Mistakes to be avoided during Ramadan

Ramadan is the holy month of Muslims when we fast from sunrise to sunset. There is a strict code of conduct during Ramadan which needs to be followed, and there are mistakes that are common but should be avoided during Ramadan. This article points some common mistakes that people make during Ramadan that should be avoided.

• Food becomes the center of attraction during the month of Ramadan to the extent that people begin to worry about eating more than Fasting. This becomes so important that people have Iftar parties and spend a lot of money on food that is not required.
• Preparation for sehri is done way ahead in advance before Fajr. At times people eat a few hours after Taraweeh or Isha Salah which is wrong. Sehri is supposed to be eaten before Fajr.
• People don’t make Niyyah (intentions) during the month of Ramadan to fast and pray. This is something which is done in one’s heart, it need not to be disclosed verbally and announced. It is also done only once, at the beginning of the holy month.
• If you get to know later that Ramadan has started you should keep the fast by refraining yourselves from food and water and fast for the day.
• Many people do not consider praying for Taraweeh on the first night Ramadan. It is a norm that you go for Taraweeh prayers the night you fast. They forget that in the Islamic calendar, the day changes after Maghrib.
• Some people believe that if someone eats of drinks something by mistake the fast is broke. Here is good news you need not to worry as you can continue the fast if broken accidently and you do not have to fast for another day.
• Some people believe that if you see someone, or eating do not drink, do not forget that the person he / she is fasting. According to Sheikh Bin Baz (RA), this is wrong and is a to devote to God for the good and forbid evil. So we tell people, because the non-evil way.
• Many females believe that Mehndi is prohibited in Ramadan. But this is an old fashioned belief, it is not wrong to apply Mehndi during Ramadan.
• Most people will disagree with this but tasting the salt or spices while cooking does not break our fast. Islam has allowed that as long as the food is not eaten by the person his fast remains intact.
• People believe that it is forbidden to use a miswak or toothbrush during Ramadan. This is incorrect, as Miswak was used by the Prophet (saw) during Ramadan.
• Some people have the concept of making the Fajr Adhan before time. They think by doing this they can stop the people from eating and continuing the fast. But this is a wrong practice and should not encourage it.
• Some people have the concept of making the Maghrib Adhan after time. They think that if incase Maghrib is late then the people will eat slowly. This too is wrong and should not do.
• Some people have the concept that you cannot lay with your spouse in Ramadan. It is wrong during the day but it is legal between Maghreb and Fajr.

Why is Ramadan Important

All around the world there are many Muslims. In Pakistan Ramadan is given a lot of importance. Let me share a few experiences about how Ramadan is celebrated in Pakistan. There is a lot of excitement on the eve of Ramadan. When it is confirmed that the following that all Muslims have to fast. There is a sudden rush on all of the shops, as people start buying things for Ramadan. Sometimes it is hard to understand that why does the prices of everything go up in Ramadan. The simply answer is that there is a sudden rise in demand.

What I feel is that many a times the people living here in Pakistan do not realize that the basic meaning of Ramadan is sacrificing for the poor. People normally have Iftar parties during Ramadan which according to me is not correct. People drift away from the main reason why Allah has asked us to fast. If the motive is kept the blessings showered by Allah is great, but people around here don’t understand. I feel that someone should realize and make a change only then will we be able to be called true Muslims. Fasting for a duty of just because parents want us to or it is a tradition. Fasting from the heart and meaning it should be the main motive.

Many a times it is noticed that during this Holy month in order to reach home at the time of Maghrib we see people fighting. Is this what we are supposed to do? How can we fast and fight at the same time. People get so angry and things in Karachi are so expensive that a normal person can’t afford to open their fast properly. It is so sad when we see women and children begging on the road for food during this Holy month and people getting angry as they are a hindrance to them while they buy their eatables at the stall.

My view is that a single person can bring out a revolution but someone has to be willing to do so. It is necessary for each Muslim brother to understand that Ramadan is a gift from Allah to each Muslim and we should make the best of it during this month. So why not think for a while and understand the importance of Ramadan. It indeed will help us to focus on what Allah wants from us. So my brothers and sisters it’s time to look back and make a change, do something different from the others and take this opportunity to do what we have never done before.

