reading the Quran and it has great rewards, while reading the Quran in the holy month of Ramadan, which brings a person closer to ALLAH Subhana wa talla.

In the spiritual month of Ramadan is also about giving Sadaqah(charity), which is obligatory on everyone who can afford to, help others bringing the believer Closer to AllAH.

Controlling the tongue is most important, as backbiting is not encouraged in Ramadan or in any other month. (O ye who believe!...And do not speak ill of each other Behind their backs. Would any Of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay ye would abhor it..But fear God: For God is Oft-Returning Most Merciful). Surat Al-Hujurat: Verse 12 . it is important in the month of Ramadan, to have positive feelings for one's relatives, in the holy month asking about them will be appreciated. Fasting teaches us patience, as anger must be controlled and tempers kept in check.

Ramadan and Unity

Islam is a complete region and Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) told us how to live a peace full life in the world. There are two things, on which we as muslims, should emphasis and should get knowledge of; one is peace and other is unity, both of these things are clearly indicated in the teachings of Islam, when talking about Ramadan, we need to understand and study the rules of Ramadan, according to the hadith of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), Abu Hurayrah ( radiyallaahu ’anhu ) related that the Prophet ( sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam ) said: "Fast when they fast, end the fast when they end theirs, and sacrifice the day that thy sacrifice. " [2]

Islamic scholars explained, this hadeeth by its sayings, Its meaning to fast and end the fast along with the Jamaa'ah and the majority of people." This hadeeth is a proof of the Prophet (pbuh) emphasizing on unity, in Ramadan and the celebrating of the EID festive, with all other muslims. This custom is very important in establishing the ’Eid festive, and that every individual, who believes,in the revelence of this day, of ’Eid - based on the sighting of the moon. - It is then obligatory upon every muslim, to be in agreement with his or her fellow muslim and that the ruling of the people - concerning the Prayer, breaking the fast, and sacrificing - is binding upon that individual."

Another Islamic scholar, explained its meaning as It is said: In it is a refutation, of those scholars, whom say that whosoever, knows the positions of the moon sighting, is due to astronomical calculations, it is then permissible, for him to fast and end the fast, even if others do not know. It is also said: 'that the individual witness who sees the moon, but the qaadee (judge) has not accepted his testimony, and then there is no fasting for him, just as there is no fasting for the people." By the hadith and its meaning, which has been explained by different scholars, we can say that Islam is emphasizes on doing ‘MASHWARA’ or sitting together and solving the problem, this is how Ramadan the holy month, shows the unity in order to fast or to celebrate the Eid festive, which are the two most important occasions for Muslims.

Ramadan The Month of Patience

Ramadan, how important this month is in the life of Muslims, we can have an idea by the saying of Prophet on the last day of Shahban "O people there comes over you now a great month, a most blessed month in which lies a night more greater in virtue than a thousand months. It is a month in which Allah has made Fasting compulsory by day. And has made sunnah the Taraweeh by night. Whosoever intends drawing near to Allah by performing any virtuous deed, for such person shall be the reward like the one who had performed a fardh in any other time. And whoever performs a fardh, shall be blessed with the reward of seventy faraa-idh in any other time."

So based on this specific hadith of Prophet (pbuh) on the importance of Ramadan we can say that Ramadan is the month in which people should stay patient and calm, where as the true reward of this patience will be given in the shape of Jannah (paradise). This is the month in which the Rizq of true believers is increased by the grace of Allah, who ever feeds the one that fasts will gain lots of rewards in terms of Allah's happiness.

Regarding this a person asked the Prophet(pbuh) , "O messenger of Allah, not all of us possess the means whereby we can give a fasting person to break his fast." And the messenger(pbuh) Replied to him "Allah grants the same reward to the one who gives a fasting person to break the fast a mere date, or a drink of water, or a sip of milk."

The month of Ramadan is divided in three categories The first of which brings Allah's mercy, the middle of which brings His forgiveness and the last of which brings emancipation from the fire of Jahan-nam."

Reason for the Name Ramadhan

Five Letters of the Word ‘Ramadhan’

Our pious predecessors have stated that there are five (Arabic) letters in the word ‘Ramadhan’ – Raa is the Pleasure (Raza) of Allah Ta’ala; Meem is the Forgiveness (Magfirat) of Allah Ta’ala; Duaad is the Security (Zamanat) of Allah Ta’ala; Alif is the Love (Ulfat) of Allah Ta’ala; and Noon is the Beneficence or Bounty (Nawaal) of Allah Ta’ala. Therefore, the person who worships in the month of Ramadhan, becomes deserving of all these.

