The Six Days of Fasting in Shawwal

Fasting during the month of Shawwal is a great benefit to Muslims and Muslims are encouraged to do the Six Days of Fasting. These six days of fasting are voluntary fasts and so there is no harm if you do not do it but you would miss out on some major Rewards and Blessings from Allah.

Abu Ayyub (ra) reported that the Prophet of Allah (pbuh) said: Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it up with six (days of fasting) from Shawwal, then it is as if he fasted the entire time (ie. year)” [Muslim]

You can fast the six days of Shawwal consecutively (ie. one day after each other, until you have completed six days) or separately. This is because the Prophet (pbuh) didn’t make any mention of doing the fasts in any particular way during Shawwal – the normal rules of voluntary fasting applies. When doing separately you can fast any six days, as long as they are within the month of Shawwal. But remember, if you are fasting on a Friday, you should also fast either on the day before (Thursday) OR the day after (Saturday).

The Rules for Voluntary Fasts

• You do not have to make intention the night before but can intend to fast when you wake up. You must make intention before Dhuhr
• If you are a married woman, you must take permission from your husband before doing a voluntary fast
• You cannot fast on the first day of Shawwal, which is actually Eid-ul-Fitr
• You cannot single out Friday for fasting nor Saturday for fasting. Rather it is better to fast Thursday AND Friday. Or you can fast Friday AND Saturday.
• It is not sinful to break a voluntary fast, although it is better to complete the fast
• If you have Ramadan fasts that you need to make up, due to not being able to do them in Ramadan, you must do these first before fasting a voluntary fast (like the six days of Shawwal)

{Books used as reference for this blog post:
Ramadan Fataawa Volume One – Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah and others, including Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Fataawa
Fatawa regarding Fasting and Zakat – Shaykhs Bin Baz, Al-Uthaimin, Al-Jibreen, Darussalam publishers}

Benefits of Fasting

Allah Commanded us to fast. It’s the one deed that is purely for Allah alone. And the benefits of fasting are many:

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: ‘The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from hell), and there are two moments of pleasure (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.’ [Bukhari]

Allah declared: ‘O you have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).’ Surat Al-Baqarah v183

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” [Ahmad]

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Ramadan 2012: 100 Ramadan Tips and Suggestions

