Fasting the best way to worship Allah (GOD)
Fasting is one of the best ways to worship Allah. Both the noble Quran and the blessed Sunnah (way of the Messenger) tell us of its high merits. There is a lot of reward from Allah for anyone who does this act of worship sincerely and properly. We need to gain as much reward and forgiveness from Allah as we can by doing good deeds.
Allah is extremely merciful. When we try our best to worship Allah, He blesses us in this life and also takes us to Paradise in the next life. In Paradise we can enjoy and relax as much as we like without any blame or tiredness. Fun and happiness never ends in Paradise and whoever lives in that place lives forever.
The list below mentions some of the great benefits of fasting. We know them from either the noble Quran or what the Messenger said or from both.
1. It protects the person from Hell-Fire
2. It helps the person a lot to go to Paradise
3. Allah is especially generous about rewarding this act of worship
4. Fasting will support the person or intercede for him on the Day of Judgement
5. It makes up for a number of sins
6. There is a special gate in Paradise through which the fasting people are welcomed as an honour to them
One of the months is very special called Ramadan. Ramadan is better than other months because in that month Allah sent down His book called the Quran. Allah chains up the devils, opens the doors of Paradise, locks the gates of Hell and shows more mercy in Ramadan.
Fasting in Ramadan is a pillar of Islam. There are five pillars in Islam. They are
1) believing and saying that Allah is the only one worthy of worship and that Muhammad is His Messenger,
2) praying five times a day,
3) fasting in Ramadan,
4) paying a small amount in charity every year and
5) to go to Mecca for pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime if able to do so.
Allah orders Muslims to fast for the month of Ramadan so it is absolutely compulsory for us to do so.
Here are two statements of Allah in the Quran translated into English that shows it is obligatory for all Muslims to fast in Ramadan:
O You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become devout and God fearing (muttaqoon). [Surah al-Baqarah (2) Ayah 183]
The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran - guidance for mankind and clear proofs for guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sees (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month [Surah Baqarah (2) Ayah 185]
There is huge encouragement from the Messenger to fast in Ramadan. In one of his sayings he reported, "He who fasts Ramadan, due to faith and hoping for reward (from Allah), then (all) his previous sins are forgiven." If anyone can manage this then he becomes as spotlessly clean of sins as a newborn baby. Other reports from the Messenger tell us how the supplications are more answered, freedom from the Fire is granted and that someone who keeps up the five pillars truthfully will be counted as belonging to the same classes the true followers of the prophets and martyrs. On the other hand, the Messenger has also said that if we neglect fasting in Ramadan then there are very painful and terrible punishments waiting for them from Allah. One such report talks about being strung up by the hamstrings and jawbones torn and flowing in blood in Hell.
Fasting is simple. There are only a few rules and regulations to practice:
First Rule
The person must intend to fast before the start time for the Morning Prayer. Intention is in the heart and so one should not say anything in particular. The Messenger said, "He who does not resolve to fast before it is Fajr (Morning Prayer), then there is no fast for him."
Second Rule
If a person eats or drinks out of mistake and did not know it is Ramadan, then he should stop eating or drinking anymore and complete his fast for the rest of the day. Some scholars disagree with this and say that fasting later after Ramadan should make up this particular day. It seems the best opinion is that there is no need to make it up, but we must not argue about this.
Another point is that many people think brushing one's teeth, washing the nose or mouth, giving blood or taking an injection, which does not provide nourishment, using the inhaler for those who suffer from asthma, pouring water on the head or taking a bath may break or affect the fast. This is not true. As long as food or water does not enter the throat then it is OK. A person who is a traveller, ill, very old, pregnant or breast-feeding does not have to fast but can make up the days later. A woman in her menstruation must not fast but make up the days later.
Third Rule
All eating and drinking must stop immediately at start of Morning Prayer time. The Quran and the Sunnah clearly teaches how to tell when to stop eating. As soon as the reddish whiteness spread sideways in the horizon then it is the true start of Fajr time. It is not when you can see the very first sign of whiteness in the horizon that rises upwards.
But remember though, if you are in the process of drinking and the call to prayer is given, then finish drinking before putting it down!
In this age a lot of people rely upon timetables and astronomy. These can be used to help make things easier but not to replace the way taught in the revelation. The method in the revelation is natural and easier because it directs us to use our eyes and look. If we are mistaken then there is no problem. Also, this method frees us from becoming strict with precise timings leading to quarrelling with one another. If you cannot get a time table or it is difficult to find out by looking at the sky for any reason, then a suitable way is to find out from a newspaper the Greenwich sunrise time and then work out something suitable. The start time for fasting could be an hour to an hour and a half earlier than the sunrise time for the day.
Fourth Rule
The person must break his fast directly after sunset. He should not delay it as some people do just to make sure the sun has really gone down. As soon as the disc of the sun disappears then fasting should be broken. It is possible that at that time it is still quite bright outside, but this does not matter at all.
What is the best way to break the fast?
Well, it is reported that the Messenger used to break the fast with fresh dates before praying, if not with fresh dates then with older dates, and if not with older dates then with some mouthfuls of water.
