Are we just "Ramadan Muslims"?

Kiran Ansari invites to re-evaluate the attractions of Ramadan and offers tips for keeping the spirit of the blessed month in our hearts all year long.

We wait anxiously for Ramadan - and before we know it, it has come and gone; faster than the year before. Irrespective of how religiously inclined one is, most Muslims enjoy the spirit of Ramadan. The question is - what exactly do we enjoy?

Is it the atmosphere of peace and harmony or is it the fruit Chaat and Pakoras? Is it the coming together of the community for Taraweeh or is it the lavish Iftar parties? Is it the awareness of the extra reward or is it the quest for a short-cut to Jannah?

As quickly as the blessed month comes and goes, why does the zeal with which we connect to Allah (swt) start evaporating as well? Are we just ‘Ramadan Muslims'?

Ramadan should not be our cultural festival, where talks about food and Eid shopping rule our minds. Ramadan should not be mechanical worship, where we program our bodies to perform some extra Nawafil for a month. Ramadan should also not be a time for display, where we boast about our Siyam in the day and Qiyam in the night or revel in our accomplishments.

What we gain from Ramadan depends a lot on our intentions. Did we want to reestablish our connection with the Quran and its Author, or did we want to join friends in losing a few pounds? Did we want to train our Nafs, or did we want to put in some effort and then rest easy for the remainder of the year?

The actual purpose of Ramadan is to train ourselves by setting aside time from our fast-paced lives and recharging our rusty batteries, in order to be prepared for the whole year. Shaitan is chained, our lives are more disciplined, and our hearts - softer. It might be unrealistic to expect the same level of enthusiasm throughout the year, as Allah (swt) has blessed these 29 or 30 days with His special mercy. Nevertheless, we can try to reap at least part of the benefits throughout our lives. Who knows, if we will be around next Ramadan?

"Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower." (Ali-Imran 3:8)

Perhaps, wisdom behind the extra worship and reward associated with the last ten nights of Ramadan is to remind us not to slack right after Eid. We might reach our peak of Ibadah in search of Layaltul Qadr, but we must remind ourselves not to make our graph plummet soon after. Perhaps, the recommended six fasts of Shawaal are also intended to keep our memories of fasting fresh.

Here are some tips for helping us keep the spirit of Ramadan alive:

• Instead of storing the Quran in a velvet cover on the highest shelf for the eleven months following Ramadan or feeling that you have done a lot in this month, Imam Ghazali says: “Our heart should be like a pendulum - swinging to and fro, praying and hoping that our worship was accepted. If we were able to achieve some goals, it wasn't because of our strength but rather the Bounty of Allah, Who gave us the opportunity, willingness, and ability to do so. Without all three, we would not have been able to reap any benefits from Ramadan.”
• When one is sent on a one month training course, one is expected to return with knowledge to make ones work productive as well as pass that knowledge on. So, evaluate what you gained from Ramadan, practice it in your daily life and spread the word.
• Don't waste all your efforts on the Eid day. For instance, if you intended to dress more modestly in Ramadan, don't let your Eid attire and make-up wash it all away. If you shared meals with the less fortunate in Ramadan, don't let your Eid party guest list include the affluent friends only.
• If you are unable to continue reading as much of the Quran after Ramadan, don't just abandon it because you consider too little of it to be pointless. The Prophet (saw) recommended deeds that were small but regular. Understanding five Ayahs daily might make more of a difference than five chapters read speedily in one night. If you do not have the time for a week-long Itekaf, make Niyah for a mini-Itekaf lasting a few hours, when you disconnect with the world to connect with your Lord.
• Islam is a Deen of moderation; therefore, set realistic and achievable goals and take it from there. Try to start fasting Mondays and Thursdays, as was the Prophet's (saw) Sunnah, or add just two extra Nafl in your prayers.
• Maintain ties with your buddies from Taraweeh and remind one another to keep check of each other's good deeds. Organize a weekly study circle or a monthly Islamic book club, where you all meet to discuss a particular book.
• Strengthen the relationship you established with your Rabb, the Quran and the community. Do not say good-bye to the Masjid after the Eid prayers.
• Our Ramadan training course is meant to ensure we adhere to our manual - the Quran - throughout the year. We are not just Saturday or Sunday worshippers. Consider Ramadan as the down payment on your house. Regardless of how hefty the down payment may be, if we fail to keep up with regular monthly installments for several years, our house can be taken away from us.