Reason for the Name Ramadhan

‘Ramadhan’ is from the root ‘Ramadh’, which means ‘to burn’. Commentators have stated some reasons for this month being given the name ‘Ramadhan’:

1. It is called ‘Ramadhan’ because, as a result of hunger and thirst in this month, the body becomes weak and burns.

2. Fasting burns and destroys sins.

3. When it was time for this month to be named, it was extremely hot and that is why it was called ‘Ramadhan’, just as when it was time for the months of Rabi ul Awwal and Rabi uth Thaani to be named, it was spring time.

4. ‘Ramadhan’ is one of the names of Allah Ta’ala and therefore, it should not simply be called ‘Ramadhan’, but the word ‘month’ should be added before it (Shehr e Ramadhan) – meaning ‘Allah Ta’ala’s month’, just as it is reported: “Do not say Ramadhan has come and Ramadhan has departed, rather say that the month of Ramadhan has arrived, the month of Ramadan has departed.”

The Four Names of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak

Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan rehmatullah alaih says in his commentary on the Qur’an Tafseer-e-Na’eemi, “In total, there are four names for this auspicious month:

(1) Ramadan,

(2) The month of patience (sabr),

(3) The month of sympathy (mu’asat) and

(4) The month of increase in sustenance (wus’at-erizq).”

He rehmatullah alaih further writes, “Fast is patience (sabr), and its reward is Allah azwajal, and it (fast) is kept in this month, therefore, it is called the month of patience. Mu’asat means “treating others well”.

This month is called the month of sympathy because the reward for behaving well (and sympathising) with Muslims, especially relatives, is increased. In this month the sustenance is increased and even poor people enjoy the bounties of Allah azwajal, therefore, it is called the month of increased sustenance.” (Tafseer-e-Na’eemi, V2, P208)

Excellence of Ramadhan Over Other Months

The excellence of the month of Ramadhan over other months is on the basis of a number of points:

* It is stated in the Holy Qur’an that there are 12 months in a year, and it is also stated that four of these months are holy months. However, only the month of Ramadhan is specifically mentioned by name in the Holy Qur’an, no other month is mentioned by its name. Allah Ta’ala states, “The month of Ramadhan in which the Qur’an was sent down…” (Surah Baqarah, Verse 185)

* The blessed Ka’ba calls the Muslims towards it and distributes its bounties but this month comes to us and distributes them. It is as if the Ka’ba is a well and Ramadan is a river, or the former is a river and the latter is rain.

* The Holy Qur’an was revealed in the blessed month of Ramadhan, as the aforementioned verse states.

* The Night of Power (Shab e Qadr) is in this month; worship in this night is better than the worship of 1000 months.

* In Ramadan, prayers are answered at the time of Iftar and Sahari, this privilege has not been granted to any other month.

* In other months, there are specific times stipulated for worship, but in this month, every second of every day is considered worship for those who are Fasting.

* The rewards for good deeds are multiplied from 10 to 700 times more in this month.

* Voluntary worships (Nafl) are rewarded like compulsory (Fardh) worships, and compulsory worships are rewarded the same as 70 compulsory worships.

* Allah Ta’ala pays special attention towards His slaves in this month.

* The doors of Paradise are opened in this month.

* The doors of Hell are closed.

* The doors of the Heavens are opened and the supplications of the slaves are easily able to reach the door of Acceptance.

* The pages that were revealed to Hazrat Ibrahim ‘Alaihis Salaam were revealed on the 1st of this month.

* The Old Testament (Taurah) was revealed on the 6th of this month.

* The Bible (Injeel) was revealed on the 13th of this month.

* The Holy Qur’an was revealed on the 24th of this month.

* The Leader of the Ladies of Paradise, Hazrat Sayyedah Fatimah Zahra Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anha passed away on the 3rd of this month.

* Mother of Believers, Hazrat ‘Aisha Siddiqua Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anha passed away on the 17th of this month.

* The Battle of Badr took place on the 17th of this month.

* The Conquest of Makkah happened on the 20th of this month.

* The Lion of Allah Ta’ala, Hazrat ‘Ali Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu was martyred on the 21st of this month.

The Meaning of Ramadan

Fasting during Ramadan was ordained during the second year of Hijrah. Why not earlier? In Makkah the economic conditions of the Muslims were bad. They were being persecuted. Often days would go by before they had anything to eat. It is easy to skip meals if you don?t have any. Obviously fasting would have been easier under the circumstances. So why not then?

The answer may be that Ramadan is not only about skipping meals. While fasting is an integral and paramount part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul. The entire program required the peace and security that was offered by Madinah.

Yes, Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab --- two full months before Ramadan --- the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to supplicate thus: "O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha?ban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health)."