Fasting in Ramadan is a Virtue

Fasting is a virtue. Islam has given it preference in the form of Ramadan. It is necessary for every Muslim to understand the concept and basis of Ramadan. By Fasting we are in a close connection with Allah. Ramadan is a Holy month where we get the opportunity to show our faith and dedication to Allah. It is necessary for every Muslim to understand that during this month all sins are forgiven and the reward will be provided in jannat.

Remember fasting just for the sake or tradition is not what is asked from us. If we fast it should be done with true spirit and a clear heart only then will we achieve our true motive. Ramadan is a blessing to all Muslims; it is during this month that our Holy Prophet (PBUH) received his prophet hood as well as the Holy Book Quran was bestowed and given to us as our ultimate guide. Fasting gives our soul a meaning.

During the month of Ramadan people have different traditions of giving Zakat. Zakat is a kind of charity for the poor. Giving Zakat is important but more important is the intention of giving. Ramadan teaches us how to be patient, giving and devoted to the works for Allah. All that man has is given by Allah. During Ramadan it is necessary that every Muslim fast. By fasting we learn about the way people live in poverty, we should be grateful to Allah for showering his blessings on us that we have got a lot more than we deserve.

Ramadan is a time where we can thank Allah for the wondrous gifts that we have received from him. By fasting we learn what is hunger and starvation. Allah gives us the courage to fight hunger and thirst. Man does not live on food alone but also the will and words of Allah. During Ramadan we get the power to fight against Satan and his wills. He is defeated when he plots his doings in our heart. When we don’t do what he wants he sends us more terrible difficulties to face. Allah is the Almighty and everlasting, anyone who obeys his word will prosper.

Remember Ramadan is the best time to come close to Allah, the deeds that we do during this month is rewarded to us back ten times more then what we have done. So remember this Ramadan may be or last so get connected to Allah as the world is nearly coming to an end, come together so that we may all be in jannat.

Ramadan

The tradition of fasting and praying was early derived from the concept of Ramadan which is an important aspect of Islam. Ramadan is know followed by mostly everywhere around the globe in all the Muslim communities. In each and every part of the world there is a huge amount of anticipation for the Holy month of Ramadan. It has its own specialties and morals to follow such as praying, abstinence from food, good deeds, and to follow the schedule of Sehri and Iftar punctually. It can be elaborated as to every head o Ramadan has an essence to be known and to conjure up it would be…..

PRAYING:
Praying in Ramadan is mandatory and not only praying but also with your whole heart and soul. Prayers by Allah are required five times a day. These prayers in the Holy Month of Ramadan means a lot as for man dedicates an entire month of his serving the almighty and praying unto him for the good to come to him and he may come closer to Allah. Prayer during Ramadan makes man more pious and interpersonal with Allah.

ABSTINENCE FROM FOOD:
In the month of Ramadan the actual quality of it is that the followers of Allah abstain from food in order to offer him a sacrifice of their own being to prove that he is who owns them and it is by him they live. It is his blessings and love due to which they have everything and everything is by him. During this abstinence of food they live with the words and promises of the Holy One.

GOOD DEEDS:
Good deeds come from a good moral character and a good moral character comes from a person who is follows Allah and his commandments. The Ramadan is also one of his commandments to follow and by following it people tend to have good deeds and not only that but also they behave in a certain manner which distinguishes them from others. These good deeds done in the Holy month of Ramadan are deeds in action and most countable and acceptable by Allah.

SEHRI AND IFTAR:
Sehri is the schedule of getting up early in the morning and praying so that the Fast can be closed and the holy period begins with it. Normally people have something light so that they may allow their bodies to prolong for the entire day and not only that but also can stay in good health. People do faint due to low blood pressure or weakness for which this exercise is mandatory. Iftar is the opening of the fast but with a prayer which is again a good exercise for one so that he may do it by the consent of Allah. This nourishes the human body for the entire day it didn’t get.

All these four heads are compulsory for a person moving in Ramadan so that he may be in good contact with God and would also honor his word as command.

RAMADAN IN THE WEST AND EAST

Different civilizations have different ways to cater Ramadan some do it according to their cast some according to their culture and some according to their own personal will. But Ramadan is catered well but in many different ways. People in the west do it by all means of social work; in the east they do it by celebration. If u has an overview on both the west and the east side they are contrary to each other. Not only for Ramadan but for every little thing. That‘s what makes Ramadan more different from the West to the East.

