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THE NAME OF ALLAH, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
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1.. Start reading Quran daily after Salat al-Fajr.
2.. Spend some time listening to recitations from the Quran.
3.. Train yourself to go to bed early so that you can wake up for Salat al-Fajr.
4.. Keep yourself in a state of Wudu (Ablution) most of the time.
5.. Evaluate yourself daily before going to bed.
6.. Thank Allah for good deeds, and repent to Him for your mistakes and sins.
7.. Start giving Sadaqah daily , no matter how little. Make it a habit like eating and d drinking.
8.. Find time to pray extras, such as Nafals andTahajjud prayers . Apply in conjunction with point 3 above.
9.. Spend more time reading Islamic books, especially the Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh.
10. Find time to help others with your wisdom, knowledge and other talents.
11. Try to write articles on Islam for Muslims as well as for non-Muslims.
12. Associate with Muslim scholars / ulama and other pious people so that you may learn from them.
13. Train yourself to do good, render free service to others to seek the pleasure of Allah.14. Avoid/reduce watching TV ; instead spend more time reading the Quran and other Islamic literature.15. Avoid looking at unlawful pictures, whether magazines, departmental store catalogs or otherwise.
16. Spend free time in Masajid , Islamic organizations and make that a daily habit.
17. If you smoke, try to reduce daily usage and cut it down for good; otherwise Ramadan will be very difficult for you to observe.
18. If you have friends who do not practice the teachings of Islam, try to avoid socializing with them.
19. If you travel a lot on business, try to do more local business, so you can be closer to your family and community.
20. If you are used to staying up till midnight, try to go to bed earlier, so that you will be able to wake up early for Salat al-Fajr and Tahajjud prayers as well.
To prepare ourselves before the month of Ramadan arrives is far better than waiting till it comes. To prepare ourselves for anything in life is a sign of wisdom and maturity. No one is assured of living one day more; tomorrow may not come. So hurry and benefit from blessings and rewards from Allah.
Remember: " Time is not money or gold; it is life itself and is limited . You must begin to appreciate every moment of your life and always strive to make the best use of it."
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A Quick Checklist
1.. Make a resolve to win the maximum favor of Allah by performing extra Voluntary prayers (Nawafils), making frequent Dua and increased remembrance (Dhikr).
2.. Try to recite some Holy Quran after every Prayer. In fact if you read 3-4 pages after every Prayer you can easily finish the entire Quran in Ramadan!
3.. Study the Tafseer ( commentary) every morning.
4.. Invite a person you are not very close with or your relatives to your home for Iftaar, at least once a week (Weekend). You will notice the blessings in your relationships!
5.. Bring life to your family! Everyday, try to conclude the fast with your family and spend some quality time together to understand each other better.
6.. Give gifts on Eid to at least 5 people: 2 to your family members, 2 to your good friends, and 1 to a person whom you love purely for the sake of Allah. This is in addition to normal 'Iddiya' to children.
7.. Where applicable, make commitment to join Islamic study circles to learn more about Islam and improve your own life.
8.. Donate generously to the Masajid, Islamic organizations , and any where people are in need or oppressed. "Because Ramadan, is a month of sharing!"
9.. Share month of Ramadan and its teachings of peace and patience with your colleagues at work, neighbors and relatives.
10. Sleep little, eat little! Make sure you do not defeat the purpose of fasting by over-indulging in food and being lazy.
11. Seek the rare and oft-neglected rewards of the night better than 1000 months ( Laylatul-Qadr / Shab-e-Qadr ).
12. Weep in private for the forgiveness of your sins: Ramadan is the month of forgiveness and Allah's Mercy! It's never too late.
13. Learn to control your tongue and lower your gaze. Remember the Prophet's (pbuh) warning that lying, backbiting, and a lustful gaze all violate the Ramadan fast!
14. Encourage others to enjoin and love goodness, and to abandon everything that Allah dislikes. Play the role of a Da'ee (one who invites to Allah) with zeal, passion, and sympathy.
15. Experience the joy of Tahajjud prayers late at night and devote yourself purely and fully to Allah in the Itikaf retreat during Mahe Ramadan.
16. For extra concerted effort, try to be off work for few last days of Ramadhan for maximum Ibada. You never know you will be around next time around, so maximise your time in Ibada.
17. Make an effort to reconcile with the people you are not on good terms with. Forgive everyone and keep your heart clean.
18. In all your dhikr, do not forget your parents, your neighbors', relatives, dead people and Muslims at large including those fiy sabiliLLAH.
MAY ALLAH HELP US ALL IN OUR EFFORT TO EARN THE MAXIMUM DURING THIS HOLY MONTH SUCH THAT WE ARE ABLE TO TAKE THE DISCIPLINE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
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May Allah help us all to follow the guide line of Ramadan Karim.
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Blessings of Fasting
“Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter,
and defend us from the torment of the Fire!†(Qur’an 2:201)
Rabbanā ‘Ātinā Fī Ad-Dunyā Ĥasanatan Wa Fī Al-’Ākhirati Ĥasanatan
Wa Qinā `Adhāba An-Nāri
The benefits of the Ramadhan month of fasting are too many to be counted. If one does recognize them and realize their importance, he wishes to have the month of Ramadhan to be throughout the whole year.These blessings are given by Allah to the fasting Muslims, who are to fast with full faith and expectation.
These blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan have been grouped and summarized into different categories. They are summarized here without commentary. It should be remembered that all of these blessings were taken directly from Holy Quran and Hadith.
The following is a partial list for the blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan:
01. Taqwa:
Fearing Allah(SWT)
Practicing the Revelations of Allah(SWT)
Accepting the little things that one has achieved
Preparing for departure from this world to the Hereafter
Self-discipline
Self-control
Self-restraint
Self-education
Self-evaluation
By accepting these criteria and by practicing them, the Muslim will achieve the concept of Taqwa in his private and public life.
02. Protection:
Avoiding Immorality
Avoiding anger/outcry/uproar
Avoiding stupidity
Avoiding all makrooh/mashbooh/haram
By achieving these good manners, a Muslim will come out of fasting a better human being in the society.
03. Revelation of Holy Quran:
The Holy Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadhan. The Holy Quran is meant to be:
A Guidance to mankind
A Manifestation of right from wrong
A Summation and culmination of all previous revelations
A Glad-tiding to the believers
A Healer
A Mercy
04. Doors of heaven are open
05. Doors of hell are closed
06. Devils are chained down
07. Fasting with Iman (faith) and expectation:
Such type of intention leads to forgiveness by Allah (SWT) to the individual’s sins.
08. Door of Rayyan:
There is in Paradise a door called Al-Rayyan. It is for the fasting Muslims. Only those who fasted the month of Ramadhan are the ones to enjoy the bliss of Paradise inside that area.
