Islamic Y9 Booklet - Revision Booklet

‫سلَم الثالثة‬ َّ ‫مدرسة ال‬ THE THIRD ASSALAM SCHOOL Revision booklet Year9 Unit (Fasting & Ruling)...

‫سلَم الثالثة‬ َّ ‫مدرسة ال‬ THE THIRD ASSALAM SCHOOL Revision booklet Year9 Unit (Fasting & Ruling) Lesson Two: Month of Ramadan The Month of Ramadan Ramadan is a significant month in Islam, marked by fasting from dawn until sunset. According to the Quran (Al-Baqarah: 185), those who witness the month must fast. Ramadan is unique as it involves spiritual reflection, prayer, and community bonding. The dates of Ramadan change annually due to the lunar calendar, beginning when the new moon is sighted. Spiritual Merits of Ramadan Fasting during Ramadan brings numerous spiritual benefits. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated that those who fast with faith will have their previous sins forgiven (Al-Bukhari). This month is also when the Quran was revealed, providing guidance and clarity. Additionally, Ramadan is a time of heightened devotion, where the gates of Paradise open, and believers seek forgiveness. A significant night during this period, Lailatul-Qadr, is said to be worth more than a thousand months. Social Benefits of Ramadan The month fosters unity and empathy among Muslims. Fasting helps individuals understand the struggles of the less fortunate, prompting increased charity and almsgiving. The Prophet was known for his generosity, especially during Ramadan, reflecting the spirit of giving. Acts of kindness, such as providing iftar (the meal to break the fast), are highly rewarded. Beginning and End of Ramadan Ramadan's start and end are determined by the lunar calendar, with fasting commencing upon sighting the new moon. If the moon is obscured, the previous month (Sha'ban) is completed as thirty days. Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet instructed to start and end fasting based on the moon's appearance. Observation of the New Moon Sighting the new moon is essential for determining the beginning of Ramadan. It requires the testimony of at least one trustworthy individual. The criteria for a valid witness include fulfilling Islamic obligations and refraining from major sins. The moon's visibility may vary by location, but all Muslims in the same longitudinal area should fast together. For Shawwal, the end of fasting requires more substantial testimony, reflecting the importance of community consensus. Critical Thinking Consider why a single upright Muslim's sighting of Ramadan's moon is sufficient, while two are needed for Shawwal's moon. This distinction emphasizes the communal aspect of ending the fast, ensuring that the conclusion of Ramadan is recognized collectively. Lesson Three: Sawm Ramadan Kareem Introduction to Sawm Sawm, or fasting during Ramadan, is a significant aspect of worship for Muslims, carried out solely for Allah's sake. It encompasses both spiritual and physical benefits. Spiritual and Moral Benefits 1. Obligation of Ibadah: Sawm is a mandated act of worship, showcasing obedience to Allah. It's regarded as a unique form of Ibadah with unparalleled grace compared to other acts. A Hadith from Abu Huraira emphasizes that fasting is exclusively for Allah, who rewards it directly. 2. Shield for Muslims: Fasting acts as a protective barrier, preventing Muslims from engaging in sinful behaviors such as lying and cursing. It encourages mindfulness of Allah and obedience to His commands. The Prophet Muhammad described fasting as a shield, advising Muslims to maintain good conduct during this period. 3. Promise of Paradise: Ramadan is termed the month of patience, with the reward for such patience being Paradise. A Hadith mentions a special gate in Paradise called Al-Raiyan, designated for those who fast, ensuring their exclusive entry on the Day of Resurrection. Physical Benefits Fasting also offers various health advantages, including: Providing rest for digestive organs and eliminating waste. Utilizing stored cholesterol in the blood. Promoting better eating habits and curbing harmful behaviors like smoking. Conclusion and Review Key takeaways from the lesson include the spiritual and physical benefits of Sawm, the importance of controlling one's speech during Ramadan, and the significance of fulfilling the fast. The Prophet's saying reflects the joy experienced by a fasting individual, both upon breaking their fast and when meeting Allah, highlighting the dual happiness associated with this sacred practice. Lesson Four: Actions of the Fasting Person What Do You Know? During Ramadan, important activities include fasting from dawn until sunset, engaging in prayer, and reciting the Quran. The Essential Elements of Fasting 1. Intention: According to the Prophet, intentions are crucial as "Actions are judged according to the intention behind them." Intention must be made before Fajr and throughout the nights of Ramadan, without verbal announcement. 