fasting

Philosophy of Fasting

Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri

One of many purposes to be realised by religion is the purification and purgation of self, soul and beliefs. It is for this purpose that the Holy Prophet said that he was raised as a Prophet for the perfection of moral excellence. It is in this context that the ideal before the mankind is the attainment of highest moral standards, which is possible through purification of self. Going by the teachings of religions of the world, it becomes certain that every religion has highlighted the importance of spiritual purification and moral edification in one form or the other.

THINGS THAT DO NOT BREAK THE FAST

To eat and drink something unintentionally.

A mosquito, fly or any other object going down the throat unintentionally.

Water entering the ears.

Dust or dirt going down the throat.

Swallowing one’s own saliva.

Taking an injection.

Applying of surma (kuhl: antimony) into the eyes.

Taking a bath to keep cool.

Rubbing oil onto the body or hair.

To vomit unintentionally.

Applying itr or perfume. It is not permitted to inhale the smoke of loban or agar batti whilst fasting. It is also not permitted to smoke cigarettes or inhale its smoke.

Brushing the teeth without tooth paste or powder, e.g., using a miswak, etc.

A dream which makes ghusl wajib (necessary) does not break the fast.

Assalaamu Alaykum

I will be posting up a hadith (a saying of the Prophet Muhammad ) everyday for the rest of this month, insha'Allah.

'And he does not say anything by his own desire. It is but a divine revelation, which is revealed to him. He has been taught by the Extremely Powerful.'{Quran: Al Najm 3-5}

By Jannah As-Sabil

The alarm on my Nokia went off. I turned over and glanced at the clock: 4:15am. Time for Suhur. I dragged myself out of bed so that I wouldn’t drop off back to sleep. With blurry eyes, I put on my dressing gown and made my way downstairs, being careful not to trip over in my half-asleep state. Trying to prepare Suhur as quietly as I could so as not to disturb my sleeping family, I put some bread in the toaster and (quietly hmm…) bashed around a bit, making myself a hot chocolate. I sat on the sofa, consuming food and drink in the 10 minutes before the Athan for Fajr went. Unfortunately I tended to leave Suhur quite late, which meant rushing around trying to eat in time. Yet there I was, actually doing Ramadan!

Question

The purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to achieve Taqwa, i.e. to become God-fearing and pious etc. But I fast year in, year out and see no change… especially when Ramadan is over! So what can I do to help become and remain a God-fearing and pious person?

Answer

By Shaykh Salim Ghiza

In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent and Merciful.

Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala says:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious." (Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

By Saima Iqbal

As the fourth pillar of Islam fasting is mostly observed during the month of Ramadan. Although technically you can fast at various other times of the year too, the month of Ramadan is the most well known for it. Fasting is a means of abstaining from not only food and drink but also putting in more effort in following the teachings of Islam.

As well as the spiritual benefits of fasting, there are also many other benefits that can be gained from fasting.

By Alveena Salim