The Fasting of Ramadan

This treatise aims at exhorting and reminding the significance of the Zakât towards which most of the Muslims are very careless as they are not particular in giving it out, in spite of the fact that it is one of the five pillars of Islam and that without it Islam cannot be firmly established. Readmore

Protecting the tongue (from evil speech and that which is similar). The Messenger of Allah (sal-Allahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said:

((Whoever does not abandon evil speech and actions, then Allah is not in need of him having left his food and drink)),
[Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree]. Readmore

1. The legal/technical meaning of al-I’tikaaf: It is the confining (of oneself) to the masjid and remaining there with the intention of worshipping Allah (alone).
2. The legislation of al-I’tikaaf: The Scholars are in agreement as to the legality of al-I’tikaaf: ((Because the Prophet (sal-Allahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) used to perform I’tikaaf during the last ten (days and nights) of Ramadan right up until his death, then his wives performed I’tikaaf after him.)), [The authenticity of this narration has been agreed upon by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim] Readmore

Most of us who are fighting the battle of the bulge have experimented with some form of fasting, like an all fruit fast, a water fast or an sugar-free fast, you name it. But what many may find rather strange and intriguing is a whole nation of people; Readmore

The taraweeh is a special prayer performed in congregation. It is quite long, lasting about an hour to an hour and a half. It is performed every night of Ramadan, and in it most of the Imams, or prayer leaders, seek to complete the recitation of the entire Quran. In it Muslims pray to their Lord, standing, bowing and prostrating to Him, and gain the opportunity to listen to the Quran in its entirety, listening to its verses in a melodious voice as if they were being revealed then and there. Readmore

As the day ends, Muslims gather in their homes in wait for sunset. Mothers and daughters are usually busy at this time preparing breakfast and dinner, while men usually return from their work and slip into more comfortable clothes, either taking time to recite the Quran or help out in the preparation for breakfast. Before sunset, the family gathers at the dining table in wait for the mu’ezzin, utilizing this time supplicating to Allah and asking Him for His Mercy. Readmore

In most Muslim countries, workload and schedules are lightened in order to

accommodate for the special features of this month. Children go to school at a later time to accommodate for their early rise and the late night prayer, and the majority of businesses close well before dusk. Many stores also remain open throughout the night. Readmore

After attending the dawn prayer, many Muslims choose to sit in the mosque for a while and recite a selected portion of the Quran at this time. Recitation of the Quran is recommended at all times, and due to it one’s faith increases in Islam:”The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their Readmore

“Eat a predawn meal, for indeed in it there is blessing.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Although not obligatory, Muslims families throughout Ramadan rise early in the morning before the first traces of light and partake in a light meal in implementation of this Prophet teaching. Usually, the day of a Muslim starts with the dawn prayer performed when the first traces of light appear in the sky, but since it is the time when one starts the fast by withholding from food or drink, the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, encouraged Muslims to arise before that time and partake in a meal. Readmore