Why Hajj Umrah Pilgrims Get Lost in Makkah

Reasons why pilgrims get lost in Makkah

Old age, language problem, getting separated from group are some of the reasons why pilgrims get lost in the Grand Mosque and the central area around it. 

Makkah Arabic daily has put together a list of the top ten reasons. Usually, pilgrims try to find those who speak their language or police officers to ask for direction to their hotel. This becomes a real problem when a pilgrim is unable to communicate with authorities or when he or she is unaware of the name or location of his or her hotel.

“You also need to take into account the age of pilgrims and their social and cultural backgrounds,” said supervisor of Turkish pilgrims Ahmad Halabi, who stressed that the Saudi Ministry of Haj pays special attention to lost pilgrims and make sure that they reach their destination.

He cited a number of reasons and factors why pilgrims get lost, which include old age. Elderly pilgrims find it difficult to remember the doors through which they entered the Grand Mosque. “The Grand Mosque is big and the streets and roads around it are confusing. Some insist on leaving their hotels alone and refuse to stay with the group. That’s when most of the accidents happen,” Halabi said. Why Hajj Umrah Pilgrims Get Lost in Makkah

“Some pilgrims refuse to carry wrist bands, which contain their names and location,” he said.

The Makkah Municipality is working to develop an indicative map of Makkah and major important sites in the city, he said.

1. Old age

2. Language problem

3. Unfamiliarity with maps

4. Not knowing the name and location of accommodation

5. Not knowing the name of the office for pilgrim affairs

6. Unfamiliarity with the name of the street or neighborhood

7. Not paying attention to nearby landmarks

8. Ditching the group

9. Removing the wrist band

10. Going to the Grand Mosque from one road and leaving from another.

Source : http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/reasons-why-pilgrims-get-lost-in-makkah/

Why Hajj Umrah Pilgrims Get Lost in Makkah

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HOW TO DO UMRAH IN TAMIL

ஷஹீஹுல் புஹாரி நபிமொழித் தொகுப்பின் 26வது அத்தியாயம் “உம்ரா” வழிபாடு தொடர்பானதாகும். “உம்ரா” எனும் சொல்லுக்கு ‘சந்தித்தல்’ என்பது சொற்பொருளாகும். புனிதத் தலங்களைச் சந்திக்கும் வாய்ப்பு ‘உம்ரா’ வழிபாட்டில் கிடைப்பதால் அதற்கு இப்பெயர் வந்திருக்கலாம்.

புனித “கஅபா” சென்று அதைச் சுற்றி (தவாஃப்) வருதல், ஸஃபா – மர்வா மலைக்குன்றுகளுக்கிடையே ஓடுதல் (சயீ) ஆகிய கிரியைகளை நிறைவேற்றுவதே இஸ்லாமியர் வழக்கில் ‘உம்ரா’ எனப்படும். ஹஜ் வழிபாட்டிற்கு குறித்த காலம் உண்டு. “உம்ரா”வுக்கு குறிப்பிட்ட காலவரையறை கிடையாது. உம்ராவும் ஹஜ்ஜைப் போன்றே கட்டாயக் கடமைதான்; அதைச் செய்வதற்குச் சக்தியுள்ளோர் அதையும் செய்தாக வேண்டும் என்பது சில அறிஞர்களின் கருத்தாகும். வேறுசில அறிஞர்கள், உம்ரா கூடுதல் வழிபாடு (சுன்னா) தான்; கட்டாயமல்ல என்கிறார்கள்.

அல் குர்ஆனில், “அல்லாஹ்வுக்காக ஹஜ்ஜையும் உம்ராவையும் முழுமைப்படுத்துங்கள்” (2:196)

STEP BY STEP TO DO UMRAH IN TAMIL BRIEFLY

இங்கு  உம்ரா செய்ய தமிழ் மொழியில் விளக்கமாக கூறப்பட்டு உள்ளது 

1. மீக்காத் எல்லையில்  குளித்து  அல்லது ஓது(ஒழு) செய்து  இஹ்ராம் உடை  அணிதிகொள்வது கொள்வது மற்றும் உம்ரா நிய்யத்து செய்து கொள்வது. 

பிறகு இரண்டு ரகத் நபில்  தொழுந்து  கொள்வது 

உம்ரா நிய்யத்து தமிழில் Umrah niyyat in Tamil

2. கஃபதுல்லாவை  தவாப் செய்வது (7 முறை):

முதல் முறை கஃபதுல்லாஹ் பார்க்கும் பொழுது அதிகமாக துஆ செய்ய வேண்டும் . இந்த துஆ கபூல் ஆகுகிறது

3. ஸயீ   செய்வது

4. முழு தலையில் முடி வெட்டுதல்  (அல்லது) உங்கள் தலையைச் சிரைத்து (மொட்டை அடித்து கொள்வது)  (அல்லது) முழு தலையில் ஹேர்  (முடி) ட்ரிம் செய்து கொள்வது

இஹ்ராம் கட்டியவர் தவிர்க்க வேண்டியவை

இஹ்ராம் கட்டியவர் ஹஜ்ஜை முடிக்கும் வரை சில காரியங்களைத் தவிர்த்துக் கொள்வது அவசியம். 

1. இஹ்ராம் கட்டியவர் அந்த நிலையில் திருமண ஒப்பந்தம் செய்தல், திருமணம் சம்பந்தமான பேச்சுவார்த்தைகளில் ஈடுபடுதல் ஆகியவற்றைத் தவிர்க்க வேண்டியது அவசியம். மற்றவர்களுக்குத் திருமணம் செய்து வைக்கும் பொறுப்பையும் ஏற்றுக் கொள்ளக் கூடாது.

