Islam:

 

A Scientific View of God's Message to Humanity

 

14

 

Fasting and Ramadhan:

 

Great Gifts from Allah to Muslims

 

By Hassan Ali El-Najjar

 

Updated on 14th of Rajab, 1441 - 9th of March, 2020

 

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الصَّوْمُ وَرَمَضَانُ:

 

نِعْمَتَانِ عَظِيمَتَانِ مِنَ اللهِ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ

 

تأليف حسن علي النجار

 

تمت مراجعة هذا الفصل في الرابع عشر من رجب 1441 ، الموافق للتاسع من مارس \ آذار 2020 

 

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أعوذُ باللهِ منَ الشيطانِ الرجيم

بسمِ اللهِ الرحمنِ الرحيم

 

I seek refuge with Allah from the Stoned Shaytan (Satan)

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

 

 

 

Introduction

 

Allah, praise to Him, decreed that Muslims should fast for the full month of Ramadhan, during which they also observe other ways of worship, such as the recitation and study of the Holy Quran, giving charity, performing night prayers (Tarawi'h), and increasing good deeds.

 

Like all other ways of worshipping Allah, fasting has direct benefits to those who observe it, empowering them spiritually and physically. In addition, fasting and increasing good deeds have great benefits not only to the involved individuals but also to their families, their communities, their society, and humanity in general, as people are thus trained to be more merciful, compassionate, and caring of each-other on all of these levels. As such, this Chapter addresses some of the meanings and benefits, which are associated with fasting and the month of Ramadhan.   

 

 

Meaning and Benefits of Fasting

 

The fasting command, as a way of worshipping Allah, praise to Him, is mentioned in verses 2: 183-187 of the Holy Quran. When we analyze the main five ways of worshipping Allah (the proclamation of faith, performing prayers, fasting Ramadhan, giving charity, and the pilgrimage), we find that all of them aim at benefiting us first. So, we live happily in this life and in the hereafter. At the same time, Allah rejoices that we perform these ways of worship out of love to Him and obedience to His commands. [1]

 

Fasting means that Muslims should not eat, drink, smoke, and have sexual intercourse with their spouses, during the day time, from dawn to the sunset. Fasting also includes abstaining from injecting anything else into the human body, which may lead to causing changing in it.

 

Without proper understanding of Islam, fasting may be perceived as an act of starving people and inflicting pain on them. In fact it has so many benefits both to the body and the self, which makes it a great gift from the Creator to people. [2]

 

Physically, it strengthens the body through getting rid of unnecessarily gained fats throughout the year. If people fast properly, by doing the same daily activities and eating normal food in quantity and quality, they will lose weight at the end of the fasting month. It is a very well-known fact that losing weight is prescribed by medical doctors as a solution for and prevention of many diseases. It keeps you healthy and looking good.

 

Fasting is also beneficial for some organs of the body, like the stomach and the intestines, which are bombarded for many hours every day with a lot of foods and drinks to process and digest. Fasting the month of Ramadhan gives these digestive organs a break, during the second half of the day, which rejuvenates them and makes them healthier. [3]

 

Spiritually, fasting leads to contemplation about hunger and hungry people in a person's community and around the world. This is due to the fact that fasting allows people to feel what it means to be hungry. That is why Muslims are most generous in Ramadhan, as reflected in giving more charity and increasing acts of support for the poor and the needy.

 

Fasting is also a training of the self to resist body desires and control them. It follows that the strength gained by the self enables it to resist other desires like aggression, controlling others, or taking advantage of them, which are prevalent in our planet at this time.

 

Thus, Allah has promised a great reward for Muslim men and women who fast the month of Ramadhan, as stated in Verse 33: 35 of the Holy Quran:

 

 

إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْقَانِتَاتِ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالصَّادِقَاتِ وَالصَّابِرِ‌ينَ وَالصَّابِرَ‌اتِ وَالْخَاشِعِينَ وَالْخَاشِعَاتِ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقِينَ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقَاتِ وَالصَّائِمِينَ وَالصَّائِمَاتِ وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُ‌وجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ وَالذَّاكِرِ‌ينَ اللَّـهَ كَثِيرً‌ا وَالذَّاكِرَ‌اتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّـهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَ‌ةً وَأَجْرً‌ا عَظِيمًا ﴿الأحزاب ، 33: 35﴾.

 

 

Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward (Al-A'hzab, 33: 35). 

