A VALUABLE GUIDE ON
HOW TO make the most of
Ramadan
in the light of Al-Qur’an and authentic Hadith
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed
to you as it was prescribed to those
before you, so that you may learn
self-restraint”(Al-Qur’an 2:183)
FOREWARD
In the name of Allah, the Beneficient, the Merciful
All praise is due to Allah (SWT), the Almighty. We all praise Him, seek His Help, and ask His Forgiveness. We seek refuge with Him from the evil of our souls, and from our sinful deeds. He whom Allah (SWT) guides, no one can misguide him, and whoever Allah (SWT) misguides, no one can guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah (SWT), and I bear witness that Muhammad (SAW) is truly His servant and Messenger.
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FASTING IN RAMADAN
Ramadan (Sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam. In this month, Allah Subhana Wa Taala (SWT) has made compulsory that the fasting should be observed by day, and he has made the ‘Taraweeh’ by night a ‘Sunnah’. Fasting is to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and conjugal relations during the daylight hours.
Prophet Muhammad Sallahu alaihi wasalam (SAW) said that “Allah (SWT), the Majestic and the Exalted, said: All actions a human being does are for himself except fasting. It is done for My sake, and I will give a reward for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied 10 times”.
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Fasting earns great reward as clearly stated in the above Hadith. When Allah rewards an action as purely His, then the reward is limitless. Whoever performs any virtuous deed in this month shall be rewarded as if he has performed a ‘Fardh’ (obligatory performance) in any other time of the year. Whosoever performs a ‘Fardh’, for him shall be the reward of seventy ‘Fardh’ in any other time of the year.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, ”There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasting will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it”.
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Ramadan is an annual training programme to refresh us for carrying out our duties towards Allah (SWT). Fasting develops self-control and helps us to overcome selfishness, greed, laziness and other faults. This month of patience gives us an opportunity to experience for ourselves what it is like to have an empty stomach. This develops our feeling for the poor and hungry people. Fasting teaches us to control the love of comfort. If difficulty is experienced in fasting, one should bear it cheerfully and not complain. Should we feel fatigued at the time of Taraweeh, this too should be borne with fortitude.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of mercy are opened and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained”. (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
In this month, the rebellious ‘Shayateen’ (Satans) are chained, so as not to provoke those evils which they normally do during months other than Ramadan. A question may arise here that, when the ‘Shayateen’ are chained, how it is that we still do see evil committed? The reply is that evil may not necessarily be caused by the rebellious ‘Shayateen’. People have for eleven months lived in obedience to ‘Shayateen’ whims and wishes, and so performing evil deeds instigated by them becomes second nature. Consequently, evil is being done in and out of Ramadan.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Every servant of Allah (SWT) who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah (SWT), Allah (SWT) would remove, because of this day, his face farther from the Fire of Hell to the extent of seventy years' distance”. (Sahih Muslim)
Fasting is the way to piety and the fear of God. Fasting narrows the food and blood arteries. They are known to be canals of the devils, hence fasting reduces their insinuation. It further weakens carnal desires, thoughts and temptations of disobedience.
Fasting enhances bodily health. It gets rid of contaminated matter, eases the stomach, purifies the blood, eases the working of the heart, brightens the spirit, refines the soul and disciplines the character. When an individual fasts, his soul is humbled and his carnal desires are dispelled.
ETIQUETTES OF RAMADAN
In this month, the rebellious ‘Shayateen’ (Satans) are chained, so as not to provoke those evils which they normally do during months other than Ramadan. A question may arise here that, when the ‘Shayateen’ are chained, how it is that we still do see evil committed? The reply is that evil may not necessarily be caused by the rebellious ‘Shayateen’. People have for eleven months lived in obedience to ‘Shayateen’ whims and wishes, and so performing evil deeds instigated by them becomes second nature. Consequently, evil is being done in and out of Ramadan.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Every servant of Allah (SWT) who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah (SWT), Allah (SWT) would remove, because of this day, his face farther from the Fire of Hell to the extent of seventy years' distance”. (Sahih Muslim)
Fasting is the way to piety and the fear of God. Fasting narrows the food and blood arteries. They are known to be canals of the devils, hence fasting reduces their insinuation. It further weakens carnal desires, thoughts and temptations of disobedience.