“இஹ்ராம் கட்டியவர் திருமணம் செய்யக்கூடாது. பிறருக்கு திருமணம் செய்து வைக்கவும் கூடாது. பெண் பேசவும் கூடாது” என்று நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் கூறினார்கள்.

அறிவிப்பவர் : உஸ்மான் பின் அஃப்பான் (ரலி)

நூல்கள்; : முஸ்லிம், அஹ்மத், அபுதாவுத், நஸயீ, இப்னுமாஜா.

2. மனைவியுடன் ஹஜ்ஜுக்குச் சென்றவர் இஹ்ராம் கட்டிய நிலையில் மனைவியுடன் கூடக்கூடாது.

“ஹஜ்ஜுக்குரிய காலம் குறிப்பிட்ட சில மாதங்களாகும். யாரேனும் அம்மாதங்களில் ஹஜ்ஜை தன் மீது கடமையாக்கிக் கொண்டால், ஹஜ்ஜின் போது உடலுறவு கொள்வது, கெட்ட வார்த்தைகள் பேசுவது, சச்சரவில் ஈடுபடுவது ஆகியவை கூடாது.”

அல்குர்ஆன் - 2 : 197 

இஹ்ராம் கட்டியவர் உடலுறவில் ஈடுபடக் கூடாது என்பதைக் கூறுவதுடன், வீணான விவாதங்கள், சண்டை சச்சரவுகளில் ஈடுபடுவதையும் இந்த வசனம் தடை செய்கின்றது. 

3. இஹ்ராம் கட்டியவர் எந்த உயிர்ப்பிராணியையும் கொல்லக்கூடாது; உண்பதற்காக வேட்டையாடக் கூடாது; தனக்காக வேட்டையாடுமாறு பிறரைத் தூண்டவும் கூடாது. 

“நம்பிக்கையாளர்களே! (நீங்கள் இஹ்ராம் கட்டிய நிலையில்) உங்கள் கைகளும் உங்கள் ஈட்டிகளும் சுலபமாக வேட்டையில் அடையக்கூடிய பொருளைக் கொண்டு நிச்சயமாக அல்லாஹ் உங்களைச் சோதிப்பான். ஏனென்றால், மறைவில் அல்லாஹ்வை அஞ்சி நடப்பவர்கள் யார் என்பதைத் தெளிவுபடுத்துவதற்காகத்தான் இதன் பின்னரும் எவர் வரம்பு மீறுகிறாரோ அவருக்கு நோவினை தரும் வேதனையுண்டு”. அல்குர்ஆன் - 5:94

“நம்பிக்கையாளர்களே! நீங்கள் இஹ்ராம் கட்டிய நிலையில் வேட்டைப் பிராணிகளைக் கொல்லாதீர்கள். உங்களில் யாரேனும் வேண்டுமென்றே அதைக் கொன்றால், (ஆடு, மாடு, ஒட்டகம் போன்ற) கால்நடைகளிலிருந்து அவர் கொன்றதற்குச் சமமான ஒன்றைப் பரிகாரமாகக் கொடுக்க வேண்டும். அதை உங்களில் நேர்மைமிக்க இருவர் முடிவு செய்யவேண்டும். அது கஃபாவை அடைய வேண்டிய பலிப்பிராணியாகும். அல்லது பரிகாரமாக ஏழைகளுக்கு உணவளிக்க வேண்டும். அல்லது தனது வினையின் பலனை அனுபவிப்பதற்காக அதற்குச் சமமான நோன்பு நோற்க வேண்டும். அல்குர்ஆன் - 5:95

“உங்களுக்கும் இதரபிராணிகளுக்கும் பயனளிக்கும் பொருட்டு (இஹ்ராம் கட்டியிருந்தாலும்) கடலில் வேட்டையாடுவதும், அதில் கிடைக்கும் உணவுப் பொருட்களும் ஹலாலாக ஆக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன. ஆனால் நீங்கள் இஹ்ராம் கட்டியிருக்கும் காலமெல்லாம் தரையில் வேட்டையாடுவது உங்களுக்கு ஹராமாக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது”. அல்குர்ஆன் - 5:96 

ஹஜ்ஜையும், உம்ராவையும் அல்லாஹ்வுக்காகப் பூர்த்தி செய்யுங்கள். அல்குர்ஆன் 2:196 

(இறை வணக்கத்திற்கென) மனிதர்களுக்காக வைக்கப் பெற்ற முதல் வீடு நிச்சயமாக பக்காவில் (மக்காவில்) உள்ளது தான்; அது பரக்கத்து (பாக்கியம்) மிக்கதாகவும், உலகமக்கள் யாவருக்கும் நேர்வழியாகவும் இருக்கிறது.

அமல்களில் சிறந்தது எது என்று நபி(ஸல்) அவர்களிடம் கேட்கப்பட்டது. அதற்கு நபி(ஸல்) அவர்கள் “அல்லாஹ்வையும் அவனது தூதரையும் நம்புவது” என்று விடையளித்தார்கள். “அதற்கு அடுத்தபடியாக எது?” என்று கேட்கப்பட்டது. “அல்லாஹ்வின் பாதையில் ஜிஹாத் செய்வது” என்றார்கள். “அதற்கு அடுத்தபடியாக எது?” என்று கேட்கப்பட்டது. அதற்கு நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் “ஒப்புக் கொள்ளப்பட்ட ஹஜ்” என்று விடையளித்தார்கள்.
அறிவிப்பவர் : அபூஹுரைரா (ரலி) நூல்கள் : புகாரி, முஸ்லிம், அஹ்மத்

“ஒரு உம்ராச் செய்துவிட்டு மற்றொரு உம்ராச் செய்வது அவ்விரண்டுக்கும் இடைப்பட்ட காலங்களில் ஏற்பட்ட பாவங்களுக்குப் பரிகாரமாகும். ஒப்புக்கொள்ளப்பட்ட ஹஜ்ஜுக்கு சுவர்க்கத்தை தவிர வேறு கூலி இல்லை.” என்று நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் கூறினார்கள்.
அறிவிப்பவர் : அபூஹுரைரா (ரலி) நூல்கள் : புகாரி, முஸ்லிம், அஹ்மத், நஸயீ, திர்மிதீ, இப்னுமாஜா.