100 Ramadan Tips also available on Youtube

1. Put Allah first
2. Remember Allah Much throughout the day and night
3. LEAVE RAMADAN with HIGHER EEMAAN than ENTERING RAMADAN
4. Be more patient with those who do not know better
5. Read more Qur’an AND understand its meaning
6. Don’t Lie
7. Don’t Slander others
8. Don’t Backbite
9. Don’t swear
10. Grow a beard and keep it – it’s a strong sunnah
11. Help your sister in Islam
12. Help your brother in Islam
13. Give more in Sadaqah (Charity)
14. Start to Learn and Follow Islam with Knowledge – don’t just rely on hearsay (even from a religious leader)
15. Remove yourself from bad company. Join good company
16. Become a role model Muslim
17. Pray more than the Fard (Obligatory)
18. Set achievable goals (eg. read 4 pages of the Qur’an after every salaah)
19. Try to forgive those who have hurt you
20. Lower your gaze, especially in the Summer months
21. Purify your intentions
22. Start wearing hijaab and abaya
23. Get rid of bad habits
24. Stop smoking
25. Stop Sheesha
26. Stop fighting and start uniting in Islam
27. Sisters, wear loose clothing that doesn’t reveal your beauty
28. Think of those less fortunate than yourselves
29. Frequent the masjid
30. Excel in good deeds
31. Be a good neighbour
32. Look for Laylatul Qadr on the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan
33. Ask Allah regularly for His forgiveness and His Mercy
34. Don’t see yourself as being better than others
35. Don’t argue. Listen
36. Change your attitude to one that is better
37. Stop listening to music
38. Read about Islam and educate others with a pleasant approach
39. Memorise more of the Qur’an
40. Perform I’tikaaf if you are able (seclusion during the last 10 days of Ramadan)
41. Spread salaams
42. Look for the good in people rather than the bad
43. Learn about morals and manners in Islam
44. Don’t just pray the taraweeh prayers – establish your obligatory prayers
45. Try to avoid things that are not from Islam (eg. birthdays)
46. When you feel hungry, think of those who have no food and water
47. Always think of Allah in everything you do
48. Establish your day around prayer rather than prayer around your day
49. Visit your parents and be kind to them
50. Take suhoor before fasting
51. Break your fast with a date
52. Don’t over-eat when you break your fast
53. Don’t offend others
54. Always be polite
55. Be generous to others
56. Try not to waste your time
57. Take yourself away from haraam relationships (eg. boyfriend/girlfriend)
58. Recognise that there is always something you can improve in your character and in your knowledge
59. Try not to turn down an invitation to an Iftar
60. Don’t over-exert yourself during the day, so you make yourself weak or longing food and water
61. Do not engage in physical/sexual relations with your spouse during fasting hours
62. Fulfil the rights of others (your husband, wife, parents, children, neighbours etc)
63. Learn the Names & Attributes of Allah
64. Read about Paradise
65. Read about the Day of Judgement
66. Read about Hell
67. Be grateful to Allah for whatever He Has Given you
68. Do not commit shirk – if you don’t know what it is, read about it
69. Make intention to fast BEFORE you start fasting
70. Make wudhu when you wake up – it will help to fully awaken you
71. Establish Islamic gatherings
72. Try to start learning Arabic
73. Don’t waste food and water
74. Take part in a family Islamic quiz or contest – or establish one
75. Tell non-Muslims you are regularly in contact with about fasting
76. Establish Islam in your house and amongst your family
77. Rebuild bridges that you had thought you had totally burnt
78. Follow the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – eat one third, drink one third and leave one third of your stomach empty
79. Go for a short walk after Iftar – it’s sunnah to walk after eating
80. Make a list of duas and memorise them – recite them especially before breaking your fast
81. Control your tongue
82. Try to bring khushoo into your prayers
83. Make intention of what you will try to improve the next day
84. Remember death
85. Pray on time
86. Visit the sick
87. Give da’wah to others (Muslims as well as non-Muslims)
88. Don’t show off
89. Replace fizzy drinks with water and eat healthily (obviously outside of fasting hours)
90. Establish these Islamic habits with your children and family and friends
91. Learn about what is going on with other Muslims around the world
92. Do not fast if your health will seriously suffer from it
93. Break your fast if there is a danger to your health
94. Make time for Islam in your life
95. Don’t procrastinate
96. Sleep wisely – These next few years (especially in the UK) the fasting day is long, so ensure you get enough rest
97. Don’t forget to give your fitrana before Eid Salaah
98. Call for ONE EID – anyone who divides the Ummah should be challenged
99. Make Eid special so that future generations cherish it
100. Keep Islamic habits going after Ramadan has ended

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2012: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan 2012: Boycott Israeli Dates

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Ramadan 2012: Some Do’s and Don’t's

DO…	make intention before the start of each fast.	This is obligatory
DO…	take suhoor (the meal before fasting starts). The difference between the fast of a Muslim and the fast of others is the taking of suhoor (from Muslim)	This is recommended
DO…	delay the suhoor to as close to Fajr as possible.	This is recommended
DO…	hasten to break the fast at Maghrib time	This is recommended
DO…	try to break your fast with dates, as this is a sunnah. If dates aren’t available, break your fast with water	This is recommended
DO…	make a dua at the time of breaking the fast, eg. ‘O Allah, for you I have fasted and on Your Provision I have broken the fast’ [Abu Dawud]‘The thirst is gone, the veins are moisten and the reward is certain, insha’Allah’ [Au Dawud]‘Indeed there is for the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected.’ [Ibn Majah, al-Hakim]	This is recommended
DO…	Use a miswak during fasting, as this is sunnah	This is recommended
DO…	Exercise patience
DO…	Ask Allah for His Mercy and Forgiveness
DO…	Engage in Islamic acts of worship and good, eg. Give in charity, be good to your neighbour, show good character
DO…	Read the Qur’anThe Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: ‘The best among you is he who learns the Holy Qur’an and teaches it.’	From Bukhari & Muslim
DO…	Increase your Islamic knowledge
DO…	Get rid of any innovated practices from your habits
DO…	Make dua to Allah frequently during the day and night
DO…	Be generous‘The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was the most generous of men and he was the most generous during Ramadan when Jibreel would visit him every night and recite the Holy Qur’an to him.’	From Bukhari & Muslim
DO…	Provide something to a person who is fasting, to break his fast‘He who provides something to the observer of fast for breaking the fast earns the same reward as the one who observes the fast, without diminishing.’	From Ahmad & Tirmidhi
DO…	Pray the night prayer
DO…	Practice I’tikaf (seclusion in the masjid) in the last 10 days of RamadanAishah (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to perform I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took away his life, then his wives  followed this practice after him.’	From Bukhari & Muuslim
DO…	Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last 10 days of Ramadan
DO…	Give your Zakat-ul-Fitr before Eid	This is obligatory
DON’T…	Deliberately eat anything during the fast, unless you are not physically able to complete the fast . You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Deliberately drink anything during the fast, unless you are not physically able to complete the fast. You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Deliberatley engage in sexual intercourse during the fast. You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	lie	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Slander	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Backbite	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Swear or use other bad language	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Raise your voice or argue	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Engage in indecent actions	From Bukhari
DON’T…	Forget that if you are travelling, you have the option to not fast and make up for that fast later on.Aisha reported that Hamzah Ibn Amr Al-Aslamee (ra) asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah (pbuh) I am a person who fasts often, so should I fast while travelling?’ Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) replied, ‘Fast if you wish and refrain from fasting if you wish.’	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Fast if you are on your menstrual cycle (women). You must make up for this fast later
DON’T…	Deliberately make yourself vomit	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Take injections  or drugs that are used instead of food	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Delay breaking your fast
DON’T…	Smoke or take drugs
DON’T…	Worry about the following: swallowing saliva, putting on perfume, gargling water in your mouth and nose for things like cleaning and wudhu, putting eye drops in your eyes putting kohl on eyelashes having a bath/shower tasting food whilst cooking (as long as nothing goes down the throat) bleeding (unless it is menstrual)	These acts do not break the fast
DON’T…	Fast on Eid
DON’T…	Forget that if you are very ill, you are excused from fasting and can make up the fast later or give fidyah (a compensation to feed people)
DON’T…	Forget that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you do not need to fast, although you can if you feel able to and it won’t harm the baby.
DON’T…	Worry, it is not a sin to not perform taraweeh. However, praying is of great benefit

