Sighting of the Crescent

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ibn-e-‘Umar Radi Allahu anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta ala alayhi wa sallam has said,

لا تصوموا حتى تروا الهلال ، ولا تفطروا حتى تروه ، فإن غم عليكم فاقدروا له

“Do not commence fasting (Ramadan) till you see the new moon, and do not cease fasting (perform Eid) till you see it. But if the weather is cloudy, or there is a smog in the sky (which prevents sighting of the moon), then complete 30 days of the month.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 256]

In another narration, the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta ala alayhi wa sallam said,

الشهر تسع وعشرون ليلة ، فلا تصوموا حتى تروه ، فإن غم عليكم فأكملوا العدة ثلاثين

“The month sometimes is of twenty-nine days, but do not fast till you see the moon. But if the weather is cloudy or there is a smog, then complete thirty days of the month.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 256]

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehwli Radi Allahu anhu states:

According to the Islamic Law (Shari’ah), what the astrologers say or inform is not accepted and is unreliable. Neither the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta ala alayhi wa sallam, his companions, their followers, nor the pious predecessors followed their utterances, and nor did they act upon them. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at]

Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta ala alayhi wa sallam has said,

صوموا لرؤيته وأفطروا لرؤيته فإن غم عليكم فأكملوا العدة شعبان ثلاثين

“Commence the fast when you see it (the moon) and cease fasting (perform Eid) when you see it. But if the weather is cloudy, complete thirty days of Sha’ban.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 256]

Hadrat Ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu anhu reported that

جاء أعرابي إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال إني رأيت الهلال يعني هلال رمضان، فقال أتشهد أن لا إله إلا الله؟ قال نعم، قال أتشهد أن محمدا رسول الله؟ قال نعم، قال يا بلال، أذن في الناس أن يصوموا غدا

A desert Arab came to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu ta ala alayhi wa sallam and said, “I have seen the new moon i.e. the new moon of Ramadhan.” He asked, “do you testify that there is no god but Allah?” he said: yes. He then asked: do you testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah? Sallallahu ta ala alayhi wa sallam” He said, “Yes.” So, the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta ala alayhi wa sallam said, “O Bilal, announce to the people that they must fast tomorrow.” [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol 1, Page 320 and Tirmidhi, Vol 1, Page 148]

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi Radi Allahu anhu states:

It has been proven from the Hadith that a person who is mastur-ul-Hal i.e. whose being a fasiq is not apparent, then his report or testimony is accepted for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. Stating the words of “shahadah” (bearing witness) is not a condition. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at]

The Tenth of Muharram and Ashurah

The Islamic year begins with Muharram ul Haram, the first month of the Hijri Calendar. While followers of other religions spend their opening month in worthless merriment, the first month of Islam teaches us lessons of admonition, good counselling, knowledge of Allah Ta’ala, sacrifice, selflessness, patience and seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

The tenth day of Muharram (Ashurah) has many distinctive qualities and features. Allah Ta’ala created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He gave His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.

Allah Ta’ala created Hazrat Adam (Alaihis-Salam) in this month, pardoned him of his mistake, and Hazrat Noah’s (Alaihis-Salam) Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi, and he saved Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis-Salam) from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa (Alaihis-Salam) from Pharaoh.

On the first of Muharram offer 2 rakats Nafl prayer. In each rakat after Surah Fateha recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After the Salam pray to Allah Ta’ala for all your needs and desires. From the blessing of this prayer, Allah Ta’ala will

Prepare for Ramadan (part 3) Moderation , Implementing & Reviving

Quran Shareef

9. Moderation in eating

On the authority of Al-Miqdaam ibn Maadiy-Karib radi allahu anhu who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam saying: “No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Adam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath.” (Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasaa’I, Ibn Majah )

Ibrahim al-Nakha’i radi allahu anhu, one of the teachers of Imam e Azam Abu Hanifa radi allahu anhu, may Allah have mercy on them both, mentioned: “The people ruined before you were done in by three characteristics: too much talking, too much eating, and too much sleeping.”

