Introduction To Fasting (Part 2) PDF

 The five pillars for Islam The Five Pillars consist of: 1. Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith. 2. Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day. 3. Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan. 4. Zakat: paying an alms (or chari...

 The five pillars for Islam The Five Pillars consist of: 1. Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith. 2. Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day. 3. Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan. 4. Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy. 5. Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca.  What is Sawm (Fasting)? The Arabic word for fasting is called "sawm" in the Quran which literally means "to abstain". According to Shariyah, the word sawm means to abstain from all those things that are forbidden during fasting from the break of dawn to the sunset, and to do this with the intention of fasting.  Quranic Verse and Hadith on the Month of Ramadan and Fasting Al-Qur’an  "Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong).." Hadith  The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." -(Imam Bukhari)  Fasting Is Obligatory *In the second year of Hijrah, Muslims were commanded to fast in the month of Ramadan every year.* Fasting is obligatory for a person if he fulfils five conditions: 1- He is a Muslim. 2- He is accountable (mukallaf). 3- He is able to fast. 4- He is settled (not travelling). 5- There are no impediments to fasting. If these five conditions are met, then it is obligatory for a person to fast.  What can you eat while fasting for Ramadan? Suhoor and Iftar. During Ramadan, two main meals are served: suhoor, which is served before dawn, and iftar, which is served after sunset. Suhoor should be a hearty, healthy meal to provide needed energy throughout a day of fasting — it ends when the sun rises and the fajr, or morning prayer, begins. Meaning: “I intend to keep the fast for the month of Ramadan.” Meaning: “O ALLAH! I fasted for you and I believe in you ( and I put my trust in you) and I break my fast with your sustenance.”  What age should you start fasting? Islamic teachings call for Muslims to start fasting about the time they reach puberty (from age 7 to the late teens).  Purpose of Fasting The Quran says, "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who were before you, in order that you may learn taqwa (piety)". Taqwa:  spiritual and ethical term of the Quran.  total of all Islamic spirituality and ethics.  quality in a believer's life that keeps him or her aware of God all the time.  A person loves to do good and avoid evil for the sake of God.  Is piety, righteousness and consciousness of God.  The Prophet (SA) said that fasting is a shield. It protects a person from sin and lustful desires.  Who must fast? ‘Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every adult Muslim, male or female, who has reached puberty, is sane and who is not sick or traveling.’ (Exceptions are made for travelers, soldiers, and the ill, although such persons are expected to fast later when they become able.)  Types of Fasting There are two types of injunctions with regards to fasting. One relates to obligatory fasting and the other to optional fasting. a) Obligatory Fasting: In the month of Ramadan. b) Optional Fasting: any 6 days in the "Islamic" month of Shawwal. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is desirable if possible. the 13th, 14th, and 15th day of each lunar month (Hijri). the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhu'I-Hijja in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar). the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram in the Hijri calendar) As often as possible in the months of Rajab and Sha'aban before Ramadan. First 9 days of Dhu'I-Hijja in the lunar (Islamic) calendar.  Days when fasting is forbidden  Fridays, for the day of Friday is a day of Eid for the believers.  The days of the Eid-ul- Fitr and the Eid-ul- Adha.  The three days of tashreeq after the Eid-ul- Adha (when performing the Hajj pilgrimage)  It is not permissible for a believer to keep continuous fasts.  HEALTH BENEFITS OF FASTING According to Dr Jack Goldstein:  Gives vital organs a complete rest.  Promotes elimination of metabolic wastes.  Increases the powers of digestion and assimilation.  Allow the body to adjust and normalize its biochemistry and also its secretion.  EID-UL-FITR Is A Beautiful Gift From Almighty Allah After Ramadan  Ramadan is marked by the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.  Most celebrated occasions that are awaited by Muslims throughout the year.  Comes as a reward for them during which they make special eating, wearing and celebratory arrangements.  One of the greatest gifts of Allah that Muslims could enjoy.