 

Further, fasting is so appreciated by Allah, praise to Him, that He made it a way for wrong doers to approach Him for forgiveness, as He mentioned in verses 4: 92, 5: 89, 5: 95, and 58: 4, as follows:

 

 

وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ أَن يَقْتُلَ مُؤْمِنًا إِلَّا خَطَأً ۚ وَمَن قَتَلَ مُؤْمِنًا خَطَأً فَتَحْرِ‌يرُ‌ رَ‌قَبَةٍ مُّؤْمِنَةٍ وَدِيَةٌ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ إِلَّا أَن يَصَّدَّقُوا ۚ فَإِن كَانَ مِن قَوْمٍ عَدُوٍّ لَّكُمْ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَتَحْرِ‌يرُ‌ رَ‌قَبَةٍ مُّؤْمِنَةٍ ۖ وَإِن كَانَ مِن قَوْمٍ بَيْنَكُمْ وَبَيْنَهُم مِّيثَاقٌ فَدِيَةٌ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ وَتَحْرِ‌يرُ‌ رَ‌قَبَةٍ مُّؤْمِنَةٍ ۖ فَمَن لَّمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ شَهْرَ‌يْنِ مُتَتَابِعَيْنِ تَوْبَةً مِّنَ اللَّـهِ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّـهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا ﴿النساء ، 4: 92﴾.

 

 

And never is it for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake - then the freeing of a believing slave and a compensation payment presented to the deceased's family (is required) unless they give (up their right as) charity. But if the deceased was from a people at war with you and he was a believer - then (only) the freeing of a believing slave; and if he was from a people with whom you have a treaty - then a compensation payment presented to his family and the freeing of a believing slave. And whoever does not find (one or cannot afford to buy one) - then (instead), a fast for two months consecutively, (seeking) acceptance of repentance from Allah. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise (Al-Nissa, 4: 92).

 

 

لَا يُؤَاخِذُكُمُ اللَّـهُ بِاللَّغْوِ فِي أَيْمَانِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن يُؤَاخِذُكُم بِمَا عَقَّدتُّمُ الْأَيْمَانَ ۖ فَكَفَّارَ‌تُهُ إِطْعَامُ عَشَرَ‌ةِ مَسَاكِينَ مِنْ أَوْسَطِ مَا تُطْعِمُونَ أَهْلِيكُمْ أَوْ كِسْوَتُهُمْ أَوْ تَحْرِ‌يرُ‌ رَ‌قَبَةٍ ۖ فَمَن لَّمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ ثَلَاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ كَفَّارَ‌ةُ أَيْمَانِكُمْ إِذَا حَلَفْتُمْ ۚ وَاحْفَظُوا أَيْمَانَكُمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّـهُ لَكُمْ آيَاتِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُ‌ونَ ﴿المائدة ، 5: 89﴾.

 

 

Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So, its expiation (reparation) is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your (own) families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find (or afford it)- then a fast of three days (is required). That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. So, guard your oaths. Thus, Allah makes His verses clear to you that you may be grateful (Al-Ma-ida, 5: 89).

 

 

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَقْتُلُوا الصَّيْدَ وَأَنتُمْ حُرُ‌مٌ ۚ وَمَن قَتَلَهُ مِنكُم مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاءٌ مِّثْلُ مَا قَتَلَ مِنَ النَّعَمِ يَحْكُمُ بِهِ ذَوَا عَدْلٍ مِّنكُمْ هَدْيًا بَالِغَ الْكَعْبَةِ أَوْ كَفَّارَ‌ةٌ طَعَامُ مَسَاكِينَ أَوْ عَدْلُ ذَٰلِكَ صِيَامًا لِّيَذُوقَ وَبَالَ أَمْرِ‌هِ ۗ عَفَا اللَّـهُ عَمَّا سَلَفَ ۚ وَمَنْ عَادَ فَيَنتَقِمُ اللَّـهُ مِنْهُ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو انتِقَامٍ  ﴿المائدة ، 5: 95﴾.

 

 

O You who have believed, do not kill game while you are performing pilgrimmage (in Makkah and Medina). And whoever of you kills it intentionally - the penalty is an equivalent from sacrificial animals to what he killed, as justly judged by two just men among you as an offering (to Allah) delivered to the Ka'bah, or an expiation: the feeding of needy people or the equivalent of that in fasting, that he may taste the consequence of his deed. Allah has pardoned what is past; but whoever returns (to violation), then Allah will take retribution from him. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Exacter of Retribution (Al-Ma-ida, 5: 95). 

 

 

فَمَن لَّمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ شَهْرَ‌يْنِ مُتَتَابِعَيْنِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يَتَمَاسَّا ۖ فَمَن لَّمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَإِطْعَامُ سِتِّينَ مِسْكِينًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ لِتُؤْمِنُوا بِاللَّـهِ وَرَ‌سُولِهِ ۚ وَتِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّـهِ ۗ وَلِلْكَافِرِ‌ينَ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴿المجادلة ، 58: 4﴾.

 

 

And he, who does not find (a slave to free) then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch each other; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe (completely) in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits (set by) Allah. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment. (Al-Mujadala, 58: 4). 