09. Rejoices:
There are two types of rejoices for the Muslims who fast. These are:
When breaking fast
When meeting Allah (SWT) on the day of Judgment
10. Mouth Smell:
The smell of the mouth of the fasting Muslim will be better than the smell of musk during the day of Judgement. (Bad Breath)
(Contunued)
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Blessings of Fasting
11. Glad-Tidings:
These glad-tidings are given to the well-wishers while the ill-wishers are to be stopped during fasting.
12. Ramadhan -to- Ramadhan:
Whoever fasts two consecutive months of Ramadhan with good intention will receive forgiveness for the mistakes committed throughout the year.
13. Multiplication of Rewards:
Doing good = 10x, 70x, 700x or more during the month of Ramadhan.
14. Feeding Others:
Whoever invites others to break the fast, and whoever takes care of the hungry, needy, during the last ten days of Ramadhan will receive equal rewards to the fasting person(s).
15. Blessing of Iftar:
Dua is accepted by ALLAH (SWT) at Iftar time.
16. Blessings of Sahoor (The late night meal):
This meal time gives the opportunity for:
Night Prayers
Zikr, Remembrance, Contemplation
Recitation of Holy Quran
Fajr Salat in Jamaat
Dua of Fajr
17. Night Prayers:
Whoever performs the Night prayers with sincerity and good intention will receive forgiveness of his past mistakes.
18. Shafa’at (Pleading One’s Case for Forgiveness):
Whoever fasts Ramadhan will receive on the day of Judgement the Shafa’at of:
Ramadhan
Holy Quran
19. Ihya (Passing Nights Awake):
Last ten days of Ramadhan. When a Muslim makes this type of effort, he will get rewards, forgiveness, and multiples of blessings.
20. Itikaf (Retreat):
A Muslim who performs Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan will get:
Blessings and rewards
Peace of mind
Contemplation and evaluation
Better citizen
(Continued)
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Blessings of Fasting
21. Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Power):
Whoever observes it with sincerity and good intention will get the following benefits:
Forgiveness of mistakes
Better than 1,000 months
Dua
Zikr
Prayers
Reading Holy Quran
Rewards
Blessings
Better human being
22. Generosity:
Kindness, hospitality, visitation, etc. All of these and many more are among the benefits of Ramadhan.
23. Zakat al-Fitrah (Charity on Eid Day):
The benefits of paying such as charity to the needy are tremendous, among which are the following:
Purity
Feeding the needy
Sharing happiness
Improving human relations
Improving society
24. Sadaqah (Charity):
The benefits of paying sadaqah are many. These are summarized as follows:
Purity
Flourishing of wealth
Improving economy
Circulation of wealth
Elimination of inflation
Elimination of poverty
25. Fasting and Health:
By fasting, one gets the following benefits:
Purification of body from toxins
Reducing of weight
Purity of brain
Rejuvenation of body
Living of life with happiness
Looking younger
26. Change of Lifestyle:
By living a different life style, one gets rid of the monotony of life and hence enjoys his life span.
27. Sharing:
Of hunger, thirst and rituals with others in the society.
28. Eid-ul-Fitr (Feast):
Sharing of happiness and visitation of one another as members of the society.
29. Graveyards Visitation:
One will get the following benefits by visiting graveyards.
Dua for the deceased
Preparing oneself for departure from this world
Feeling respect for the deceased
Making the person to be humble in his life
30. Every breath is Tasbiih:
Every breath and even sleep is Ibadah and awarded.
31. Umrah in Ramadhan:
Visiting Makkah during the fasting month of Ramadhan is:
Equal to one Hajj (pilgrimage)
Equal to one Hajj with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
32. Historical Successes and Victories in Ramadhan:
Muslims throughout their history received many benefits during Ramadhan the month of fasting, among which are the following:
Battle of Badr
Battle of Khandaq
Opening of Makkah
Battle of Tabuk
Tariq Ibn Ziyad opened Europe
Salahuddin liberated Jerusalem from the crusaders
Egypt and Israel, 1973 – Egyptians kicked the Israelis out of Egypt during Ramadhan the month of fasting, etc.
33. Learning lessons from historical incidents that happened during Holy Ramadhan the month of fasting:, e.g.
Wafaat Hazrat Khadijeh(A).
Wiladat Imam Hasan bin Ali(A).
Shahadat Imam Ali bin Abi Talib(A).
Youm-al-Quds
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The History of Ramadan
Considered the most sacred Muslim occasion, Ramadan is observed throughout the ninth month (also known as Ramadan) of the Islamic calendar. Held since ancient times, this holy event has pious Muslims fasting, practicing extreme self-restraint, praying, doing charitable activities and all such actions that are recommended by Islam. Go through our informative article on the "History of Ramadan" to know when Ramadan originated and how it came to be established. If you like reading about the fascinating history of Ramadan and want to share it with your friends and loved ones, please click here and refer it to the. Wish you a sacred Ramadan!
The origin of "Ramadan", the sacred Muslim occasion, can be traced partly to historic accounts as well as the various holy Islamic texts. A great part of the history of Ramadan depends on ancient Islamic folklore.
According to the Islamic texts, Ramadan began with Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam who was born in 570 CE in the Arabian city of Mecca. Orphaned at a young age, Muhammad was reared by his uncle Abu Talib. The boy grew up to be a merchant, as well as a shepherd. He was first married by age 25.
Gradually Muhammad began to be dissatisfied with his life in Mecca. Having an idealistic and religious temperament from his very early days, he retreated to the caves in the surrounding mountains of Mecca for meditation and reflection.
According to Islam, one night during the month of Ramadan in the year 610 A.D. when Muhammad was 40 years of age and was passing the month in meditation in Mount Hira, he had a vision of an angel appearing before him. This angel introduced himself as Jibril and revealed that Muhammad was the messenger of Allah and was born to be a prophet to his people. The angel asked Muhammad to recite what he said:
"Recite in the name of your Lord Who creates.
Creates man from a clot.
Recite: And your Lord is the Most Bountiful
Who teaches by the pen,
He teaches man what he does not know."
With a confounded mind, Muhammad descended from Mount Hira and told everything to his wife Khadijah. He feared that he had had an encounter with an evil spirit. But Khadijah allayed his fears reminding him of his good conduct until then and that it was impossible for him to be visited by a demon. She took him to her old cousin Waraqa ibn Nawfal and told the latter everything about Muhammad's meeting with the angel. Waraqa ibn Nawfal was a much learned man and was well-versed in various sacred texts concerning different religion. The lettered man convinced Muhammad that he was indeed a messenger of God and the angel who visited Muhammad was the same divine messenger Gabriel who had also visited the Hebrew prophet Moses.