ஒரு மனிதர் நபி (ஸல்) அவர்களிடம் வந்து “நான் பலவீனனாக இருக்கிறேன்” என்றார். அப்போது நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் “யுத்தமில்லாத ஜிஹாதுக்கு செல்வீராக! அதுதான் ஹஜ்” என்று கூறினார்கள்.
அறிவிப்பவர் : ஹஸன் பின் அலி (ரலி) நூல் : தப்ரானி

அல்லாஹ்வின் தூதரே! ஜிஹாத் செய்வதையே மிகச் சிறந்த செயலாக நீங்கள் கருதுகிறீர்கள். எனவே (பெண்களாகிய) நாங்களும் ஜிஹாத் செய்யலாமா? என்று கேட்டேன். அதற்கு நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் “பெண்களாகிய உங்களுக்கு சிறந்த ஜிஹாத் ஒப்புக் கொள்ளப்பட்ட ஹஜ்;” என்று கூறினார்கள்.
அறிவிப்பவர்; : ஆயிஷா (ரலி) நூல்கள் : புகாரி, முஸ்லிம்

ஹஜ் செய்பவர், உம்ராச் செய்பவர், போரில் ஈடுபட்டவர் ஆகிய மூவர் அல்லாஹ்வின் விருந்தினராவர் என்பது நபிமொழி. அறிவிப்பவர் : அபூஹுரைரா (ரலி) நூல்கள் : இப்னுஹிப்பான், இப்னுமாஜா

ஹஜ் செய்பவர்களும் உம்ராச் செய்பவர்களும் அல்லாஹ்வின் விருந்தினராவர். அவர்கள் அவனிடம் கேட்டால் அவர்களுக்கு அவன் கொடுக்கிறான். அவர்கள் பாவமன்னிப்புக் கேட்டால் அவர்களை மன்னிக்கிறான் என்பதும் நபிமொழி. அறிவிப்பவர் : அபூஹுரைரா (ரலி) நூல்கள் : நஸயீ, இப்னுமாஜா

இன்னும் இது போன்ற ஏராளமான ஹதீஸ்கள் ஹஜ் செய்வதன் சிறப்பையும் அதனால் கிடைக்கும் பயன்களையும் அறிவிக்கின்றன. அனைத்துப் பாவங்களும் மன்னிக்கப்படுவதும், கேட்டவையாவும் கிடைப்பதும், மறுமையில் சுவனத்தைப் பரிசாக அடைவதும் உண்மை முஸ்லிம்களுக்குச் சாதாரண விஷயம் இல்லை.

HOW TO DO UMRAH IN TAMIL

தல்பியாவின் வாசகம் வருமாறு:

நபி (ஸல்) அவர்கள் துல்ஹுலைபா என்ற இடத்திலமைந்த பள்ளிக்கருகில் அவர்களின் வாகனம் எழுந்து நின்றதும், அதன் மேல் அமர்ந்து “அல்லாஹும்ம லப்பைக், லப்பைக், லாஷரீக லக லப்பைக், இன்னல்ஹம்த வன்னிஃமத லக, வல்முல்க், லாஷரீக லக” என்று கூறினார்கள்.
அறிவிப்பவர் : இப்னு உமர் (ரலி) நூல்கள்: புகாரி, முஸ்லிம், அஹ்மத்.


பொருள்: வந்துவிட்டேன். இறைவா! உன்னிடமே வந்துவிட்டேன். உன்னிடமே வந்து விட்டேன். உனக்கு யாதொரு இணையுமில்லை. உன்னிடமே வந்துவிட்டேன் நிச்சயமாக புகழும் அருட்பாக்கியங்களும் ஆட்சியும் உனக்கே உரியன. உனக்கு யாதொரு இணையுமில்லை.

இந்த பகுதியில்  தவறு அல்லது பிழை  இருந்தால்  இந்த ஈமெயில் அணுகவும் amdileeyas@gmail.com  பிறகு சரி பார்த்து  திருத்த படும்.

 அல்லாஹ் உங்களது இந்த உம்ராப் பயணமத்தை கபூல் செய்வானாக , அமீன் ரப்பில் ஆலமீன். உங்களுடைய துஆவில் இந்த அடியானுக்கும்  துஆ செய்விராக.

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Biography of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Biography of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was pledged allegiance as the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 3, Rabi II, 1436H corresponding to 23, January, 2015. King Salman spent more than two and half years as the Crown Prince and Deputy Premier due to the Royal order issued on 18, June, 2012 and remained in his post as the Defense Minister based on the Royal order issued 5, November, 2011. King Salman served as Governor of Riyadh Region for more than 50 years.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born on 15, Shawwal, 1354H corresponding to 31, December, 1935 in Riyadh. He is the 25th son of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's founder late King Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud grew up with his brothers at the Royal Palace in Riyadh where he accompanied his father in official meetings with the Kings and presidents of the world.

Education

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud started his early education at the school of princes in Riyadh where he learned the religious lessons and modern sciences. King Salman finished memorization of the Holy Quran at the age of ten while he was attending the lessons delivered by Sheikh Abdullah Khayat, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque. 