Fasting enhances bodily health. It gets rid of contaminated matter, eases the stomach, purifies the blood, eases the working of the heart, brightens the spirit, refines the soul and disciplines the character. When an individual fasts, his soul is humbled and his carnal desires are dispelled.
ETIQUETTES OF RAMADAN
During the month of Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to apportion to Ramadan a degree of worship that was not set aside to any other month. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) spent his time in remembrance, recitation, learning and providing advice and training. His nights were spent in supplication and humiliation unto His Lord, seeking His help, support, victory and guidance.
Sehri
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Eat a little before dawn (Sehri) as there is blessings in taking meal at that time”. (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
Many people are deprived of this great reward because of their own laziness. Even though there be no food, then one date should be eaten or a drink of water taken. The period before dawn is considered blessed because it is in the last third of the night, the time of divine descent and forgiveness. It is another special time when prayers are accepted.
Iftaar
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast (Iftaar)”.
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
It is established that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to hasten to have a meal after the setting of the sun. Usually he had dates or water because something sweet was most agreeable for an empty stomach.
Recitation of Al-Qur’an
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “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)”. (2:185)
Al-Qur’an is life, spirit, salvation, happiness, reward and recompense. It is a divine teaching, a constitution and eternal wisdom.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Read the Al-Qur’an for surely it will be an intercessor for you on the Day of Judgement”. (Sahih Muslim)
The Qur'aan will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night, so allow me to intercede for him.'. Therefore, it is essential for the person fasting to recite the Qur'aan much during these blessed days and honorable nights.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Eat a little before dawn (Sehri) as there is blessings in taking meal at that time”. (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
Many people are deprived of this great reward because of their own laziness. Even though there be no food, then one date should be eaten or a drink of water taken. The period before dawn is considered blessed because it is in the last third of the night, the time of divine descent and forgiveness. It is another special time when prayers are accepted.
Iftaar
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast (Iftaar)”.
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
It is established that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to hasten to have a meal after the setting of the sun. Usually he had dates or water because something sweet was most agreeable for an empty stomach.
Recitation of Al-Qur’an
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “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)”. (2:185)
Al-Qur’an is life, spirit, salvation, happiness, reward and recompense. It is a divine teaching, a constitution and eternal wisdom.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Read the Al-Qur’an for surely it will be an intercessor for you on the Day of Judgement”. (Sahih Muslim)
The Qur'aan will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night, so allow me to intercede for him.'. Therefore, it is essential for the person fasting to recite the Qur'aan much during these blessed days and honorable nights.
Oral hygiene
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) chewed siwaak while fasting." (Tirmidhi)
It is recommended to take care of the mouth, teeth and gums all the time, and more so during fasting. This can be achieved by the use of siwaak, a special stick or root (from Arak tree) that is used to cleanse the teeth and strengthen the gums.
“The breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah (SWT) than the fragrance of musk”. (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)”
Charity and generosity
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Every person will be in the shade of his charity on the Day of Judgement, until all matters are settled between the people”.