There is no doubt that excessive eating is not only a cause of many diseases but is also a major factor in stopping us from maximising our worship to Allah exalted is he.

Ash-Shafi’I radi allahu anhu said:

The Blessed Month of Ramadan al-Kareem Mubarak!!

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

 

إذا دخل رمضان فتحت أبواب السماء (وفي رواية) فتحت أبواب الجنة وغلقت أبواب النار وسلسلت الشياطين (وفي رواية) فتحت أبواب الرحمة

“When Ramadan begins, the doors of heaven are opened.” A version has, “the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Satans are tied with chains.” Another version has, “the doors of Mercy are opened.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 255 and Sahih al-Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 346]

 

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi Alaihir raHmah comments:

 

The meaning of the “Doors of heaven” being opened is the continuous descending of mercy, and the ascension of good deeds to the Court of the Almighty without any obstacle (preventing it from ascending). It also means the acceptance of (permissible) supplications. The meaning of the “doors of Paradise” being opened is being encouraged and granted the ability to perform good deeds, and the acceptance of these good deeds. The meaning of the “doors of Hell” being closed is the protection of the souls of those who fast, from things which have been forbidden by the Islamic Law, and rescue from the things which provoke a person on doing bad deeds. It also means to break the desire which the heart has of things of lust. The meaning of Satan being tied with chains is the sealing off of all the ways by which evil whispers enter the mind. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at]

 

2. Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

 

من صام رمضان إيمانا واحتسابا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه ومن قام رمضان إيمانا واحتسابا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه ومن قام ليلة القدر إيمانا واحتسابا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه

“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward (from Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala) all his past sins will be forgiven. Whoever prays during the night in Ramadan with faith seeking his reward (from Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala) all his past sins will be forgiven. And whoever passes Lailat-ul-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward (from Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala) all his past sins will be forgiven.” [Sahih al-Bukhari Vol. 1, Page 255 and Sahih al-Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 259]

3. Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

 

إذا كان أول ليلة من شهر رمضان صفدت الشياطين ومردة الجن وغلقت أبواب النار فلم يفتح منها باب وفتحت أبواب الجنة فلم يغلق منها باب وينادى مناد يا باغى الخير أقبل ويا باغى الشر أقصر ولله عتقاء من النار وذلك كل ليلة

“When the first night of Ramadan comes, the satans and the rebellious Jinn are chained, the doors of hell are closed and not one of them is opened (during the entire the month of Ramadan); the doors of Paradise are opened and none of them are closed (for the entire month of Ramadan); and a crier calls, ‘Those who desire what is good, come forward, and those who desire evil refrain from it’, and many people are freed from Hell by Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala, and that happens every night.” [Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Page 153 and Ibn Maajah, Vol. 1, Page 118]

4. Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

 

أتاكم رمضان شهر مبارك فرض الله عز وجل عليكم صيامه تفتح فيه أبواب السماء وتغلق فيه أبواب الجحيم وتغل فيه مردة الشياطين لله فيه ليلة خير من ألف شهر من حرم خيرها فقد حرم

“Ramadan, a blessed month, has come to you during which Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala has made it obligatory for you to fast. In it the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed, and the rebellious satans are chained. In it there is a night (worshiping in it) which is better than (worshiping for) a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good (and blessing) has indeed been deprived of all good.” [Nasa’i, Vol. 1, Page 299 and Mishkat, Vol. 1, Page 173]

SAUM(Fasting) MEANING AND IMPLICATION

Prior to the creation of man, it was envisaged by the Angels that mischief making and rebellion would be part and parcel of man’s nature. Very remarkably, the Supreme Creator Allah did not rebut this cry of the Angels, but instead only answered with the caution of, “Certainly, I know what you do not know.”

Thus, history testifies that Messengers of Allah (alaihimus salaam) have been sent to every nation upon the face of the earth, and this is also confirmed in the Glorious Quran, the purpose of which is for the physical, moral and spiritual enlightment of man. One of the tenets of the final Scripture, the Holy Quran, and a Command of Almighty Allah is “Fasting” – an institution which is generally accepted as a means of subjugation of man’s baser self, and helping him to be more moral and earning spiritual advancement.