Ramadan is like the spring of good deeds, when acts of kindness are in full bloom, and certain fruits and vegetables are at their peak of ripeness. They are there for us to reap and enjoy their goodness in numerous ways.

Let us add some preservatives to our Ramadan Ibadah to make the rewards last throughout the year.

Eid Mubarak to all readers of Hiba's blog!

Zakat-al-Fitr Rulings

Alia Adil summarizes the rulings regarding the payment of Zakat-al-Fitr

Obligation

The payment of Zakat-al-Fitr before offering the Eid prayer is obligatory upon every Muslim, who is self-supporting. Ibn Umar (rta) said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) enjoined Zakat-al-Fitr, a Saa of dates or a Saa of barley, upon all the Muslims, slave and free, male and female, young and old, and he commanded that it be paid before the people went out to pray.” (Bukhari)

A Muslim should give Zakat-al-Fitr on his own behalf and on behalf of those, on whom he spends, e.g., wife, children, parents, if they cannot give it on their own behalf. If they are able to, then it is better for them to give it themselves.

Imam Shafi said: “Who I say is obliged to give Zakat-al-Fitr, if a child is born to him, or he takes possession of a slave, or someone becomes one of his dependents at any time during the last day of Ramadan, then the sun sets on the night of the crescent of Shawwal, he has to give Zakat-al-Fitr on that person’s behalf.” (Al-Umm, Baab Zakat-al-Fitr al Thaani)

Hikmah (wisdom)

The wisdom behind Zakat-al-Fitr is that it makes up for any errors unintentionally made during Ramadan, and it also serves as a means to feed the poor on Eid.

Ibn Abbas (rta) has narrated: “Allah’s Messenger (saw) prescribed Zakat-al-Fitr as a purification of the fasting person from senseless and obscene talk, and as food for the poor. Whoever fulfills it before the (Eid) prayer, it will be an acceptable Zakat, and whoever fulfills it after the prayer, it will be counted as a Sadaqah (voluntary alms).” (Abu Dawood)

Wakeel ibn al Jarrah said: “Zakat-al-Fitr for the month of Ramadan is like two Sujood-As-Sahu for the prayer. It makes up for any shortcomings in the fast, just as the prostrations make up for any shortcomings in the prayer.” (Al-Nawawi, Al-Majmoo, part 6)

Amount

The amount to be given as Zakat-al-Fitr is a Saa of any kind of staple food. What is meant by a Saa here is the Saa of the Messenger of Allah (saw), which is four times the amount that may be held in the two hands of a man of average built. Hence, one Saa is equal to four Mudd, where one Mudd is equivalent to two hands cupped together.

Saa is actually a measure of volume. In modern weights this is equivalent to approximately three kilograms. This is corroborated by Sheikh bin Baaz on Islam-QA.com

In what form

In Al-Saheehayn, it is narrated that Abu Saeed al-Khudri (rta) said: “At the time of the Messenger of Allah (saw) we used to give it at a rate of one Saa of food, or one Saa of dates, or one Saa of barley, or one Saa of cheese, or one Saa of raisins…”

A number of scholars interpreted the word Taaam (food) in this Hadeeth as referring to wheat, and others explained it as referring to the staple food of the local people, no matter what it is, whether it is wheat, corn or something else. Therefore, it may be in the form of raisins, barley, dates, wheat, lentils, dried curd, rye, etc.

Scholars disagree, as to whether money can be paid in lieu of food. The majority of scholars hold the view that Zakat-al-Fitr cannot be paid in cash. It must be given in the form of food, as the Prophet (saw) and his companions did. This view is the one adopted by the Maliki, Shafi and Hanbali schools of law. The Hanafi school of law follows Imam Abu Hanifah's opinion that it is permissible to pay Zakat-al-Fitr in cash.

Timing

Zakat-al-Fitr is a kind of charity that is obligatory at the time when the sun sets on the last day of Ramadan.

It is reported on the authority of Abdullah bin Omar (rtam) that he said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) ordered that Zakat-al-Fitr be paid before people go out to the (Eid) prayer.” (Bukhari)

It is reported that Omar ibn Abdul Aziz and Abu al Aliya said: “He (the Prophet (saw)) paid Zakat-al-Fitr, when he went out for the prayer, i.e., Salat-ul-Eid.” (Al Jassaas, Ahkaam Al Quran, part 3, Surah Aalaa)

There is a time when it is Mustahab (preferable) to give it, and there is a time when it is permissible to give it. It is Mustahab to give on the Eid day. The time when it is permissible to give Zakat-al-Fitr is one or two days before the Eid.