What do we say when we break the fast?
The best supplication (du'a) that is reported from the Messenger that he used to say when breaking the fast is: Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, if Allah wills. (Dhahabadh dhama'u wabtaallatil 'urooqu wa thabatal ajru inshaa Allah) It is very good to feed others so that they break the fast with your food. The Messenger said that for every person whom we help in breaking the fast by feeding them, it would be like as if we did their fasts too.
Fifth Rule
The person should try his best to take a meal before starting to fast. This meal is called suhoor. The Messenger spoke of its blessings and how it is a true characteristic of fasting in Islam. In one of the sayings of the Messenger he said,"The suhoor is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just take a (gulp) of water, since Allah sends mercy and His Angels seek forgiveness for those who take the suhoor."
It is better to delay the suhoor until just before the Fajr prayer according to the way of the Messenger. The ideal way is to finish eating before the Fajr prayer so that there is time to read up to 50 verses from the Quran.
Sixth Rule
It is very important to behave well when fasting. One should try his utmost not to lie, argue, or use bad language. Here are two sayings of the Messenger:
1. Whoever does not give up falsehood in word and action then Allah the Mighty the Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and his drink.
2. Fasting is not (merely giving up) from eating and drinking, rather it is (keeping away) from ignorant and indecent talk. So if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say, "I am fasting, I am fasting."
Seventh Rule
The following things definitely cancels the fast:
1. Eating and drinking deliberately
2. Vomiting intentionally
3. Menstruation
4. Injections containing nourishment
5. Sexual intercourse or deliberate ejaculation
Other important points connected to fasting in Ramadan
The Taraaweeh Prayers
These are extra prayers done after the Night Prayers ('Isha). The most authentic practice is to pray 8 units (rak'at) in sets of two and then the Witr prayer as a set of three. This makes the total 11 units. You can pray less and at least two. Other scholars have found evidence that more units can be prayed. 20 units are popular.
The Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr)
This is a special night that falls on one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan. So it could be on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th of Ramadan. According to the Quran on this night everything decreed for the year is set and it is better than a thousand months put together.
The Messenger taught that if a person prays all through that night then all his past sins would be forgiven.
Zakatul-fitr (Charity to purify a fasting person and feed the poor) This is compulsory and should be given before the 'Eid Prayer at the end of Ramadan. The Sunnah teaches that it should really be some type of foodstuff such as barley, wheat or raisins although some scholars now say giving money is allowed too. It is the responsibility of the head of the house for every member of his family.
Fasting is one of the best ways to worship Allah. Both the noble Quran and the blessed Sunnah (way of the Messenger) tell us of its high merits. There is a lot of reward from Allah for anyone who does this act of worship sincerely and properly. We need to gain as much reward and forgiveness from Allah as we can by doing good deeds.
Allah is extremely merciful. When we try our best to worship Allah, He blesses us in this life and also takes us to Paradise in the next life. In Paradise we can enjoy and relax as much as we like without any blame or tiredness. Fun and happiness never ends in Paradise and whoever lives in that place lives forever.
The list below mentions some of the great benefits of fasting. We know them from either the noble Quran or what the Messenger said or from both.
1. It protects the person from Hell-Fire
2. It helps the person a lot to go to Paradise
3. Allah is especially generous about rewarding this act of worship
4. Fasting will support the person or intercede for him on the Day of Judgement
5. It makes up for a number of sins
6. There is a special gate in Paradise through which the fasting people are welcomed as an honour to them
One of the months is very special called Ramadan. Ramadan is better than other months because in that month Allah sent down His book called the Quran. Allah chains up the devils, opens the doors of Paradise, locks the gates of Hell and shows more mercy in Ramadan.
Fasting in Ramadan is a pillar of Islam. There are five pillars in Islam. They are
1) believing and saying that Allah is the only one worthy of worship and that Muhammad is His Messenger,
2) praying five times a day,
3) fasting in Ramadan,
4) paying a small amount in charity every year and
5) to go to Mecca for pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime if able to do so.
Allah orders Muslims to fast for the month of Ramadan so it is absolutely compulsory for us to do so.
Here are two statements of Allah in the Quran translated into English that shows it is obligatory for all Muslims to fast in Ramadan:
O You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become devout and God fearing (muttaqoon). [Surah al-Baqarah (2) Ayah 183]
The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran - guidance for mankind and clear proofs for guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sees (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month [Surah Baqarah (2) Ayah 185]
There is huge encouragement from the Messenger to fast in Ramadan. In one of his sayings he reported, "He who fasts Ramadan, due to faith and hoping for reward (from Allah), then (all) his previous sins are forgiven." If anyone can manage this then he becomes as spotlessly clean of sins as a newborn baby. Other reports from the Messenger tell us how the supplications are more answered, freedom from the Fire is granted and that someone who keeps up the five pillars truthfully will be counted as belonging to the same classes the true followers of the prophets and martyrs. On the other hand, the Messenger has also said that if we neglect fasting in Ramadan then there are very painful and terrible punishments waiting for them from Allah. One such report talks about being strung up by the hamstrings and jawbones torn and flowing in blood in Hell.