In the following twenty-three years, Muhammad was visited many times by Jibril who taught him the holy knowledge in verses. This sacred knowledge consists of the code of conduct that Allah wants his people to maintain on earth. It is inscribed in verses which are compiled in the holy Qur'an, the most sacred book in Islam.
It is said that the sacred knowledge was revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. "Laylat al-Qadr" - a night of the month is symbolically regarded as the same night on which the holy knowledge was gifted to Muhammad and mankind. The followers of Islam consider "Laylat al-Qadr" as the "Night of the Power", the holiest night of the year.
As a mark of respect to Allah and to show gratitude to him for the true knowledge that he gifted to his sons and daughters, the prophet asked his followers (and therefore the followers of Islam) to pass the month of Ramadan in fasting, prayers and other austerities and end the month-long non-indulgence with festive celebrations.
The Quran instructs us:
"Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. Allah wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify Allah for guiding you, and to express your appreciation." [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:185]
Thus was born the sacred occassion called Ramadan, a month-long period of austerity that sees devout Muslims across the world keep themselves away during the entire daytime, offering prayers and abstaining from almost every kind of enjoyment including drinking and abstaining from sex. For Muslims all over, it is a very special time - of introspection, meditation, self control, charitable activities, spirituality and of course, devotion to Allah.
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Reason of Ramadan
The third pillar of Islam is fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise until sundown abstaining form eating food, drinking and having sexual relations. There are many reasons why Muslims fast during Ramadan.
· One reason why Muslims fast is because it helps them share the feelings of the hungry, and the less fortunate in the community. People often take the blessing of food for granted, forgetting that there are others who do not have the privilege of having food. By fasting, a Muslim learns how it feels to be hungry, which causes greater appreciation for the blessing of food, as well as increase giving charity to the poor.
· Fasting also provides a form of unity for Muslims all over the world because during Ramadan, all Muslims around the world fast together.
· A third benefit for fasting is the cleansing of the soul and the strengthening of the faith through increased worship.
· One reason is that it benefits the health by cleaning the system of the body. Doctors agree that fasting every once in a while is healthy.
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Nine reasons why we must plan for Ramadan
Have you noticed that each year, Ramadan goes by faster and faster? Personally, I can remember details of Ramadan 11 years ago better in some ways than of Ramadan last year. It’s frightening.
This blessed month can’t be left to become a blur in our memories. It has to be more than that time of the year we squeeze in fasting amongst the other things we do daily.
One way to make the most of Ramadan is to plan beforehand. Here are ten reasons why you should plan for Ramadan:
Reason #1: To be in "Ramadan mode"
By planning for Ramadan before it arrives, you put your mind in "Ramadan mode". If you plan, you will mentally prepare for it, and it will force you to see it as the special month it is outside of your regular routine the rest of the year.
Reason #2: To adjust your schedule
By planning in advance, you can adjust your work, sleep and meal schedules in such a way as to make time for Suhoor, Iftar, etc. That means, for instance, that if you normally go to bed at midnight, in Ramadan you would sleep earlier in order to get up early for Suhoor. Or if you usually study late, you can instead sleep earlier and start studying after Suhoor in the early morning hours. Planning in advance allows you the luxury to make time for the change in schedule that Ramadan brings.
Reason #3: You can plan Ramadan family time
Is dinnertime usually an individual affair in your home, as opposed to a time the whole family eats together? Are Friday evenings the time every family member goes off to his/her own social activities? Planning in advance can change this at least in Ramadan. Calling a family meeting about a month in advance, explaining the importance of Ramadan, its implications for the family and the need to eat Iftar together when possible as well as to attend Tarawih prayers, for example, will allow all family members to adjust their work and school schedules accordingly. That will, Insha Allah, make Ramadan a blessing not just to every person in the family, but to the family as a whole.
Reason #4: To make the menu
While Ramadan may mean extra Ibadah to some of the brothers, it usually means extra cooking for most of the sisters. Ramadan’s blessings are for men and women. Making a Ramadan menu for Iftar and meals, and working out when you want to invite relatives, neighbors and friends for Iftar will give sisters the opportunity to catch Tarawih and various other advantageous Ibadat instead of spending Ramadan’s 29 or 30 days stuck in the kitchen. (And by the way, brothers, helping out with cooking or cleaning was a practice of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him-maybe this is a way you can increase your Sawab [rewards] this month).
Reason #5 : You can plan a Iftar at your home
You may have eaten fantastic Iftars at friends’ homes last year. This year, open your doors. There is blessing in feeding a fasting person other than yourself and your family. Planning in advance gives you the luxury of calling friends over the month before and setting a date, so you can "grab" them before others get an opportunity to. Muchos Sawab, Insha Allah!
Reason #6: To make a travel schedule
Do you know a fellow Muslim in your neighborhood who wants to get to the mosque for Tarawih every night but doesn’t have a car? Or do you look at your work schedule and realize you have to work overtime near the end of Ramdan, so your family will miss out on Tarawih at the mosque the last ten nights of Ramadan? Planning in advance helps you work out your daily or weekly travel schedule to attend Tarawih prayers at the mosque, or even a trip for Iftar at a friend’s place who may life farther away. It also helps ease the burden of transportation in winter. Maybe you can start a car pool? Since you have the time before Ramadan begins, you can work this out with neighbors and friends.
Reason #7: To do good at high Sawab times
Being generous is definitely an Islamic merit, but being generous in Ramadan is even more highly rewarded. Match Ibadat with specific times that carry more reward. Prepare to do Itifkaf, increase asking Allah for forgiveness in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Plan to give increased Sadaqa this month. Plan to visit that relative you may have not seen for months, if not years. Thinking about and arranging to do these things and finding other ways of gaining the pleasure of Allah in Ramadan will Insha Allah help you benefit more from it.
Reason #8: You can squeeze in Eid shopping
Planning in advance helps you think about all of those things you wanted to do in time for the end of Ramadan or Eid last year but couldn’t. Maybe you wanted to go Eid shopping for gifts for family and friends in the last week of Ramadan but were too busy with the last ten nights of Ramadan. No problem. This year, you decide to go in the third week of Ramadan instead.
Reason #9: You can plan Dawa activities during Ramadan
Some Muslims have gone to soup kitchens and made meals during Ramadan, while they were fasting. Not only will, Insha Allah, they be rewarded, but this is a great Dawa opportunity to explain what Ramadan and Islam are about. Planning in advance for such an activity gives you the time to call up a soup kitchen in your area, explain what you want to do, and get your act together. You can also plan school Dawa activities in Ramadan by planning in advance, by meeting with the principal or teacher beforehand, preparing a presentation, etc.
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Importance of Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the religious festivals of the Islamic community that is widely celebrated all over the world. Although this festival includes fasting and sacrifice, yet the Muslims celebrate this occasion with a lot of joy and enthusiasm. There are fireworks, lights, decorations and feasts (once the daily fast gets over) that make this festival a joyous celebration.