King Salman bin Abdulaziz has expressed his interest in sciences and later, he received numerous honorary academic certificates and awards, including:
- Honorary Doctorate from Islamic University in Madina.
- Honorary Doctorate of Literature from Umm Al Qura University in Makkah.
- Honorary Doctorate from Milia Islamia University in Delhi in recognition for his humanitarian efforts and charitable commitment to support education and his distinctiveness as a statesman.
- Honorary doctorate in law from Waseda University in Japan, in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the Kingdom and the world.
- "Kent" Medal for Sciences and Humanities, from Berlin-Brandenburg Academy in recognition of his contributions to science.

Governor of Riyadh

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz was appointed as the Governor of Riyadh Region, which is one of the biggest regions and capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in an important phase of this city’s history. King Salman was appointed as Acting Governor of Riyadh Region at age of 19 on 11, Rajab, 1373 corresponding to 16, March, 1954. After a year, he was appointed as the Governor of Riyadh Region at the rank of minister on 25, Sha'ban, 1374 corresponding to 18, April, 1955. At Government Palace in Riyadh, King Salman practiced his duties as the Governor of Riyadh Region.

King Salman has served as the Governor of Riyadh Region for more than five decades where he supervised the big transfer of Riyadh from a mid-sized town with a population of 200,000 people into one of the fastest growing capital in the Arab World with more than 5,000,000 people. King Salman faced many challenges in supporting development and growth march, but he proved with his high competence to carry out achievements and initiatives where the Saudi capital becomes today one of the richest cities in the region and regional center for travel and trade.

During King Salman’s period as the Governor of Riyadh Region, Riyadh witnessed many achievements in the infrastructure projects, including highways, schools, hospitals, universities, museums, sports stadiums and preparation of Riyadh Metro project. Riyadh included many prominent architectural landmarks.

Minister of Defense

On November, 2011, Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz was appointed as Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which includes land, air and naval forces and air defense. During his era, the Ministry of Defense witnessed an inclusive development in the whole sectors of the Ministry in training and arming. He also successfully supervised the largest military drill in the history of the Saudi armed forces (Abdullah Sword).

Other Posts, Contributions

In addition to his post as the Governor of Riyadh Region, King Salman bin Abdulaziz assumed many important posts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including:

• Chairman of High Commission for the Development of Riyadh.

• Chairman of High Commission for the Development of Al-Diriyah.

• President of Council of Trustees of King Fahad National Library.

• Chairman of King Abdulaziz Foundation.

• Secretary General of King Abdulaziz Islamic Foundation.

• Honorary President of Prince Salman Social Center.

• Chairman of the Board of Directors of Riyadh Charitable Foundation for Science, including Prince Sultan University and Prince Salman Science Oasis.

• Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Friends Committee of Patients in Riyadh.

• Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abdulaziz bin Baz Charity.

• Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abdulaziz bin Baz Charity.

• Chairman of the Board of Directors of Prince Salman Charitable Housing.

• Chairman of the Board of Directors of Charitable Society for Orphans in Riyadh Region.

Charitable Works

King Salman is well- known for his charitable works and efforts. He is the President of the Assembly of Prince Salman Center for Disability Research, Honorary President of the Assembly of Prince Fahd bin Salman for Patients with Kidney Failure, Honorary President of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation and many other associations.

Since 1956, King Salman assumed the presidency of many humanitarian and service committees which took over the relief and aid responsibilities of supporting many of the stricken regions around the world, whether the regions affected by war or natural disasters. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz won many medals due to his humanitarian efforts from Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Morocco, Palestine, Philippine, Senegal, United Nations and Yemen.

Associations and Organizations Abroard Activities Chaired by King Salman:

• Chairman of the Committee to donate to the victims of Suez in 1956.

• Head of the Main Committee to Collect Funds for Algeria in 1956.

• Chairman of the People's Committee to Help the Families of the Martyrs of Jordan in 1967.

• Chairman of the People's Committee to Help the Palestinian People.

• Chairman of the People's Committee for the Relief of the Victims of Pakistan in 1973.

• Chairman of the People's Committee to support the War Effort in Egypt in 1973.

• Chairman of the People's Committee to Support the War Effort in Syria in 1973.

• Chairman of the Committee for the Relief of Local Victims of the Floods in Sudan in 1988.

• Chairman of the Local Committee to Provide Aid and Shelter to Kuwaiti Nationals Following the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

• Chairman of the Local Committee to Receive Donations for Those Affected by Floods in Bangladesh in 1991.

• Chairman of the High Commission to Collect Donations for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992.

• Chairman of the Kingdom's Exhibition between Yesterday and Today which is Held in a Number of Arab and European Countries, the United States and Canada during the period in 1985/1992.

• Chairman of the Supreme Committee to Collect Funds for Al-Quds Uprising in Riyadh in 2000.

Medals

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Holds King Abdulaziz Scarf of the First Class which is considered the highest medal in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also won many medals such as:

• A medal on the occasion of two thousand years after establishing the city of Paris awarded him the medal by President Jacques Chirac in

• Paris in 1985.

• A medal of intellectual efficiency, where he was decorated by the King of Morocco Hassan II in Casablanca in 1989.

• Award of Disabled Children Association in the Kingdom Saudi Arabia for the humanitarian service.

• Golden medal of Bosnia and Herzegovina for his support and his efforts to liberate Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• The Bosnian medal for Islamic benevolence of the first class for his effort in supporting Islam and Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• The United Nations shield to reduce the effects of poverty in the world.

• Al-Quds Star medal in appreciation to his extraordinary works which stress the sacrifice and courage in serving the Palestinian people.

• Sktona Medal which is Considered the highest decoration in the Republic of the Philippines in appreciation of his active contributions in the humanitarian activities and supporting the charitable associations in addition to his efforts in upgrading and improving the definition of the Islamic Culture.