In Sahih Al Bukhari it is reported that An-Naafi said: “Ibn Omar used to give on behalf of the young and old. He would give it to those who took it (those who were appointed by the Imam for its collection), and it would be given a day or two before (Eid- al-Fitr).”

It is not permissible to delay it until after the prayer, because of the report narrated by Ibn Abbas (rta), according to which the Prophet (saw) said: “Whoever gives it before the prayer, it is accepted as Zakah, and whoever gives it after the prayer, it is a kind of charity.” (Abu Dawood)

Hence, Zakat-al-Fitr may be paid a day or two in advance but not after the Eid prayer.

Eligibility

Zakat-al-Fitr should be given to the poor and needy Muslims in the land or city, where it is given, because of the report narrated by Abu Dawood from Ibn Abbas (rtam), who said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) enjoined Zakat-al-Fitr to be paid in Ramadan to feed the poor.”

Imam Al Shafi said: “Zakat-al-Fitr should be divided among those, to whom Zakat-al-Maal is divided, and it should not be spent anywhere else… It should be shared out among the poor and needy, slaves who have made a contract to purchase their freedom from their masters, debtors, those who are fighting in the way of Allah, and wayfarers.” (Kitaab Al Umm: Baab Dayah Zakat-al-Fitr qabla Qasmihaa)

And Allah (swt) knows best.

Fidya: a relaxation

Have you been unable to complete your fasts this year? Qainaf Najam presents the rulings, which define the categories of believers that can avail Fidya.

At the sales company where I work, my boss has the following rule: if I break a glass by accident, I have to replace it with a new one. However, if out of anger I hurl a glass across my office, I’ll be fined or punished. Leafing through the Quran, I stumbled upon some verses that appeared to reveal the inspiration behind my boss’s ingenious rule.

Following are the verses regarding the obligation of fasting. Allah (swt) says: “Observe Saum (fasts) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him…” (Al-Baqarah 2:184)

In the pre-Islamic times, the believers were either required to fast or give a fixed amount of food or money to the poor to make up for a fast. This was called Fidya, and usually the rich used to give Fidya to escape the hardships of fasting.

With the advent of Islam, this ruling was abrogated - only the physically unfit were allowed to pay Fidya. This ensured uniformity between the rich and the poor. If the rich never fast and keep paying Fidya, they can never understand the trauma of an empty belly. Also, it inculcates in them pride and love for their wealth, as they start to believe that they can escape religious obligations merely by paying a certain amount of money. Thus, the fact that every rich person cannot pay Fidya is actually a blessing from Allah Almighty, as it allows them to stand in line with the unprivileged of the society and bridge the gap separating these two socially different classes.

If a person misses a fast due to a valid reason, he has to offer its Qada by fasting an equal number of days, whenever he is able to do so. However, if he is physically unfit for fasting, he has to pay Fidya for each missed fast. This basically includes the elderly and the sick people suffering from a chronic illness. According to a Hadeeth in Bukhari, in his last years Anas (rta) used to prepare some meat with bread and give them to the poor, as he was too weak to fast himself.

The scholars vary in opinion over the case of a person, who has paid Fidya and later finds out that he is able to keep fasts. Some say it is Wajib (obligatory) upon him to offer the Qada fasts, while others argue that since he has paid the Fidya, it is not obligatory. However, all agree that it is preferable (Mustahab) for him to offer Qada fasts as well. For a poor person, who can neither fast nor pay Fidya, the ruling is that he must invoke Allah’s (swt) mercy. That will, Insha’Allah, exempt him from offering the Qada or paying Fidya.

“If a pregnant woman fears for herself or a feeding mother is scared for her child, then it is no sin upon them, if they do not fast. And they should both offer Fidya and there is no need to offer the Qada that is to keep an equal number of fasts later.” (Muslim)

Most of the scholars term this Hadeeth as authentic, while some argue that the relaxation of Fidya is only for the physically unfit - the rest must offer Qada fasts. In such circumstances, it is Ihsan (better) for a woman to offer Qada as well, if she is able to do so.