In the West the entire ambiance of charity and welfare has been build for many years which then affects the moral character of a being and inspires him to do something beneficial in terms of his race cast culture or creed. West was once known as the Wild Wild West……. They had simply nothing else to do than hunting Red Indians and making merry. But then later the west made such a move that the world heads down made space for them. Know that we talk about the Holy month of Ramadan it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the influential Muslims living in the West do a lot more charity to help build their society and especially in month of Ramadan which is done by the Muslims living there. People in the west form education to food and clothing are concerned about them and not only that but also make sure the donation makes Allah happy for they work for his people. Yes it would not be wrong to state that the Ramadan is to do pious deeds which the west proudly does.

Talk about the eastern side it’s now coming up like China and Dubai. The East is not anywhere far in putting up charity work in the Holy month of Ramadan. But still there some places in the east where this culture is not fully implemented. Places where feudal lord’s reign and where human are treated worse than animals. The month of Ramadan in every posh area is celebrated with great love and energy in the East but when it comes to the rural areas no one even gives it a look. Either they have food for Sehri or Iftar or the children playing on the roads and lanes their eyes shines for something new in front of their parents. These are a Big question to be answered, whether what way do we follow the command of Ramadan and can we help them….

Outcome of Ramadan

The Holy month of Ramadan is more like a blessing not only to a Muslim but also to non-Muslim. People do realize that a man who is fasting is more of a serious kind of a person and does good and not evil. Ramadan brings out the best from a man and the worse. This is what makes it so essential for every Muslim to fast and pray. People while traveling keep praying listen to HOLY PROPHETS saying and keep rejoicing in Allah and his spirit. A man becomes more pious and closer to Allah and his commandments too.

The outcome of Ramadan is that people tend to learn patience and perseverance. Patience is said to be the mother of virtue and perseverance comes from patience only. The exercise of Ramadan is helpful for every Muslim to stay in one with all his Muslim brother and sisters and portray and living example of Fraternity and Unity. The idea of all Muslims fasting together in itself is a master plan by Allah for his beings to fell unified and equal because in the eyes of Allah all human beings are equal and no one is above or beneath.

Non-Muslims also know consider this month as a month of peace and tranquility among the world and very soon it would be a mark of global peace too. In one’s day to day dealing and transactions we do realize that the month of Ramadan brings a hold in one’s life and one would want to start and execute his or her work in a proper manner for as he or she is more conscience of the Holy month of Ramadan. This know brings a great peace and hope things getting better as we all know that the world is coming to an end and nothing can get more better but would get worse but the way we fast and keep the commandment of Ramadan we can definitely execute what we have started according to Allah’s will and manner.

The forth Pillar of Islam - Ramadan

In Islam the fourth is Ramadan (fasting). This is one of the most important pillars of Islam. People do think and take care of the rest of the pillars and follow them enthusiastically but this is the only pillar which brings a lover Allah closer to his servant and not only that but it also makes him pious enough to worship and live a Godly life.

Ramadan is like a difficult task to achieve in order to pray and abstain from food. This condition makes man more weak as his worldly desires of eating and ,making merry has to be put up aside and he is to focus on the love of Allah and his divine care for us. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that it is a tedious thing to achieve; mostly people do keep with it but the inner soul work matters which are found rarely in these days.

The HOLY PROPHET (P.B.U.H) had also coated that fasting would be a cleansing of mind and soul and it is an offering to God for his love for us. It is believed by many that due during the Holy month of Ramadan if you ask Allah to bestow your blessings on him he would surely do which is one more reason or a benefit to fast. It makes one very much strong in his ‘Ibadat” praise to Allah and not only that he or she also come really close to God.

Ramadan is know treated more like a festival and less like the way it should be treated. There are certain lines we as being Muslims are suppose to draw the line between Actual and Fictitious. By actual it means what are the real benefits to it? or What are the basics to the holy month of Ramadan? The fictitious means all kinds of fun and entertainment which takes us no where but leads to a path of disguise and a sinful nature which is prohibited in Quran.

