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In the Name of God; the Most
Compassionate, the Most Merciful Definition of Ramadhan Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar. It is the month during which Muslims observe fasting from morning
twilight (Fajr Prayer) to the evening twilight (Maghreb Prayer). The term
Ramadhan is literally driven from al-Ramd which means ‘burning heat of the sun’.[11]
It is believed that this name is given to the fasting month due to the thirst
experienced during fasting. It is narrated from the Prophet of Islam (S)
that the name is given to the fasting month because fasting burns the sins. [12] According to some narrations ‘Ramadhan’ is one of the
Names of Allah and hence the more appropriate way to refer to the month of
fasting is to say “The Month of Ramadhan”, not Ramadhan.[13] We should however bear in mind that the term
‘Ramadhan’ without the prefix ‘the month’ is mentioned in many Hadiths with
reference to the month of fasting. Hence, it seems the recommendation for the
expression of ‘the month of Ramadhan’ is with respect to the Qur’anic
expression as mentioned in Surah 2, Ayah 185, and as an honour to this holy
month, which is referred to in the words of the Prophet (S) ‘the month of Allah’. Significance of the Month of
Ramadhan Ramadhan is the holiest month in the Islamic
calendar. Fasting is prescribed in this month. It is a month in which the holy Qur’an
was revealed [2:185]. According to some traditions ‘the Scriptures’ of Ibrahim,
the Torah of Moses and the Psalms of David (peace be upon his pure progeny and
all the previous prophets) were all revealed in the month of Ramadhan. It is narrated from Imam ar-Ridha’ (a.s): “Verily,
the month of Ramadhan is a month in which the holy Qur’an was revealed. It was
in this month that the Prophet of Islam was infirmed of being a Prophet. The
Night of al-Qadr which is better than one thousand months and therein every
matter of ordainments is decreed[14]
is in this month.”[15] The Benefits of Fasting Fasting is an obligation in Islam not an
option. It is one of the five pillars on which Islam is built. The benefits of
fasting are manifold. Fasting has personal, social, hygienic and best of all
spiritual benefits. Hisham Ibn Hakam asked Imam As-Sadiq (a.s)
about the reason(s) because of which fasting has been made obligatory. The Imam
replied: “Verily, Allah made fasting obligatory in order to equalize
between the poor and the rich. Surely, the rich people would not otherwise feel
the pain of hunger to be kind to the poor. For the rich will reach anything
they wish. Thus, the Almighty Allah willed to equalize between His servants and
to give a taste of the pain of hunger to the rich so that he becomes more
lenient to the weak people and be more merciful towards the hungry ones.”[16] Although fasting has some social benefits, this
is not the main purpose of fasting. Thus, fasting is obligatory both on the
poor and the rich. The main purpose of fasting is to gain ‘self-restraint’ as
stated in the holy Qur’an: “O
you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those
before you, that you may observe self-restraint (al-Taqwa).” [2:183] None is needless of self-restraint. Even the
Prophet of Islam and the pure Imams (s.a) needed to maintain their high
standards of piety by the virtue of fasting. Thus, fasting is mandatory for all
Muslims. Unique Characteristics of Fasting Fasting, like praying and pilgrimage to Hajj,
is worshipping. Nonetheless, it has its own unique characteristics. The
following are some of the unique characteristics of fasting. à The longest
worshipping: Fasting is the longest worshipping of God. Daily Prayers will not
take more than one hour every day at most. Pilgrimage to Hajj will not take
more than a few weeks in a life time. The worshipping of fasting is about 12 to
16 hours (depending on the season and your geographical location) and lasts for
a whole month every year. In other words, a faster typically spends more than
400 hours within one month for worshipping Allah! Isn’t this amazing?! à Does not interrupt
your daily life: Fasting unlike other types of worshipping does not interrupt
our daily transactions. One cannot normally offer his/her daily prayers whilst
working. You ought to take a break from your work, perform your Wudhu, find a
suitable place and offer your Salat. Pilgrimage to Hajj is even more so
interrupting your daily life. Fasting exceptionally is the only type of worshipping
that can be observed whilst one is doing his normal daily work. It does not
interrupt your worldly life at all. Amazingly a faster is still in the state of
worshipping Allah even if he/she is asleep. Fasting is only in conflict with
sinning. à Worshipping God
without any action: All other types of worshipping consist of some actions.