 

 

The Quran Fasting Command and Rules

 

While the fasting command is included in verse 2: 183 of the Holy Quran, fasting rules are mentioned in verses 184-187. Thus, verse 183 tells us that fasting has been ordained on Muslims as it was ordained on other believers before them, teaching them to be pious. Verse 184 names the three categories of Muslims who are permitted not to fast during the month of Ramadhan, though it is better for them to do so, if they can. These are the sick, the travelers, and those who can't fast because of weakness (such as in the case of the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing women). Verse 185 explains that those who can't fast during the month of Ramadhan can do that when their conditions change to normality. It also tells us about the importance of the month of Ramadhan, as the revelations of the Holy Quran started in it, as guidance to people, who should respond by thanking Allah, praise to Him, for this guidance.  Verse 186 encourages believers to increase calling on Allah, praise to Him, during Ramadhan, as He has promised to answer the calls of those who call on Him, as He is close to believers, particularly when they are fasting. Finally, verse 187 tells Muslims that, during the month of Ramadhan, it is permissible for them to have sexual intercourse with their spouses, to eat, and to drink all night, from the sunset until dawn.  

 

أعوذُ باللهِ منَ الشيطانِ الرجيم

بسمِ اللهِ الرحمنِ الرحيم

 

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ﴿١٨٣﴾

 

أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ ۚ   وَأَن تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿١٨٤﴾

 

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّـهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّـهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ﴿١٨٥﴾

 

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ ﴿١٨٦﴾

 

أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ الصِّيَامِ الرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَائِكُمْ ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ ۗ عَلِمَ اللَّـهُ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَخْتَانُونَ أَنفُسَكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَعَفَا عَنكُمْ ۖ فَالْآنَ بَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَابْتَغُوا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّـهُ لَكُمْ ۚ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ ۖ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّوا الصِّيَامَ إِلَى اللَّيْلِ ۚ وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّـهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّـهُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ ﴿١٨٧﴾ (البقرة 2: 183-187). 

 

 

I seek refuge with Allah from the Stoned Shaytan (Satan)

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

 

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those (believers) before you that you may become righteous - (183)

 

(Fasting is for) a limited number of days. So, whoever among you is ill or on a journey (during the month of Ramadhan) - then an equal number of days (are to be made up). And upon those who are unable (to fast) - a ransom (a substitute) of feeding a poor person (for each day). And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is better for you (than not fasting), if you only knew (184)

 

The month of Ramadhan (is that) in which the Quran was revealed, guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and furqan (differentiation between right and wrong). So whoever sights (the new moon of) the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah wants for you ease and does not want for you hardship, and (He wants) for you to complete the period (the month of fasting), and to glorify Allah for that (to) which He has guided you; so you may be grateful. (185)

 

And when My worshippers ask you (O Muhammad) about Me - indeed, I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So, let them respond to Me and believe in Me, that they may be guided. (186)

 

It has been made permissible for you, (during) the night preceding fasting, to go to your wives (for sexual relations). They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves (by going to them when you were not supposed to). So, He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread. Then, complete the fast until the night (sunset). And do not have relations with them while you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits (set by) Allah. So, do not approach them. Thus, Allah makes His ordinances clear to the people, that they may become righteous. (187) (Al-Baqara, 2: 183-187).

 

 

More Fasting Rules from 'Hadith

 

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (pbbuh), explained other rules and virtues of fasting and the month of Ramadhan, with more details, in his ‘Hadiths (sayings). Here are eight of them. [4]   

 

1. Fasting is not just abstaining from food and drinks but it is also abstaining from harming others, and involvement in insult exchange with them. 

 

عن أبي هريرة ، رضي الله عنه ، أنه قال ، قال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم:

 

"قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى : كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابنِ آدمَ لَهُ ، إِلَّا الصيامَ ، فَإِنَّهُ لِي ، وَأَنا أَجْزِي بِهِ. والصيامُ جُنَّةٌ ، وإذا كان يومُ صومِ أحدِكُمْ ، فَلَا يَرْفُثْ ، وَلَا يَصْخَبْ. وَإِنْ سَابَّهُ أحدٌ أوْ قاتَلَهُ فَلْيَقُلْ: إِنِّي امرؤٌ صائِمٌ. والذِي نَفْسُ مُحَمَّدٍ بِيَدِهِ ، لَخُلُوفُ فمِ الصائِمِ عندَ اللهِ أطيبُ مِنْ ريحِ المسكِ. وللصائِمِ فرحتانِ يفْرَحُهُمَا ، إذا أفطرَ فرِحَ بِفِطْرِهِ ، وإذا لَقِيَ ربَّهُ فَرِحَ بِصَومِهِ."

 

Companion of the Prophet, Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him (mAbpwh), said, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (pbbuh), said: 

 

Allah, the Exalted and Glorified, said: "Every (good) deed a child of Adam does is for his/her (direct benefit in this life and reward in the hereafter), but fasting will yield greater reward, for it is done (in obedience) to Me." Fasting is protection. When one of you fasts, he/she shouldn't argue with or scream at (others). If anyone curses on (insults) him, he/she should say: I'm fasting. By Allah, the smelling of the mouth of a fasting person is regarded by Allah better than the smell of musk (the best perfume). The fasting person has two happy moments: when he/she breaks the fast and when he/she meets with his/her Creator. [5]

 

2. Ramadhan starts when Muslims see its crescent, and ends when they see the crescent of the following month (Shawwal). If it is cloudy, then they complete the month by fasting thirty days (as lunar months are either 29 or 30 days). [6]

 

عن أبي هريرة ، رضي الله عنه ، أنه قال ، قال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم: "صُومُوا لِرُؤْيَتِهِ ، وأَفْطِرُوا لِرُؤْيَتِهِ. فإنْ غُبِّيَ (غٌمَّ) علَيْكُم فأكْمِلُوا عِدَّةَ شَعْبَانَ ثَلَاثِينَ."

