Fasting
 

[CENTER][U][I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=5][COLOR=darkgreen][B]As-Siyam (Fasting)[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I][/U][/CENTER]


[B][I][U][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=#006400]Defining Fasting (As-Sawm):[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/U][/I][/B]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]As-Sawm (fasting) linguistically [COLOR=black]means[/COLOR] to abstain. According to religious law it means to abstain from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse with women and other things that break the fast, with the intention of worshipping (Allah) from the first crack of dawn (Fajr) until the setting of the sun (Maghrib).[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[B][I][U][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkgreen]The History of the Obligation of Fasting:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/U][/I][/B]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Allah the Mighty and Majestic made fasting obligatory upon the Ummah (nation, followers) of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), just as He made it obligatory upon the nations that preceded it. This is based on Allah the Almighty's statement,[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"O you who believe! Fasting has been made obligatory upon you just as it was made obligatory upon those who were before you, so that you have Taqwa (piety)."(2:183)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]This (the revelation of this verse) took place on a Monday, during the month of Shaban, in the second year after the blessed migration (2 AH).[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[B][I][U][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkgreen]The virtue of Fasting and its Benefits:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/U][/I][/B]
[B][I][U][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=#006400]Its Virtue:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/U][/I][/B]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]The following Hadiths testify to and affirm the virtue of fasting:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]The Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Fating is a shield from the (Hell) Fire like the shield of one of you in battle."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]The Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allah the Mighty and Majestic, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) Fire for (the distance of) seventy autumn seasons because of that day"[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]The Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Verily the fasting person has a supplication that will not be rejected when he breaks his fast (i.e. at the end of the day)."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]The Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Verily there is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan that the people who observed fasting will enter through on the Day of Resurrection, and none will enter it other than them. It will be said, 'Where are the fasting people?' So they will stand (and after they have entered, it will be closed and no one will enter it (after them)."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[B][I][U][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkgreen]Its Benefits:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/U][/I][/B]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Fasting provides benefits for the soul, the society and health, and they are as follows:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]From the spiritual benefits of fasting is that it accustoms one to patience and strengthens one's patience. It teaches self-restraint and helps one to practice it. It places the gift of piety in the soul and cultivates it, and particularly the piety which is the outstanding reason for fasting that is mentioned in Allah the Almighty's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Fasting has been made obligatory for you just as it was made obligatory for those who were before you so that you have Taqwa." (2:138)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]From the social benefits of fasting is that it accustoms the (Muslim) community to organization and unity, and love of justice and equality. It makes a feeling of mercy and good character in the believers. Likewise, it protects the society from evil and vices.[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]From the health benefits of fasting is that it cleanses the intestines and benefits the stomach. It also purifies the body from excess and deposits, and it lessens the settling of fat and heaviness of the stomach with fat. It is narrated in a Hadith that he (S.A.W.S.) said:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Fast and be healthy."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[B][I][U][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=#006400]Recommended Fasts:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/U][/I][/B]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]Fasting is recommended on the following days:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]1. The Day of Arafah for those whoe are not performing Hajj. This is the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. This is due to the statement of the Prophet (S.A.W.S.):[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Fasting the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of two years, the previous year and the frothcoming year. And fasting the Day of Ashura expiates the previous year (i.e. its sins)."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]2. The Day of Ashura and the Day of Tasua, and they are the 10th and 9th of the month of Al- Muharram. This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"And fasting the Day of Ashura expiates the previous years (i.e. its sins)."