Take the example of daily Prayers. It is the combination of some recitation of
the Qur’an, some Thikr in different postures. The same applies to Hajj, Zakat
etc. Fasting is the only of worshipping of Allah that amazingly consists of
some non-doings! Fasting is avoidance of drinking, eating etc. a faster does
not require doing anything. It is enough no to do anything! This is the reason
why it is in no conflict with our daily lives. à The most sincere
worshipping: Worshipping God is like a perfume kept in its container. Once the
lid is opened the fragrance flies and only its tasteless liquid remains. The
best worshipping is the most secret of all. Once its seal is broken it may be
spoiled by showing off. All other types of worshipping are prone to show off.
Salat, which is meant to be offered in a group for its public nature is prone
to showing off and hence can be easily void. Pilgrimage to hajj is even more
prone to showing off. Fasting, however, is the only worshipping of Allah that
none other than God would really know if you are fasting. Fasting is an inner
worshipping and hence it can be the most sincere worshipping. à The only worshipping
act that there is a penalty (expiation) if missed deliberately. If any Muslim
misses his daily Prayers even deliberately, although he has committed a mortal
sin, he only has to make up the lapsed Prayers, there is no penalty involved in
it. The same applies if one misses his pilgrimage to Hajj. Fasting is the only
worshipping act that if is it deliberately missed in addition to making it up,
there is a hefty penalty for it. Abdullah Ibn Sanan in an authentic Hadith
narrated from Imam As-Sadiq (a.s) about the expiation against someone who has
deliberately-and without any religious justification- broken one day of fasting
saying: " He must free a salve or fast two months or feed sixty poor
people, but if he was unable to do so, he must give charity as much as he can ."
[17]This
penalty becomes even heftier if the person has broken his fast with something
Haraam such as drinking alcohol or masturbation. The Rewards of Fasting Fasting is one of the most sincere worshipping
of God and hence its rewards are numerous. The following are some of the
narrations about the abundant rewards of fasting. à
The reward of fasting is numerous: The Almighty Allah states: “And seek help in patience and the
Prayers.” [2:45]
Patience in the above Ayah is
interpreted to fasting, as fasting requires patience. A faster is therefore
patient. The Almighty Allah with reference to the reward of the patient states: “Only those who are patient shall
receive their reward in full without reckoning.” [39:10] à
Allah is the reward of fasting: It is narrated
from the Prophet of Islam (S): “The Almighty Allah says: ‘For every
good deed there are ten to seven hundred times rewards, save fasting. For
fasting is for Me and I am the reward of it.’” [18] Surely, what else would
a faster wish for after having Allah as his reward and what would he have
should he be deprived of the Presence of Allah. It is to this effect that the
Messenger of Allah (S) reported to have said: “Only if you know what you
may gain in the month of Ramadhan you would have remembered God much
thankfully.”[19] à
Seven compulsory rewards of fasting: It is
narrated from the Prophet of Islam (S): “No believer fasts the month of
Ramadhan for the sake of Allah but the Almighty Allah will definitely grant him
seven rewards: 1) It will melt the Haraam from his body, 2) It will bring him
close to the Mercy of Allah, 3) It will rectify the mistake[20]
of his father; Adam, 4) Allah will ease for him the stupor of death, 5) He will
secure him from the thirst and the hunger of the Day of Judgment, 6)Allah will
grant him liberation from Hell fire, and 7)Allah will feed him from the pure
things of Paradise.”[21] à
Worshipping Allah even when asleep: As
mentioned earlier fasting is the only type of worshipping Allah that is in no
conflict with our day to day transactions. It is narrated from the Prophet of
Islam (S): “A faster is in worshipping God even if he is asleep in his bed
as long as he does not back-bite any Muslim.”[22] à
Special Entrance for the fasters: It is narrated from the Prophet of
Islam (S): “There is a special entrance to à
Angels pray for the faster: Angels are
infallible and their prayers are granted, especially if they are commanded by
Allah to pray. It is narrated from Imam Al-Baqir (a.s): “Surely, the
Almighty Allah has appointed a group of angels for the fasters. They seek Allah’s
forgiveness for them in every day of Ramadhan to the end of it. They cry to the
fasters every evening at the time the fasters break their fast: Glad tidings
for you, O servants of Allah! Indeed you hungered for a little while but you
will be satisfied for long. You are blessed and the blessing is in you. Until
when it is the last night of the month of Ramadhan, they cry out: Glad tidings
for you O servants of Allah. Indeed the Almighty Allah forgave your previous
sins and accepted your repentance. Thus, watch how you will act in your new
file.”[24] à
Ten consecutive years of fasting grants Paradise: Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan
al-Karkhi said: “I heard Imam Hasan (a.s) saying to a man in his house: “O The Punishment of Not Fasting To be deprived of all the promised rewards of
fasting is the most severe punishment. Fasting is an obligation in Islam denial
of which equals blasphemy. “Whoever Muslim does not fast during the month
of Ramadhan (without any valid reason), has lost his spirit of Faith,” narrated
from Imam As-Sadiq (a.s). [26] If one breaks his fast deliberately he has to
compensate it with sixty days of fasting or feeding sixty poor people. If he
breaks his fast with that which is Haraam in itself, such as drinking alcohol
or masturbation and the like, then he has to compensate it for every day with
sixty days of fasting in addition to the day he did not fast as well as feeding
sixty poor people. Sighting of the New Moon Fasting is prescribed in the month of Ramadhan.
