Greenwaymasjid

By Imam Didmar Faja

The essence of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is the month of fasting and the month of countless blessings, witnessed by millions of Muslims throughout the world.

The essence of Ramadan is achieving piety. Allah (swt) says, "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (pious).” (Surah Baqarah; 183)  We find that other kinds of worship in Islam lead to the same essence.

The one who fasts only by staying hungry and thirsty and at the same time does not restrict himself or herself from the Nafs, has not achieved the objective of Ramadan. We are required to control carefully our tongues, eyes and ears. Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said, “If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during fasting, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

During this month Muslims are encouraged to be more generous by feeding the poor and helping those in need. In another Hadith our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “He who provides for the breaking of fasting of another person earns the same merit as the one who was observing fasting diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.” (Tirmidhi)

The month of Quran

“Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong)…” (Baqarah; 185)

It was Ramadan when Angel Jabrail revealed the first five verses of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

We are encouraged to read the Holy Quran often especially during the month of Ramadan while rewards increase. Prophet’s beloved daughter, Fatima (r.a.) mentioned that her father would revise the entire Quran once during the month of Ramadan with angel Jabrail, except the last Ramadan when he would revise it twice. Therefore reading it once during this month is encouraged. Assign to yourself this Ramadan to complete the reading of the entire Quran and implement its teachings in your daily life.    

Who is not obligated to fast Ramadan?

• · A non-Muslim
  · Travelers
  · Sick people
  · Children who did not reach the age of puberty
  · Insane people
  · People who are old and cannot because of their weakness
  · A women who is in her menses or period of postnatal bleeding
  · A pregnant woman

Those who are Murtads, travelers, temporary sick or woman who is in her menses or period of postnatal bleeding should replace those missed days during the year after Ramadan.

Those who are permanently ill, should give the Fidyah (feed 1 poor person morning and night for 30 days, or feed
30 people 2 meals only for one day.
To do list during Ramadan

1.      Be moderate in eating and drinking
2.      Give small amounts of charity often
3.      Stay in touch and memorize some verses from the Quran everyday
4.      Attend the Taraweeh Prayers
5.      Stop gossiping, lying, and bad words
6.      Keep the connection with your relatives and friends
7.      Go on a technology diet (minimize the use of TV, computer etc.)
8.      Increase the spiritual activities
9.      Be merciful and forgiving personTry to keep away people from the wrong ways