RAMADHAN – A MONTH OF BLESSINGS

THE UNFORTUNATE

Ka'b bin Ujrah (Radiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Come near the mimbar (pulpit)." And we came near. When the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) climbed the first step, he said: "Ameen." When he climbed the second step, he said: "Ameen." When he climbed the third step, he said: "Ameen." After he descended, we said: "O Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), today we have heard something from you that we have never heard before." He replied:

"(When I climbed the first step), Jibril (Alaihis Salaam) appeared to me and said: 'Woe to the one who saw the (sacred month of) Ramadhan and let it pass without seeking forgiveness.' I said, 'Ameen.'

When I climbed the second step, he said: 'Woe to the one before whom your name was mentioned and who did not send salaam upon you (i.e., did not read Durud Sharif).' I said, 'Ameen.'

When I climbed the third step, he said: 'Woe to the one whose parents, or one of them, have reached old age, and who has not served them, thereby failing to enter Jannah (Paradise).' I said, 'Ameen.'"

May Allah Ta'ala protect us from the Bad-duas (curses) of the chief of the angels, Jibril (Alaihis Salaam) and the chief of the Prophets, Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam).

FASTING, AN ACT OF TOTAL SINCERITY

Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) narrates that Allah Ta'ala said:

"Every act of worship (Ibaadah) performed by the son of Aadam (Alaihis Salaam) is for himself, except fasting. It is done solely for Me, and I will reward him accordingly."

Fasting is an act of worship done purely for the pleasure and love of Allah Ta'ala. The sincerity of the fasting person is beyond doubt because Allah Ta'ala alone knows whether the person is truly fasting. Riya (ostentation) cannot be present in fasting, as it is an act that cannot be seen by others. Therefore, it is observed exclusively for the sake of Allah's pleasure, and He promises to reward the fasting person personally.

RAMADHAN – A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR DU'A

Abu Sa'eed Khudri (Radiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Every day and every night of Ramadhan, Allah Tabaarak Wa Ta'ala frees a large number of souls from Jahannam (Hell). And for every Muslim, during every day and night, there is a time when their Du'a (supplication) is accepted."

In various Ahaadith, it is mentioned that the Du'a of the fasting person at the time of Iftaar is never rejected.

Additionally, in another Hadith, it is stated that during Ramadhan, Allah Ta'ala commands the angels who carry the Arsh (Throne) to stop their work and go to say "Ameen" to the Du'as of the fasting individuals.

WHAT BREAKS THE FAST?

Once, someone asked Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam):

"What causes the fast to be broken?"

He replied:

"Speaking lies and backbiting (Gheebah)."

When this Hadith is read in conjunction with other Ahaadith, it serves as a warning against these serious sins.

Some 'Ulama (scholars) are of the opinion that lying and backbiting directly breaks the fast. However, the majority of 'Ulama maintain that although the fast is not physically broken, it is nullified in terms of the spiritual blessings it would otherwise bring.

This serves as a cautionary note for those whose habits revolve around lying and backbiting.

THE SUNNAH OF SEHRI

Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Allah Ta'ala praises the one who partakes in Sehri."

In another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said that the distinction between our fast and that of the Ahl-e-Kitaab (Jews and Christians) lies in the meal taken at the time of Sehri. The Jews and Christians did not partake in this meal, Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) remarked.

It is also stated in another Hadith:

"Partake in Sehri, for there are many blessings in it."

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Haarith (Radiyallahu anhu) reported that a Sahaabi (Radiyallahu anhu) once visited Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) while he was partaking in Sehri. He then said:

"This is a blessed act that Allah has granted you; do not miss it."

IFTAAR

It is recommended to break the fast as soon as possible after sunset, as Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"People will remain on the right path as long as they hasten to break their fast." (Bukhari)

In explaining why one should hasten to break the fast after sunset, Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Because the Jews and the Christians delay (breaking their fast)." (Abu Dawud)

It is permissible to break the fast with any Halaal (permissible) food. However, it is preferable to break the fast with dates.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"When one of you fasts, let him break his fast with dates, and if he does not find any, let him drink water."

When breaking the fast, Rasulullah (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) would recite the following Du'a:

اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلٰى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ

Allaahumma laka sumtu wa 'alaa rizqika aftartu

(O Allah, I fasted for You and with Your provision (food) do I break my fast.)

[English version of "Ramadhaan - mois de bénédiction" – Al Haadi – Vol. 2 No. 3]