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]And just as he (S.A.W.S.) fasted the Day of Ashura and ordered (the people) to fast it, he said:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=#006400]"When the next year comes, if Allah wills, we shall fast the ninth day (as well)."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]3. Six days of the month of Shawwal. This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Whoever fasts Ramadhan and follows it up with (fasting) six days of Shawwal, it is like fasting the entire year."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]4. The first half of the month of Shaban. This is due to the statement of Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"I never saw the Messenger (S.A.W.S.) fast an entire month except for Ramadhan and I did not see him fasting more in any month than in the month of Shaban."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]5. The first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"There are no days in which a righteous deed is more beloved to Allah the Mighty and Majestic than these days meaning the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]They said, [COLOR=darkgreen]"O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the way of Allah?"[/COLOR] He said:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Not even Jihad in the way of Allah, except for a man who goes out (for Jihad) with his self and his wealth, then he does not return with any of that (i.e. he loses his life and wealth in Jihad."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]6. The month of Al- Muharram. This is due to the Prophet's statement when he was asked, [COLOR=darkgreen]"Which is the best fast after Ramadhan?"[/COLOR] He replied:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"The month of Allah, which you call Al-Muharram."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]7. The whites days (Al-Ayyam-ul-Beedh) of every month and they are the 13th, the 14th and the 15th (of the lunar calendar). This is due to the statement of Abu Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"The Messenger of Allah ordered us to fast the three white days (Ayyam-ul-Beedh) of the month: the 13th, the 14 and the 15th. And he said, "They are like fasting the entire year."'[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]8 & 9. Monday and Thursday. This is due to what has been reported that the Prophet (S.A.W.S.) used to fast more on Mondays and Thursdays (than any other days). He was asked about that and he said:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Verily the deeds are presented (before Allah) every Monday and Thursday, and Allah forgives every Muslim or every believer, except for two who are shunning each other. Thus He says, 'Delay them (i.e. their forgiveness)."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]10. Fasting a day and not fastinf a day. This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"The most beloved fast to Allah is the fast of Dawud and the most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Dawud. He used to sleep half of the night, stand (in prayer) a third of it and sleep a sixth of it. And he used to fast a day and not fast a day (i.e. fast every other day)."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]11. Fasting for the single person who is not able to get married. This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Whoever is able to afford it should get married, for verily it helps to keep the gaze lowered and it is safer for the private parts (i.e. against illegal sexual intercourse). And whoever is not able (to marry) then he must fast, for verily it is a means of cutting off the sexual desires."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[B][I][U][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkgreen]What is disliked of Fasting:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/U][/I][/B]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=black]1. Fasting the Day of Arafah for whoever is standing at the plane of Arafah (for Hajj). This is due to the Prophet's prohibition of fasting the Day of Arafah for those who are at Arafat.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]2. Singling out the day of Al-Jumuah (Friday) for fasting. This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Verily the day of Al-Jumuah is your Eid, so do not fast it unless you fast (a day) before it or (a day) after it."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]3. Singling out the day of Saturday for fasting. This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Do not fast Saturday, except for that which has been made obligatory upon you. And if one of you cannotfind anything but skin of a grape or the stick of a tree, then he should chew it (on Saturday instead of fasting)."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]4. Fasting at the end of Shaban. This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"When the middle of Shaban comes do not fast."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkgreen][B][U]Note:[/U][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]The dislike of fasting these aforementioned days is for disdain. That which follows is disliked with the meaning of forbiddance. They are the following days:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]1. Al-Wisal, which is to continue fasting for two days or more without breaking the fast. This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Do not practice Al-Wisal (continued fast)."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]And his statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Beware of fasting Al-Wisal (continued fasting)."