Importance of Ramadan in Islam
Ramadan includes fasting which is the third pillar of all the five pillars of Islam. This means that the fasting during Ramadan is one of the five most basic beliefs or acts that a Muslim is supposed to do. Fasting in Islam is considered to be a means of practicing self-control. It is also considered to be a way of experiencing what hunger is all about, sympathizing with the poor and the needy, and thanking god for everything you have received in life.
An important part of Ramadan festival is offering gifts in the form of Zakat which means giving away one’s wealth to charity. The Zakat is one of the essential pillars of Islam. The concept of Zakat is to purify one’s wealth by giving a part of it to people who aren’t blessed by god.
Importance of Ramadan to Muslims
Ramadan is the time for offering intense prayers to god. During this month, Muslims try to read the Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, as much as possible. They may also visit the mosque to listen to the recitation of the Quran.
The last 10 days of Ramadan are special because during this time, the Muslims indulge in intense prayers with the belief that they’ll get closer to god because of their good deeds, sacrifices, and devotion.
According to Quran, the 27th night of the month of Ramadan, known as the Lailat ul-Qadr or the Night of Power, is actually considered to be auspicious than any other night. So, the Muslims spend almost this entire night in prayers.
Some common beliefs of the Muslims regarding Ramadan are listed below.
The Muslims believe that fasting will enable them to feel for those who get very little to eat daily.
The Muslims feel that through Ramadan prayers, they’ll connect better with their inner selves, strengthen their faith and get closer to god who has created them.
They think that Ramadan teaches them how to appreciate god for every single happiness and achievement they’ve had in their lives.
The Muslims believe that self-control during Ramadan will teach them good manners and good speech.
They believe that charity during this festive occasion will actually make them more generous and develop a sense of goodwill in them.
The Muslims feel that family gatherings during Ramadan will help strengthen their bonding with their friends and family members.
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 due to 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 eyes don’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.
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Significance of fasting in Ramadan
By M. J. Mohamed Iqbal
The edifice of Islam is based on five pillars: lman (belief), Salah (prayer), Saum (fasting), Zakat (poor-due) and Haj (pilgrimage to Ka’bah). These five pillars, which constitute the fundamental principles of Islam embracing all the essential factors of ethical laws, evolve into a practical code of life for humanity. They are unique and unrivalled in their spirit and actions and redolent of a spiritual flair for mankind.
Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is a religious obligation for all Muslims. The Holy Quran says: "O Believers, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may attain piety" (Surah Al Baqarah:183).
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, rotates round all the seasons of the year and completes a full circle in 36 years, thus allowing the believers to observe fast ing under all climatic conditions.
Fasting means abstaining not only from eating, drinking and indulging in sexual activity with the spouse from pre-dawn to sunset, but from all kinds of evils and useless activities. In fact, it is the month of seeking Allah’s Pleasure and praying to Him for one’s Salvation.
Fasting is one of the duties not only to improve the moral and spiritual conditions of man but also to habituate him to suffer tribulations and hardship in life as well. Fasting provides the haves an opportunity to think of the haves-not. Hunger shapes man to the good side; hunger for long hours pulverises his carnal passions. And when he feels that he is refraining from the propitious at the behest of Allah Almighty, he is less and less inclined towards the appetite of the flesh and inordinate passions, making it easier for him to control the beast in him and bring his desires under the authority of reason.
During fasting, man is spiritually more refrained, enlightened and awakened towards nobler values of life. His spirit is activated and his soul is purified so much so that he can now much better understand the Glory of the Almighty, sacrifices of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) towards mankind, and the relationship between man and the Almighty.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, "Verily fasting is a trust. Let each, therefore, take good care of his trust." He further said, "Fasting is a shield against sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid obscenity and quarrelling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, “I am fasting'." The following incident will further highlight the utmost importance of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Once while mounting the mimber (pulpit) of his mosque for khutba (sermon), the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was heard saying "Aameen" on the first step of the mimber. He repeated the same act on the second and third steps. It was an unusual act for the Companions. After the Holy Prophet (pbuh) completed the khutba and prayer, the Companions requested him to explain his act so that they could also benefit from it. The Holy Prophet replied, "When I mounted the first step, Archangel Jibreel appeared and said ‘May the person be destroyed who got the month of Ramadan but did not secure forgiveness.’ Thereupon I said ‘Aameen'. When I mounted the second step, Jibreel said, 'May that person be destroyed who refrains from reciting salat (darood) when your name is mentioned in his presence'. Thereupon I said ‘Aameen'. And when I mounted the third step, Jibreel said ‘May that person be destroyed whose both parents or one parent happen to reach old age and he did not attain Allah's forgiveness (by serving them).’ Thereupon I said ‘Aameen'."
The Holy Prophet (pbuh), who has been praised by Almighty Allah as Rahmatul Lil Alameen (mercy to all the worlds) and as Raoof and Raheem (merciful and pitiful to believers) in Surah At-Taubah, has cursed those people who do not respect the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan, respect and serve their parents and do not recite darood when the Holy Prophet's name is mentioned. It is worth-mentioning a Hadeeth here which says, "If my followers realize what Ramadan really is, they would wish that the whole year be Ramadan."
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: "Every good deed is rewarded from ten to seven hundred times over, but Allah says fasting is the exception; it is for Me, and my servant forgoes his eating and drinking for my sake, so I myself will reward my servant for it."
Hence people should realize the importance of this holy month and perform more prayers, do good deeds and win their salvation from Allah the Almighty. Let us receive the full benefits of this month by the grace of Almighty and the blessings of His Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
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Diet during Ramadan
Fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan can be good for one's health and personal development. Ramadan fasting is not just about disciplining the body to restrain from eating food and drinking water from predawn until sunset. The eyes, the ears, the tongue, and even the private parts are equally obligated to be restrained if a Muslim wants to gain the total rewards of fasting. Ramadan is also about restraining anger, doing good deeds, exercising personal discipline, and preparing oneself to serve as a good Muslim and a good person during and after Ramadan.
This is why the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him, Pbuh) has been attributed, by Hazrat Abu Hurairah in hadith, to say: "He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah has no need that he didn't eat or drink." (Bukhari, Muslim). In another hadith by Hazrat Abu Harairah, the Prophet (Pbuh) said: "Fasting is not only from food and drink, fasting is to refrain from obscene (acts). If someone verbally abuses you or acts ignorantly toward you, say (to them) 'I am fasting; I am fasting." (Ibn Khuzaoinah). Restraint from food, water, and undesirable behavior makes a person more mentally disciplined and less prone to unhealthy behavior. In an investigation in Jordan (1), a significant reduction of parasuicidal cases was noted during the month of Ramadan. In the United Kingdom, the Ramadan model has been used by various health departments and organizations to reduce cigarette smoking among the masses, especially among Africans and Asians (2).