The Islamic calendar is Lunar. Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar. The advantage of the lunar based calendar is that the observation of
the months is easily possible for all people. One needs to be acquainted with
astronomy or refer to a reliable calendar to find out about the solar based
calendar. Otherwise, you will not have any idea when, for example, the first
day of October is going to be. The lunar calendar can easily be observed by
all people by sighting the moon. The moon is the only natural satellite of
earth. The moon is the second brightest object in Earth’s sky, after the Sun.
Thus, its observation requires not astronomical equipment. Even the crescent
moon is nearly always visible by naked eyes. The Moon has no light and it shines by
reflecting the light of the Sun. The moon moves in an elliptical (oval-shaped)
orbit around Earth at an average speed of The Moon shows progressively different phases
as it moves along its orbit around the Earth. Half the Moon is always in
sunlight, just as half of Earth has day while the other half has night. In the
phase called the new moon, the near side is completely in shadow. About a week
after a new moon, the Moon is in first quarter, resembling a luminous
half-circle; another week later, the full moon shows its fully lit near side; a
week afterwards, in its last quarter, the Moon appears as a half-circle again.
The entire cycle is repeated each lunar month. With a bit of experimental observation any
individual will be able to identify the age of the moon and hence the day and
the month he is in. In order to facilitate the observation of the
Islamic rituals for all Muslims, the Islamic calendar is lunar based. The
Almighty Allah states in the Qur’an: “They ask you about the new moons. Say: these
are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage.” [2:189] It is narrated from the Prophet of Islam (S)
that ‘the fixed period of time’ is for observing the fasting of Ramadhan and
breaking of the fast at the end of the month as well as for observation of the
Hajj ceremony. Numerous Hadith state: “Start the fasting
by sighting the crescent moon (of Ramadhan) and stop fasting by sighting the
crescent moon (of Shawwal).”[27] Authentic narrations also state that if the new
moon was not visible due to the clouds or similar obstacles, one must complete
the days of the month to 30 days. If a day is doubtful whether it is the last
day of Sha’ban or the first day of Ramadhan, it is Haraam to
fast with the intention of the first day of Ramadhan. It is however recommended
to observe the fasting of that day but with the intention of the last day of
Sha’ban as a Mustahab fasting. One cannot make up his/her Qada (lapsed)
fasting on that day either. Similarly, one must continue fasting of the
doubtful day at the end of Ramadhan, until it is proven to be the day of Eid.
If one however completed the fast and then found out that it was the day of
Eid, there is no sin on him as his intention was not to fast on the day of Eid.
In short, the general rule about doubtful days is to complete the day of the
month to 30 days. “You must complete the number (of days).” [2:185] Ali Ibn al-Qasani narrated: “I wrote to Imam As-Sadiq
(a.s) while I was in Madina if we had to fast on the day which is doubtful
whether it is the first day of Ramadhan or the last day of Sha’ban. The Imam
(a.s) replied back: ‘Doubt shall not enter certainty. Observe
fasting when you see the new moon (of Ramadhan) and break your fast when you
see the new moon (of Shawwal).’”[28] Criteria for Sighting the Crescent Moon The Moon is a celestial body. In order for us to observe a celestial body in the sky two main criteria are involved. 1) The object must be bright enough, 2) Because the earth is spherical; the altitude of the object at the horizon must be high enough to reach the angle of human eye sight. [Fig.1]
Figure Although the Moon is the second brightest body
in the Earth’s sky, it has no light from itself. Thus, in order for the new
crescent moon to be visible it has to be at a certain angle with the Sun to
reflect the sunlight. This will be achieved if the moonset is at least 47
minutes after the sunset. That means the age of the new moon at local
sunset must be 24 hours plus or minus 2 hours. In astronomical terminology this
means the difference in azimuth between Sun and Moon shall not be less than 25
degrees while the Moon’s altitude at sunset is not less than 12 degrees.[29] Although there are other criteria also involved
in sighting the crescent moon such as brightness of the evening sky, contrast
requirements of the eye, atmospheric reflection, etc, the above two mentioned
criteria are the main. We also have to bear in mind that the Moon
usually[30] rises from the west whereas the sun rises
from the east. Thus, the probability of visibility of the new moon decreases to
the east. That means people at the western parts of the world will be the fist
to sight the new moon whilst the Methods of Ascribing the First Day
of a Lunar Month The Grand Ayatollah Seestani in his Islamic
Laws explains the methods of ascribing the first day of a lunar month as follows:
“1739. The first day of a month is established
in the following four ways: • If a person himself sights the moon. • If a number of persons confirm to have
sighted the moon and their words assure or satisfy a person. Similarly, every
other thing which assures or satisfies him about the moon having being sighted.