The Divine decree of Fasting is a universal enjoyment. The Encyclopedia Britannica says: “It would be difficult to name any religious system in which it (fasting) is wholly unrecognised.” The Bible tells us that the Prophet Isa (alaihis salaam) and Prophet Musa (alaihis salaam) fasted for full 40 days. Gautham Budda fasted until he was actually reduced to skin and bones, as can be ascertained from his statues. And for a surety, all spiritual luminaries cannot omit this indispensable essential pillar for the physical, moral and spiritual purification of their respective adherents.

Why is it, that mankind must undergo this gruelling task of Fasting? The Holy Quran furnishes this reason: “That you may guard against evil.” (2: 183) This is the special beauty of the Divine Command – it plainly spells the most significant importance of the Ramadaan fast. Evil, as we see today, circumscribes the very foundation of man’s character and the society where he lives.

Today’s rational, scientific and modern man is living in a world that is seething with indescribable crimes and rampant acts of unrighteousness. Various man-formulated deterrents and laws which have been enacted to conquer evils, have absolutely failed. A proof of this lies in the numerous courts of laws that conduct cases of diverse crimes and injustices every day; and also the cells of prisons are clear signs that man-made laws have had very little effect or no effect for the curbing of sins and other evils.

Today, we notice that evils such as gambling, prostitution, alcohol, and a host of others have been legitimised by certain Governments. Yet there is a hue and cry at the consequences of these and many other evils which are made legally permissible. Since it is now indisputable that man-orientated cure for evils are ineffective and impotent, it thus necessitates the intervention of the Divine hand. Fasting now plays the role as the firmest reign for the control of the widespread, sin-plagued humanity.

Man and animal share the same physical characteristics and physique. But since animals are not gifted with the faculties of speech, reason, understanding, choice, etc. man emerges as the higher creation. In fact, man is Allah’s Khalifa (representative) on earth. When man becomes oblivious of his higher objective, when he is indifferent to the Commandments of Allah and his duties as a Muslim, he is likened to an animal. He confines his energies and aspirations within the boundaries of his life, and ponders not on the life hereafter.

Like the physical animal, his object is just to live for this material world. Eating, drinking, sleeping, multiplying, etc. become the “be all” and “end all” of his life, too. What difference is there now between the animal and the “modern,” “rational” and “intellectual” man? It is this animal in man that has to be subjugated before man can reveal his true identity.

Our studies of animals would show that they can only be tamed when deprived of food, drink and sensual desires for a limited period of time. You can confirm this from a zoologist. So is it with man: depriving him of these intrinsic daily requirements for well over 12 hours daily for an entire month, may undoubtedly bring about a spiritual transformation within, when his animal desires are tamed and this ultimately result in his magnetic affiliation with the Divine Being.

Almost every man, with the exception of Prophets and spiritual luminaries, have the tint of the animal characteristics within him. But many, with Allah’s Help, do control it. The desire to amass more and more wealth (lawfully or unlawfully), injuring our fellow human beings, and a host of other vices which we are lured to, display the animal instinct within humans.

The Holy Quran says: “Look at him who takes his desires for his god” – a practical Divine observation of man’s character. As can be seen, the object of Fasting is to help us become masters of our passions and materialistic cravings, and becoming alive to the need of others, instead of us being slaves to them. We must aspire and work to become that “Mutaqqi” (pious through Allah-consciousness) – with whom Allah is pleased with. This goal can only be achieved if we fully comprehend the true implications of our fasting during the month of Ramadaan.

RAMADAAN

O peopIe, there comes upon you a great month, a most blessed month, in which lies a night greater in worth than one thousand months. Allah has made compulsory Fasting in this month and has decreed wakefulness at night (i.e. Taraweeh) Sunnah. Whosoever tries drawing nearer to Allah by performing any Nafl (optional) deed in this month, for him shall be such reward as if he performed a Fardh in any other time of the year. And whosoever performs a Fardh, for him shall be the reward of seventy Fardh in any other time of the year. This is indeed the month of patience, and the reward for true patience is Jannah; it is the month of sympathy with one’s fellowmen; it is the month wherein believer’s Rizq (provision) is increased.