Fidya can be paid in two ways: the person has to either feed a poor person with the area’s main staple food for each missed fast, or give an equal amount of money. The amount of food to be given for each fast is called Mudd. One Mudd is defined as the amount one can hold in both hands, when cupped together, which is equivalent to ½ Saa of the staple food or 1.5 kg in common terms. It amounts to approximately PKR 2000 for a month, almost PKR 67 per fast. It is better, in the eyes of Allah (swt), if it is paid with a little oil or meat, as that shows the individual’s sense of responsibility towards Allah’s (swt) creation. The concept, however, is to give away the food or equivalent in cash to the poor, that is, to give him the Tamleek (ownership) of the food or money. It is not sufficient to merely invite them to a feast and feed them.

Allah (swt) uses the word Miskeen in Al-Quran for those to whom Fidya can be paid. It literally translates to the English word ‘impoverished’. In Islamic Shariah, it refers to a person, who falls short of the basic necessities of life. According to some scholars, it is particularly used for those who are entitled to receive Zakat.

One point to consider in making up the missed fasts is that one should make haste. It is preferable to make up one’s missed fasts before the arrival of next Ramadan. Some scholars go as far as laying down a ruling that says that the amount of Fidya keeps mounting with each passing year.

The option of Fidya is another reason for us to glorify the beauty of Islam that lies in its perfectly comprehensive nature. Even though Allah (swt) places fasting in the category of Fard, He (swt) also considers our human weaknesses and provides us leeway in the form of Fidya and Qada if we fall short of our obligations. This shows us the infinite wisdom of Almighty Allah (swt)!

Allah (swt) says: “… He … has not laid upon you in religion any hardship…” (Al-Hajj 22:78)

The words of Prophet Muhammad (saw), as recorded in the compilation of Imam Ahmed, confirm this verse: “Allah’s (swt) Deen is not of difficulties…”

May Allah Almighty (swt) give us all the ability to carry out our religious obligations sincerely and dutifully, Ameen.

Are you ready for Laylat-ul-Qadr - the event of the year?

By Ruhaifa Samir, a freelance journalist and staff blogger at yello.pk and perceptions.org.pk

The Night of Power and Destiny – Laylat-ul-Qadr - is almost here. We all know that worship done in this night is better than that done in a thousand months! Can we think of any other night or day in our lives that could be more special than this one night? Yet, it is our birthdays and anniversaries, the hyped up mother’s and father’s days that take up all our attention and tireless planning! And here is Laylat-ul-Qadr, the perfection of all nights, and what is it that we do? 

The righteous predecessors would prepare for the last nights of Ramadan and for Laylat-ul-Qadr. Here are the top five things we can also do in order to prepare for the Night of Destiny:

Clean up – on the outside: Take a Ghusl and make sure you are completely clean. According to Ibn Jareer, the righteous predecessors “used to prefer Ghusl every night of the last ten nights, and an-Nakha’i used to make Ghusl every night of the last ten nights. Some of them would make Ghusl and get perfumed on the nights when it was most hoped to be Laylat-ul-Qadr.”

Put on your best perfume: Perfume yourself! It is time to meet the Lord and the King of the Worlds in prayer - nothing should stop you from looking and smelling your best. Some of the righteous predecessors would even perfume the Masajid on the nights they hoped would be Laylat-ul-Qadr. We can even do this in our homes. (A note of caution for the ladies: If you are planning to go out to the Masjid or a congregation for Taraweeh, then do not perfume yourself. However, there is no reason you can’t look your best, while avoiding anything Haram.)

Take out your best dress: Tamim ad-Dari (rta) had a garment he had bought for 1000 dirhams, which he would only wear on the night which he hoped would be the Laylat-ul-Qadr. We don’t need to spend beyond our means to buy expensive clothes for this night, but if you have a dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion or a dress that you absolutely love, this is the night to wear it! Who has more right to your beauty than the very Creator, Who gave you this perfect form?

Clean up - on the inside, too: Aisha (rta) asked the Prophet (saw): “O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?” He replied: “Say: ‘O Allah, You are the One, Who pardons greatly and loves to pardon, so pardon me.’” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi)

It’s time not only to be our cleanest and best on the outside, but also on the inside! Ask Allah’s (swt) forgiveness for all your wrongdoings – intentional or unintentional. Let go of all your grudges! Forgive those who have hurt you, and hope for Allah’s (swt) forgiveness in return!