2. Abstaining from Acts that Break the Fast: Fasting individuals must refrain from eating, drinking, and other actions that invalidate the fast from dawn to sunset. A. Things a Fasting Person is Allowed to Do 1. Taking a bath or pouring water on oneself to alleviate heat is permissible. Gargling is allowed if water is not swallowed. 2. Swallowing saliva is acceptable. 3. Using Siwak (tooth-stick) is allowed. 4. Applying creams or injections that do not reach the stomach is permitted. B. Things that Do Not Break the Fast 1. Unintentional eating or drinking does not invalidate the fast. 2. Involuntary vomiting is also acceptable. C. Things that Break the Fast 1. Deliberate eating, drinking, or sexual intercourse during fasting breaks the fast. 2. Deliberate vomiting also invalidates the fast. D. Recommended Acts of Fasting 1. The pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) is highly recommended, especially if delayed until just before Fajr, as it brings blessings. 2. Hastening to break the fast (Iftar) at sunset is encouraged. 3. It is recommended to break the fast in the manner of the Prophet, starting with fresh dates.  4. Engaging in Quran recitation and study is advised. 5. Increasing charitable acts during Ramadan is encouraged. 6. Performing I'tikaf (seclusion for worship) is highly recommended. 7. Using Siwak is encouraged before prayers. Lesson Five: Exemptions From Siyam Certain individuals are exempt from fasting during Ramadan due to Allah's mercy, including children, the elderly, the sick, and those whose health would be seriously jeopardized by fasting. There are specific circumstances under which physically capable individuals may also be excused from fasting. Those who break their fast in such cases must either make up the missed days later or provide meals for the needy. Group One includes individuals who are required to make up missed fasting days. This group consists of menstruating women, postpartum women, pregnant or nursing women who fear for their children's well-being, those who are sick and risk worsening their health by fasting, and travelers who may break their fast if necessary. However, travelers are encouraged to fast if it does not harm them. All missed days must be made up before the next Ramadan. Group Two consists of those who, due to their circumstances, may break their fast but are required to feed a needy person for each missed day, known as fidyah. This applies to elderly individuals unable to fast and those with incurable illnesses. In these cases, feeding a poor person for each day missed is the prescribed alternative to fasting.  Unit ( The Moral System of Islam) Seven persons Are Shaded By the Shade Arsh The Messenger of Allah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) described seven believers who will receive Allah's blessings on the Day of Resurrection, a time of great distress for others. These individuals are granted protection from the Hellfire and experience divine shade when no other shade exists. According to a narration by Abu Huraira (radia Allahu anhu), they include: 1. A Just Ruler: This ruler ensures justice and righteousness in their authority, fulfilling their duties fairly and obeying Allah’s commands. Justice is vital for maintaining moral integrity and fairness in governance. 2. A Youth Who Worships Allah: Young people are particularly susceptible to temptation, making their commitment to worship during their formative years commendable. They are encouraged to grow up in an environment that instills the values of faith and responsibility. 3. A Man Attached to the Mosque: This individual regularly attends congregational prayers, illustrating the importance of community worship in Islam. 4. Two Men Who Love Each Other for Allah's Sake: Their bond is based on mutual respect and love for Allah, and they meet and part with this intention. 5. A Man Resisting Temptation: When approached by a woman of beauty and status, he chooses to fear Allah instead of succumbing to temptation, demonstrating self-control and devotion. 6. A Man Who Gives Charity Discreetly: This person donates without seeking recognition, highlighting the importance of sincerity in charitable acts. 7. A Man Who Remembers Allah in Solitude: This individual reflects on Allah’s greatness, resulting in genuine tears of love and fear of His punishment. These seven individuals will be honored with Allah's shade, signifying His protection and justice, especially on the Day of Resurrection when the sun will be perilously close, intensifying the heat. The lesson emphasizes the significance of justice, worship, sincere charity, and the fear of Allah in achieving divine mercy and protection.  