Ramadan fasting has spiritual, physical, psychological, and social benefits; however, manmade problems may occur, if fasting is not properly practiced. First of all, there is no need to consume excess food at iftar (the food eaten immediately after sunset to break fast), dinner or sahur ( the light meal generally eaten about half an hour to one hour before dawn). The body has regulatory mechanisms that activate during fasting. There is efficient utilization of body fat, El Ati et al. (3) . Basal metabolism slows down during Ramadan fasting, Husain et al. (4). A diet that is less than a normal amount of food intake but balanced is sufficient enough to keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan.
Health problems can emerge as a result of excess food intake, foods that make the diet unbalanced, and insufficient sleep (5, 6). Ultimately also, such a lifestyle contradicts the essential requirements and spirit of Ramadan.
DIET DURING RAMADAN
According to Sunna (the practices of Prophet Muhammad, Pbuh) and research findings referred in this report, a dietary plan is given:
1. Bread/Cereal/Rice, Pasta, Biscuits and Cracker Group: 6-11 servings/day; 2. Meat/Beans/ Nut Group: 2-3 servings/day. 3. Milk and Milk Product Group: 2-3 servings/day. 4. Vegetable Group: 3-5 servings/day; 5. Fruit Group: 2-4 servings/day. 6. Added sugar (table sugar, sucrose): sparingly. 7. Added fat, polyunsaturated oil 4-7 table spoons.
Breakfast, iftar:
Dates, three
Juice, 1 serving (4 oz.)
Vegetable soup with some pasta or graham crackers, 1 cup
The body's immediate need at the time of iftar is to get an easily available energy source in the form of glucose for every living cell, particularly the brain and nerve cells. Dates and juices are good sources of sugars. Dates and juice in the above quantity are sufficient to bring low blood glucose levels to normal levels. Juice and soup help maintain water and mineral balance in the body. An unbalanced diet and too many servings of sherbets and sweets with added sugar have been found to be unhealthy, Gumma et al. (7).
Dinner:
Consume foods from all the following food groups:
Meat/Bean Group: Chicken, beef, lamb, goat, fish, 1-2 servings (serving size = a slice =1 oz); green pea, chickpea (garbanzo, chana, humus), green gram, black gram, lentil, lima bean and other beans, 1 serving (half cup). Meat and beans are a good source of protein, minerals, and certain vitamins. Beans are a good source of dietary fiber, as well.
Bread/Cereal Group: Whole wheat bread, 2 servings (serving size = 1 oz) or cooked rice, one cup or combination. This group is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy and provide some protein, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Milk Group: milk or butter-milk (lassi without sugar), yogurt or cottage cheese (one cup). Those who can not tolerate whole milk must try fermented products such as butter-milk and yogurt. Milk and dairy products are good sources of protein and calcium, which are essential for body tissue maintenance and several physiological functions.
Vegetable Group: Mixed vegetable salad, 1 serving (one cup), (lettuce, carrot, parsley, cucumber, broccoli, coriander leaves, cauliflower or other vegetables as desired.) Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil or any polyunsaturated oil and 2 spoons of vinegar. Polyunsaturated fat provides the body with essential fatty acids and keto acids. Cooked vegetables such as guar beans, French beans, okra (bhindi), eggplant (baigan), bottle gourd (loki), cabbage, spinach, 1 serving (4 oz). Vegetables are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, carotene, lycopenes, and other phytochemicals, which are antioxidants. These are helpful in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and many other health problems.
Fruits Group: 1-2 servings of citrus and/or other fruits. Eat fruits as the last item of the dinner or soon after dinner, to facilitate digestion and prevent many gastrointestinal problems. Citrus fruits provide vitamin C. Fruits are a good source of dietary fiber.
Fruits and mixed nuts may be eaten as a snack after dinner or tarawiaha or before sleep.
Pre-dawn Meal (sahur):
Consume a light sahur. Eat whole wheat or oat cereal or whole wheat bread, 1-2 serving with a cup of milk. Add 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil or any other monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats in a salad or the cereal. Eat 1-2 servings of fruits, as a last item.
DISCUSSION
Blood cholesterol and uric acid levels are sometimes elevated during the month of Ramadan (8). Contrary to popular thinking, it was found that intake of a moderately high-fat diet, around 36% of the total energy (calories), improved blood cholesterol profile, Nomani, et al. (9) and Nomani (10). It also prevents the elevation of blood uric acid level (8-10). The normal recommended guideline for fat is 30% or less energy. On weight basis, suggested fat intake during Ramadan is almost the same as at normal days. Fat is required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and carotenoids. Essential fatty acids are an important component of the cell membrane. They also are required for the synthesis of the hormone prostaglandin. Keto-acids from fat are especially beneficial during Ramadan to meet the energy requirement of brain and nerve cells. Keto-acids also are useful in the synthesis of glucose through the metabolic pathway of gluconeogenesis. This reduces the breakdown of body proteins for glucose synthesis. Therefore, the energy equivalent of 1-2 bread/cereal servings may be replaced with polyunsaturated fat.
During Ramadan increased gastric acidity is often noticed, Iraki, et al. (5), exhibiting itself with symptoms such as a burning feeling in the stomach, a heaviness in the stomach, and a sour mouth. Whole wheat bread, vegetables, humus, beans, and fruits -- excellent sources of dietary fiber -- trigger muscular action, churning and mixing food, breaking food into small particles, binding bile acids, opening the area between the stomach and the deudenum-jejunum and moving digesta in the small intestine, Kay (11). Thus, dietary fiber helps reduce gastric acidity and excess bile acids, Rydning et al. (12). In view of dietary fiber's role in moving digesta, it prevents constipation. It's strongly suggested that peptic ulcer patients avoid spicy foods and consult a doctor for appropriate medicine and diet. Diabetic subjects, particularly severe type I (insulin dependent) or type II (non-insulin dependent), must consult their doctor for the type and dosage of medicine, and diet and precautions to be taken during the month. Generally diabetes mellitus, type II, is manageable through proper diet during Ramadan, Azizi and Siahkolah (13).
Pregnant and lactating women's needs for energy and nutrients are more critical than the needs of men (14). There is a possibility of health complications to the pregnant woman and the fetus or the lactating mother and the breastfed child, if energy and nutrient requirements are not met during the month of Ramadan (15-19). Governments, communities, and heads of the family must give highest priority to meet women's dietary needs. In African countries, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and many other places malnutrition is a major problem, especially among women from low-income groups. Further more, it is common among these women to perform strenuous work on farms or in factories, and other places. Malnutrition and strenuous conditions may lead to medical problems and danger to life. Under these conditions one must consult a medical doctor for treatment and maulana or shiekh for postponement or other suggestions regarding fasting. Quran Al-Hakeem and Hadith allow pregnant women and lactating mothers flexibility during the month of Ramadan.