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]2. Fasting the day of Ash-Shakk (doubt), which is the 30th day of Shaban. This is de to the Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Whoever fasted the day of Ash-Shakk (doubt), the verily he has disobeyed Abdul-Qasim."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]3. Fasting all the time, which means fasting the entire year without breaking the fast (i.e. everyday). This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"He has not fasted who always fasts."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]And his statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"Whoever always fasts (i.e. everday), then he has not fasted nor has he broken his fast."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]4. The fasting of a woman without the permission of her husband while he is present. This is due to the Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"The woman should not fast (even) one day while her husband is present, except with his permission, unless it is Ramadhan."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkgreen][B][U]Forbidden Fasting:[/U][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]It is forbidden to fast the following days:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]1.Fasting on the day of the Eid, whether it is Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ul-Adhha. This is due to the statement of Umar, may Allah be pleased with him.:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"These are two days that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.S.) prohibited fasting on: The day of your breaking your fast (Eid-ul-Fitr) and the day on which you eat from your sacrifice (Eid-ul-Adhha[/COLOR])."[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]2. The three Days of At-Tashriq, as the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.S.) sent a caller, who called out at Mina saying, [COLOR=darkgreen]"Do not fast three days. For verily they are days of eating, drinking and marital relations."[/COLOR] In one wording it adds, [COLOR=darkgreen]"and the remembrance of Allah."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]3. The days of mensturation and postnal bleeding, as there is a consensus that the fast of the mensturating woman and the woman in postnal bleeding is not accepted. This is due to Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"It is not that when she mensturates, she does not pray and does not fast? So that is from the deficiency of her religious practice."[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]4. The fasting of the sick person who fears that he could die (from his illness). This is due to the statement of Allah the Most High:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]
[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen]"And do not kill yourselves. Verily Allah is Most Merciful to you."[/COLOR] [COLOR=darkgreen](4:29)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[CENTER][I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=7][COLOR=darkgreen]~~~~~~~~[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I][/CENTER]

[B][U][FONT=Arial][I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkgreen]The Obligation of Fasting Ramadhan[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I][/FONT][/U][/B]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I]Fasting the month of Ramadhan is obligatory according to the Book (Al-Quran), the Sunnah and the Ijma (consensus) of the Ummah (Muslim community). Verily Allah the Almighty said:[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=darkgreen](The month of Ramadhan in which was revealed the Quran, 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 Ramadhan), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month).)[/COLOR] (2:185)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I]And His Messenger (S.A.W.S.) said:[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=darkgreen](Islam was built upon five (pillars): The testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, the establishment of the prayer, paying Zakah, pilgrimage (Hajj) to the House (the Kabah( and fasting Ramadhan.)[/COLOR] (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I]And his statement:[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=darkgreen](The handholds of Islam and the fundamentals of the religion are three. Islam was established upon them. Whoever abandons one of them, then he is a disbeliever (Kafir) because of it and his blood is lawful: The testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, the obligatory prayer and fasting Ramadhan.) [/COLOR](Abu Yala in his Musnad, and its chain of narration is Hasan.)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[B][U][FONT=Arial][I][COLOR=darkgreen][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4]The Virtue of Ramadhan[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/I][/FONT][/U][/B]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]Ramadhan has great virtues and numerous merits that none of the other months have. The following Hadiths verify and affirm this:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]The Prophet's statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen](The five prayers, and Friday prayer to Friday prayer, Ramadhan (fasting) to Ramadhan (fasting) are expiators for whatever was between them (of sins), as long as the major sins are avoided[/COLOR].) (Muslim)[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]And his statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen](Whoever fasts Ramadhan with faith and seeking reward, he will be forgiven for his previous sins.)[/COLOR] (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]And he (S.A..W.S) said:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen](And I saw a man from my Ummah (followers) panting with thirst. Every time he came to a pond (to drink) he was prevented from it. Then the fasting of Ramadhan came to him and gave him drink, and it quenched his thirst.)