It is know on us what do we choose and where do we Land.

Ramadan and Other Religions

Ramadan is most common in most of the religions but it is given in different names. In Hinduism the culture strictly ask to fast for the forgiveness of sins, so does Christianity and so does Sikhism. All these and many more religion do ask to fast as for fasting does a biological benefit to a person. By fasting one can have good diaphragm breathing and would also have a glowing face which is noticeably there in the holy month of Ramadan.

There having been conflicting and contradictory issues that have been raised by terminologies and the makers of it too but then again it resolves it all by having a peaceful environment and knowing that it is all about prasing The Holy One in this entire month.

Many of the religions do even contribute towards Ramadan by adding up their positive views to it and by knowing the worth of this major religious event. There is an enormous space given by most of the religions to Ramadan by helping them in fasting and being productive by having a good feed back to them so that it may remain as a mark of cordial relation among them.

Ramadan comes from the religion of peace which then is a peaceful religion itself so never has a conscience to harm someone or provoke someone to an illegitimate act around the globe which in itself is a great honor for the rest of the religions because it promotes peace and tranquility to the entire world to assure humanity is an important essence of Islam which is promoted through Ramadan.

Having an overview of all the religions Ramadan is the key to success because through fasting perseverance comes which is required the most for today’s world. All the religions believe in fasting (RAMADAN) which is then again a common ground for all of them and help promotes this cause which brings man more closer to God and makes him more pious.

A Pakistani Ramadan

Ramadan is one of the most awaited events in Pakistan. Its importance can be justified by rules and regulations governed in the state or example; all the offices in the country or in fact majority close down on a half day basis and special incentives are also given to the employees during the holy month of Ramadan.

One of the most important things about Ramadan is that it is used for the cleansing for the mind, heart and soul of the body which is needed for every Muslim around. It also has a good biological effect to be intestine and stomach system; it cleanses the entire system and makes a person healthy enough which helps in his old age.

The whole nation after ‘Iftar’ is in a state of fellowship among their loved one’s and meet and greet people. They go out for get together and are always looking forward for fun as for the entire day goes in serving the offices and keeping up the commitment to fast as for his command to us. There are many sorts of deals and schemes which come out during this holy month of Ramadan in terms of shopping, food and entertainment.

Ramadan kinds of gets a little difficult for the people here in Pakistan as know Pakistan is a cosmopolitan state having all kinds of sects and culture which dwell in pretty well. But for the one’s fasting it gets a little difficult due to being tempted by seeing others having food and not wanting to have it but still the craving to food is always there.

It closes with a lot of celebration but the sad thing to notice is that every event has its own huge anticipation but as the event arrives the excitement goes low. Same happens with Eid here in Pakistan people mostly celebrate it sitting back at home and enjoy a nice family time. But it pays off for all the fun and praises given to Holy One is this Holy month of Ramadan.
 

A Brief History of Ramadan

We all know that the prayers that Muslim recite daily were not five but originally were fifty originally, but later came down to just five times after a series of tough discussions with our Prophet (peace be upon him) at the end of his journey, which was to the seventh heaven Sidratul Muntaha, the essential seat of the heavenly itself?

The tale of Ramadan is of no less importance. It was during Ramadan, that Allah informed the Holy Prophet of his prophet hood, and it was during Ramadan, the Holy book, the Quran which is the main source of law in Islam was revealed to the Prophet. It was during Ramadan, the first armed forces quarrel that took place between the pagans of Mecca and the Muslims in Medina. Only in Ramadan you will find the most powerful night of the Islamic year, as it is known as a night of Power, a night more significant than a thousand other nights. All of this is attractive to the average Muslim to understand the historical expansion of this important month in Islam.

Ramadan is derived from the Arabic origin word Ar-Ramadi, which means the intense heat or drought. The word of the desire to drink water or eat is prohibited in all the years. This is said to be the physical level. But the religious level, the incineration of such sins by hunger and thirst for the love of God, or observe fasting in this month with an absolute faith and intentions contaminated offer delivery of all the past sins of the faithful people. Fasting is also done to distract sin, and it is also done according to some prophetic tradition, a powerful tool in overcoming the schemes of Satan believers.