• The Greatest and highest medal in the Republic of Senegal.

• Baden Powell Fellowship granted by King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf.

• Bahrain award for humanitarian work for the Gulf Cooperation Council.

• Award of the International Special Olympics in Middle East and North Africa which is considered the highest award for his efforts in serving disabled people in the Kingdom and encouraging scientific research in disability field.

Source : http://www.spa.gov.sa/king-cv.en.php

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About Islamic Ramadan Fasting

Fasting is an act of worship (ibadat). It is one of the Fundamental Principles (Pillars) of Islam.

WHY DO MUSLIMS FAST?



The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one's inner self.
 It's seen as a way to physically and spiritually purify, refraining from habits such as smoking and caffeine. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry. Many spend more time at mosques during Ramadan and use their downtime to recite the Quran.
 London's new Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, wrote in the Guardian that he plans to use Ramadan to "build bridges" and break bread with Muslims and non-Muslims around the city at synagogues, churches and mosques, though he acknowledged that 19-hour-long fasts during the longer summer days in Europe and forgoing coffee will be challenging.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and performing Haj.


“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), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast 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 for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” (Qur’an, 2:185).

O you, who believe. Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (Fasting) 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, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.” (Qur’an, 2:183-84)

Hadiths on Ramadan Fasting

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it.” (Bukhari)

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” (Muslim). 

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness (Darimi).

When to start fasting

Ibn Umar related that the Prophet said: “Do not start fasting unless you see the new moon, and do not end fasting until you see it. If the weather is cloudy then calculate when it should appear.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Suhoor (pre-dawn meal)

Anas related that the Prophet said: “Take the suhoor meal, for there is blessing in it.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Breaking your fast

Salman ibn Amir Dhabi related that the Prophet said: “Break your fast with dates, or else with water, for it is pure.” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)

During journey

Aisha related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked whether one should fast when on a journey, and he replied: “Fast if you like, or postpone it if you like.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Behavior while fasting

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during Siyam, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Hazrat Sahl bin Saad (May Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, "Where are those who observe fasting?'' So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.''

[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 120]

Thanks to Allah the Almighty who blesses us opportunities every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every month & every year to understand the purpose of our creation, that is to worship Him, live the way He want us to do so & to please Him. This year as well, we are going to be blessed with, Inshallah, with such noble days of the year which every Muslim around the corners of the globe is waiting for. Every obligatory Namaz will be rewarded 70 times more, every Nawafil will be rewarded as the Fard, every deed will be rewarded 70 times more. And this opportunity is to please Allah, The Almighty. Lets not forget our brothers and sisters in this Ramadan who need our help. Lets share our Zakat/Charity/Fitra/Fidya to the needy this Ramadan.

The Holy Quran states at 76:8-9: "(The righteous are those) who feed the poor, the orphan and the captive for the love of God, saying: 'We feed you for the sake of God alone; we seek from you neither reward nor thanks.'" 

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: `Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.' Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: `I am fasting.' By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Prophet (SAWS) said, Ramadan is an honorable and blessed month and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it. The best charity is that given in Ramadan - [Al-Tirmidhi].

HOW DO MUSLIMS FAST?


Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk for the entire month of Ramadan. A single sip of water or a puff of a cigarette is enough to invalidate the fast.
However, Muslim scholars say it's not enough to just avoid food and drinks during the day. Ramadan is also an exercise in self-restraint. Muslims are encouraged to avoid gossip and arguments. Sexual intercourse between spouses is also forbidden during the daytime fast.
Just before the fast, Muslims have a pre-dawn meal of power foods to get them through the day, the "suhoor." Egyptians eat mashed fava beans called "ful," spiced with cumin and olive oil, while in Lebanon and Syria, popular suhoor food is flatbread with thyme, cheese or yogurt. In Afghanistan, people eat dates and dumplings stuffed with potato and leeks, first steamed, then fried.


HOW DO MUSLIMS BREAK THEIR FAST ?


Muslims traditionally break their fast like Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did some 1,400 years ago, with a sip of water and some dates at sunset. That first sip of water is the most anticipated moment of the day.
After sunset prayers, a large feast known as "iftar" is shared with family and friends. Iftar is a social event as much as it is a gastronomical adventure. Across the Arab world, apricot juices are an iftar staple. In South Asia and Turkey, yogurt-based drinks are popular. 
Every night of Ramadan, mosques and aid organizations set up tents and tables for the public to have free iftar meals.

CAN MUSLIMS BE EXEMPTED FROM FASTING ?


Yes. There are exceptions for children, the elderly, those who are ill, women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating, and people traveling, which can include athletes during tournaments.
 Many Muslims, particularly those living in the United States and Europe, are accepting and welcoming of others around them who aren't observing Ramadan. 
However, non-Muslims or adult Muslims who eat in public during the day can be fined or even jailed in some Mideast countries.

In many predominantly Muslim countries like Indonesia, karaoke bars and nightclubs are closed across much of the country for the month. Restaurants there use curtains to conceal customers who eat during the day.
 And in Egypt, the Dar Al-Ifta, which is the main authority in charge of issuing religious edits, on Monday warned against eating in public, saying this is not an act of "personal freedom, but chaos — an assault on Islam."
 In China, minority Uighur Muslims complain of heavy restrictions by the Communist Party, such as bans on fasting by party members, civil servants, teachers and students during Ramadan, as well as generally enforced bans on children attending mosques, women wearing veils and young men growing beards.

WHAT ARE SOME RAMADAN TRADITIONS?


