"RAMADAN"   

Ramadan - The Superiority of Fasting, Tasirul Islam

In The name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
 

All praises and thanks for Allah Karim only, and Peace, Prayers and Blessings upon our beloved Messenger (SWS), his family and Noble Companions.

"Fa Zakir, Inna Zikhrah Tinf'a Lili Mu'umineen" - " Remind, because the reminder it is useful to the believers". Surah Ad-Dhariyat - 51:55.

Insha-Allah let us take this great opportunity and benefit from it. This opportunity may not come in the next year. Allah Karim has blessed this month plentifully, with huge advantages and significant superiority and virtues over other months and it confers distinction on some

of the verses and sunnah.

O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).

Surah Al-Baqarah - 2:183

(Observing 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), 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. And that you fast is better for you if only you know.  Surah Al-Baqarah - 2:184

Messenger (SWS) said: "Whoever observes fasting in Ramadan with firm belief
and hope of reward, his past sins will be forgiven. Sahih Al-Bukhari.

Messenger (SAW) said: When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the Heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained. Sahih Al-Bukhari

Suhur - Meal before dawn

Messenger (SWS) said:  Take the Sahur (meal before dawn) for there is a blessing in it. Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Reading the The Glorious Qu’ran

The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present home at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one does not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbir (Allahu Akbar; Allah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.  Surah Al-Baqarah - 2:185.

(This is) a Book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember. 

Surah Sad - 38:29

Narrated Abdullah bin Masud (RA), "Messenger (SWS) directed me to recite the Qu'ran to him. I said, "O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite the Qu'ran to you, and it has been revealed to you? He replied, 'I like to hear it recited by others.' So I recited to him a portion from Surah An-Nisa - chapter 4. When I reached the verse: 'How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad [SWS]) as a witness
against these people? Surah An-Nisa - 4:41. He said, "This is enough for now.' When I

looked at his eyes were shedding tears."  Sahih Al-Bukhari.

It is recommended, when Qu'ran is recited, to be attentive and have an understanding and contemplating its useful meaning and follow it.

Islamic Manner

Messenger (SWS)said: Fasting is shield; so on a day of fasting, he should not indulge in offensive behavior or arguing; if anyone verbally abuses him or provokes him, he should say: I am fasting. Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Du’a - supplication

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way.  Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186

Aishah (RA) said, "I asked Allah's Messenger (SWS): 'O Messenger of Allah! If I realize the Night of Decree, what should I supplicate in it? He replied, you should supplicate:

"Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun, Tuhibbul-Afwa, Fa'fu Anni. Ameen! Transliteration

"O Allah! You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me."
Sahih Sunan At-Tirmidhi.

Allah's Messenger (SWS) said: "The supplication of a person upon breaking his fast, will not be rejected." Sahih Sunan Ibn Majah.

Du’a - supplication of breaking the fast

Allah’s Messenger (SAW) used to make Du’a when breaking his fast:

“Thahaba al’thama’u wa’btalet al’orooq wa thabata al’aju insha’Allah.”Transliteration

“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills.”

Abdullah ibn `Umar, used to make Du'a:

“Allaahumma inni as’aluka birahmatika al-lati wasi`at kulli shay’in an taghfirali” Transliteration

“O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy which envelopes all things, that  You forgive me.”

Laylatul Qadar - The Night Of Decree

The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months. (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months.  Surah Al-Qadr - 97:3

i.e. Odd-numbered nights are: 20,22,24,26,28 of Ramadan- after Maghrib - Fajr.

Narrated Aishah (RA), when the last ten nights (of Ramadan) began, Allah's Messenger (SWS) would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship." Sahih Muslim.

Narrated Aishah (RA), Allah's Messenger (SWS) used to strive more (in worship) during the last ten nights of Ramadan than he did during any other time." Sahih Muslim.

Messenger (SWS) said: "Whoever prays during the Night of Decree, with  firm belief and expecting reward for it, his previous sins are forgiven."

Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

As we can see, there are numerous features and merits of this blessed month, basically a tool and shield and it is useful means to protect against severe Hell-Fire. It is absolutely up to each one of us, how we are going to meet and attain this blessed month properly and correctly, for the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

September/October, 2005.