Ramadan is the month of charity. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was naturally the most generous of people and he used to be more generous than ever in the month of Ramadan. Allah (SWT) has given you, so Muslims should try to give generously in Ramadan, both sadaqah (optional charity) and zakat (obligatory charity). Every time a servant of Allah (SWT) gives something in charity Allah (SWT) eases his physical, spiritual and mental conditions. And he expands for him his sustenance. Sadaqah does not only have to be money. It can also be a good deed—such as helping another person—done for the sake of Allah and without expecting any reward from the person. Even a smile is considered charity in Islam. Most Muslims pay their zakah during Ramadan because the reward is so much greater in that month. Wealth is like water, if its flow is obstructed it becomes brackish, and if it flows, it becomes sweet and fresh.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Whosoever feeds a fasting person or gives a fasting person a single date or a sip of water, in order to break the fast, for him there shall be forgiveness of his sins and emancipation from the fire of ‘Jahannam’ (hellfire), and for him shall be the same reward as for him (whom he fed)”.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) chewed siwaak while fasting." (Tirmidhi)
It is recommended to take care of the mouth, teeth and gums all the time, and more so during fasting. This can be achieved by the use of siwaak, a special stick or root (from Arak tree) that is used to cleanse the teeth and strengthen the gums.
“The breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah (SWT) than the fragrance of musk”. (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)”
Charity and generosity
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Every person will be in the shade of his charity on the Day of Judgement, until all matters are settled between the people”.
Ramadan is the month of charity. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was naturally the most generous of people and he used to be more generous than ever in the month of Ramadan. Allah (SWT) has given you, so Muslims should try to give generously in Ramadan, both sadaqah (optional charity) and zakat (obligatory charity). Every time a servant of Allah (SWT) gives something in charity Allah (SWT) eases his physical, spiritual and mental conditions. And he expands for him his sustenance. Sadaqah does not only have to be money. It can also be a good deed—such as helping another person—done for the sake of Allah and without expecting any reward from the person. Even a smile is considered charity in Islam. Most Muslims pay their zakah during Ramadan because the reward is so much greater in that month. Wealth is like water, if its flow is obstructed it becomes brackish, and if it flows, it becomes sweet and fresh.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Whosoever feeds a fasting person or gives a fasting person a single date or a sip of water, in order to break the fast, for him there shall be forgiveness of his sins and emancipation from the fire of ‘Jahannam’ (hellfire), and for him shall be the same reward as for him (whom he fed)”.
Taraweeh
The Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever observes night prayer in Ramadan as an expression of his faith and to seek reward from Allah, his previous sins will be blotted out”. (Sahih Muslim)
The Ramadan nightly prayer (Taraweeh) has a special merit over other nights. No one should neglect Taraweeh without a good reason, for it is part of physical and spiritual training, for its observation soon after Iftar insures timely and proper digestion of food. Besides, there are spiritual rewards awaiting the observers of this prayer.
THE WISDOM BEHIND FASTING
Fasting in Ramadan is not merely physically restraining from the obvious food and drink, but the total commitment of the servant's body and soul to the letter and spirit of fasting.
1) The fast of the self, means to be free from all carnal desires.
2) The fast of the mind is avoiding thoughts about things other than Allah.
3) The fast of the hand is not touching/taking what does not belong to it.
4) The fast of the nose means not sniffing or smelling unlawful things.
5) The fast of the feet is not going places where sinful acts are propagated.
6) The fast of the eye is to prevent it from seeing forbidden things.
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be mindful of their chastity; this will be most conducive to their purity. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be mindful of their chastity, and not display their charms (in public) beyond what may (decently) be apparent thereof; hence let them draw their head-covering over their bosoms’ (24:30-31)
The Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever observes night prayer in Ramadan as an expression of his faith and to seek reward from Allah, his previous sins will be blotted out”. (Sahih Muslim)
The Ramadan nightly prayer (Taraweeh) has a special merit over other nights. No one should neglect Taraweeh without a good reason, for it is part of physical and spiritual training, for its observation soon after Iftar insures timely and proper digestion of food. Besides, there are spiritual rewards awaiting the observers of this prayer.
THE WISDOM BEHIND FASTING
Fasting in Ramadan is not merely physically restraining from the obvious food and drink, but the total commitment of the servant's body and soul to the letter and spirit of fasting.
1) The fast of the self, means to be free from all carnal desires.