Ramadan, was officially recognized as one of the pillars of Islam in the Quran, in the second year of the Hegira means that all other forms of fasting was a choice before. And like all life forms and changing laws in the Quran about Ramadan is a series of steps before it is absolutely bounded on all Muslims healthy adults. Most physicians of Islam agree that the three days of fasting by the Prophet and his companions during the Meccan era and the first years of the Medina, was the introductory period of Ramadan for Muslims.

It may seem strange today, but the fact is that during the early days of Ramadan, fasting was done every day, right after the last evening prayer, the prayer of Asha. That does not mean that people were eating less than three hours lost their energy completely the day, most Muslims went to bed soon.

All doctors agree that Islam is a sign of the infinite mercy of God upon this Ummah would be to complex lifestyle difficult to change or cancel, do it slowly and gradually, on the vast majority of the faithful used to it is to change We are ready, and that's what happened in the history of Islam in Ramadan.

What is Ramadan

As we know that Ramadan comes in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is considered as one of the holiest month of the year. The Qur'an (2:185), said that it was in the month of Ramadan that it was revealed. The Holy Prophet Muhammad has told us that messages were revealed to him by God which then became the holy book Quran in 610 AD.

The main thing is that Ramadan reminds us that the Quran was sent down as assistance for civilization and also a way that would help us distinguish between good and evil. Another verse from the Quran (97:1) says that it was discovered on the evening of determination that Muslims detect during the night of 26 to 27 Ramadan.

The holy month begins with the observation of the crescent, the night after the new moon and lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the lunar cycle. As the Quran has mentioned, Muslims should see the new moon with the naked eye before the start fasting. Practices have proved that two witnesses must confirm before the Qadi, if satisfied, announces the news to the mufti who lets all the Muslims start fasting. It has become customary for the Arab Middle East to accept, with doubts, the decision of Cairo. If the New Moon is invisible, then after calculating 30 days from the month of Sha'ban, the fast begins the day after the last day of that month. Ramadan all over the world is a month of fasting in the Muslim world. The month of fasting ends with the same procedure. Fasting provides Muslims a guideline that teaches them how to discipline and control themselves from hunger and thirst which is told by Prophet Muhammad. So, fasting is a form of devotion and a time of empowerment.

While from sunrise to sunset, Muslims give up food, drink and all physical pleasures. It does not mean that no food is taken. Every day two meals are taken in the month of Ramadan. The souhoor begins every day before dawn and iftar breaks the fast after sunset. When the sun sets every day the fast is opened with dates and water. The main meal can be anything. There are no restrictions, cheeses, mutton, beef, or chicken anything that is simple. Every family has traditional food, to enjoy. Sweet dishes or desserts are an important part of the diet. Usually women at home prepare the meals and special dishes for Ramadan dinner.

Ramadan in USA, the month of patience

Islam is the second largest religion in the world. After the 9/11 Islam is the most widespread religion in Europe and America. The ninth month which is the most valuable in the Islamic calendar is the month of Ramadan.
The month of Ramadan started from the Holy City Mecca to Miami. The Islamic world celebrates this month with all due respect, dignity and commitment by staying away from sin throughout the month while praying  and fasting during the day.

The Muslim community in most parts of the world celebrates Ramadan, including the United States. According to the teachings of Islam and its last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Ramadan is a month to practice to stay away from sin, feel the pain of hunger on behalf those who have nothing to eat. Spend money and buy products in the form of Zakat for the poor.

Ramadan brings significance of peace, fortitude, obligation and remembering the Almighty Allah. Muslims celebrate Ramadan by fasting all day and offer all the prayers throughout the day, giving Zakat and trying to keep themselves away from the sins of the world.

The month of Ramadan not only brings the message to the Muslims, the teachings of God through the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practice, but also a message to the non-Muslims, to spread Islam. Islam is a religion of peace and teaches patience and always patient, rest and the best example is the month of Ramadan.

Islam and the Muslims all over the world are facing problems for the last 10 years after the attacks on the World Trade Center, but the group of anti-Muslim still is not able to learn something from them. There are people or groups of people, who portrait Islam in a wrong way tamper with it, but the true Islam is the most peaceful religion in the world and the book of Islam is the Holy Quran which is an excellent guideline to lead a good Muslim life.