For practical purposes and estimation of nutrients a diet was formulated, given below:
Iftar: 3 dates, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of vegetable soup, 2 plain graham crackers; dinner: 1 cup of vegetable salad with two teaspoons of corn oil and two teaspoon of vinegar, 2 oz. of chicken, 1/2 cup of okra, 4 oz. of cooked whole chana (garbanzo), 3 tea spoon of oil while cooking main dishes, 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 cup of cooked rice, 3/4 cup of plain yogurt, one orange, 1/2 cup grapes, 1 oz of nuts-mixed roasted-without salt; sahur: 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable salad with two teaspoons of corn oil and two teaspoons of vinegar, 1 skinned apple, 2 teaspoons of sugar with tea or coffee.
Nutritionist IV (20) was used to estimate energy and nutrient content in the above diet, which was as follows: energy, 2136 kilocalories; protein, 70g; carbohydrate , 286g; fat, 87g, 35 % of energy of the total intake, (saturated fat 16.9g; mono saturated, 28.4g; poly unsaturated, 34g; other 7.3g; - oleic, 25.6g; linoleic, 29.5; linolenic, 0.6g; EPA-Omega-3, 0.006g; DHA-omega-3, 0.023g; dietary fiber 34g; calcium, 1013mg; sodium, 3252 mg; potassium, 2963mg; iron 13.3mg; zinc, 10mg. When the nutrients were compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), for an adult non-pregnant and non-lactating female (14), the diet met 100% or more of the RDA for protein, calcium, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folate, and C. The energy was close to the RDA, (97%). The dietary fiber level also was met as per the recommendation (11). Consuming food in the above amount by pregnant or lactating female may not meet the RDA for all of the nutrients. They may need supplementation of some minerals and vitamins such as, iron vitamin D, and more energy through bread or rice.
Further suggestions:
Drink sufficient water between Iftar and sleep to avoid dehydration.
Consume sufficient vegetables at meal s. Eat fruits at the end of the meal.
Avoid intake of high sugar (table sugar, sucrose) foods through sweets or other forms.
Avoid spicy foods.
Avoid caffeine drinks such as coke, coffee or tea. Caffeine is a diuretic. Three days to five days before Ramadan gradually reduce the intake of these drinks. A sudden decrease in caffeine prompts headaches, mood swings and irritability.
Smoking is a health risk factor. Avoid smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking negatively affects utilization of various vitamins, metabolites and enzyme systems in the body.
Do not forget to brush or Miswak (tender neem tree branch, Azhardicta indica or other appropriate plant in a country, about 1/4-1/2 inch diameter and 6-8 inches length, tip partially chewed and made brush like). Brush your teeth before sleep and after sahur. Brush more than two times or as many times as practicable.
Normal or overweight people should not gain weight. For overweight people Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to lose weight. Underweight or marginally normal weight people are discouraged from losing weight. Analyzing a diet's energy and nutritional component, using food composition tables or computer software, will be useful in planning an appropriate diet.
It is recommended that everyone engage in some kind of light exercise, such as stretching or walking. It's important to follow good time management practices for Ibada (prayer and other religious activities), sleep, studies, job, and physical activities or exercise.
In summary, intake of a balanced diet is critical to maintain good health, sustain an active lifestyle and attain the full benefits of Ramadan.
From the link: http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=RR0210-1775
8/11/2010 - Education Religious - Article Ref: RR0210-1775
Number of comments: 27
By: M. Z. A. Nomani, Ph. D.
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Ayat and hadith concerning ramadan
Allah's Apostle said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." [Bukhari] ...
Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a): The Prophet said:"... whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
"...whoever witnesses the Month of Ramadan should fast through it..." Q(2:185)
"Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong).." (Q 2:183)
"Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you many learn piety and rightousness" (Qur'an, al-Baqarah, 2:183)
"...And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew." (Q 2:184)
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) addressed his companions on the last day of Sha`ban, saying, "Oh people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which is a night better than a thousand months; month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Heaven. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all." [Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]
It is called the night of Power (i.e Laelat-ut Qadr) or the night of blessing (Laelat-ul mubarak). The deed in this night is better than the rewards of deeds of 1,000 months (about 83.3 years).
"Indeed We have revealed it (Qur'an) in the night of Power. And what will explain to you what the night of Power is? The night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah's permission, on every errand: (they say) "Peace" (continuously) till the rise of Morning!" Q(97:1-5)
Abu Said al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah, said: "No servant fasts on a day in the path of Allah except that Allah removes the hellfire seventy years further away from his face." This is related by "the group," except for Abu Dawud.
`Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted." [Ahmad]
Abu Umamah reported: "I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.' Then I came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting."' [Ahmad, an-Nasa'i, and al-Hakim].
Sahl ibn Sa'd reported that the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said: "There is a gate to Paradise that is called ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Resurrection it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be locked." [al-Bukhari and Muslim].
He who is amongst those who pray will be called from the gate of the prayer (in Paradise) and he who is from the people of Jihad will be called from the gate of Jihad, and he who is from those' who give in charity (i.e. Zakat) will be called from the gate of charity, and he who is amongst those who observe fast will be called from the gate of fasting, the gate of Raiyan." Abu Bakr said, "He who is called from all those gates will need nothing," He added, "Will anyone be called from all those gates, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "Yes, and I hope you will be among those, O Abu Bakr." [Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (S) said : "The time between the five prayers, two consecutive Friday Prayers, and two cosecutive Ramadans are expiations for all that has happened during that period, provided that one has avoided the grave (major) sins." [Muslim]
Source: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080830132108AAUyuak
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"Anyone who fasts the month of Ramadhaan and then follows it up with 6 fasts in the month of Shawwal it is as though he has fasted for the full year or he has fasted perpetually for the full life"
[Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2, Book of Fasting, Hadith No. 2614]
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See the video
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/20/ramadan-2012-islamic-fasting_n_1690410.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003
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Very impressive guide lines. Thank you.
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Almighty Allah gives us a lot of delicious food. We need to obey his rules only. We need Pray to almighty for his merci.
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Very useful information's.
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Assalamualaikum.
Saban mas is going now. Next is Maha ramadan. Please pray for each other. Pray to almighty to reach us on ramadan with good health and mentality.
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thanks for this post.
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Dear Ansary,
Your all Tropics is very exceptional for every person , May Allah Sobhan Watala Bless us.