2) The fast of the mind is avoiding thoughts about things other than Allah.
3) The fast of the hand is not touching/taking what does not belong to it.
4) The fast of the nose means not sniffing or smelling unlawful things.
5) The fast of the feet is not going places where sinful acts are propagated.
6) The fast of the eye is to prevent it from seeing forbidden things.
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be mindful of their chastity; this will be most conducive to their purity. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be mindful of their chastity, and not display their charms (in public) beyond what may (decently) be apparent thereof; hence let them draw their head-covering over their bosoms’ (24:30-31)
7) The fast of the tongue is guarding against lying, backbiting, slandering, reviling, abusing others, cursing, indecent conversation, swearing and false evidence. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: A Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands other Muslims are safe.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Whoever does not give up backbiting, lying speech (false statements) and acting on those lies and evil actions etc, then Allah (SWT) will not accept his fasting”.
8) The fast of the ears is not to listen to idle talk, gossip, lyrics and notes that contain obscene and indecent things. Listening to the Al-Qur’an bears the fruit of faith, guidance, light and prosperity. It fills the heart with wisdom, tranquillity, intimacy and contentment. It is a source of protection from the dangerous, deviant and sinful thoughts.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “In backbiting, both the backbiter and the one who listens to it are equal partners in sin”.
9) The fast of the heart means casting out from it the love of wordly things and by emptying it of all corrupt material such as, false beliefs, evil suggestions, filthy intentions and degenerate thoughts.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “There is a piece of flesh in body which, if it be wholesome, the whole body will be healthy and which, if it be diseased the whole body will be diseased. Truly it is the heart”.
The believer’s heart abstains from pride and egotism because it breaks its fast. Egotism is when the individual sees himself as perfect and better than others. The cure for this self-importance is to look at one’s faults and short-comings, thousands of sins and misdeeds that one has committed, wrongs that one has done and forgotten, but knowledge of which are with Allah.
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “do they, perchance, envy other people for what God has granted them out of his bounty? (4:54)
The heart of the believer fasts and abstains from envy as it lowers righteous deeds and stops its progress toward Allah (SWT).
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Whoever does not give up backbiting, lying speech (false statements) and acting on those lies and evil actions etc, then Allah (SWT) will not accept his fasting”.
8) The fast of the ears is not to listen to idle talk, gossip, lyrics and notes that contain obscene and indecent things. Listening to the Al-Qur’an bears the fruit of faith, guidance, light and prosperity. It fills the heart with wisdom, tranquillity, intimacy and contentment. It is a source of protection from the dangerous, deviant and sinful thoughts.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “In backbiting, both the backbiter and the one who listens to it are equal partners in sin”.
9) The fast of the heart means casting out from it the love of wordly things and by emptying it of all corrupt material such as, false beliefs, evil suggestions, filthy intentions and degenerate thoughts.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “There is a piece of flesh in body which, if it be wholesome, the whole body will be healthy and which, if it be diseased the whole body will be diseased. Truly it is the heart”.
The believer’s heart abstains from pride and egotism because it breaks its fast. Egotism is when the individual sees himself as perfect and better than others. The cure for this self-importance is to look at one’s faults and short-comings, thousands of sins and misdeeds that one has committed, wrongs that one has done and forgotten, but knowledge of which are with Allah.
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “do they, perchance, envy other people for what God has granted them out of his bounty? (4:54)
The heart of the believer fasts and abstains from envy as it lowers righteous deeds and stops its progress toward Allah (SWT).
AVOIDANCE OF THINGS THAT CONTRADICT THE SPIRIT OF FASTING
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qu’ran, “Eat and drink (freely), but do not waste: verily, He does not love the wasteful!” (7:31)
Some people who fast waste money on meals both at the beginning and the breaking of the fast in Ramadan. They prepare food enough for a crowd of people consisting of numerous dishes. Then, at the end of this, they only eat a little and throw the remainder into the refuse. This is contrary to the great teachings of Islam.