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2012: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan 2012: Boycott Israeli Dates

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Ramadan 2012: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that the Shayateen are locked away in chains, that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed and Laylat-ul-Qadr is to be found:

‘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 what is right and wrong)’ Surat Al-Baqarah v185

‘Verily! We have sent it (the Qur’an) down in Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than one thousand months..’ Surat Al-Qadr, v1-3

‘When the month of Ramadan arrives, the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed and the devils put under chains.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

Allah Commanded us to fast. It’s the one deed that is purely for Allah alone. And the benefits of fasting are many:

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: ‘The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from hell), and there are two moments of pleasure (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.’ [Bukhari]

Allah declared: ‘O you have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).’ Surat Al-Baqarah v183

‘Whoever observes (fasts) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.’ [Bukhari & Muslim]

Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” [Ahmad]

‘Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: My nation is given 5 privileges in the month of Ramadan that no nation was given before:

• The khaloof (odour of the mouth of a fasting person) is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk
• The angels keep praying to Allah to forgive the fasting people until they break their fast
• Allah decorates Paradise every day saying to it ‘My righteous slaves are about to be comforted of their burdens and sufferings and enter you’
• The Shayateen are chained during this month
• Sins of the believers are forgiven  by the last night of Ramadan. [Muslim]

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2012: Some Do’s and Don’t's

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Ramadan 2012: Boycott Israeli Dates

During Ramadan and fasting, it’s Sunnah to break your fast with dates. However, there is a campaign to boycott certain dates because the manufacturers are either directly or indirectly responsible and supporting the illegal occupation of Palestine the oppression of the Palestinians. By buying their dates, you will be helping to continue the occupation of Muslim lands in Palestine.

I have copied the below article from the Friends of Al-Aqsa website:

This Ramadan, Don’t Break your Fast with an Israeli Date

Ramadan is a time of year when we remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves.  It  would be an affront if at such a time we helped support oppression

Every year, Israel exports millions of pounds worth of dates to the world, which many people unknowingly buy and use to break their fasts. These dates are grown in illegal settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, on land that has been stolen from Palestinians. By buying these dates, we are in fact helping Israel to continue its occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.

For this reason, Friends of Al Aqsa will again be launching the ‘Check the Label’ Campaign.

Volunteer Ambassador

Volunteer to be an ambassador for the Check the Label Campaign in your area. This will mean you will help promote the campaign in your area. This will include distributing leaflets, speaking to shop owners, setting up stalls and much more. become an Ambassador and order your free literature to help spread the word.

Check The Label

Most of the major supermarkets will stock dates produced in Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Dates produced in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley are from Illegal Israeli Settlements and should also be boycotted.

Making Money from the Occupation

• Dates were Israel’s leading fruit export, most of which come to Europe
• The total income for Israel from dates in a year is approximately €80 million.