Make the best of this blessed opportunity: It sounds almost unbelievable that one night could be equal to one thousand months! But this is Allah (swt), our Lord, promising us! He is giving us an unparalleled gift on this special night, and we should make the best of it. Spend this night in Qiyam (standing in prayer) and beg Him for forgiveness. Make a list of what you want in this world and the next and ask Him for everything this night.

Remember, Laylat-ul-Qadr is THE event of the year! Don’t miss it!

Dr. Zakir Naik on Itikaaf and Lailat-ul-Qadr

Six Things that Invalidate Itikaaf

The Wisdom Behind the Concealment of the Exact Night of Lailat-ul-Qadr

On Which Night of Ramadan is Lailat-ul-Qadr?

Itikaaf: a forsaken Sunnah

Do you have questions about Itikaaf? Sumaira Dada offers the answers.

Ramadan for most people is a festive time. I remember when my brother used to plead with my parents to spend the night at the local mosque, where his friends were observing Itikaaf. Together they had plans to enjoy themselves - away from the watchful eye of their parents. Being children, they can be forgiven for taking Itikaaf as a time to have fun. However, it is distressing to find adults observing Itikaaf and yet not realizing the seriousness of the Ibadah. Moreover, many people have simply given up this Sunnah. Through this article, we hope to encourage Muslims to observe Itikaaf and to clarify some of the misconceptions, which might be preventing them from observing this Sunnah.

Itikaaf in the Quran and Ahadeeth

Itikaaf means staying in the mosque to worship Allah (swt). It has been prescribed by Allah (swt) in the Quran and is a Sunnah of the Prophet (saw). In the Quran, Allah (swt) says: “…and We commanded Ibrahim (Abraham) and Ismail (Ishmael) that they should purify My House (the Kabah at Makkah) for those who are circumambulating it, or staying (Itikaaf), or bowing or prostrating themselves (there, in prayer).” (Al-Baqarah 2:125)

There are many Ahadeeth, which tell us that the Prophet (saw) observed Itikaaf. According to a Hadeeth of Aisha (rtaf), the Prophet (saw) used to observe Itikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadan, until Allah (swt) took his soul. His wives observed Itikaaf after he was gone. (Bukhari and Muslim)

What is the purpose of Itikaaf?

One of the greatest aims of this form of worship is to seek the Night of Power (Laylat ul-Qadr), which is one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten nights of Ramadan. It is also a time for conversing with Allah (swt) by offering Salah, reading the Quran and engaging in Dhikr.

When can we observe Itikaaf?

The best time to observe it is during the last ten days of Ramadan. We know from the Hadeeth of Abu Hurairah (rta) that the Messenger of Allah (saw) used to observe Itikaaf for the last ten days every Ramadan, and in the year, in which he passed away, he observed Itikaaf for twenty days. (Bukhari) However, it is also proven that the Prophet (saw) observed it during ten days of Shawwal (Bukhari). Therefore, one can observe it at any time of the year. Being in a state of fast is also not a condition for observing Itikaaf.

Length of Itikaaf

There are differences among scholars regarding the minimum length of Itikaaf, ranging from a moment to one day. We can find the grounds for this in a Hadeeth of the Prophet (saw), where he allowed Omar (rta) to observe Itikaaf for one night in Masjid al-Haram, in order to fulfil a vow. (Bukhari)

The maximum number of days that the Prophet (saw) observed Itikaaf was thirty. We know this from a Hadeeth narrated by Abu Saeed al-Khudri (rta): The Messenger of Allah (saw) observed Itikaaf during the first ten days of Ramadan, then he observed Itikaaf during the middle ten days in a small tent, at the door of which was a reed mat. He took the mat in his hand and lifted it. Then he put his head out and spoke to the people, and they came close to him. He said: “I observed Itikaaf during the first ten days seeking this night, then I observed Itikaaf during the middle ten days. Then someone came and said to me that it is in the last ten days, so whoever among you wishes to observe Itikaaf, let him do so.” (Muslim)

Where do we stay for Itikaaf?

According to the scholars, Itikaaf is only valid if observed in a mosque, where congregational prayers are held, because Allah (swt) said: “And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in Itikaaf (i.e., confining oneself in a mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the mosques.” (Al-Baqarah 2:187) Being in a mosque cuts off a person from worldly activities and allows him to focus on worship.