Fasting is simple. There are only a few rules and regulations to practice:
First Rule
The person must intend to fast before the start time for the Morning Prayer. Intention is in the heart and so one should not say anything in particular. The Messenger said, "He who does not resolve to fast before it is Fajr (Morning Prayer), then there is no fast for him."
Second Rule
If a person eats or drinks out of mistake and did not know it is Ramadan, then he should stop eating or drinking anymore and complete his fast for the rest of the day. Some scholars disagree with this and say that fasting later after Ramadan should make up this particular day. It seems the best opinion is that there is no need to make it up, but we must not argue about this.
Another point is that many people think brushing one's teeth, washing the nose or mouth, giving blood or taking an injection, which does not provide nourishment, using the inhaler for those who suffer from asthma, pouring water on the head or taking a bath may break or affect the fast. This is not true. As long as food or water does not enter the throat then it is OK. A person who is a traveller, ill, very old, pregnant or breast-feeding does not have to fast but can make up the days later. A woman in her menstruation must not fast but make up the days later.
Third Rule
All eating and drinking must stop immediately at start of Morning Prayer time. The Quran and the Sunnah clearly teaches how to tell when to stop eating. As soon as the reddish whiteness spread sideways in the horizon then it is the true start of Fajr time. It is not when you can see the very first sign of whiteness in the horizon that rises upwards.
But remember though, if you are in the process of drinking and the call to prayer is given, then finish drinking before putting it down!
In this age a lot of people rely upon timetables and astronomy. These can be used to help make things easier but not to replace the way taught in the revelation. The method in the revelation is natural and easier because it directs us to use our eyes and look. If we are mistaken then there is no problem. Also, this method frees us from becoming strict with precise timings leading to quarrelling with one another. If you cannot get a time table or it is difficult to find out by looking at the sky for any reason, then a suitable way is to find out from a newspaper the Greenwich sunrise time and then work out something suitable. The start time for fasting could be an hour to an hour and a half earlier than the sunrise time for the day.
Fourth Rule
The person must break his fast directly after sunset. He should not delay it as some people do just to make sure the sun has really gone down. As soon as the disc of the sun disappears then fasting should be broken. It is possible that at that time it is still quite bright outside, but this does not matter at all.
What is the best way to break the fast?
Well, it is reported that the Messenger used to break the fast with fresh dates before praying, if not with fresh dates then with older dates, and if not with older dates then with some mouthfuls of water.
What do we say when we break the fast?
The best supplication (du'a) that is reported from the Messenger that he used to say when breaking the fast is: Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, if Allah wills. (Dhahabadh dhama'u wabtaallatil 'urooqu wa thabatal ajru inshaa Allah) It is very good to feed others so that they break the fast with your food. The Messenger said that for every person whom we help in breaking the fast by feeding them, it would be like as if we did their fasts too.
Fifth Rule
The person should try his best to take a meal before starting to fast. This meal is called suhoor. The Messenger spoke of its blessings and how it is a true characteristic of fasting in Islam. In one of the sayings of the Messenger he said,"The suhoor is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just take a (gulp) of water, since Allah sends mercy and His Angels seek forgiveness for those who take the suhoor."
It is better to delay the suhoor until just before the Fajr prayer according to the way of the Messenger. The ideal way is to finish eating before the Fajr prayer so that there is time to read up to 50 verses from the Quran.
Sixth Rule
It is very important to behave well when fasting. One should try his utmost not to lie, argue, or use bad language. Here are two sayings of the Messenger:
1. Whoever does not give up falsehood in word and action then Allah the Mighty the Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and his drink.
2. Fasting is not (merely giving up) from eating and drinking, rather it is (keeping away) from ignorant and indecent talk. So if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say, "I am fasting, I am fasting."
Seventh Rule
The following things definitely cancels the fast:
1. Eating and drinking deliberately
2. Vomiting intentionally
3. Menstruation
4. Injections containing nourishment
5. Sexual intercourse or deliberate ejaculation
Other important points connected to fasting in Ramadan
The Taraaweeh Prayers
These are extra prayers done after the Night Prayers ('Isha). The most authentic practice is to pray 8 units (rak'at) in sets of two and then the Witr prayer as a set of three. This makes the total 11 units. You can pray less and at least two. Other scholars have found evidence that more units can be prayed. 20 units are popular.
The Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr)
This is a special night that falls on one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan. So it could be on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th of Ramadan. According to the Quran on this night everything decreed for the year is set and it is better than a thousand months put together.
The Messenger taught that if a person prays all through that night then all his past sins would be forgiven.
Zakatul-fitr (Charity to purify a fasting person and feed the poor) This is compulsory and should be given before the 'Eid Prayer at the end of Ramadan. The Sunnah teaches that it should really be some type of foodstuff such as barley, wheat or raisins although some scholars now say giving money is allowed too. It is the responsibility of the head of the house for every member of his family.