• If two just (Adil) persons say that
they have sighted the moon at night. The fist day of the month will not be
established if they differ about the details of the new moon. This difference
can be either explicit or even implied. For example, when a group of people go out in
search of the new moon and none but two Adils claim to have seen the new moon,
though, among those who did not see, there were other Adils equally capable and
knowledgeable, then the testimony by the two Adils will not prove the advent of
a new month. • If 30 days pass from the first of Sha’ban,
the first of Ramadhan will be established, and if 30 days pass from the l first
of Ramadhan the first of Shawwal will be established. 1740. The first day of any month will not be
proved by the verdict of a Mujtahed and it is better to observe precaution. 1741. The first day of any month will not be
proved by the prediction made by the astronomers. However, if a person derives
full satisfaction and certitude from their finding, he should act
accordingly. 1742. If the moon is high up in the sky, or
sets late, it is not an indication that the previous night was the first night
of the month. Similarly, if there is a halo round it, it is not a proof that
the new moon appeared in the previous night. 1743. If the first day of the month of Ramadhan
is not proved for a person and he does not observe fast, and if it is proved
later that the preceding night was in fact the night of Ramadhan, he should
observe qada of that day. 1744. If the first day of a month is proved in
a city, it is also proved in other cities if they are united in their horizon.
And the meaning of having a common horizon in this matter is that if the new
moon was sighted in a city, there would a distinct possibility of sighting it
in the other cities, if there were no impediments, like, the clouds etc. 1745. The first day of a month is not proved by
a telegram except when one is sure that the telegram is based on the testimony
of two Adils, or on a source which is reliable in the eyes of Shariah. 1746. If a person does not know whether it is
the last day of Ramadhan or the first day of Shawwal, he should observe fast on
that day, and if he comes to know during the day that it is the first of
Shawwal, he should break the fast.” [31] Du’a at the Time of Sighting the New
Moon Jaber narrated from Imam Al-Baqir (a.s): “When
the Messenger of Allah (S) was sighting the crescent moon of Ramadhan he would
stand towards the Qiblah whilst raising his hands saying: “O Allah! Welcome the new month for us with
security and faith and safety and Islam and good health and abundant sustenance
and keeping away of diseases. O Allah! Grant us to fast (during the days) in
this month and stand for prayer (at night) and recite the Qur’an in it. O
Allah! Protect Ramadhan for us and protect us for it and protect us in it.” [32] The Etiquettes of Fasting à
Avoid Haraam Deeds: Fasting begins with avoiding eating and drinking but
does not stop on them. It is expected from a fasting person to control his
tongue from all types of verbal sins such as gossiping, swearing, lying etc.