You can order your FREE Check The Label literature here

The Palestinian Call for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions

Inspired by the struggle of South Africans against apartheid and in the spirit of international solidarity, moral consistency and resistance to injustice and oppression,

We, representatives of Palestinian civil society, call upon international civil society organizations and people of conscience all over the world to impose broad boycotts and implement divestment initiatives against Israel similar to those applied to South Africa in the apartheid era. We appeal to you to pressure your respective states to impose embargoes and sanctions against Israel. We also invite conscientious Israelis to support this Call, for the sake of justice and genuine peace.

These non-violent punitive measures should be maintained until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian peoples inalienable right to self-determination and fully complies with the precepts of international law by:

1. Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall;
2. Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and
3. Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.

Click here for the full text and endorsements

Palestinian Workers

Israelis will claim that Palestinians are allowed to work on the land of these settlers and therefore they are provided with jobs and a boycott will harm them. In actual fact, these Palestinians are employed for paltry wages, and they are required to do the back-breaking work that the Israeli settlers will not do themselves. This means the Israeli settlers reap the rewards for the harvests while doing very little of the work themselves.

Palestinian children are employed by these settlers, and they are forced to work long hours under a hot baking sun for small sums of money. This exploitation means that these children miss out on an education.

Alternatives to Israeli Dates

There are plenty of varieties of dates from various other countries to break your fast. However if you would like  Medjoul dates from Palestine and  help the Palestinian farmers they are available from  YAFFA. YAFFA source there dates from Palestine and FOA are helping YAFFA distribute dates this Ramadhan.

Another provider is Zaytoun, www.zaytoun.org

Get Involved

There are two stages to this campaign:

Stage 1 – Contact and inform the wholesalers and shops.

Stage 2 – Contact and inform consumers.

Stage One

FOA have sent letters to over 1000 wholesalers and shops but we need your help to add the personal touch as that is the best method to encourage people to join the campaign.

There are 6 steps to this stage. We would like you to:

Preparation:

1. If you can try and involve family and friends in the campaign.
2. Print letters for Wholesalers and Shop Owners: Click here for the letter.
3. Order Check the Label posters and postcards from dates@checkthelabel.org.uk so you can put poster up on shop windows and leave postcards on the counter (with permission)

Method:

1. Identify the wholesalers, importers and shops in your area hand deliver the wholesaler/shop letters supplied by FOA.  Inform them about Israeli human rights abuses (you can give them of FOA leaflets).
2. Tell wholesalers and shop owners about the concept of boycotting and how it has worked e.g. South Africa. Ask them to boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Explain West Bank and Jordan Valley are illegally occupied and buying dates from there would mean they are supporting the occupation of Palestine.
3. Let them know that they can buy dates from many other countries, but if they want to buy medjoul dates from Palestine they can contact medjoul@checkthelabel.org.uk, (+44) (0)116 2125 441 or Zaytoun on (+44) (0)207 609 5699
4. Keep in touch with the shops that you have approached and continue to encourage and support them to join the campaign.
5. Write down addresses of shops which agree to support the campaign so we can write a letter to them to thank them for their support.
6. Take pictures of the campaign and keep head office updated on your work in your locality.

Stage Two

Most of the people we have approached during the Check the Label campaign did not know dates are from Israel and also did not know that dates labelled West Bank or the Jordan Valley should also be Boycotted.   Once they were told, the overwhelming majority of people were happy to join the boycott.

Boycott is about people power.  We need your help to inform people they should ‘Check the Label’ and boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and Jordan Valley.

Preparation:

1. If you can try and involve family and friends in the campaign.
2. Print letters for mosques and organisations : Click here for the letter
3. Order Check the Label posters and postcards from here so you can put poster up on shop windows and leave postcards on the counter (with permission).

Method:

1. Identify Mosques and Community Centres in your area and hand deliver the Mosque/organisation letter supplied by FOA.  Inform them about Israeli human rights abuses (you can give them of FOA leaflets).
2. Tell the mosque/ community centre contact about the concept of boycotting and how it has worked e.g. South Africa. Ask them to boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Explain West Bank and Jordan Valley are illegally occupied and buying dates from there would mean they are supporting the occupation of Palestine.
3. Ask them if you can leave leaflets at the entrance and put up a poster
4. Organise a time with friends and family to distribute outside the mosque after prayers, especially after Friday prayers.
5. Let FOA know when you are planning to distribute outside mosques so we can try and co-ordinate with other volunteers.
6. Contact your local newspaper and your local radio Ramadhan to let them know what is happening. Take photos when it is appropriate  and send updates to info@checkthelabel.org.uk

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that the Shayateen are locked away in chains, that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed and Laylat-ul-Qadr is to be found:

‘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 what is right and wrong)’ Surat Al-Baqarah v185

‘Verily! We have sent it (the Qur’an) down in Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than one thousand months..’ Surat Al-Qadr, v1-3

‘When the month of Ramadan arrives, the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed and the devils put under chains.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

Allah Commanded us to fast. It’s the one deed that is purely for Allah alone. And the benefits of fasting are many:

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: ‘The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from hell), and there are two moments of pleasure (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.’ [Bukhari]

Allah declared: ‘O you have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).’ Surat Al-Baqarah v183

‘Whoever observes (fasts) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.’ [Bukhari & Muslim]

Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” [Ahmad]

‘Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: My nation is given 5 privileges in the month of Ramadan that no nation was given before:

• The khaloof (odour of the mouth of a fasting person) is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk
• The angels keep praying to Allah to forgive the fasting people until they break their fast
• Allah decorates Paradise every day saying to it ‘My righteous slaves are about to be comforted of their burdens and sufferings and enter you’
• The Shayateen are chained during this month
• Sins of the believers are forgiven  by the last night of Ramadan. [Muslim]

Free Campaign Literature

              

Check the Label Campaign Video

Coverage of Last Years Campaign:

• Guardian
• Press TV
• TV Advert

Supporters

                                      

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2011: Make a change in this month of fasting

Ramadan 2011: Some Do’s and Don’t's

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Fasting on the Day of Arafat: sins forgiven for two years

It is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar. The virtues and blessings of this day are immense. There is no other day like it and millions of Muslims turn to Allah on this day. It’s the Day of Arafat; Saturday 5th November 2011.

Many Muslims around the whole world will be fasting this day, in search of forgiveness and the Forgiveness and Mercy of Allah is amazing. Fasting on this day is expiation for two years of sin. So I encourage all Muslims to fast on this day. We are surely in need of much forgiveness and how can we do without this amazing day that Allah Has Given us?

VIRTUES OF THE DAY OF ARAFAT

It is the day on which the religion was perfected and Allaah’s Favour was completed. 

In Al-Saheehayn it was reported from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) that a Jewish man said to him, “O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, there is an aayah in your Book which you recite; if it had come to us Jews, we would have taken that day as an ‘Eid (festival).” ‘Umar said, “Which aayah?” He said: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [al-Maa’idah 5:3 – interpretation of the meaning]. ‘Umar said, “We know on which day and in which place that was revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). It was when he was standing in ‘Arafaah on a Friday.”

It is a day by which Allaah swore an oath. 

The Almighty cannot swear by anything except that which is mighty. Yawm ‘Arafaah is the “witnessed day” mentioned in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“By the witnessing day [Friday] and by the witnessed day [the Day of ‘Arafaah].” [al-Burooj 85:3].

It was reported from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of ‘Arafaah, and the witnessing day is Friday.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.

It is the “odd” [i.e., odd-numbered, Witr] by which Allaah swore in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“And by the even and the odd” [al-Fajr 89:3]. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The even is the Day of al-Adhaa [i.e., 10th Dhoo’l-Hijjah] and the odd is the Day of ‘Arafaah [i.e., 9th Dhoo’l-Hijjah] This is also the view of ‘Ikrimah and al-Dahhaak.

Fasting on this day is an expiation for two years. 

It was reported from Abu Qutaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah. He said, “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” Narrated by Muslim.

This (fasting) is mustahabb for those who are not on Hajj. In the case of the one who is on Hajj, it is not Sunnah for him to fast on the Day of ‘Arafaah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not fast on this day in ‘Arafaah. It was narrated that he forbade fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah in ‘Arafaah.

It is the day on which Allaah took the covenant from the progeny of Adam. 

It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah took the covenant from the loins of Adam in Na’maan, i.e., ‘Arafaah. He brought forth from his loins all his offspring and spread them before Him, then He addressed them, and said: ‘Am I not your Lord? They said, ‘Yes, we testify,’ let you should say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Verily, we have been unaware of this.’ Or lest you should say: ‘It was only our fathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allaah, and we were (merely their) descendents after them; will You then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practised Al-Baatil (i.e., ploytheism and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshipping others besides Allaah)?’ [al-A’raaf 7:172-173 – interpretation of the meaning].” Narrated by Ahmad and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani. And there is no greater day than this and no greater covenant than this.

It is the day of forgiveness of sins, freedom from the Fire and pride in the people who are there: 

In Saheeh Muslim it was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no day on which Allaah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafaah. He comes close and expresses His Pride to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?’”