Typically, the start of the month is welcomed with the greeting of "Ramadan kareem!" Another hallmark of Ramadan is nightly prayer at the mosque among Muslims called "taraweeh. "
Egyptians have the tradition of Ramadan lanterns called the "fanoos," often the centerpiece at an iftar table or seen hanging in window shops and from balconies. In the Arabian Gulf countries, wealthy families hold "majlis" where they open their doors for people to pass by all hours of the night for food, tea, coffee and conversation.
 Increasingly common are Ramadan tents in five-star hotels that offer lavish and pricey meals from sunset to sunrise. While Ramadan is a boon for retailers in the Middle East and South Asia, critics say the holy month is increasingly becoming commercialized. Scholars have also been disturbed by the proliferation of evening television shows during Ramadan. In Pakistan, live game shows give away gifts promoting their sponsors. In the Arab world, month-long soap operas starring Egypt's top actors, rake in millions of dollars in advertising.



HOW DO MUSLIMS MARK THE END OF RAMADAN?


The end of Ramadan is marked by intense worship as Muslims seek to have their prayers answered during "Laylat al-Qadr" or "the Night of Destiny." It is on this night, which falls during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, that Muslims believe that God sent the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad and revealed the first versus of the Quran. 
The end of Ramadan is celebrated by a three-day holiday called Eid Al-Fitr. Children often receive new clothes, gifts and cash.
 Muslims attend early morning Eid prayers the day after Ramadan. Families usually spend the day at parks and eating — now during the day.

To visit the Holy Lands in Saudi Arabia in the month of Ramadhān is praiseworthy. 

 The Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam said, “Umrah in Ramadhan is equivalent to Hajj (in reward).” (Ibn Hibbān)

Allah Subhana wa Ta’Ala says:”Oh you who believe fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may attain Taqwa (God-Fearing).”

 Allah Subhana wa Ta’Ala says Oh you who believe. This is a general command for everyone  who are Believers in Islam. The command is that they should fast.(Mariful Quran – Maktaba-eDarul-Uloom; pg. 454)

Every well awaited thing is valued and appreciated. By nature, man does not appreciate and value divine favors, because it comes his way without any effort from his side. First and foremost, we should turn our gaze and ask Allah Ta’ala to grant us the opportunity to witness the great and auspicious month of Ramadān. Secondly, we should make a firm intention to reform our lives and make this Ramadān a turning point in our lives.

Preparation for Ramadān

The month of Sha’bān is a stepping stone to Ramadān. The prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) should not fast in any other month besides Ramadān as much as he should fast during Sha’bān. In order for us to prosper spiritually, we need to remove the evil element of sin totally from our lives. If there is a hole at the bottom of a bucket, it will never get filled. Similarly, if we do not abandon sins from our lives, we will never reach the heights of spiritual success irrespective of the amount of good we do.

The Holy Qurān

The Qurān was revealed during the month of Ramadān, hence, there is a special connection between Ramadān and the Holy Qurān. We should remove our Qurāns from the shelf and start reciting the Qurān. In this way, we will connect ourselves with Allah and develop the habit of reciting the Qurān. For every letter of the Qurān a person recites, Allah Ta’ala will grant him ten rewards. Imagine the reward he will receive for reciting a complete Surah or a Juz of the Qurān. If we can start reciting Qurān now, it will not be difficult for us to find time to recite Qurān in Ramadān, infact we will be able to increase the amount we were reciting before Ramadān.

Sighting the Moon

Ramadān commences after the crescent of Ramadān is sighted. The Dua to recite when looking at the crescent is:

اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِاليُمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ ، وَالسَّلاَمَةِ وَالإِسْلاَمِ ، وَالتَّوْفِيقِ لِمَا تُحِبّ وتَرْضَى ،رَبِّي وربُّك الله

O Allah! Let this new moon appear to us with prosperity, faith, safety, and Islām and with hope of success to do deeds which you would like and approve of. My lord and your lord (O moon) is Allah.

(Sunun Tirmizi, Vol.2, Pg.183, HM Saeed)

Dua at the approach of Ramadān

Ubādah bin Sāmit (radiyallahu anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) used to teach the Sahābah (radiyallahu anhum)the following Dua at the approach of the blessed moth of Ramadān:

اللّهُمّ سَلِّمْنِي لِرَمَضَانَ وَسَلِّمْ رَمَضَانَ لِي وَسَلِّمْهُ لِي مُتَقَبَّلاً

O Allah! Protect me for observing (the fast of) Ramadān, make the month of Ramadān clear for me and protect me from sins so that my acts of worship are accepted.

(Kanzul Ummāl, Vol.8, Pg.584)

Fasting (Saum)

Fasting refers to abstention from eating, drinking, and conjugal rights whilst having made the intention to fast that day. The fasting day commences at Subhus Sādiq (approximately 90 minutes before sunrise) and ends at sunset.

Fasting during the month of Ramadān is compulsory upon every Muslim who is sane, mature, healthy and a resident (not a traveler).

Purpose of Fasting

Almighty Allah says:

“O you who believe, Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you practice self-restraint” (2:183).

The very essence of fasting is to inculcate the quality of Taqwa and to suppress our desires. If we are able to abstain from lawful things whilst fasting, all the more easy it will be to abstain from unlawful things during and after Ramadān. Care should be taken to protect one’s eyes, ears and speech from all types of Harām and unlawful things.

Virtues of fasting

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:

“Every good deed of the child of Adam is increased (in reward) from ten to 700 times”. And Almighty Allah says: “Except fasting, for verily it is for me and I will reward it. The fasting person abstains from desire and food for my sake”

(Sunan Ibn Mājah, Pg.119, Dārul Qurān wal Hadith)

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned:

“Whoever fasts in Ramadān with Imān and hoping for reward from Allah, all his past sins will be forgiven”.

