Excellence Of Observing Sawm

Assalamu’alaikum !

In a narration by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,

“The reward of every (good) deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah says: The reward of observing Sawm is different from the reward of other good deeds; Sawm is for me, and I Alone will give its reward. The person observing Sawm abstains from food and drink only for my sake.’ The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his Rabb. Surely, the breath of one observing Sawm is better smelling to Allah than the fragrance of musk.”

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,

“When Ramadhan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Sahl bin Sa’d (RA): The Prophet (SAW) said,

“In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Sawm (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, “Where are those who observe fasting?” So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.”

[Muslim]

Two Joys For Those Who Fast

Assalamu’alaikum !

On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) it is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“Allah (swt) says: 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 like a shield (from sins and the hellfire), and he who fasts has two joys: a joy when he breaks his fast and a joy when he will meet his Lord (on the Day of Judgement). And the smell emanating from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the Sight of Allah than even the smell of musk.’”

[Bukhari and Muslim]

The Purpose Of Fasting In Ramadhan

Assalamu’alaikum!

Allah, the Most High says,

“O you who believe! Fasting has been ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.”

[Al Qur’an 2:183]

A common question that Muslims are often asked, is ‘why do you fast?’ or ‘What do you achieve through fasting?’ Many Muslims attempt to answer these questions in a very philosophical way, explaining that fasting helps us to think about the poor and about those less privileged than us. Or that it allows us to feel the hunger and thirst that poor people around the world feel so that we may be grateful to Allah(swt) for the food that we have, or so on and so forth.

Although most of these answers maybe true, but the real answer is much simpler than that and is contained in the above verse of the Qur’an. It is that, firstly, fasting is a command from Allah(swt), and those that came before us (i.e. the nations that came before) were also commanded to fast. Secondly, the purpose for which we have been ordained to fast is so that we may attain Taqwa.

A Tabi’ee (A Companion from the generation after the Sahaabah) Talq ibn Habeeb (May Allah have mercy upon him) was asked to define Taqwa, so he said, ‘Taqwa is acting in obedience to Allah (swt), hoping for His Mercy, and Taqwa is leaving acts of disobedience to Allah out of fear of Him.’

This is the purpose behind fasting, and this is what fasting in Ramadhan should lead us to, i.e. towards attaining Taqwa. The aim is to achieve Taqwa, the means to this achievement is fasting and the result of achieving this aim is the closeness and pleasure of Allah(swt), and immense reward from Allah in this world and in the hereafter.

The Meaning Of Ramadhan

Assalamu’alaikum !

O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. [Surah Al Baqarah 2:183]

(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew. [Surah Al Baqarah 2:184]

Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. Allah wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify Allah for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. [Surah Al Baqarah 2:185]

When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. [ Surah Al Baqarah 2:186]

Just A Reminder

Assalamu'alaikum !

No words of men are better than the words of Rasulullah (s.a.w). And there are no better words than to remind and persuade mankind to do good and to forbid evil. So, make the best of your life while you still can; for the fate of our future depends on the work that we dedicate ourselves today.

Narrated 'Aisha in Sahih Al Bukhari,

Allah's Apostle used to fast till one would say that he would never stop fasting, and he would abandon fasting till one would say that he would never fast. I never saw Allah's Apostle fasting for a whole month except the month of Ramadan, and did not see him fasting in any month more than in the month of Sha'ban.

Narrated 'Aisha in Sahih Al Bukhari also,

The Prophet never fasted in any month more than in the month of Sha'ban. He used to say, "Do those deeds which you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) till you get bored and tired (of performing religious deeds)." The most beloved prayer to the Prophet was the one that was done regularly (throughout the life) even if it were little. And whenever the Prophet offered a prayer he used to offer it regularly .

Salaam

Sya'ban: A Prelude To Ramadan

Assalamu'alaikum !

We welcome Sya'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It is also one of the meritorious months; the month prior to the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Being the month immediately preceding Ramadan, some preparatory measures are needed and deemed necessary to honour Ramadan. One of the first things we should adhere to, following the arrival of this auspicious month, is to welcome it on a happy note and to correct and improve our niat for this month. It is much expected of us to be even more productive in terms of doing good deeds than the month of Rajab. All this is to be done in enthusiasm and eager anticipation to welcome the much awaited month of Ramadan.

The Prophet (s.a.w) himself was keen on fasting in the month of Sya'ban, more than he was in other months. This was a kind of self preparation for the coming of Ramadan i.e. to act as some sort of girding oneself for Ramadan. However, there are no textual evidence that there are specific days in Sya'ban in which fasting is commendable.

On being asked why the fasting in Sya'ban, the Prophet (s.a.w) explained that Sya'ban, due to its position between Rajab and Ramadan, is often neglected by many people. It is a month in which an account of the deeds of human beings is presented before Allah, and the Prophet wished that his deeds are presented at a time when he's in a state of fasting.

Indeed, it is another great opportunity and time presented for us by Allah to improve ourselves from misdeeds and wrongdoings in the past months. In this way, we shall enter Ramadan with renewed feelings and spirits and our souls cleansed from the sins of Jahiliyyah. Salaam.