 

Companion of the Prophet, Abu Hurayra, mAbpwh, said, the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: 

 

"Fast when you see it (the new crescent), and break the fast when you see it. If it is cloudy (that you can't see the crescent), then complete the (month of) Sha'ban to thirty days. [7] 

 

3. Muslims are encouraged to be generous to the poor and the needy throughout the year, particularly during Ramadhan. They are also encouraged to study the Holy Quran every night of the fasting month, following the Sunna of the Prophet, pbbuh, as we learn from the following ‘Hadith:

 

عن عبدالله بن عباسٍ ، رضيَ اللهٌ عنهما ، أنه قال: "كانَ رَسولُ اللَّهِ ، صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ ، أجْوَدَ النَّاسِ. وكانَ أجْوَدُ ما يَكونُ في رَمَضَانَ ، حِينَ يَلْقَاهُ جِبْرِيلُ. وكانَ جِبْرِيلُ يَلْقَاهُ في كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ مِن رَمَضَانَ ، فيُدَارِسُهُ القُرْآنَ. فَلَرَسولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ حِينَ يَلْقَاهُ جِبْرِيلُ أجْوَدُ بالخَيْرِ مِنَ الرِّيحِ المُرْسَلَةِ."  

 

Companion of the Prophet, Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: "The Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, was the most generous among people, and was the most generous in Ramadhan, when he would meet with Jibril, and Jibril used to meet with him every night of Ramadhan, to teach him the Quran. The Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, would be more generous than the flowing wind, when he meets with Jibril." [8]

 

4. Fasting Muslims are encouraged to eat as soon as the sun sets, as this was the Prophet’s, pbbuh, Sunna, as we learn from the following ‘Hadiths. 

 

فعن أبي هريرة ، رضي الله عنه ، أنه قال ، قال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم: "قال اللهٌ عز وجل: إنَّ أَحَبُّ عبادِي إلَيَّ ، أَعْجَلُهُم فِطْرًا."

 

وعن سهل بن سعد ، رضي الله عنه ، أن رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم ، قال: "لا يَزَالُ النَّاسُ بخَيْرٍ ما عَجَّلُوا الفِطْرَ (الإفطار)."

 

وعن أنسٍ بن مالك ، رضيَ الله عنه ، قال: "كان رسولٌ الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم ، يفطر قبلَ أن يصلي على رطباتٍ ، فإن لم تكن رطباتٌ فتميراتٌ ، فإن لم تكن تميراتٌ حسا حَسَواتٍ من ماء."

 

Companion of the Prophet, Abu Hurayra, mAbpwh, said, the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: "Allah, praise to Him, said: "The one among my worshippers whom I love most is the one who breaks the fast as soon possible." [9]

 

Companion of the Prophet, Sahl Bin Sa'd, mAbpwh, said, the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: "People will be in good shape as long as they break their fast quickly." [10]

 

Companion of the Prophet, Anas, mAbpwh, said, the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, used to break his fast by eating some ripe-fresh dates before praying (Maghrib). If he does not find fresh dates, then he breaks his fast by eating dried dates. If he does not find dried dates, then he would sip some water." [11] 

 

5. Cleaning one's mouth, using a toothbrush is a sure Sunna, as the Prophet (pbbuh) used a miswak, made of a plant root, to brush his teeth and clean them.

 

عن أم المؤمنين ، عَائِشَةَ ، رضي الله عنها ، عَنْ النَّبِيِّ ، صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، أنه قَالَ: "السِّوَاكُ مَطْهَرَةٌ لِلْفَمِ ، مَرْضَاةٌ لِلرَّبِّ."

 

The Mother of Believers, 'Aisha, mAbpwh, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, also said: Siwak (cleaning teeth with a toothbrush) is a purification of the mouth and pleasing to the Lord." [12] 

 

6. The sick and the travelers are given permissions not to fast during their sickness or travel, and to make that up later after the month of Ramadhan, as stated in Verse 2: 184. The Prophet, pbbuh, observed this rule in his travel, particularly when it was hard and hot, and ordered his companions to do so.        

 

عن عبدالله بن عمر ، رضي الله عنهما ، أنه قال: قال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم: "إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ أَنْ تُؤْتَى رُخَصُهُ كَمَا يُحِبُّ أَنْ تُؤْتَى عَزَائِمُهُ (فرائضه)." وللحديث رواية أخرى: "كَمَا يَكْرَهُ أَنْ تُؤْتَى مَعْصِيَتُهُ."