It was reported from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah expresses His Pride to His angels at the time of ‘Ishaa’ on the Day of ‘Arafaah, about the people of ‘Arafaah. He says, ‘Look at My slaves who have come unkempt and dusty.’” Narrated by Ahmad and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.

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Ramadan 2011: Boycott Israeli Dates

During Ramadan and fasting, it’s Sunnah to break your fast with dates. However, there is a campaign to boycott certain dates because the manufacturers are either directly or indirectly responsible and supporting the illegal occupation of Palestine the oppression of the Palestinians. By buying their dates, you will be helping to continue the occupation of Muslim lands in Palestine.

I have copied the below article from the Friends of Al-Aqsa website:

This Ramadan, Don’t Break your Fast with an Israeli Date

Ramadan is a time of year when we remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves.  It  would be an affront if at such a time we helped support oppression

Every year, Israel exports millions of pounds worth of dates to the world, which many people unknowingly buy and use to break their fasts. These dates are grown in illegal settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, on land that has been stolen from Palestinians. By buying these dates, we are in fact helping Israel to continue its occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.

For this reason, Friends of Al Aqsa will again be launching the ‘Check the Label’ Campaign.

Volunteer Ambassador

Volunteer to be an ambassador for the Check the Label Campaign in your area. This will mean you will help promote the campaign in your area. This will include distributing leaflets, speaking to shop owners, setting up stalls and much more. become an Ambassador and order your free literature to help spread the word.

Check The Label

Most of the major supermarkets will stock dates produced in Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Dates produced in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley are from Illegal Israeli Settlements and should also be boycotted.

Making Money from the Occupation

• Dates were Israel’s leading fruit export, most of which come to Europe
• The total income for Israel from dates in a year is approximately €80 million.

You can order your FREE Check The Label literature here

The Palestinian Call for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions

Inspired by the struggle of South Africans against apartheid and in the spirit of international solidarity, moral consistency and resistance to injustice and oppression,

We, representatives of Palestinian civil society, call upon international civil society organizations and people of conscience all over the world to impose broad boycotts and implement divestment initiatives against Israel similar to those applied to South Africa in the apartheid era. We appeal to you to pressure your respective states to impose embargoes and sanctions against Israel. We also invite conscientious Israelis to support this Call, for the sake of justice and genuine peace.

These non-violent punitive measures should be maintained until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian peoples inalienable right to self-determination and fully complies with the precepts of international law by:

1. Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall;
2. Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and
3. Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.

Click here for the full text and endorsements

Palestinian Workers

Israelis will claim that Palestinians are allowed to work on the land of these settlers and therefore they are provided with jobs and a boycott will harm them. In actual fact, these Palestinians are employed for paltry wages, and they are required to do the back-breaking work that the Israeli settlers will not do themselves. This means the Israeli settlers reap the rewards for the harvests while doing very little of the work themselves.

Palestinian children are employed by these settlers, and they are forced to work long hours under a hot baking sun for small sums of money. This exploitation means that these children miss out on an education.

Alternatives to Israeli Dates

There are plenty of varieties of dates from various other countries to break your fast. However if you would like  Medjoul dates from Palestine and  help the Palestinian farmers they are available from  YAFFA. YAFFA source there dates from Palestine and FOA are helping YAFFA distribute dates this Ramadhan.

Another provider is Zaytoun, www.zaytoun.org

Get Involved

There are two stages to this campaign:

Stage 1 – Contact and inform the wholesalers and shops.

Stage 2 – Contact and inform consumers.

Stage One

FOA have sent letters to over 1000 wholesalers and shops but we need your help to add the personal touch as that is the best method to encourage people to join the campaign.

There are 6 steps to this stage. We would like you to:

Preparation:

1. If you can try and involve family and friends in the campaign.
2. Print letters for Wholesalers and Shop Owners: Click here for the letter.
3. Order Check the Label posters and postcards from dates@checkthelabel.org.uk so you can put poster up on shop windows and leave postcards on the counter (with permission)

Method:

1. Identify the wholesalers, importers and shops in your area hand deliver the wholesaler/shop letters supplied by FOA.  Inform them about Israeli human rights abuses (you can give them of FOA leaflets).
2. Tell wholesalers and shop owners about the concept of boycotting and how it has worked e.g. South Africa. Ask them to boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Explain West Bank and Jordan Valley are illegally occupied and buying dates from there would mean they are supporting the occupation of Palestine.
3. Let them know that they can buy dates from many other countries, but if they want to buy medjoul dates from Palestine they can contact medjoul@checkthelabel.org.uk, (+44) (0)116 2125 441 or Zaytoun on (+44) (0)207 609 5699
4. Keep in touch with the shops that you have approached and continue to encourage and support them to join the campaign.
5. Write down addresses of shops which agree to support the campaign so we can write a letter to them to thank them for their support.
6. Take pictures of the campaign and keep head office updated on your work in your locality.