Ramadan Objectives

On a sweltering hot day your throat has become parched. You are in the privacy of your home and the refreshingly cool water is within hand’s reach. You desire to drink it, but you do not. Why? Simply because you are fasting and while fasting you cannot eat and drink. If somebody prompts you to nevertheless drink it and says: “Nobody is watching,” you will immediately rebuke him with the words: “But Allah is watching”

ALLAH IS WATCHING!
Allah is watching. Allah is All Hearing, All Knowing, He is Omnipresent. He sees and knows when we cheat while fasting, thus we resist all temptations of food, drink and lawful conjugal relations from dawn to dusk. We have learnt the lesson of Taqwa. We have learnt that lesson which the fasting was meant to teach us. Allah is watching! Yes, Allah is watching! Every time there is an urge to eat or drink while fasting, the voice from within cries out: “Allah is watching!” Dozens of times daily for an entire month this reality is reaffirmed. Allah is watching. So deeply is it embedded in the heart that by the time Ramadan is over, a person becomes conscious of Allah to such an extent that he is now guided by an inner force that propels him in the direction of righteousness and turns him away from sin?

TAQWA
The fasts of Ramadan were prescribed for the purpose and object of attaining Taqwa. This is clearly declared in the Qur’an-al-Kareem. Taqwa simply is to obey the commands of Allah and refrain from all sin, the increased rewards for lbaadah (worship) in Ramadan and all the blessings of this great month should be considered as the bonus. The object is Taqwa. If one performs an abundance of Salaah, completes the recitation of the Qur’an thirty times and engages in many other acts of lbaadah, but fails to give up sins – one has failed to achieve the object and purpose of Ramadan. One has failed to firmly embed the reality of Taqwa in the heart, the Taqwa that cries out “Allah Is watches” whenever one contemplates committing any transgression.

TEMPTATION
The dictates of Taqwa are not restricted to abstaining from drinking, gambling, adultery, transacting in interest and other such vices. Indeed Taqwa demands that while abstaining from the entire above vices one also observes Taqwa in one’s business. When the temptation to cheat the customer beckons, or when one is tempted to buy stolen goods or to indulge in fraud, at that time also the heart should cry out “Allah is watching” and it should restrain one from the sin.

ABSTAIN FROM SIN
This then is the object of Ramadan. This will only be achieved if we conduct ourselves in this great month with Taqwa. Or else the object of Ramadan will be defeated. Hence Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said: “He who does not forsake lying and other futile actions, Allah has no need for him to give up his food and drink.” Thus together with fasting, performing Salaah, reading the Qur’an, serving the cause of Deen, etc,, one must totally abstain from every sin in the month of Ramadan and adorn oneself with Taqwa. Insha-Allah this will then carry one along for the rest of the eleven months to abstain from all sins.

May Allah enable us to make this Ramadan a month where we will truly attain Taqwa. Aameen.

Ramadan is a holy month for muslims

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. According to the Islamic calendar Ramadan comes in the ninth month every year. It is a time of fasting from dawn to dusk daily. During this holy month Muslims give up food and drink during the daytime. It is a month where each one devotes themselves to praise, worship and honor God. This is normally done by saying your prayers five times a day or going to the mosque. During Ramadan we should be devoted to God by praying and visiting the mosque. In Ramadan we read the Quran more often as we know that the gates of heaven are opened and hell is closed. There are a lot of beliefs attached to this month that is a great festival for all Muslims. Ramadan is the holiest month of all as it was during this month that the Holy Quran was bestowed to our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) from heaven. Ramadan according to Islam is also of great importance as it is one of the five pillars of Islam; the pillars are a set standard for all Muslims which are compulsory to follow. It is an obligation that all Muslims should fast during this entire month.

Following are the five pillars of Islam.
1)    Recitation of the Apostles' Creed (Shahada) twice – that ‘There is no God except Allah "and" the Prophet Mohammed is his prophet.

2)    Prayer (Salat) is said five times a day facing towards the Holy city of Mecca.

3)    Charity (Zakat) – is a donation which is compulsory and an obligation for every Muslim as it is the giving of arms to the poor and needy.

4)    Fasting (Saum) – Is obligatory in the Holy month of Ramadan.