Emran Hossain
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সিয়ামের সুন্নত আদব সমূহ
সিয়াম পালনের কিছু মুস্তাহাব বা সুন্নাত আদব আছে যেগুলো পালন করলে সাওয়াব বেড়ে যাবে। আর তা ছেড়ে দিলে রোযা ভঙ্গ হবে না বা গোনাহও হবে না। তবে পূণ্যে ঘাটতি হবে। কিন্তু তা আদায় করলে সাওয়াবের পরিপূর্ণতা আসে। নিম্নে এসব আদব উল্লেখ করা হল:
[১] সাহরী খাওয়াঃ
রাসূল সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম বলেছেন,
(ক) তোমরা সাহরী খাও, কারণ সাহরীতে বরকত রয়েছে। (বুখারী-১৯২৩ ও মুসলিম-১০৯৫)
(খ) আমাদের (মুসলিমদের) ও ইয়াহূদী-নাসারাদের সিয়ামের মধ্যে পার্থক্য হল সাহরী খাওয়া। (মুসলিম-১০৯৬)
অর্থাৎ আমরা সিয়াম পালন করি সাহরী খেয়ে, আর ইয়াহূদী-নাসারারা রোযা রাখে সাহরী না খেয়ে।
(গ) মুমিনের সাহরীতে উত্তম খাবার হল খেজুর। (আবূ দাঊদ-২৩৪৫)
(ঘ) (রোযাদারদের জন্য) সাহরী হল একটি বরকতময় খাবার। তাই কখনো সাহরী খাওয়া বাদ দিও না। এক ঢোক পানি পান করে হলেও সাহরী খেয়ে নাও। কেননা সাহরীর খাবার গ্রহণকারীকে আল্লাহ তা‘আলা ও তাঁর ফেরেশতারা স্মরণ করে থাকেন। (আহামদ-১০৭০২)
[২] সাহরী দেরী করে খাওয়াঃ
অর্থাৎ তা শেষ ওয়াক্তে খাওয়া উত্তম। রাতের শেষাংশে গ্রহণকৃত খাবারকে সাহরী বলা হয়।
[৩] সাহরীর সময়কে ইবাদতে কাজে লাগানোঃ
প্রতিরাতের শেষ তৃতীয়াংশ আল্লাহ সুবহানাহু ওয়া তা‘আলা আরশ থেকে প্রথম আসমানে নেমে আসেন। আর বান্দাদেরকে এই বলে আহ্বান করেন:
“এখন যে ব্যক্তি আমার কাছে দু‘আ করবে আমি তা কবূল করব, যা কিছু আমার কাছে এখন চাইবে আমি তাকে তা দিব এবং যে আমার কাছে এখন মাফ চাইবে আমি তাকে মাফ করে দিব। (বুখারী-৬৩২১ ও মুসলিম-৭৫৮)
অতএব তখন কুরআন অধ্যয়ন, তিলাওয়াত, তাহাজ্জুদের সলাত আদায়, তাওবাহ-ইস্তিগফার ও দু‘আ কবূলের জন্য এটা এক উত্তম সময়। তাদের প্রশংসায় আল্লাহ বলেন:
“তারা শেষ রাতে জেগে উঠে তাওবাহ-ইস্তিগফার করে।” (সূরাহ যারিয়াত-১৮)
[৪] সূর্য অস্ত যাওয়ামাত্র ইফতার করা অর্থাৎ তাড়াতাড়ি ইফতার করা। অতিরঞ্জিত সাবধানতার নামে ইফতার বিলম্ব না করাঃ
রাসূল সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম বলেছেন,
(ক) মানুষ যতদিন পর্যন্ত তাড়াতাড়ি ইফতার করবে ততদিন কল্যাণের মধ্যে থাকবে। (বুখারী-১৯৫৭ ও মুসলিম-১০৯৮)
(খ) যতদিন মানুষ তাড়াতাড়ি ইফতার করবে ততদিন দীন ইসলাম বিজয়ী থাকবে। কেননা, ইয়াহূদী ও নাসারাদের অভ্যাস হল ইফাতর দেরীতে করা। (আবূ দাঊদ-২৩৫৩)
(গ) তিনটি বিষয় নবী চরিত্রের অংশ: সময় হওয়ামাত্র ইফতার করে ফেলা, সাহরী শেষ ওয়াক্তে খাওয়া এবং সলাতে ডান হাত বাম হাতের উপর রাখা। (তাবরানী)
(ঘ) রাসূল সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম এবং সাহাবীগণ সকলের আগে তাড়াতাড়ি ইফতার করতেন এবং সকলের চেয়ে দেরীতে সাহরী খেতেন। (মুসান্নাফ আঃ রাযযাক)
[৫] মাগরিবের সালাতের পূর্বে ইফতার করা এবং খেজুর বা পানি দ্বারা ইফতার করাঃ
আনাস রাদিআল্লাহু আনহু বলেছেন,
রসূলুল্লাহ সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম (মাগরিবের) সলাতের পুর্বে তাজা খেজুর দ্বারা ইফতার করতেন। যদি তাজা খেজুর পাওয়া না যেত তবে শুকনো খেজুর দ্বারা ইফতার করতেন। আর যদি শুকনা খেজুর পাওয়া না যেত তাহলে কয়েক ঢোক পানি দ্বারা ইফতার করতেন। (আহমাদ)
তবে পেট ভর্তি করে খাওয়া ইসলাম সমর্থন করে না। রসূল সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম বলেছেন, “যে ব্যক্তি পেট ভর্তি করে খানা খায় তার ঐ পেট (আল্লাহর কাছে) একটি নিকৃষ্ট পাত্র।” (তিরমিযী) সুন্নাত হল পেটের তিন ভাগের একভাগ খাবার খাবে, আর তিনভাগের একভাগ পানি পান করবে। বাকী এক তৃতীয়াংশ শ্বাস প্রশ্বাসের জন্য খালি রেখে দিবে। (তিরমিযী)
[৬] ইফতারের সময় দু‘আ করাঃ
এ মুহূর্তটি জাহান্নাম থেকে মুক্তি দেয়ার সময়।
রসূলুল্লাহ সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম বলেছেন,
(ক) ইফতারের সময় আল্লাহ রব্বুল ‘আলামীন বহু লোককে জাহান্নাম থেকে মুক্তি দিয়ে থাকেন। আর এ মুক্তি দানের পালা রমাযানের প্রতি রাতেই চলতে থাকে। সে
সময় সিয়াম পালনকারী প্রত্যেক বান্দার দু‘আ কবূল হয়।” (আহমাদ)
(খ) রসূল সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম যখন ইফতার করতেন তখন বলতেন:
হে আল্লাহ! তোমার জন্য রোযা রেখেছি, আর তোমারই রিযিক দ্বারা ইফতার করছি।
(গ) নবী সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম ইফতারের সময় নিুম্নের এ দুআটি পাঠ করতেন:
অর্থ: “পিপাসা নিবারিত হল, শিরা উপশিরা সিক্ত হল এবং আল্লাহর ইচ্ছায় পুরস্কারও নির্ধারিত হল।” (আবূ দাউদ, দারাকুতনী, বাইহাকী, আলবানী হাদীসটিকে হাসান বলেছেন)
ইফতারের সময় যখন আযান হয় তখন আযানের পরের সময়টা দু‘আ কবূলের সময়। হাদীসে আছে আযান ও ইকামতের মধ্যবর্তী সময়ের দু‘আ কবূল হয়।
[৭] বেশী বেশী কুরআন পাঠ করা, সলাত আদায়, যিকর ও দু‘আ করাঃ
রমযান যেহেতু কুরআন নাযিলের মাস সেহেতু এ মাসে কুরআন তিলাওয়াত ও অধ্যয়ন অন্য সময়ের চেয়ে বেশী করা উচিত।
রসূলুল্লাহ সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম বলেছেন,
সিয়াম ও কুরআন কিয়ামতের দিন (আল্লাহর কাছে) মানুষের জন্য এভাবে সুপারিশ করবে যে, সিয়াম বলবে, হে রব! দিনের বেলায় আমি তাকে পানাহার ও যৌন উপভোগ থেকে বিরত রেখেছি। তাই তার ব্যাপারে তুমি আমার সুপারিশ কবূল কর।
কুরআনও বলবে, হে রব! (রাতে কুরআন পাঠের কারণে) রাতের নিদ্রা থেকে আমি তাকে বিরত রেখেছি। তাই এ পাঠকের ব্যাপারে তুমি আমার সুপারিশ মঞ্জুর কর। তিনি বলেন, অতঃপর উভয়েরই সুপারিশ গ্রহণ করা হবে। (আহমাদ-৬৫৮৯)
[৮] ইবাদতের তাওফীক কামনা ও আল্লাহর দয়া অনুধাবন করাঃ
আমরা যে ইবাদত করি তাও আল্লাহর দয়া। তিনি যে এ কাজে আমাদেরকে তাওফীক দিয়েছেন সেজন্য আমরা তার শুকরিয়া আদায় করি। অনেকের ভাল কাজও আবার কবূল হয় না। আল্লাহ বলেন:
“কেবলমাত্র মুত্তাকীদের কাজই আল্লাহ কবূল করেন। (মায়িদাহ: ২৭)
ভয় ও আশা নিয়ে যেন আমরা ইবাদত করি। গর্ব-অহঙ্কার ও হিংসা বান্দার ইবাদতকে নষ্ট করে দেয় এবং কুফরী ও শির্ক করলে তার কোন নেকই আল্লাহর কাছে পৌঁছে না, বরং ইবাদতসমূহ ধ্বংস ও বাতিল হয়ে যায়।
[৯] ইয়াতীম, বিধবা ও গরীব মিসকীনদের প্রতি সহানুভূতিশীল হওয়া ও বেশী বেশী দান খয়রাত করাঃ
তাদেরকে যাকাত, ফিতরা ও সাদাকাহ দেয়া। হাদীসে এসেছে:
রসূলুল্লাহ সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম ছিলেন মানুষের মধ্যে সবচেয়ে বেশী দানশীল আর রমাযানে তাঁর এ দানশীলতা আরো বেড়ে যেত। (মুসলিম-২৩০৮)
[১০] উত্তম চরিত্র গঠনের অনুশীলন করাঃ
রমযান ধৈর্যধারনের মাস। আর সিয়াম হল এ কার্য প্রশিক্ষণের ইনিষ্টিটিউট। কাজেই এ সময় আমাদেরকে সুন্দর চরিত্র গঠনের অনুশীলন করতে হবে।
রসূল সল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম বলেছেন:
‘তোমাদের মধ্যে কেউ যদি রোযা রাখে, সে যেন তখন অশ্লীল কাজ ও শোরগোল থেকে বিরত থাকে। রোযা রাখা অবস্থায় কেউ যদি তার সাথে গালাগালি ও মারামারি করতে আসে সে যেন বলে, “আমি রোযাদার”। (মুসলিম-১১৫১)
[১১] অপচয় ও অযথা খরচ থেকে বিরত থাকাঃ
খাওয়া দাওয়া, পোষাক-পরিচ্ছদ ও আরাম আয়েশে অনেকেই অপচয় ও অপব্যয় করে থাকে। এটা এক গর্হিত কাজ। এ থেকে বিরত থাকা।
[১২] রুটিন করে সময়টাকে কাজে লাগানোঃ
অহেতুক কথাবার্তা, আড্ডা বাজি, গল্প-গুজব, বেহুদা তর্কবিতর্ক পরিহার করা। রুটিন করে পরিকল্পনা ভিত্তিক কাজ করা। এতে জীবন অধিকতর ফলপ্রসূ হবে।
[১৩] দুনিয়াবী ব্যস্ততা কমিয়ে দেয়াঃ
রমাযানের এ বরকতময় মাসে অর্থ উপার্জন ও ব্যবসা বাণিজ্যের ব্যস্ততা কমিয়ে দিয়ে আখিরাতের মুনাফা অর্জনের জন্য অধিকতর বেশী সময় দেয়া আবশ্যক। দুনিয়া ক্ষণস্থায়ী আর আখিরাত চিরস্থায়ী।
আল্লাহ তা‘আলা বলেন:
“আর আখিরাতের জীবন সর্বোত্তম এবং চিরস্থায়ী।” (সূরা আ‘লা-১৭)
[১৪] খাওয়া ও নিদ্রায় ভারসাম্য রক্ষা করাঃ
কেউ কেউ এতো বেশী খাবার খায় যে নাস্তা ও দুপুরের খাবার শুধু ইফতারের এক বেলায়ই তা পুষিয়ে নেয়। আবার তারাবীহ ও সেহরীর ওয়াক্তের দ্বিগুণ দিনের বেলায় ঘুমিয়ে তা কাযা করে। এভাবে চললে খাবার ও ঘুমের কুরবানী হলো কীভাবে? তাই এ বিষয়ে রোযাদারকে ত্যাগ তীতিক্ষা করতে হবে এবং এ দু’এর মধ্যে ভারসাম্য বজায় রেখে সিয়াম পালন করে যেতে হবে।
[১৫] ফজর উদয় হওয়ার পূর্বেই রোযার নিয়ত করাঃ
[১৬] আল্লাহর নিয়ামতের শুকরিয়া আদায় করাঃ
রমাযানের পবিত্র দিন ও রাতগুলোতে ইবাদত করার তাওফীক দেয়ায় মাবুদের প্রশংসা করা।
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(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1069919_174519156061071_627478261_n.jpg)
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thank you for the post.
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(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1004078_175451922634461_390507044_n.jpg)
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thank u all for these useful information.