Stage Two

Most of the people we have approached during the Check the Label campaign did not know dates are from Israel and also did not know that dates labelled West Bank or the Jordan Valley should also be Boycotted.   Once they were told, the overwhelming majority of people were happy to join the boycott.

Boycott is about people power.  We need your help to inform people they should ‘Check the Label’ and boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and Jordan Valley.

Preparation:

1. If you can try and involve family and friends in the campaign.
2. Print letters for mosques and organisations : Click here for the letter
3. Order Check the Label posters and postcards from here so you can put poster up on shop windows and leave postcards on the counter (with permission).

Method:

1. Identify Mosques and Community Centres in your area and hand deliver the Mosque/organisation letter supplied by FOA.  Inform them about Israeli human rights abuses (you can give them of FOA leaflets).
2. Tell the mosque/ community centre contact about the concept of boycotting and how it has worked e.g. South Africa. Ask them to boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Explain West Bank and Jordan Valley are illegally occupied and buying dates from there would mean they are supporting the occupation of Palestine.
3. Ask them if you can leave leaflets at the entrance and put up a poster
4. Organise a time with friends and family to distribute outside the mosque after prayers, especially after Friday prayers.
5. Let FOA know when you are planning to distribute outside mosques so we can try and co-ordinate with other volunteers.
6. Contact your local newspaper and your local radio Ramadhan to let them know what is happening. Take photos when it is appropriate  and send updates to info@checkthelabel.org.uk

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that the Shayateen are locked away in chains, that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed and Laylat-ul-Qadr is to be found:

‘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 what is right and wrong)’ Surat Al-Baqarah v185

‘Verily! We have sent it (the Qur’an) down in Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than one thousand months..’ Surat Al-Qadr, v1-3

‘When the month of Ramadan arrives, the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed and the devils put under chains.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

Allah Commanded us to fast. It’s the one deed that is purely for Allah alone. And the benefits of fasting are many:

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: ‘The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from hell), and there are two moments of pleasure (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.’ [Bukhari]

Allah declared: ‘O you have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).’ Surat Al-Baqarah v183

‘Whoever observes (fasts) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.’ [Bukhari & Muslim]

Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” [Ahmad]

‘Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: My nation is given 5 privileges in the month of Ramadan that no nation was given before:

• The khaloof (odour of the mouth of a fasting person) is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk
• The angels keep praying to Allah to forgive the fasting people until they break their fast
• Allah decorates Paradise every day saying to it ‘My righteous slaves are about to be comforted of their burdens and sufferings and enter you’
• The Shayateen are chained during this month
• Sins of the believers are forgiven  by the last night of Ramadan. [Muslim]

Free Campaign Literature

              

Check the Label Campaign Video

Coverage of Last Years Campaign:

• Guardian
• Press TV
• TV Advert

Supporters

                                      

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2011: Make a change in this month of fasting

Ramadan 2011: Some Do’s and Don’t's

Ramadan 2011: In Ramadan, Somalia is OUR TEST

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Ramadan 2011: Some Do’s and Don’t's