 

Companion Abdullah, the son of 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: "Allah likes for his permissions to be used, as are His commands." However, Imam Ahmed narrated another version of the 'Hadith: "Allah likes for his permissions to be used, as He hates for sins to be committed." [13] 

 

7. If a person eats or drinks while forgetting about the fast, he/she should continue the fast. 

 

عن أبي هريرة ، رضي الله تعالى عنه ، قال ، قال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم: "مَن أكل ناسيًا وهو صائمٌ ، فليُتمَّ صومَه ، فإِنما أطعمه الله وسقاه."

 

Companion of the Prophet, Abu Hurayra, mAbpwh, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: "Whoever ate while forgetting about the fast, he should continue the fast because Allah gave him what he ate." [14] 

 

8. The Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, recommended that Muslims eat the pre-dawn meal (Su'hoor), describing it as a blessed meal. He also recommended that people can continue to eat until about one minute before the emergence of dawn.

 

عن أنسٍ بن مالك ، رضيَ الله عنه ، أنه قال: قال رسولٌ الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم: " تَسَحَّرُوا فإنَّ في السَّحُورِ بَرَكَةً."

 

Companion of the Prophet, Anas Bin Malik, mAbpwh, said, the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: "Eat the pre-dawn (su'hour) meal, it's a blessed meal." [15]   

 

وعن عبد الله بن عمرَ ، رضيَ اللهُ عنهما ، أنه قال: كان لرسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مؤذنان ، بلالٌ وابنٌ أمِّ مكتوم . فقال رسولٌ اللهِ صلى اللهٌ عليةِ وسلمَ: "إنَّ بلالًا يُؤَذِّنُ بلَيْلٍ ، فَكُلُوا واشْرَبُوا حتَّى يُؤَذِّنَ ابنُ أُمِّ مَكْتُومٍ. قالَ: ولَمْ يَكُنْ بيْنَهُما إلَّا أنْ يَنْزِلَ هذا ويَرْقَ هذا."

 

Companion of the Prophet, Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said, the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, had two (companions), who call for prayers, Bilal and Ibn Um Maktoom. The Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: "When Bilal calls for prayer, it's still night. You can eat and drink until Ibn Um Maktoom calls for prayer." Ibn Umar added that the difference in time between the two calls is the difference between the first caller coming down (off the mosque's roof) and the second caller going up. [16]

 

 

Ramadhan's Great Blessings 

 

1. Fasting has been decreed by Allah, praise to Him, during the month of Ramadhan, for its greatest spiritual benefit, righteousness (taqwa), as mentioned in verse 2: 183 of the Holy Quran. Obedience to Allah, praise to Him, by following His command of fasting for the full blessed month, is training of the self to be righteous. The more such obedience is based on contentment and conviction of the goodness of His commands, the more righteous the self becomes, and consequently more capable of doing various good deeds, as stated in verse 2: 177 of the Holy Quran.

 

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ  (البقرة ، 2: 183). 

 

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous (Al-Baqara, 2: 183).  

 

لَّيْسَ الْبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّـهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ وَآتَى الْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ ذَوِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَالسَّائِلِينَ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَالْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُوا ۖ وَالصَّابِرِينَ فِي الْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَحِينَ الْبَأْسِ ۗ أُولَـٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا ۖ وَأُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُونَ (البقرة ، 2: 177).

 

Righteousness is not turning your faces toward the east or the west, but righteousness is (represented by the one) who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets, as well as (the one who) gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the (needy) traveler, those who ask (for help), and for freeing slaves. (Righteousness is also represented by the one) who establishes prayer, gives charity (zakat), and those who fulfill their promise when they promise, and those who are patient in poverty, sickness, and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and those are the righteous (Al-Baqara, 2: 177).  

 

2. The month of Ramadhan is distinguished with the Tarawee'h ( Qiyam) prayer, which is performed after the night ('Isha) prayer. One of the great spiritual benefits of this prayer is following the Sunna of the Prophet, pbbuh, particularly resisting the tendency of the self to relax and sleep, after the night prayer. In addition, as a loudly-performed prayer, it is an occasion for Muslims to recite, or listen to the recitation of, all or most of the Holy Quran, in one month. The Tarawee’h prayer also brings happiness to the worshiippers, as it reinforces the feelings of affiliation among them. Finally, this prayer is concluded with the Qunoot (devotion) supplication, during the last odd prayer unit (rak’a), which is a practical application of the following Prophet’s ‘Hadith:   

 

عن النُّعمان بن بَشِير ، رضي الله عنهما ، أن النبي ، صلى الله عليه وسلم ، قال: " الدُّعاءُ هوَ العبادةُ." ثمَّ قال: "وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ."