There are other people who fill the stomach with delicious foods at “Sehri”, so that one does not feel hungry until “Iftaar”. When opening their fast, they indulge in excessive eating and drinking. This however, defeats the purpose of fasting, one of which is to empty the stomach of all contaminated material by reducing the intake of food.
Many people spend their fasting hours sleeping. As a result it seems as if they did not fast. The wisdom of fasting is that the one who fasts should experience the pangs of hunger and savour thirst in order to gain the pleasure of Allah (SWT).
There are also people who make no effort to do good for themselves by giving charity. They do not honour their tables by allowing others to break their fast with them.
PRAYERS OF A FASTING PERSON
The prayer of a fasting person is never refused. The final hour before the setting of the sun is one of the greatest hours of the day. It is related that the prayer of a fasting person is accepted at the time of breaking the fast. Therefore submit before Allah (SWT) all your needs. However Muslims are generally so absorbed in eating that we neglect this opportunity.
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qu’ran, “Eat and drink (freely), but do not waste: verily, He does not love the wasteful!” (7:31)
Some people who fast waste money on meals both at the beginning and the breaking of the fast in Ramadan. They prepare food enough for a crowd of people consisting of numerous dishes. Then, at the end of this, they only eat a little and throw the remainder into the refuse. This is contrary to the great teachings of Islam.
There are other people who fill the stomach with delicious foods at “Sehri”, so that one does not feel hungry until “Iftaar”. When opening their fast, they indulge in excessive eating and drinking. This however, defeats the purpose of fasting, one of which is to empty the stomach of all contaminated material by reducing the intake of food.
Many people spend their fasting hours sleeping. As a result it seems as if they did not fast. The wisdom of fasting is that the one who fasts should experience the pangs of hunger and savour thirst in order to gain the pleasure of Allah (SWT).
There are also people who make no effort to do good for themselves by giving charity. They do not honour their tables by allowing others to break their fast with them.
PRAYERS OF A FASTING PERSON
The prayer of a fasting person is never refused. The final hour before the setting of the sun is one of the greatest hours of the day. It is related that the prayer of a fasting person is accepted at the time of breaking the fast. Therefore submit before Allah (SWT) all your needs. However Muslims are generally so absorbed in eating that we neglect this opportunity.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “During each day/ night of Ramadan Allah (SWT) sets free great number of souls from Hell. For each Muslim, during each day and night, at least one prayer is certainly accepted”.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) informed us that when a fasting Muslim prays for anything from Allah (SWT), he definitely receives one out of the following three things: He gets exactly what he asked for. Or Allah (SWT) either removes from his path some great calamity in exchange for what he desired.Or the reward for that which he prayed for is stored for the Hereafter.
Therefore, prayer is indeed very important, and to neglect it at any time is a matter of great loss. Should Allah (SWT) find that granting us what we beseech from Him is in our welfare and interest, He grants it, otherwise not. It should be borne in mind that there are certain conditions under which prayers are accepted, in the absence of these, prayer may be often rejected. When ‘Haraam’ is consumed, the prayers are not accepted. A person who fasts and breaks his fast with “Haraam” food, is like a sick person, who takes medicine as a cure, but also adds a little poison, which destroys him.
LAILAT-UL-QADR (NIGHT OF POWER)
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “There is a night in the month which is ..."better than a thousand months". (97:3)
The night of “Laylatul Qadr” is described as being greater in blessedness and spiritual virtue than a 1,000 months. Therefore fortunate is that person who attains the full blessings of this night by spending it in the worship of Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr in the last ten nights. If one among you shows slackness and weakness in the earlier part of Ramadan, it should not be allowed to prevail upon him in last week”.