Women must also observe Itikaaf in the mosque. However, it is not necessary that congregational prayers be held there, for it is not obligatory upon women to offer prayers in congregation. According to Shaikh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen, a woman may observe Itikaaf so long as there is no fear of Fitnah (temptation), such as happens in Masjid al-Haraam because there is no separate place for women there.

Taking breaks during Itikaaf

According to Aisha (rta), “The Sunnah is for the Mutakif not to visit any sick person, or attend any funeral, or touch his wife or be intimate with her, or to go out for any purpose, except those which cannot be avoided.” (Abu Dawood) Ibn Qudamah says that for everything that he cannot do without and cannot do in the mosque, the Mu’takif may go out. This does not invalidate his Itikaaf, as long as he does not take a long time to do it. He is, therefore, allowed to leave the mosque for food and drink, and to relieve himself.

How do women perform Itikaaf?

Women will perform Itikaaf in the same manner as men. However, married women need to seek permission from their husbands to perform Itikaaf. We know that Aishah (rta) asked Prophet (saw) for permission to observe Itikaaf and he gave her permission; then Hafsah (rta) asked Aisha (rta) to ask for permission for her and she did so. (Bukhari)

Itikaaf: a forsaken Sunnah

It is sad to note that in this day and age, many Muslims have forsaken this Sunnah. It seems that we find it very difficult to cut ourselves off from the world even for a short time. It is time we ponder on our keenness for Paradise and reassess our faith.

Ramadan - An Awesome Time!

 

Khalfan bin Mohammed stresses that fasting is not a time of suffering, as many people think. It is just the opposite. Here is its essence:

 

• In the month of Ramadan, the Quran was sent down to be the guidance for the mankind. Through reading the Quran, we gain understanding about the purpose of our life and learn, how to establish relationship with Allah (swt) and His creatures.
• It is a time for getting closer to Allah (swt) through prayers, recitation of the Quran, and supplications.
• We fast to appreciate the luxury of food, which is a gift that many people around the world are lacking. There are those who go without proper food for weeks and months.
• It is the time of the year, when we give our stomachs an annual break by reducing and regulating our food intake.
• It is an opportunity to break free from bad habits and addictions. Many people use this period to stop smoking and eating unhealthy food.
• It is a wonderful feeling to know that over one thousand million people are participating in this school of discipline - fasting and breaking their fasts together. It is a true demonstration of brotherhood and a proof that Muslims can be united.
• The month of Ramadan is an opportunity to develop the qualities of endurance and self-restraint as well as to strive for controlling anger and a malicious tongue.
• Ramadan is a time for awakening compassion and solidarity with others, particularly with the poor. We are encouraged to be generous during Ramadan and at the end of fasting, are required to give Zakat-al-Fitr, a fixed amount, which enables all to share the spirit of warmth, affection, and brotherhood.
• Ramadan is a time of charity and fellowship, so deeply respected that even the most casual ones in their faith become observant throughout this holy month.
• Above all, Ramadan is an opportunity to return to the Creator and the natural path of goodness, purity, and faithfulness. In doing so, one must not use fasting as an excuse for lazing around and neglecting basic duties at school or at work.

Finally, living according to the above principles requires courage and determination. So why not plan to make this Ramadan a very special one?

Health Benefits of Fasting and Taraweeh

Misplaced discipline in our eating lifestyles must be harnessed to discover the true joys of health and harmony, writes Dr. Sarah Shahab

Just as lack of food in many parts of the world causes misery and malnutrition, an excess of it poses the most common problems of the modern world. The relationship between diet and disease has long been established. Excess consumption of energy rich foods (containing fat and sugar) combined with physical inactivity can lead to such chronic diseases as obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and arthritis in weight bearing joints (spine, hips and knees).

A balance between energy intake and energy expenditure can be achieved through moderate physical activity (such as thirty minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week) and by limiting the amount of saturated fat.

A diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, low-fat dairy and whole grains increases longevity and reduces the risk of overall mortality. A large number of anti-carcinogenic agents are found in fruits and vegetables. It has been observed in many studies that persons with low fruit and vegetable intake experience about twice the risk of cancer, compared with those with high intake.

Body Mass Index

Health professionals consider the body mass index (BMI) as a reliable means of identifying health risks in people due to obesity. BMI takes into account an individual's weight and height. It can be calculated by dividing ones weight in pounds by the height in inches squared multiplied by 703. A person with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while someone with a BMI of 30 or more is obese.