5)    Pilgrimage (Hajj) – Has to be done once in your life time. It is the visit to the Holy city in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Important during Hajj:
Muslims performing Hajj it is important that you should walk around the Kaaba seven times, kiss and touch the black stone as it is affiliated to a religious significance before Muhammad was born. In this one point Muhammad used this as a practice and it became one of the five pillars of Islam.

Those who are the followers of Islam are expected to refrain from eating and drinking during Ramadan. Under some circumstances Muslims are exempted from fasting they are as follows. Including:

• Children below the age of 12
• Children that are physically and mentally disabled
• Muslims that are aged
• Muslims that are traveling long distances
• Nursing mothers
• Pregnant women
• Women getting their periods

Ramadan in Pakistan

The excitement begins when people see the Ramadan moon. There is a buzz in the streets late into the night and people begin to prepare for the month of fasting by the storing the things needed to start the fast. The men head into the mosque for Taraweeh prayers, while the women start sehri (pre-dawn) preparation.

In order to wake every one for sehri a man strolls in the vicinity before dawn. The sound is loud enough to wake up all those who are sleeping. The box is a cheap replacement for traditional drums.

Donations and prayers
In Ramadan Allah showers many blessings and even the smallest of good deeds can reap great fruits. During Ramadan, we remember the people who live hand to mouth, never knowing whether they can get enough food for the next meal. Therefore Ramadan is considered as a month of showing love for the poor.

During the day, people recite Quran and pray extra. The normal working hours should be altered so that people work earlier than usual to go home for Iftar. Students love it because classes end at 12.30 in Ramadan, while they can rest the entire day.

Many Pakoras
The preparations for the Iftar meal begin at noon. Each house has numerous varieties of Pakoras (fried vegetable fritters) that are fried to open the fast - Iftar, in fact, would be incomplete without it! The people also enjoy fruit chaat (fruit salad with herbs) Dhai bharhey (seasoned yogurt dumplings) and samosas are very popular with everyone.

Restaurants have special menus for Iftar and Sehri, so many people eat out during Ramadan. After the Iftar meal, prayers are offered and the men go for Taraweeh prayers in the mosque, while the women get together in a local house gather to pray. Everyone goes home every day with tea.

Night of the Moon
The last day of Ramadan is a transition, and with them comes its blessings. The last night of Ramadan, when the new moon is in the sky, it is said to be  'Chaand Raat' (Night of the Moon) and promotes Eid. Eid ul-Fitr is also known as Meetha Eid (Eid Sweet) because it has more sweets than the Eid ul-Adha.

Decorated with colorful lights, the shops are open all night, because everyone buys new clothes and shoes for Eid. The atmosphere is excited and happy. Girls buy bangles and bracelets according to their outfits. That night women and girls paint their hands with henna (Mehndi) with different patterns before going to bed.

Ramadan and Virtues

In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate. All acclaim is to Allah, Whom we acknowledge and seek for His advice and forgiveness.We seek ambush in Allah from the evils of ourselves and the accountability of our angry deeds.

Whomsoever He guides, will never be misled, and whomsoever He misguides, will never acquisition enlightenment. I affirm that there is none aces of adoration except Allah, and that Mohammad is His bondservant and Messenger. Allah said, what translated means, “O you who believe! Abhorrence Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a accompaniment of Islam” [3:102],

Also, “Mankind! Be binding to your Lord, Who created you from a distinct being (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created abounding men and women and abhorrence Allah through whom you appeal your alternate (rights), and (do not cut the relations) of the wombs (kinship)! Surely, Allah is Ever an All- Watcher over you.” [4:1]

And, “O you who believe! Keep your assignment to Allah and abhorrence Him, and allege (always) the Truth.” [33:70].

The best of accent is the Book of Allah, and the best of advice is the advice beatific with Muhammad - accord be aloft him. The affliction of affairs is Bid’ahs (innovations in the religion), every Bid’ah is a Dhalalah [misguidance], and every Dhalalah is in the Hellfire.