(Mishkāt, Vol.1, Pg.173, Deoband)

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned:

There are two occasions of joy for a fasting person, a) pleasure at the time of breaking the fast and b) at the time when mhe will meet his Rabb.

(Sunun Tirmizi, Vol.1, Pg.159, HM Saeed)

Virtues of Ramadān

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned:

“Whoever does any good in Ramadān, he will get the reward of doing a Fard act out of the month of Ramadān and whoever does a fard act in Ramadān, he will get the reward of doing 70 Fard acts.

 (Mishkāt,Vol.1, Pg.173, Deoband)

This is a privilege exclusive to the month of Ramadān. We should firstly fulfil all our fard duties and do as many voluntary acts as possible and draw maximum from the Month of Ramadān.

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned:

“and it (Ramadān) is such a month, the first ten days are the days of mercy, the middle ten days are the days of forgiveness and the last ten days are the days in which many are emancipated from the fire of Jahannam”.

(Mishkāt, Vol.1, Pg.173, Deoband)

Tarāweeh Salāh

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) mentioned:

“Whoever stands in Ramadān (i.e. Tarāweeh) with Imān and hoping for reward from Allah, all his past sins will be forgiven”.

(Sunun Tirmizi, Vol.1, Pg.167, HM Saeed)

It is Sunnah Muakkadah for Males and females to perform 20 Rakāts of Tarāweeh Salāh. A person will be sinful for omitting it.

Laylatul Qadr

Hazrat Salmān (radiyallahu anhu) narrates that during the last day of Sha’bān, Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) addressed the Sahabah (radiyallahu anhum): “O people, an auspicious month has dawned over you. A month in which there is one night which is more superior than a thousand months i.e. ibādat in this night is superior to the ibādah rendered in a thousand months”.

(Mishkāt, Vol.1, Pg.173, Deoband)

It is the wisdom of Allah, that the exact night of Laylatul Qadr is unknown. In this manner we will spend many more nights in Ibādah (worship) searching for this auspicious night. If the exact night was known, we would only spend one night Ibādah and there will be no hope for those who missed that night.

I’tikāf

Hadhrat Ali bin Husain (rahimahullah) narrates from his father that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:

“He who observes the ten days of I’tikāf during Ramadān will attain the reward of two Hajj and two Umrah”.

(Tabrāni)

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbass (radiyallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:

“Whoever for Allah’s sake sat for one day in I’tikāf, Allh will keep him away from Jahannam by trenches”.

(Baihaqi)

A person who intends sitting for Sunnah I’tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadān should enter the Musjid before sunset on the 20^th Ramadān and only leave after the moon for Eid has been sighted. During I’tikāf, a person may only exit the Musjid to answer to the call of nature, Fard Ghusal and to make wudhu. If he leaves the musjid boundaries without a valid reason, his Sunnah I’tikāf will terminate and he will have to make Qadha of one days I’tikāf (24 hours) in the state of fasting (during the day) in or after Ramadān.

How to terminate the month of Ramadān

Indeed the value of Ramadān only comes to the fore once the month has terminated or will only be realized on the day of Qiyāmah. We should beg Allah Ta’ala to accept the little Ibādah we have done in Ramadān, for that act which is accepted by Allah holds lots of merit and significance.

Hadhrat Abu Umāmah (radiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:

“Whosoever observes the two nights of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adhā with worship and devotion, his heart will be alive on the day of Qiyāmah”.

(Sunan Ibn Mājah, Pg.128, Dārul Qurān wal Hadith)

Sadaqatul Fitr

Sadaqatul Fitr is Wājib on the following persons: a) that person upon whom Zakāt is compulsory,

b) that person upon whom Zakāt is not wājib but has wealth equal to the nisāb of Zakāt over and above his basic needs. This is irrespective whether the wealth is for the purpose of trade or not and irrespective whether he had it in his possession for a complete year or not. This Sadaqah has to be paid on or before the day of Eid. If he does not discharge his Sadaqatul Fitr, it will remain as a debt on him and will have to be discharged.

Hadhrat Ibn Abbās (radiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) decreed the Sadaqatul Fitr to purify the fasts of vain talk and as a provision for the needy. Whoever discharges it before the Eid Salāh, it will be accepted and whoever discharges it after the Eid Salāh, it will be regarded as general charity.

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol.1, Pg.227, HM Saeed)

6 Fast of Shawwal

Hadhrat Abu Ayub (radiyallahu anhu) reportes that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:

“Anyone who has kept the fasts of Ramadān and follows them up with six (optional) fast of Shawwal then (he will get the reward for the fast of a whole year, but if he does that always) it is as if he fasted all his life.

(Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol.1, Pg330, HM Saeed)

Hadhrat Saubān (radiyallahu anhu) reportes that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:

”Joining six days of the fasts of Shawwal is equal to the fast of the whole year. Each good act is equal to ten such acts”.

(Sunan Ibn Mājah, Pg.124, Dārul Qurān wal Hadith)

The reward of each good deed is multiplied at least ten times. Therefore, thirty days of fast in Ramadān equals three hundred days and the six fast of Shawwal equal sixty. Thus, totaling to three hundred and sixty days, which is the total amount of days in a lunar year.

Can I use a miswaak while fasting?

It is sunnah to make miswak while fasting. However, it is makrooh (disliked) to use flavored miswak that has artificial taste added to it.  (Aap Kay Masail, Vol.10, Pg.36, Maktabah Ludhyanwi)

There are a number of factors that nullify the fast, including:

1)      If someone ate, drank or smoked

2)      If one vomited intentionally and it amounted to a mouthful

3)      Inhaling smoke

4)      Having sexual intercourse

5)      Taking an enema (medication) or pouring oil into the ears

6)      If one has bleeding gums and the blood mixes with the saliva, then if the blood is tasted in the saliva or is more than the saliva, the Fast will break.

