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"Whosoever reaches the month of Ramadan and does not have his sins forgiven, and so enters the Fire, then may Allah distance him." Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or ar-ramad denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same root there is ramdaa, sunbaked sand, and the famous proverb: "Kal Mustajeer minar Ramadaa binnar" - to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. And in a hadith the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "The prayer of repenters is due when the young camel can feel the sun's heat early in the morning." (Muslim) Thus, the word Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst). Others said it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground. Some said it is so called because the hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat. The framers of this beautiful language may have been inspired by Allah (SWT) in naming this month Ramadan. Otherwise, the relation between the heat and its properties is miraculously similar to that of Ramadan. While the heat represents the matter that helps shape, form, and mold virtually every matter - from metal and plastics, to plants and living cells - Ramadan undoubtedly helps a serious believer remold, reshape, reform, and renew his physical and spiritual disposition and behavior. In Islam, for any act of worship to be valid and acceptable, it must be observed in accordance with the instruction of Allah (SWT) and the practice of the Messenger of Allah (saas). Obviously, we did not know about the fasting until we were told about it. It would be unwise to just decide to fast in the way one wishes. That is why there are in Islamic Law (Shari'ah) rules of fasting (Adab As-Siyam). Observation of these rules helps the devotee maximize the physical as well as spiritual benefits of fasting AL-SIYAAM 70 Matters Related to Fasting AL-HILAAL (SIGHTING OF THE MOON) FASTING OF ARAFAH AND THE SIGHTING OF THE MOON Those for Whom the Fast During Ramadan Is Not Obligatory Ramadan IS NOT JUST HUNGER AND THIRST RULING FOR AS-SAHOOR (THE PRE-DAWN MEAL OF Ramadan) Is it better for one who is sick not to fast in Ramadan? THINGS WHICH INVALIDATE THE FAST Emission of Madhiy (Prostatic fluid) does not invalidate the fast WHAT MUST BE AVOIDED DURING FASTING AL-QADAA: (Making up the issued days of Fasting) KAFFAARAH (Expiation for breaking a fast) AND FIDYAH (Ransom for the inability to fast) 'EED-AL-FITR What is Sunnahs of Eed, Bidahs of Eed? Tafsir of Surat Al Qadr (The Night Of Power) THE VIRTUE OF THE NIGHT OF AL-QADR EXERTING ONESELF DURING THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAN TARAWEEH IS EIGHT RAKAT ACCORDING TO THE HANAFEE SCHOLARS Night Prayer during Ramadan (Al-Qiyaam or Taraweeh) |