Similarly, he is expected to avoid any Haram food. A fasting person is not
expected to break his fast at a restaurant that its Halal food is not
confirmed. He should also avoid the invitation of people whom he is not sure
about their Halal meal. A fasting person should also observe
all his/her prayers on time. Girls and ladies are expected to observe the
Islamic dress code of Hijab. Muslims who fast without refraining from sins may
not fain more than mere thirst and hunger. I have elaborated more on this
etiquette of fasting in ‘The Intermediate Stage of Fasting’. à
Recitation of the Holy Qur’an: the month of
Ramadhan is a month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed. According to a
Prophetic Narration “Everything has a best season and the best season of Qur’an
is Ramadhan.” à
Nightly Supplications (Du’a): The nights of Ramadhan are the best time
for supplication and invocating Allah. There is a unique Ayah in the Qur’an
with reference to the significance of Du’a which is revealed amidst the Ayaat
of Ramadhan. The Almighty Allah in Surah al-Baqarah states: ”And when My servants ask you
concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls upon Me,
so they should answer My call and believe in Me that hey may walk in the right
way.” [2:186] The single pronoun ‘Me’ or ‘My’ or
‘I’ is repeated seven times in this Ayah. à
Paying Charity à
Napping: The month of Ramadhan changes our
sleeping patterns. For those who are not used to being awake at dawn, their
sleeping hours feel interrupted. Many fasters suffer from fatigue more than
hunger or thirst. A short nap during the day regenerates the body and also
helps the faster for night supplication. It is narrated from the Prophet of
Islam (S): “The sleeping of a faster is worshipping and his breathing is
glorification.” [33] à
It is narrated from Imam Kadhim (a.s): “Take
a nap, for surely, Allah will feed and satisfy the faster in his sleep.” [34] à
Praying à
Inviting Muslims for Breakfast: Hospitality and
generosity is a virtue in Islam. It is a sign of believeing in Allah and the
Day of Judgment that one opens his house to visitors. The Almighty JAllah will
forgive certain sins of a hospitable Muslim. Of the strongly recommended
etiquettes of the month of Ramadhan is to invite a fasting person over for
Iftar. It is narrated from Imam As-Sadiq (a.s): “Whoever provides breakfast
for a fasting person will have the same reward (of fasting).”[36]
It is even narrated from Imam Kadhem (a.s) that “The reward of feeding a
fasting person is more than fasting itself.”[37]
Hospitality is more rewarding when one invites poor Muslims and their near of
kin and more pious people. One can also sponsor a poor family and send the
money to them for their Ramadhan expenses. Imam As-Sadiq (a.s) narrated: “My
grandfather; Zainul-Abedin (a.s) used to cook a sheep whilst he was fasting and
in the evening would distribute it all to different families. He would then
break his fast with bread and dates.”[38] à
Eating Sohoor: Some fasters skip the Sohoor
(eating at dawn). They are either too lazy to get up at that time of the
morning or not used to eating that early. These people usually have something
late at night before they go to bed and don’t get up for Sohoor. Ironically
they may even miss their Fajr prayers. Their typical excuse is that they need
sleeping more than food. Although having Sohoor is not compulsory, it is
strongly recommended in Ramadhan. Imam As-Sadiq (a.s) in response to the one
who asked if Sohoor is compulsory said: “It is permissible not to have
Sohoor if he so wishes, but in the month of Ramadhan it is more virtuous to
have Sohoor. We like people not to miss it in the month of Ramadhan.” [39] Sawm of Wesal’ is forbidden in
Islam. That is to fast from one evening to another. In another narration the
Messenger of Allah (S) said: “Have Sohoor even if it is a glass of water. Be
aware! The Blessings of Allah is upon those who have Sohoor.”[40] The purpose of Sohoor is not just to
feed the body. Waking up for Sohoor is a good exercise of being awake at the
holy time of dawn. Throughout one month the Almighty Allah trains us to wake up
at least half an hour before the Fajr prayer to merely eat! To enforce the
training, Allah forbids us to eat and drink from Fajr to the evening. Then lest
we feel hungry or thirsty we Endeavour to wake up at that early time. After one
month of consecutive Sohoor, a faster is used to waking up early. Thus, the
main purpose of Sohoor is to learn to virtuous practice of early rising. à
Breaking the Fast With Milk and Dates: It is
narrated from Imam As-Sadiq (a.s): “The first thing that the Messenger of
Allah (S) was breaking his fast with was a ripe date, if it was its season, or
dried date in other seasons.”[41]
It is also narrated that Imam Ali (a.s) would prefer to break the fast
with milk. Other narrations suggest that in the absence of milk or dates,
Ahlul-Bait (a.s) would break their fast with water. For it will cleanse the
stomach and liver and relieve headaches. [42] Notes: [11] Al-Raghib al-Isfahani, al-Mufradat. [18] Muhsen al-Kashani, al-Mahajjatul-Baydha, vol.2
p121 The above translation is based on the passing reading of the verb ‘Ojza”
in the Arabic text. If the verb is read in an active format it should be
translated: “Fasting is for Me and I will reward it.” [20] ‘mistake’ here is meant for what Adam would be
better not to do. I have dealt with this issue in “Original Sin; Myth or Truth” [25] As-Saduq, al-Khisal p.445, The Hadith includes
also those who miss their fasting with a valid excuse-such as illness- and make
it up during the year. [29] The above criteria is for the best sighting,
otherwise subject to other atmospheric conditions, it is still possible to
sight the moon when the altitude is nine degree or above. |
