In the verses of fasting in Surat al-Baqarah, Allah says that He wants ease for us, not hardship, and that we should complete the prescribed days and glorify Him for guiding us — and that we may be grateful. وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ“…and so that you complete the prescribed period,…
This year Ramadan has fallen in spring. The shoots are peeping out of the ground and the blossoms are unfurling on the trees. In his poem Rising Five, Norman Nicholson said: Around him in the field, the cells of springBubbled and doubled; buds unbuttoned; shootAnd stem shook out the creases from their frills,And every tree…
Heavenly Food Blessed are the ones who seize the opportunity of Ramadan. They improve themselves and they become closer to Allah. The ayahs of fasting were revealed in the 2nd year after Hijra in Madinah when it became an obligation to fast for the whole month of Ramadan. It is our chance to rejuvenate and…
It is the Sunnah to recite Surat al-A’la and Surat al-Ghashiyah during the Eid salah. These surahs are Makki surahs, and as typical of Makki surahs, they dwell on themes of monotheism, belief in the akhirah, and renewing our covenant with Allah. We praise Him and are reminded to consider the outcome of our actions…
As we bid farewell to Ramadan and welcome the joyous celebration of Eid, it’s natural for many of us to feel a sense of longing for the spiritual highs experienced during this blessed month. The question that often arises is: How do we sustain the same level of effort and devotion we exerted during Ramadan…
Alhamdulilah we witnessed Ramadan. Alhamdulilah we witnessed Eid. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in 2AH when Ramadan became an obligation for the Ummah and Eid was celebrated for the first time in Madinah, For every nation there is an Eid to celebrate and this is our Eid. [Bukhari] From this hadith we see…
The days of Eid are a time of joy and celebration. Though you can fast from the day after Eid al Fitr, it is best to wait until the 4th Shawwal before you start making up missed fasts or doing the recommended 6 fasts of Shawwal. Abu Sa`id (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated…
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: “من قام ليلة القدر إيمانا واحتسابًا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه”. ((متفق عليه)) . “Whosoever performs Qiyam during Laylat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being…
Fasting, which is a pillar of Islam, cannot be underrated. It is an obligation for all Muslim adults who are sane and well. Once you have made the intention to fast, breaking a fast is not a light matter. Not fasting In Ramadan without a valid excuse is punishable. Breaking a fast deliberately without a…
There are several methods for calculating the time of Fajr prayer, based on different astronomical calculations and interpretations. Common methods include: Fixed Time: This method relies on using a fixed time before sunrise to determine the beginning of Fajr. It could be based on a fixed duration before sunrise, such as one hour or one…
In order for something to be called a sunnah mu’akkadah, an emphasised sunnah, it has to be something the Prophet (peace be upon him) did regularly and did not leave without an excuse. This is the definition of mu’akkadah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed the tarawih 3 nights in a row but on…
By the grace of Allah, the first ten days of Ramadan have passed and we are nearing the middle of the month. Scholars used to divide the month into three thirds. As we approach 17th Ramadan, we recall that it is a special date in our history, as it is an anniversary of the Battle…
If a non- Muslim visits you during Ramadan would it be permissible to offer them food during fasting hours in Ramadan? Can you share dates in your office among non-Muslims while you yourself are fasting? Or should you avoid this because it is encouraging people to ignore Allah’s command to fast during Ramadan? In Surat…
The fortunate amongst us will live to receive Ramadan – due to illness or death. We ask Allah to enable us to receive Ramadan with good health and high imaan. Every year we have Ramadan, so what is the best way to receive it. This year I want to reflect on the state of our…
It is permissible to brush your teeth with toothpaste, as long as you only use a little and are careful to avoid swallowing any of it, just as it is permissible for a fasting person to use the siwak (tooth-stick). Shaykh Haytham Tamim