DO…	make intention before the start of each fast.	This is obligatory
DO…	take suhoor (the meal before fasting starts). The difference between the fast of a Muslim and the fast of others is the taking of suhoor (from Muslim)	This is recommended
DO…	delay the suhoor to as close to Fajr as possible.	This is recommended
DO…	hasten to break the fast at Maghrib time	This is recommended
DO…	try to break your fast with dates, as this is a sunnah. If dates aren’t available, break your fast with water	This is recommended
DO…	make a dua at the time of breaking the fast, eg. ‘O Allah, for you I have fasted and on Your Provision I have broken the fast’ [Abu Dawud]‘The thirst is gone, the veins are moisten and the reward is certain, insha’Allah’ [Au Dawud]‘Indeed there is for the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected.’ [Ibn Majah, al-Hakim]	This is recommended
DO…	Use a miswak during fasting, as this is sunnah	This is recommended
DO…	Exercise patience
DO…	Ask Allah for His Mercy and Forgiveness
DO…	Engage in Islamic acts of worship and good, eg. Give in charity, be good to your neighbour, show good character
DO…	Read the Qur’anThe Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: ‘The best among you is he who learns the Holy Qur’an and teaches it.’	From Bukhari & Muslim
DO…	Increase your Islamic knowledge
DO…	Get rid of any innovated practices from your habits
DO…	Make dua to Allah frequently during the day and night
DO…	Be generous‘The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was the most generous of men and he was the most generous during Ramadan when Jibreel would visit him every night and recite the Holy Qur’an to him.’	From Bukhari & Muslim
DO…	Provide something to a person who is fasting, to break his fast‘He who provides something to the observer of fast for breaking the fast earns the same reward as the one who observes the fast, without diminishing.’	From Ahmad & Tirmidhi
DO…	Pray the night prayer
DO…	Practice I’tikaf (seclusion in the masjid) in the last 10 days of RamadanAishah (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to perform I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took away his life, then his wives  followed this practice after him.’	From Bukhari & Muuslim
DO…	Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last 10 days of Ramadan
DO…	Give your Zakat-ul-Fitr before Eid	This is obligatory
DON’T…	Deliberately eat anything during the fast, unless you are not physically able to complete the fast . You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Deliberately drink anything during the fast, unless you are not physically able to complete the fast. You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Deliberatley engage in sexual intercourse during the fast. You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	lie	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Slander	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Backbite	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Swear or use other bad language	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Raise your voice or argue	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Engage in indecent actions	From Bukhari
DON’T…	Forget that if you are travelling, you have the option to not fast and make up for that fast later on.Aisha reported that Hamzah Ibn Amr Al-Aslamee (ra) asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah (pbuh) I am a person who fasts often, so should I fast while travelling?’ Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) replied, ‘Fast if you wish and refrain from fasting if you wish.’	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Fast if you are on your menstrual cycle (women). You must make up for this fast later
DON’T…	Deliberately make yourself vomit	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Take injections  or drugs that are used instead of food	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Delay breaking your fast
DON’T…	Smoke or take drugs
DON’T…	Worry about the following: swallowing saliva, putting on perfume, gargling water in your mouth and nose for things like cleaning and wudhu, putting eye drops in your eyes putting kohl on eyelashes having a bath/shower tasting food whilst cooking (as long as nothing goes down the throat) bleeding (unless it is menstrual)	These acts do not break the fast
DON’T…	Fast on Eid
DON’T…	Forget that if you are very ill, you are excused from fasting and can make up the fast later or give fidyah (a compensation to feed people)
DON’T…	Forget that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you do not need to fast, although you can if you feel able to and it won’t harm the baby.
DON’T…	Worry, it is not a sin to not perform taraweeh. However, praying is of great benefit

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2011: Make a change in this month of fasting

Ramadan 2011: The significance and benefits of Fasting & Ramadan

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Ramadan 2011: The significance and benefits of Fasting & Ramadan

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that the Shayateen are locked away in chains, that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed and Laylat-ul-Qadr is to be found:

‘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 what is right and wrong)’ Surat Al-Baqarah v185

‘Verily! We have sent it (the Qur’an) down in Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than one thousand months..’ Surat Al-Qadr, v1-3

‘When the month of Ramadan arrives, the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed and the devils put under chains.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

Allah Commanded us to fast. It’s the one deed that is purely for Allah alone. And the benefits of fasting are many:

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: ‘The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from hell), and there are two moments of pleasure (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.’ [Bukhari]

Allah declared: ‘O you have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).’ Surat Al-Baqarah v183

‘Whoever observes (fasts) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.’ [Bukhari & Muslim]

Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” [Ahmad]

‘Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: My nation is given 5 privileges in the month of Ramadan that no nation was given before:

• The khaloof (odour of the mouth of a fasting person) is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk
• The angels keep praying to Allah to forgive the fasting people until they break their fast
• Allah decorates Paradise every day saying to it ‘My righteous slaves are about to be comforted of their burdens and sufferings and enter you’
• The Shayateen are chained during this month
• Sins of the believers are forgiven  by the last night of Ramadan. [Muslim]

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2011: Make a change in this month of fasting

Ramadan 2011: Some Do’s and Don’t's

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Ramadan 2011: Make a change in this month of Fasting

Another Ramadan is on us, Alhamdulillah. The timetables are distributed, food is being prepared. We get the duas out, the Qur’ans, the nasheeds and qiraats. We know our routines, so let’s not spend this post discussing that. Instead, let’s look at what’s going to change. Change? What do you mean ‘change’?

Ramadan is a Blessed Month; one where we can get into new and good habits, get rid of bad habits and move the ummah forward. It’s not just about doing some extras for one month and then back to our old ways. Ramadan cleanses you, increases your imaan and should mean that you come out stronger than when you started.