[/COLOR] (At-Tabarani in a Hadith about the Prophet's long dream during his sleep.)[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]And his statement:[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen](When it is the first night of Ramadhan, the devils and the rebellious Jinns are chained up, the doors of the (Hell) Fire are closed and none of them is opened, and the doors of Paradise are opened and none of them is closed. A caller calls out, 'O seeker of good, advance (in your effort), and O seeker of evil, restrain yourself!' And Allah will free people from the (Hell) Fire, and that is every night) of Ramadhan.)[/COLOR] [/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[B][U][FONT=Arial][I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=4][COLOR=darkgreen]The virtue of righteousness and goodness during Ramadhan[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I][/FONT][/U][/B]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I]Due to the virtue of Ramadhan, all good deeds, acts of righteousness and goodness that are practiced during it are also favoured. From that:[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[I][SIZE=3][FONT=Book Antiqua][B][COLOR=darkgreen]1. As-Sadaqah (charity):[/COLOR][/B] As the Prophet (S.A.W.S) said:[/FONT][/SIZE][/I]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=darkgreen](Whoever feeds the person who is breaking his fast, he will have his reward (for his fasting) without decreasing anything from the reward of the fasting person.)[/COLOR] (Ahmad and At-Tirmithi, and it is Sahih.)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I]And he (S.A.W.S.) said:[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=darkgreen](Whoever feeds a person who is breaking his fast with food and drink from that which is lawful, the angles pray for blessings upon him during the hours of the month of Ramadhan and Jibril prays for blessings upon him during the Night of Decree (Laylat-ul-Qadr).)[/COLOR] (At-Tabarani and Abu Ash-Shaykh)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I]The Prophet (S.A.W.S) was the most generous person in doing good deed, and he was more generous than ever during Ramadhan when he would meet with Jibril. (Al-Bukhari)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[I][SIZE=3][FONT=Book Antiqua][B][COLOR=darkgreen]2. Qiyam-ul-Layl (standing at night for prayer):[/COLOR] [/B]As the Prophet (S.A.W.S.) said:[/FONT][/SIZE][/I]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=darkgreen](Whoever stands (For prayer at night) during Ramadhan, with faith and seeking reward, he will be forgiven for his previous sins.)[/COLOR] (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I]The Prophet (S.A.W.S) used to be more active (in prayer) during the nights of Ramadhan and during the last ten nights, he would wake everyone in his family, young and old, whoever was able to perform prayer. (Muslim)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[I][SIZE=3][FONT=Book Antiqua][B][COLOR=darkgreen]3. Recitation of the Noble Quran:[/COLOR] [/B]As the Prophet (S.A.W.S) used to recite the Noble Quran often during Ramadhan and Jibril, upon him be peace, used ro review the Quran with him during Ramadhan. (Al-Bukhari)[/FONT][/SIZE][/I]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I]The Prophet (S.A.W.S) used to prolong his recitation for Qiyam (standing in prayer at night) of Ramadhan more than he did at other times. Hudhayfah prayed with him one night and he recited Surah Al-Baqarah, then Aal Imran and then An-Nisa. He did not pass a verse that caused fear except that he stopped at it and asked (supplicated to Allah). He did not complete two Rakahs ( units of prayer) until Bilal came and called him to prayer (Salat-ul-Fajr). This narration has been related in the Sahih (of Al-Bukhari). The Prophet (S.A.W.S.) said:[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=darkgreen](Fasting and standing in prayer (at night) will intercede for the servant (of Allah) on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, 'My Lord, I prevented him from food and drink during the day,' and the Quran will say, 'I prevented him from sleeping during the night, so allow us to intercede for him.[/COLOR]') (Ahmad and An-Nisa)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[I][SIZE=3][FONT=Book Antiqua][B][COLOR=darkgreen]4. Al-Itikaf:[/COLOR] [/B]This means staying in the Masjid for worship, seeking to draw nearer to Allah the Almighty. The Prophet (S.A.W.S.) performed Al-Itikaf and he always made Al-Itikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadhan until Allah the Almighty took him away. This has been related in the Sahih (of Al-Bukhari.) He (S.A.W.S.) said:[/FONT][/SIZE][/I]

[I][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkgreen](The Masjid is the house of every pious person and Allah takes care of whoever has the Masjid as his home, with compassion, mercy and safe passage over the Bridge to the Pleasure of Allah and Paradise.)[/COLOR] (At-Tabarani and Al-Bazzar)[/SIZE][/FONT][/I]

[I][SIZE=3][FONT=Book Antiqua][B][COLOR=darkgreen]5. Umrah:[/COLOR][/B] This means visiting the Sacred House of Allah (the Kabah) for the performance of Tawaf and Sa'y during Ramadhan, as the Prophet (S.A.W.S.) said, [/FONT][/SIZE][/I]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=darkgreen](An Umrah performed during Ramadhan is equivalent to a Hajj performed with me.)[/COLOR] (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I]And he (S.A.W.S.) said,[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3][I][COLOR=darkgreen](Al-Umrah to Al-Umrah is an expiation for whatever (sins were committed) between them.)[/COLOR] (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[/I][/SIZE][/FONT]



[FONT=Arial][B][U][FONT=Arial]Taken from (post 1 and 2)[/FONT][/U][/B][FONT=Arial]: Minhaj Al-Muslim (Vol. 2) - Abu Bakr Jabir Al-Jaza'iry.[/FONT]
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