رمضان: الصيام والأحكام

Ramadan: Fasting and Rulings

• Ramadan is a significant Islamic month, marked by fasting from dawn until sunset.
• The dates of Ramadan change annually due to the lunar calendar.
• Spiritual reflection, prayer, and community bonding are integral parts of Ramadan.
• Fasting brings numerous spiritual benefits, including forgiveness of previous sins.
• The Quran was revealed during this month, offering guidance and clarity.
• Ramadan is a time of heightened devotion, with Paradise's gates open for forgiveness-seeking.
• Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) is a significant night, said to be worth more than a thousand months.
• Fasting fosters unity and empathy among Muslims, encouraging charity and almsgiving.
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized generosity during Ramadan.
• Ramadan's start and end are determined by the sighting of the new moon.
• If the moon is not visible, the previous month, Sha'ban, is considered complete at 30 days.

Observation of the New Moon

• Sighting the new moon is crucial for determining the start of Ramadan.
• At least one trustworthy individual's testimony is required.
• Witnesses must be free of major sins and fulfill Islamic obligations.
• Moon visibility varies by location, requiring Muslims in the same longitudinal area to fast together.

Sawm Ramadan Kareem

• Sawm (fasting) is a significant aspect of worship during Ramadan.
• It's performed for Allah's sake, encompassing spiritual and physical benefits.
• The intention for fasting must be made before Fajr and throughout Ramadan.
• Fasting individuals should abstain from eating, drinking and other actions that break the fast during daylight hours.
• Muslims are allowed to perform some activities like taking a bath, applying creams, and using siwak(tooth-stick) during the fasting hours.
• Unintentional eating or drinking does not invalidate the fast.

Exemptions from Siyam

• Certain individuals are exempted from fasting during Ramadan due to Allah's mercy (children, the elderly, the sick, and those facing serious health risks).
• Specific circumstances may also exempt individuals.
• Those exempted must either make up the missed days later or provide meals for the needy.
• Menstruating, postpartum, pregnant, or nursing women, fear for their children's well-being, who are sick and those on necessary travels are exempt in certain instances.
• Group Two - those exempt due to illness or inability to fast - should feed a needy person for each day missed, known as fidyah.

Arrogance (Takabbur)

• Arrogance, or Takabbur, involves excessive pride and self-importance.
• Believing oneself superior to others is condemned in Islam.
• Iblis's refusal to prostrate to Prophet Adam is a historical example of the destructive nature of arrogance.
• Firawn and Qarun are other historical examples of those who were consumed by arrogance and faced divine retribution.

Wasteful Expenditure (Israf)

• Israf means extravagance or spending wastefully, including ignoring needs and unnecessary spending.
• Islam discourages wastefulness in all forms.
• Muslims are encouraged to help those in need.

Patience (Sabr) and looking forward to Allah's Reward (Ihtisab)

• Patience (Sabr) is a highly valued virtue in Islam, highlighted in the Quran and Prophet Muhammad's teachings.
• It's a key to success in both this life and the Hereafter.
• Patience is tested through trials (hardships and calamities/afflictions) designed to perfect patience.
• Seeking Allah's reward and forgiveness despite affliction, regardless of its pain/suffering is called Ihtisab.
• Three kinds of patience include patience in obligations like prayer & fasting, patience in avoiding unlawful things and patience through hardships.