 

Companion Al-Nu’man Bin Basheer, mAbpwt both, said that the Prophet, pbbuh, said: “Calling on Allah (supplication) is the worship” (supplication to Allah is worshipping Him). Then, he recited (verse 40: 60 of the Holy Quran): “And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.” [17]  

 

The Tarawee’h prayer also has great physical benefits. It is an exercise for various body organs, as it involves standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting on the floor, in a repeated pattern of movements. The physical benefits are increased by the duration of the exercise, which lasts about one hour, every night, for the entire month of fasting. This strengthens the body muscles, activates the blood circulation, and burns out many of the calories, which are accumulated from the Ramadhan heavy meals.

 

The Tarawee'h (Qiyam) prayer is composed of eight units (rak'as), prayed in two units each, in addition to the two Shaf’ units and the last odd (witr) unit. Thus, it is a total of eleven units (rak'as), after the 'Isha prayer, as we learn from the ‘Hadith.  

 

عن أم المؤمنين عائشة ، رضي الله عنها ، أنها قالت: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ، صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، يُصَلِّي مِنْ اللَّيْلِ عَشْرَ رَكَعَاتٍ وَيُوتِرُ بِسَجْدَةٍ ، وَيَسْجُدُ سَجْدَتَيْ الْفَجْرِ فَذَلِكَ ثَلَاثَ عَشْرَةَ رَكْعَةً."  

 

The Mother of the Believers, 'Aisha, mAbpwh, said: "The Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, used to pray ten prayer units (rak'as) at night (after 'Isha prayer, in Ramadhan), ending (the tarawee'h prayers) with one unit (with prostration." She added that he would pray two more dawn (fajr) Raka'a (with prostrations). Thus, he prayed (a total of) thirteen units at night (in both tarawee'h and fajr). [18]  

*** 

After the death of the Prophet, pbbuh, his companions prayed more than ten units (rak'as). For example, 'Umar, mAbpwh, prayed twenty units, closing with the odd (witr) unit. So, it's up to the imam to pray eleven units or more. However, the Tarawee'h prayers are not mandatory every night, as the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, taught us by his practice of praying at different nights in different years, as we learn from the following two 'Hadiths: 

 

عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ الغفاري ، رضي الله عنه ، أنه قَالَ: قال رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ، صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: "إِنَّهُ مَنْ قَامَ مَعَ الْإِمَامِ حَتَّى يَنْصَرِفَ كُتِبَ لَهُ قِيَامُ لَيْلَةٍ." 

 

Companion Abu Dhar, mAbpwh, said: "Whoever stands (in the Tarawee'h prayers) with the Imam until he leaves, a night of prayer is recorded for him/her" [19]  

 

وعن أم المؤمنين عائشة ، رضي الله عنها ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ ، صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، صَلَّى فِي الْمَسْجِدِ ، فَصَلَّى بِصَلَاتِهِ نَاسٌ ، ثُمَّ صَلَّى مِنْ الْقَابِلَةِ ، فَكَثُرَ النَّاسُ ، ثُمَّ اجْتَمَعُوا مِنْ اللَّيْلَةِ الثَّالِثَةِ أَوْ الرَّابِعَةِ  فَلَمْ يَخْرُجْ إِلَيْهِمْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ، صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ. فَلَمَّا أَصْبَحَ قَالَ: "قَدْ رَأَيْتُ الَّذِي صَنَعْتُمْ ، فَلَمْ يَمْنَعْنِي مِنْ الْخُرُوجِ إِلَيْكُمْ إِلَّا أَنِّي خَشِيتُ أَنْ تُفْرَضَ عَلَيْكُمْ ، وَذَلِكَ فِي رَمَضَانَ." 

 

The Mother of the Believers, 'Aisha, mAbpwh, said that the Prophet, pbbuh, prayed in the Mosque, followed by people, at the first night (of Ramadhan, after 'Isha). He also prayed at the second night but with a bigger number of people. At the third or fourth night, people gathered (in the Mosque waiting for him) but he did not come out to them.  

 

In the morning, he said: "I saw what you did (last night, waiting for me, for prayer) but I did not come out to (pray with) you because I was afraid that it would become mandatory (on you to pray Tarawee'h every night), in Ramadhan." [20]  

 

3. Ramadhan is the month of giving away to the poor and the needy, including the Iftar Zakat and various kinds of charity (Sadaqat), following the Sunna (model) of the Prophet, pbbuh, in being the most generous to the needy as well as studying the Quran every night, as we learn from the following 'Hadith. 

 

عن ابن عباسٍ ، رضيَ اللهٌ عنهما ، قال: " كان رسولٌ اللهِ ، صلى الله عليه وسلم ، أجودَ الناسِ ، وكان أجودٌ ما يكونٌ في رمضان حين يلقى جبريل ، وكان يلقاهٌ جبريل في كلِّ ليلةٍ من رمضان فيدارسهٌ القرآنَ ، فلرسول اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم حين يلقاهٌ جبريلٌ أجودٌ من الريحِ المرسلة."