The month of Ramadhaan, the month of blessings has come to you wherein Allah turns towards you and sends down to you this special Mercy, forgives your faults, accepts prayers, appreciates your competition for the greatest good and boasts to the Angels about you. So show to Allah your righteousness; for verily, the most pitiable and unfortunate one is he who is deprived of Allah’s Mercy in this month. (Tabraani)

The Doors of Jannah are opened up on the first night of Ramadhaan. Not a single door is closed until the last night of Ramadaan. (Bayhaqi)

And in this month, four things you should endeavor to perform in great number; two of which shall be to please your Lord, while the other two shall be those without which you cannot make do. Those which shall be to please your Lord, are that you should in great quantitv recite the Kalimah Tayyibah, “Laa ilaaha illallah”, and make much “Istighfaar” (beg Allah’s forgiveness). And as for those, without which you cannot make do, you should beg Allah for entry into Jannah and seek refuge with Him from the Fire of Jahannam. (Ibne Khuzaymah)

When the month of Ramadaan comes, the Doors of Jannah are thrown open and the Doors of Jahannam are closed and the Shayateen are chained up. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Suhoor (Sehri)

1. Verily, Allah and His angels send mercy upon those who eat Suhoor. (Tabraani)
2. Eat Suhoor because in Suhoor lies Barakah. (Mishkaat)

Days of Ramadaan

1. Ther fishes in the sea seek forgiveness for those fasting until they break their fast. Allah decorates His Jannah every day and then says, “The time is near when My pious servants shall cast aside the great trials and come to me.” (Ahmad)
2. During each day and night of Ramadaan, Allah sets free great number of souls from Hell. And for every Muslim, during each day and night, at least one Du�a is certainly accepted. (Bazzaaz)

Sawm (Fasting)

1. Sawm (Fasting) is a shield, as long as he (the fasting person) does not tear it up. (Nisaai)
Note: Fasting is a protection from Shaytaan or from Allah’s punishment in the Hereafter. One who indulges in sins whilst fasting such as lies, backbiting, etc., they become the cause of the fast becoming wasted.
2. All good deeds are for the one who renders them, but Fasting is exclusively for me (Allah). (Bukhari)
3. Fasting is a shield and a powerful fortress. (Ahmad, Bayhaqi)
4. I swear by that Being in Whose possession is the life of Muhammad! The odour of the mouth of a fasting person is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. (Bukhari)
5. Fasting is exclusively for Allah(Azzawajal), the reward of it (being limitless) no one knows besides Allah. (Tabraani)

Iftaar

1. Whosoever gives something to a fasting person in order to break the fast, for him there shall be forgiveness for his sins and emancipation from the Fire of Jahannam; and for him (the one who gives) shall be the same reward as for him (whom he fed), without that person�s (the one who was fed) reward being diminished in the least. (Ibne Khuzayrnah, Bayhaqi)
2. Whoever gave a person, who fasted, water to drink, Allah shall give him a drink from my Fountain where after he shall never again feel thirsty until he enters Jannah. (Ibne Khuzaymah)
3. The fasting person experiences two (occasions) of delight: at the time of Iftaar and at the time he will meet his Rabb. (Bukhari)
4. Not a single prayer made by a fasting person at the time of breaking fast is rejected. (lbne Maajah)

Nights of Ramadaan

1. Whoever stands in prayer and worship in (the nights of) Ramadaan, with lmaan and with sincere hope of gaining reward, his previous sins are forgiven. (Bukhari, Muslim)
2. Allah Ta�ala has ordained Fasting in Ramadaan compulsory, I have decreed (by the Command of Allah) wakefulness at night (that is Taraweeh, etc.) Sunnah. Whoever in the state of Imaan and with the hope of gaining reward fasts in Ramadaan and stays awake at night (Taraweeh), emerges from sin, purified as the day when his mother gave birth to him. (Nisaai)
3. For every Salaat performed during the nights of Ramadaan (that is Taraweeh, etc.) Allah Ta�ala records one and a half thousand goods deeds for every Sajdah (prostration). (Bayhaqi)