(Sahih Muslim)
Allah has concealed the exact date of the Night of Power so that we would double our efforts during the last ten days. He is also testing the serious and the non-serious. The seriously interested person will search for the night late and in the early hours until he or she attains it, regardless of the hardship.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) informed us that when a fasting Muslim prays for anything from Allah (SWT), he definitely receives one out of the following three things: He gets exactly what he asked for. Or Allah (SWT) either removes from his path some great calamity in exchange for what he desired.Or the reward for that which he prayed for is stored for the Hereafter.
Therefore, prayer is indeed very important, and to neglect it at any time is a matter of great loss. Should Allah (SWT) find that granting us what we beseech from Him is in our welfare and interest, He grants it, otherwise not. It should be borne in mind that there are certain conditions under which prayers are accepted, in the absence of these, prayer may be often rejected. When ‘Haraam’ is consumed, the prayers are not accepted. A person who fasts and breaks his fast with “Haraam” food, is like a sick person, who takes medicine as a cure, but also adds a little poison, which destroys him.
LAILAT-UL-QADR (NIGHT OF POWER)
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “There is a night in the month which is ..."better than a thousand months". (97:3)
The night of “Laylatul Qadr” is described as being greater in blessedness and spiritual virtue than a 1,000 months. Therefore fortunate is that person who attains the full blessings of this night by spending it in the worship of Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr in the last ten nights. If one among you shows slackness and weakness in the earlier part of Ramadan, it should not be allowed to prevail upon him in last week”.
(Sahih Muslim)
Allah has concealed the exact date of the Night of Power so that we would double our efforts during the last ten days. He is also testing the serious and the non-serious. The seriously interested person will search for the night late and in the early hours until he or she attains it, regardless of the hardship.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Whoever stands in prayers and worships on the night of Power, with complete faith and sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven”.
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
It is recommended to seek the night and spend it diligently in devotion, including night Sunnah prayers (Tahajjud) and recitation of Al-Qur'an . This citation indicates that regardless of whether a person knows the night or not Allah will grant forgiveness for previous shortcomings.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time. (Sahih Muslim)
During this time, he limited his contact with people and intensified his supplications and prayers to Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did this in order to attune his heart even more with Allah (SWT) and to free his mind from the concerns of the world.
Of the days of Ramadan, the last ten days are the most meritorious for the acts of recitation of Al-Qur'an, nightly Sunnah prayers, etc., which weigh heavily on the scale of deeds, (mizaan).
With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to work hard and used to offer Salaat (prayers) all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the Salaat (prayers).
(Sahih Bukhari)
FASTING IN SHAWWAL
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "Whoever observes the Ramadan fast and follows it with six days of fast in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted Dahr (the whole year)”. (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Shawwal is the tenth month in the lunar calendar. The first of Shawwal is Eidul Fitr. After the festivity of Eid it is recommended to observe six days of fast. This fast may be observed continuously non-break, or it may be observed one day at a time.
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
It is recommended to seek the night and spend it diligently in devotion, including night Sunnah prayers (Tahajjud) and recitation of Al-Qur'an . This citation indicates that regardless of whether a person knows the night or not Allah will grant forgiveness for previous shortcomings.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time. (Sahih Muslim)
During this time, he limited his contact with people and intensified his supplications and prayers to Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did this in order to attune his heart even more with Allah (SWT) and to free his mind from the concerns of the world.
Of the days of Ramadan, the last ten days are the most meritorious for the acts of recitation of Al-Qur'an, nightly Sunnah prayers, etc., which weigh heavily on the scale of deeds, (mizaan).
With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to work hard and used to offer Salaat (prayers) all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the Salaat (prayers).
(Sahih Bukhari)
FASTING IN SHAWWAL
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "Whoever observes the Ramadan fast and follows it with six days of fast in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted Dahr (the whole year)”. (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Shawwal is the tenth month in the lunar calendar. The first of Shawwal is Eidul Fitr. After the festivity of Eid it is recommended to observe six days of fast. This fast may be observed continuously non-break, or it may be observed one day at a time.
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