 

Ibn (son of) Abbas, mAbpwt both, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, was the most generous among people, and he was most generous during (the month of) Ramadhan, when he would meet with Jibril, peace be to him. Jibril would meet him every night to study the Quran with him, the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, then would be more generous than the flowing wind." [21]

 

وعن ابن عمر ، رضي الله عنهما: " أنَّ رَسولَ اللهِ ، صَلَّى اللَّهُ عليه وَسَلَّمَ ، فَرَضَ زَكَاةَ الفِطْرِ مِن رَمَضَانَ علَى النَّاسِ ، صَاعًا مِن تَمْرٍ ، أَوْ صَاعًا مِن شَعِيرٍ ، علَى كُلِّ حُرٍّ أَوْ عَبْدٍ ، ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى ، مِنَ المُسْلِمِينَ."

Ibn (Son of) Omar, mAbpwt both, said: "The Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, made the Fitr Zakat a required duty in Ramadhan, as a Saa' on every Muslim: free or in bondage, male or female." [23]

 

The meaning of the ‘Hadith is that the Fitr Zakat is a required duty in Ramadhan, to be given to the poor, as a Saa' (unit of measurement of about 2.5 kilograms, or about 5.5 pounds) of dates or barley. The Muslim head of a household has to give the Fitr Zakat, or its equivalence in money, on behalf of every member of his/her household.

 

4. For some Muslims, Ramadhan is the month when they give the wealth Zakat, which is the third major duty (worship) a Muslim has to do (after the proclamation of faith and prayers). Although it may be given at any time during a year, giving it during the month of fasting represents material assistance to the poor and the needy and a show of solidarity with them. 

 

5. Ramadhan is an opportunity to be as close to Allah, praise to Him, as possible through Nawafil, various voluntary acts of goodness, in addition to the recitation and study of the Holy Quran, standing for prayers, and helping others.

 

The ultimate prize is gaining the love of Allah, praise to Him, as the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said in a Qudsi Hadith, that Allah, praise to Him, said: 

 

"وما يَزالُ عَبْدِي يَتَقَرَّبُ إلَيَّ بالنَّوافِلِ حتَّى أُحِبَّهُ."

 

"I will grant My Love to My worshipper who keeps approaching me with Nawafil, various voluntary acts of goodness." [24] 

 

Nawafil are various voluntary acts of goodness, other than the five ordained ways of worship (proclamation of faith, the five prayers, giving zakat (charity), fasting the month of Ramadhan, and making the Haj (pilgrimage) journey.

 

Examples of Nawafil include fasting Mondays and Thursdays, the Six White Days, Ninth and Tenth of Muharram, performing extra prayers other than the five ordained ones, mentioning the Names of Allah and exalting Him, following the traditions of the Prophet, pbbuh, such as brushing teeth, giving charity, and humility. [25]

 

6. A highlight of Ramadhan is observing the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr), in which angels descend with the commands, mercy, forgiveness, and Peace of Allah, praise to Him, to His worshippers. The Prophet, pbbuh, advised Muslims to observe it, and to expect it as one of the last four odd nights of the month of fasting. One of the greatest blessings of that night is that the reward for worship in it is equal to the reward of worship in one thousand nights, or about 83 years, which is the average human life span, as we learn from verses 97: 1-5 of the Holy Quran and from the ‘Hadiths. [26]

 

بِّسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّ‌حْمَـٰنِ الرَّ‌حِيمِ

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ‌ ﴿١﴾ وَمَا أَدْرَ‌اكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ‌ ﴿٢﴾ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ‌ خَيْرٌ‌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ‌ ﴿٣﴾ تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّ‌وحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَ‌بِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ‌ ﴿٤﴾ سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ‌ ﴿٥﴾ (القدر ، 97: 1- 5). 

Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. (1)  

 

And what do you know about the Night of Decree? (2)  

 

The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. (3)  

 

The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. (4)  

 

Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. (5) (Al-Qadr, 97: 1-5). 

 

وعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَة ، رضي اللهُ عنه ، أَنَّ رَسُول اللَّه ، صَلَّى اللَّه عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، قَالَ: "مَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَة الْقَدْر إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ"

 

Companion Abu Hurayra, mAbpwh, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: "Whoever stood in prayer at the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr), as an act of faith (in Allah), and hope for His rewards, his previous sins will be forgiven." [27]

 

وَعَنْ عُبَادَة بْن الصَّامِت ، رضيَ اللهُ عنهُ ، أَنَّ رَسُول اللَّه ، صَلَّى اللَّه عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، قَالَ: "لَيْلَة الْقَدْر فِي الْعَشْر الْبَوَاقِي. مَنْ قَامَهُنَّ اِبْتِغَاء حِسْبَتهنَّ فَإِنَّ اللَّه يَغْفِر لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبه. وَهِيَ لَيْلَة وِتْر تِسْع أَوْ سَبْع أَوْ خَامِسَة أَوْ ثَالِثَة أَوْ آخِر لَيْلَة."