Benefits of Fasting and Taraweeh

It takes motivation and commitment for a permanent change in eating habits. Just like animals can be tamed by planned feeding and hunger intervals, much self-control can be developed in human beings through fasting. Fasting nurtures not only the soul but also the body through a voluntary control of physical desires. Depending on the correct and consistent choice of food consumed at dawn and dusk, fasting prevents formation of atheroma, lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Serum magnesium also increases during fasting - it has a cardio-protective role.

Studies reveal that underfed animals live longer and suffer less from disease than overfed ones. Just a few of the many diseases that benefit from fasting are hypertension, diabetes, obesity and osteo-arthritis. There is enhanced secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland during fasting. Besides stimulating erythropoeisis, increased insulin response, etc., GH stimulates protein and collagen synthesis, hence preventing the skin of those who fast regularly from wrinkling. Opiods or narcotic-like substances are released during fasting, producing tranquility and elation. 

The benefits of the five times Salah, as well as the optional Taraweeh Salah, help each and every muscle in the body contract. This increases blood flow and improves physical strength. Gentle exercise, as in prayer and in the Taraweeh prayer, increases bone mineral density at sites of maximal stress (for example, during Ruku and Sujood), thus reducing osteoporosis. When blood sugar levels begin to rise after Iftaar, the Taraweeh helps oxidise the circulating glucose to carbon dioxide and water during prayer.

The Prophet (saw) said: "Food for one man is enough for two, and that for two is enough for three, and that for three is enough for four." (Bukhari)

Traveling with the Quran

By Fiza Fatima Asar

Many of us often deny the presence of the Quran in our daily lives, because of our concern over the rulings surrounding the question of traveling with the Quran. All scholars agree that the word of Allah (swt) is above all other words in the world and has to be treated with respect by every Muslim. While it is important that we are careful of how we treat the word of Allah (swt), especially in Arabic, it should not imply that we do not travel with the Quran. Nowadays, when we spend so much time traveling by car, bus, train and plane, it would be a great loss, if we decided not to take our favourite copy of the Quran with us.

There are several ways we can keep the Quran close to us while traveling. We can creatively use technology for not missing out on the holy book:

(1) The Quran can be nicely covered and kept in a safe place in our bags. Most of us are careful and have an outer covering for our phones and electronic gadgets. We can use the same strategy here. SunniPath.com states that it is best to carry the Mushaf that has a plastic cover/jacket, which is not sewn or glued to it – that way it can be touched even when one is not in Wudhu.

(2) Women, who have their periods, can wear gloves or avoid touching the Arabic script of the Quran.

(3) If we want to be extremely careful, we can carry our favourite Quran in a translated language, which does not have the Arabic text.

(4) The Quran can be carried in the form of digital books or software. Islam-QA.com says that it permissible to have the Quran on one’s mobile phone or in any other digital form.

(5) Many of us have ipods, iphonesand cell phones with enough memory to save the complete Quran text on it. There are styluses (or pens), which can be used to scroll up and down within these gadgets. When the electronic gadget is off, the Arabic text will not be in direct contact with anything else and, therefore, cannot be disrespected.

Scholars have addressed some of the frequently asked questions regarding carrying the Quran:

(1) Mufti Ibrahim Desai, Darul Iftah, South Africa, has specified that it is permissible to carry the Quran while traveling. However, one must be careful about Wudhu (ablution). If it is difficult to perform Wudhu repeatedly while traveling, then care must be taken only to recite the Quran (from the Mushaf, computer or a digital form) and not directly touch the Quran.

(2) He has also advised to try to sit in the front seat, so that no one has his/her back to the Quran.

(3) Also, according to Islam-QA.com, the Mushaf can be put in one’s pocket, pants or other clothes while traveling, as long as it is protected against tearing or mishandling. Mufti Ibrahim, along with Faraz Rabbani (SunniPath.com), has emphasized that it is best to carry the Quran in one’s shirt or jacket pocket rather than in the pockets of pants, as it is more respectful and keeps the Quran elevated. For similar reasons, it is best to carry the Quran in hand-carry, rather than send it off in the baggage.

Whether it is a working professional commuting to and back from work, a mother dropping her children off and picking them up from school, or someone flying to another city or even country, we all spend a considerable time of our lives traveling. May Allah (swt) give us the opportunity to make the best use of our time and remain close to Him and His word, Ameen.