7) Smoking breaks one’s fast.

8) It is makrūh to use toothpaste whilst fasting. If per chance the toothpaste goes down the throat, it will invalidate the fast. One may use the siwāk to brush the teeth.

If any of the above is done forgetfully, then the fast will not break. However, if it is done intentionally or mistakenly, then the fast will break.

The times when Dua’s are most accepted during Ramadan are:

1. The third portion of the night shortly before sehri ends, 2. Whilst fasting, 3. Between Asr & Maghrib, 4. Just before fast opens, 5. On Jumma before & after khutba, 6. Between Adhan & Iqamah, 7. Whilst raining, 8. After Qur’an recitation, 9. The Night of Qadr

Let us not be of those who pass by Ramadan without gaining any forgiveness:

Rasullullah (sallahu’ ‘alaihi wasallam) said: …the angel Jibra’il appeared before me and said: Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness…’ Upon that I said: ‘Amin.’ (Al-Bukhari, Al-Tabrani)

We should ask of Allah to accept all of our good deeds & efforts throughout Ramadan & be hopeful that Allah will accept it from us. We should also have FULL hope that Allah will accept our Dua’s if not in this world then in the hereafter. We should accept his decree for he knows best in all matters.

Narrated ‘Ubaadah that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for EACH believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarrani)

Subhanallah this deed can be done in EVERY dua and can you imagine how many rewards can be gained for each and every Muslim you make dua for from Adam alayhis ‘salam until now and the last Muslim on earth. This is the easiest way to earn rewards that go into the billions and the more you make these dua’s then the more your good deed account wil get filled!

Every night in the last ten nights the following dua should be recited abundantly:

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallim):: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said: ‘Say:

“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee”

O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’ ” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

Question and Answers About Ramadan Fasting ?

The Question and Answers about Ramadan prepared by Mufti Ebrahim Desai shab, 

Q: To whom does the Ayat of fasting apply?

A: Fasting is an act of worship (ibadat). It is one of the Fundamental Principles (Pillars) of Islam. Allah says:”Oh you who believe fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may attain Taqwa (God-Fearing).”Allah says Oh you who believe. This is a general command for everyone who is Believers in Islam.

Q: Does a minor child have to fast?

A: Fasting is not obligatory on a minor. A minor is he who is not physically matured (Baaligh) in the case of a male and in the case of a female, she has not attained puberty. However, if by the age of 15 lunar years, the male or female did not become baaligh, they will be regarded as adults and have to fast and fulfil all obligations of Shariah.

Q: Does a sick person have to fast?

A: A sick person is exempted from fasting altogether if there is genuine reason to believe that the current illness will intensify by fasting or that he will suffer another illness on result of fasting or that his recovery will be prolonged due to fasting.

Q: Can a traveller omit fasting?

A: A Shar’ī musāfir (traveller) who embarked on his journey prior to dawn is permitted to omit the fast of that day.  As long as he is a Shar’ī musāfir, he may omit fasting.

Q: What about travelling during the day?

A: If a person embarked on a journey during the day after Subh Sadiq, he/she will have to fast that day.

Q: Will the application of eye drops break the fast?

A: Using eyedrops will not break the fast.

Q: Can ear drops be used?

A: If a person’s eardrum is imperforated, he may use ear drops.  If someone has perforated ear drums, it will not be permissible to use ear drops.

Q: Can we use insulin injections whilst fasting?

A: It is permissible to use insulin injections.  Injections do not break a fast.

Q: Will a nasal spray break the fast?

A: Yes, a nasal spray will break the fast.

Q: It is not permissible to use mouthwash whilst fasting.

 A: Can mouthwash be used whilst fasting?

Q: Is it permissible to brush teeth and use toothpaste?

A: It is not permissible to use toothpaste whilst fasting.  One may brush teeth, use a miswak and a tongue scraper. 

Q: Can an addicted smoker smoke whilst fasting?

A: It is not permissible to smoke whilst fasting.  Smoking will result in Qadhā and Kaffārah.  A smoker may use a transdermal nicotine patch.

Q: What is the ruling for using suppositories?

A: Insertion of suppositories up the rear passage will invalidate the fast.

Q: I forgetfully ate whilst fasting?

A: If one was totally unaware that he was fasting, the fast will not be broken regardless of what was consumed.

Q: By mistake I swallowed water whilst doing wudhu?

A: By doing an act mistakenly will break one’s fast.  However, only Qadhā will be necessary.

Q: What if a person must break the fast due to an asthma attack?

A: If a person suffers from an illness or has an asthma attack and there is no option but to have medicine or an inhaler, it will be permissible to break the fast.  However, he will have to do Qadhā.

Q: I engaged in intercourse with my spouse?

A: Intercourse will invalidate the fast and will make Qadhā and Kaffārah compulsory.

Q: I had a wet dream whilst fasting.  Is my fast broken?

A: A wet dream will not invalidate the fast.

Q: What is the Kaffārah?

A: A Kaffārah is expiation for a violation.  It is fasting for 60 days consecutively without any interruption for those capable of fasting.  If one cannot fast, he will have to give monetary Kaffarah. 

Q: When will Kaffārah be binding?

A: Kaffarah becomes binding if one deliberately breaks his fast by eating or drinking or having intercourse. 

Q: Can a sick person pay fidyah instead of fasting?

A: A person who cannot fast due a chronic or terminal illness may give fidyah.  As long as a person’s condition remains such that they cannot fast, they will keep giving fidyah for each fast.

If there is improvement to such a degree that they can fast, they will have to do Qadhā of all the previous fasts.  The value of fidya is the same as that of sadaqah al-fitr which is presently R18 for the people in South Africa. 

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

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