• A. The Magnificent Month
• B. Blessings of Ramadan
• C. Virtues of Fasting in Quran and Sunnah
• D. Ramadan and the Quran

A. The Magnificent Month

Salman Al-Farisi (may Allah be admiring with him) narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) addressed us on the aftermost day of Sha’ban and said: “People, a abundant adored ages has appear aloft you, a ages absolute Laylat al-Qadr which is bigger than a thousand months. Allah has fabricated abnegation during it an obligation, and deeply celebratory its nights in adoration a autonomous act. Whoever undertakes an act of accordance to Allah during this ages with a angelic deed, it is as if he has performed an binding act at added times; and whoever performs an binding act during it is as one who performed seventy obligations at added times.

B.        Blessings of Ramadan

Dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters! We are hosting anon inshaa’a Allah a unique, a acceptable and an atonement guest; a bedfellow that visits us already a year and brings with it all sorts of advantage and happiness; a bedfellow that brings with it the advanced Mercy and Forgiveness of Allah; a bedfellow that brings with it a aroma of Paradise; a bedfellow that makes the accepter afterpiece to Allah and His Paradise and abroad from Shaytan and Hell Fire. It is Ramadhan, the ages of the Qur’an, the ages of Mercy, the ages of Forgiveness, the ages of adoration at night and Suhoor, the ages of adherence and alternate help, the ages of all blessings.

C.        Virtues of Abnegation as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah

The accolade for abnegation is immense, as mentioned in the afterward Hadeeth: “Every activity of the son of Adam is accustomed assorted reward, anniversary acceptable accomplishment accepting ten times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High said, ‘Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will accord amends for it, he leaves off his desires and his aliment for Me.’ for the abnegation being there are two times of joy; a time back he break his fast and a time of joy back he meets his Lord, and the aroma advancing from the aperture of the abnegation being is bigger with Allah than the aroma of musk.” [al-Bukhaaree]

D.        Ramadan and the Quran

This is based on an abstract from Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali’s “Lataif al-Ma’arif” (pp. 179-182), quoted by Fahd bin Sulaiman in “Kay nastafeed min Ramadan” (pp. 48-50)

“The ages of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was beatific bottomward ... so whoever amidst you assemblage this month, let him fast it...” [Note: in the tafsir of this verse, it is mentioned that the chat ‘so’ (fa) in this ballad gives the afterward digest of one aspect of the acceptation of the ayah:

Ramadan - Benefits

Praise be to Allah.

Ramadan is a month of fasting and prayer for Muslims. Fasting is total abstinence from food and drinking from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramadan. However, there are more important things for young people that abstinence-only food and drink. The real purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to inculcate in man the spirit of abstaining from sins and the cultivation of virtue

First it should be noted that one of the names of Allah is al-Hakim (the wisest). The word Hakeem is originated from the same source hukm (wisdom) and Hikma (wisdom). Allah is the only one who issues a decision, and crises are most wise and perfect.

Second: God does not require a decision, but there is wisdom that we can try to understand, or our minds may be led us to understand. We know some of them, but many are hidden from us.

Fasting is a means of accomplishing taqwa (piety, being aware of Allah), and taqwa means doing what God has appointed and avoiding what He forbids. Fasting is one of the most important means to help a person to fill the orders of Islam.

The scholars (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned some of the reasons why fasting is recommended, all of which are characteristics of piety. Among the reasons for fasting:

1)    Fasting is a way that allows us to appreciate and give thanks for the pleasures that Allah has bestowed upon us. Since food and water, are among the greatest pleasures. Giving them up for a short time make us appreciate their value. Blessings of Allah are recognized when they are away from us, which motivates us to be grateful for them.

2)    Fasting enables us to control our desires, because when a person is filled with desires to grow, but if you are hungry, then his desire becomes weak.

3)    Fasting makes us feel compassionate and have sympathy for the poor, because while fasting we consider the pain of hunger for a moment, remembering those in this situation all the time.

4)    Fasting weakens Satan; it weakens the effects of his whispering to us and reduces sins. Fasting reduces the attempts of Satan, his influence becomes less on us.

5)    The fasting person is training himself to remember that God is always on the lookout, overlooking the things he wants, even if they are able to take them because he knows that God can see.

6)    It makes a Muslim used to do acts of worship, because the people who fast usually do more acts of worship and gets used to it.

Some of the reasons for fasting are enjoined. We ask Allah to help us achieve this and to worship Him properly during the holy month of Ramadan.

And Allah knows best