Arrogance (Takabbur) Arrogance, or Takabbur, is the excessive pride and self-importance that leads individuals to believe they are superior to others. In Islam, such behavior is condemned as it reflects a lack of respect for others and a failure to recognize one's own limitations. The arrogant individual tends to disregard and disrespect others, believing they are more deserving or qualified than those around them. Conversely, a non- arrogant person can appreciate their unique qualities without belittling others. The story of Iblis exemplifies the consequences of arrogance. When commanded by Allah to prostrate to Prophet Adam, Iblis refused, claiming superiority due to his creation from fire compared to Adam's creation from clay. This act of arrogance led to Iblis being cursed and cast out of heaven, demonstrating that arrogance leads to a disgraceful fall from grace. The Quran repeatedly warns against arrogance, stating that Allah does not favor the arrogant and will withdraw His guidance from them. Historical examples in the Quran, such as Firawn and Qarun, further illustrate the dangers of pride. Firawn, who proclaimed himself a god, faced divine retribution for his arrogance, serving as a cautionary tale for those who defy Allah. Similarly, Qarun, who was consumed by his wealth and status, met a tragic end when the earth swallowed him. Both stories serve to remind believers that arrogance can lead to severe consequences. To cultivate humility, individuals are encouraged to seek knowledge, improve their behavior towards others, and refrain from negative traits such as jealousy and anger. True Muslims should recognize that there is always room for self-improvement and that no one has achieved perfection. This understanding fosters a spirit of humility and piety, which is favored in Islam. Wasteful Expenditure (Israf) Introduction: Israf (Extravagance) means crossing the limits or spending wastefully. For e.g., spending on something useless is Israf such as throwing away left over water after drinking when there is shortage of water or throwing away half eaten fruits. Spendthrifts are brothers of shayatin Extravagance in any form is prohibited in Islam and it should be avoided. If a Muslim has extra money and has poor relatives, he must help them. If they are in debt he must help them repay the debts. If they are sick, he should provide medicine to them and provide other necessities of life. Historical example: Umar bin Abdul Aziz abolished the luxuries that the rulers before him had for their use. He asked his wife to choose between staying with him or keeping the wealth her father gave her. She chose to stay with him, and took her jewelry to the Islamic state treasury.  Patience (Sabr) and looking forward to Allah’s Reward (Ihtisab) Introduction: In Islam, patience (ṣabr) is a highly valued and central virtue, emphasized throughout the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is considered one of the keys to success in both this life and the Hereafter. This life is a trial: Sometimes Allah Azza wa Jal puts us in a difficult situation so that we can be tested. Allah Azza wa Jal tests us by ways of trial. Trials are the best way of perfecting our patience. Allah makes His trial by evil and by good to determine our true belief, our patience and our way and course of acting. Our patience is rewarded by Allah Azza wa Jal in the end. Satisfying with the Decree of Allah The believers should be pleased and thankful to Allah when they are granted ease and pleasure in life. Likewise, they should become patient when calamities afflict them. The Messeger ‫ﷺ‬ advised Muslims as follows: “…. If he (the believer) is granted ease of living, he is thankful; and this is best for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres; and this is best for him. “(Sahih Muslim). Sabr means to stop oneself from despair and the reaction of “Why me?”. Sabr is an integral part of One’s Iman. Ihtisab Looking forward to Allah’s reward and forgiveness for every affliction, regardless of its pain and suffering is called Ihtisab. The patience of Al Salaf al Saalih Ammar (radia Allahu anhu) and his parents were subjected to severe affliction as they were tormented on the scorching sands of Makkah. While passing by them the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬told them to enjoin patience giving them glad tidings about paradise. Ammar’s father Yasir (r.a) died after prolonged sufferings at the hands of the persecutors, and his mother Sumayya (r.a) was killed by Abu Jahl, who put his spear through her body. Patience of three kinds 1. Patience in what Allah made obligatory such as praying on time and fasting the month of Ramadan. 2. Patience in avoiding what Allah made unlawful such as leaving out the prayer, drinking alcohol and stealing. 3. Patience with hardships and calamities such as pain, hardship, poverty, sadness or other affliction.