 

The Companion Ubada Bin Al-Samit, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: "The Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr) is one of the last ten (nights) of Ramadhan. Whoever stands in prayer during them, for the sole purpose of getting their reward, Allah forgives his/her previous sins. It is (one of the odd nights) either 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29^th, or the last night." [28]

 

وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ، صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ، قَالَ: "تَحَرَّوْا لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِي الْوِتْرِ ، مِنْ الْعَشْرِ الْأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ."

 

The Mother of Believers, ‘Aisha, mAbpwh, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: "Look for the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr), as one of the odd nights, during the last ten nights of Ramadhan." [29]

 

Thus, to gain the great blessings of Laylatul Qadre, Muslims try to do their best to observe it in the last ten nights of Ramadhan, by praying Tarawee'h at the Masjid, reciting and studying the Holy Quran, giving charity (Zakat and Sadaqat), as well as increasing their good deeds, during the month of fasting.   

 

What may a Muslim do at the Night of Qadr (Night of Decree)?

 

Allah, praise to Him, promised Muslims great rewards for their worship at the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr), the reward of worship in which is more than the reward for the worship in a thousand months. Therefore, Muslims are recommended to observe it by performing various ways of worship, such as:  

.

1. يستحب للمسلم القيام ، أي صلاة التراويح ، في ليلة القدر. فعن أبي هريرة ، رضي الله عنه ، قال: قال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم: "من قام ليلة القدر إيماناً واحتساباً غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه."

 

1. Performing the Qiyam (tarawi’h) and night prayers, as recommended by the ‘Hadith, which was narrated by Abu Hurayra, mAbpwh, who said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: “Whoever stands for prayer during the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr), on the basis of faith in Allah and in expectation of receiving His rewards, Allah forgives his/her previous sins.”  [30]

 

2. كما يستحب له الدعاء. فعن عائشة ، رضي الله عنها ، أنها قالت: قلت: يا رسول الله ، أرأيت إن علمت ليلة القدر ، ما أقول فيها؟ قال: "قولي: اللَّهمَّ إنَّك عفُوٌّ ، تُحبُّ العفوَ ، فاعْفُ عنِّي."

 

2. Muslims are also recommended to call on Allah (making supplication), as narrated by the Mother of Believers, ‘Aisha, mAbpwh, who said: O, Messenger of Allah, if I realize that I’m witnessing the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr), what should I say? He said: “Say, O Allah: You are the Forgiver, You like to forgive, forgive me." [31]        

 

3.الإكثار من تلاوة القرآن ، في صلاة القيام ، وفي صلاة الليل ، التي تؤدى مثنى مثنى ، أي ركعتين ركعتين. فعن عبدالله بن عمر ، رضي الله عنهما ، أن رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم ، قال: "صلاةُ الليلِ مثنَى مثنَى فإن خشيت الصبحَ فأوترْ بركعةٍ."

 

3. Recitation from the Holy Quran in the Qiyam (taraw’h and night prayers, which is performed in two units (Rak’as) each, as narrated by Abdullah Bin ‘Omar, mAbpwth both, said that the Messenger of Allah, pbbuh, said: “The night prayer is prayed in two-rak’a each, and one at the end, before the dawn prayer." [32]          

 

Conclusion

 

Allah, praise to Him, decreed to Muslims to fast, as He did to believers before them. Like all other ways of worshipping Allah, fasting has direct benefits to those who fast, empowering them spiritually and physically. 

 

Fasting has been decreed to be during the month of Ramadhan, which also includes several other ways of worship, such as studying the Holy Quran, giving charity, performing Qiyam prayers (Tarawee'h), and increasing good deeds. 

 

Fasting and the Islamic observance of the month of Ramadhan have great benefits not only to the involved individuals but also to their families, their communities, their society, and humanity in general.  

 

Thus, fasting is one of the greatest signs of how much the Creator, praise to Him, loves humanity. He ordained it for the good of humans in their first life on Earth and for their everlasting life in the Hereafter. 

 

Consequently, the least humans can do is recognizing this great blessing and thanking Allah, praise to Him, for His care and for teaching them that fasting is better for them, as we learn from verse 2: 184.

 

"وَأَن تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ" (البقرة ، 2: 184). 

 

But to fast is better for you, if you only know (Al-Baqara, 2: 184). 

 

صدق اللهُ العظيم ، والحمدُ للهِ ربِّ العالمين.  

 

Allah has told the truth, Thanks to Him, the Lord of the Worlds!  

 

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About the Author and the Book:

 

* The author of this book has a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology. He was born in Gaza, Palestine in 1369 Hijriya (1950) but he has been living in the United States since 1986.
 
The authentic Quran Arabic text is used as a reference for the translation of the meanings of the Quran verses, particularly from www.tanzil.net.

 

The works of the three renowned Islamic scholars Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, and Ibn Katheer, have been used throughout the chapters of this book, as these are the most credited interpretations of the Holy Quran, for their use of 'Hadith, companions' interpretations, and their thorough knowledge of the Arabic language.
 

يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطْفِئُوا نُورَ اللَّـهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَاللَّـهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ  (الصف ، 61: 8).  

 

They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it (Al-Saff, 61: 8).