Ramadan the school of piety
Since 2012-11-11
"When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained up." [Agreed upon]
All perfect praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Realms, May Allah’s Prayers and Peace be upon the best of the early and later generation, our Prophet Muhammad, his honorable family members and upon his Companions.
We are the nation of Islam, the last nation and latest heavenly message. Allah, with his favor and generosity to us, made our Prophet, Prayers and Peace be upon him, leader of prophets and our nation the most nation that will enter paradise the highest in rank over the other nations. The Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“We (Muslims) are the last (to come) but (will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection though the former nations were given the Holy Scriptures before us.” [Agreed upon]
«نحن الآخرون السابقون يوم القيامة، بيد أنهم أوتوا الكتاب من قبلنا...»
متفق عليه
The Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, also said:
“By the Name of Him in Whose Hands the soul of Muhammad is, I hope that you will be one-half of the people of Paradise, for none will enter Paradise but a Muslim soul, and you people, in comparison to the people who associate others in worship with Allah, are like a white hair on the skin of a black ox, or a black hair on the skin of a red ox.” [Agreed upon]
«والذي نفس محمد بيده إني لأرجو أن تكونوا نصف أهل الجنة، وذلك أن الجنة لا يدخلها إلا نفس مسلمة، وما أنتم في أهل الشرك إلا كالشعرة البيضاء في جلد الثور الأسود أو كالشعرة السوداء في جلد الثور الأحمر»
متفق عليه
Actually, Allah Almighty has favored us to the other nations. Allah Almighty says:
{You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind} [Surat Al-‘Imran 3:110]
{ كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ}
آل عمران: 110
Transliteration: Kuntum khayra ommatin okhrijat linnas.
Allah Almighty also made us the witnesses over all other nations:
{Thus We have made you [true Muslims - real believers of Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) be a witness over you.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2: 143]
{وَكَذَلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا}
البقرة: 143
Transliteration: Wakathalika ja’alnakum ommatan wasatan litakoonoo shuhada’ ‘Ala annasiwayakoona arrasoolu ‘alaykum shaheeda
The superiority of the Islamic nations over all other nations is not for a specific race or speaking a specific language, or for the specific characteristics of its members. It is for Allah Almighty has chosen it for the religion of Islam, for it is the only religion in His Sight and no other religion or belief accepted. Allah Almighty says:
{Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.} [Aal-‘Imran 3:19]
{إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ الإِسْلامُ }
آل عمران: 19
Transliteration: Inna addeena ‘inda Allahial-islam.
Consequently, whoever adheres strictly to the religion of Islam and abides by the orders of the Noble Qur’an, and follows the way of the best of human beings, surely he will get the goodness mentioned above and get the promised reward. Whoever has doubts in that religion, his desires overcome him, follow his lusts, and deviates from the right way, surely, he will be excluded from these honored people chosen by Allah.
Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “They are the followers of Muhammad, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, who have the best minds, nature, and knowledge. They are the nearest to truth in all things for Allah Almighty has chosen them from amongst all other nations in much the same way as their Messenger is the best of all other Messengers. No other nation has the knowledge, insight, and wisdom with which Allah Almighty has endowed them.”
Imam Ahmad reported in his Musnad from the Hadeeth of Bahz Ibn Hakeem from his father on the authority of his grandfather, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“You are the final of seventy nations, you are the best and most honored among them to Allah.” [Reported by Ahmad]
«ألا إنكم توفون سبعين أمة، أنتم خيرها وأكرمها على الله عز وجل»
رواه أحمد
It became clear that they are the most honored in the Sight of Allah, all Glory be to him, in their knowledge and minds. Moreover, they are the nation that when informed with the knowledge, thoughts, rewards, and ranks of the other nation preceded them; they perceived more knowledge and insight besides what Allah glory be to Him Almighty has endowed them with His knowledge and wisdom.
The fact that the nation of Muhammad, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, has the shortest age comparing to the other nation, Allah Almighty has gifted it some seasons in which the rewards is multiplied, ranks are raised high, and sins are forgiven. Actually, the month of Ramadan that the nation feels happy for receiving, is one of the best opportunities and greatest seasons in which many will be redeemed from Hellfire, the ranks of the righteous will be raised high and sins of the wrong doers will be forgiven.
How many necks redeemed from Hellfire in this month? How many people are forgiven in it?
O Allah! All perfect praise be to You for Your favors, and deep thanks be for You for the generous grants and blessings.
Welcoming Ramadan
At-Tabaraani reported that Jaabir Ibn Samurah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: The Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, climbed up the pulpit, and then said:
Ameen, Ameen, Ameen. Then he said: “Jibreel came to me and said, O Muhammad! He who grows up and both his parents or one of them are still alive, and they do not cause him to enter Paradise and enter Hellfire, so let Allah Almighty seclude him away. It was said Ameen, so I said Ameen.”
«آمين آمين آمين ثم قال: أتاني جبريل فقال يا محمد من أدرك أحد أبويه في الكبر، فمات فلم يدخل الجنة، فدخل النار، فأبعده الله فقيل آمين، فقلت آمين»
This means that He who grows up and one of his parent are still alive, and his treatment to them do not make him get the forgiveness of Allah, then he should be expelled from the Mercy of Allah Almighty by the invocation of Jibreel and saying Ameen by the Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him.
Then he said: O Muhammad! He who approaches the month of Ramadan, and died without being forgiven, so he entered Hellfire, so let Allah Almighty seclude him away. He said, "Say Ameen,'' so I said Ameen. Then he said: O Muhammad! He who hears you mentioned and does not prays upon you and he has died and entered Hellfire, so Allah Almighty seclude him away. He said, "Say Ameen,'' so I said Ameen.
«ثم قال: يا محمد من أدرك شهر رمضان فمات فلم يغفر له فدخل النار، فأبعده الله قل: آمين، فقلت: آمين، ثم قال: يا محمد من ذكرت عنده فلم يصل عليك، فمات فدخل النار فأبعده الله: قال آمين، فقلت: آمين»
رواه الطبراني
At-Tirmizi and Al-Hakim reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him that the Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him said:
“He is doomed; the man who hears me mentioned and does not pray on me. He is doomed; the man who reaches Ramadan then it ends without being forgiven. He is doomed, the man who both of his parents reach an old age, and he didn’t enter paradise because of them (not kind to them).”
«رغم أنف رجل ذكرت عنده فلم يصل علي، ورغم أنف رجل دخل عليه رمضان ثم انسلخ قبل أن يغفر له، ورغم أنف رجل أدرك عنده أبواه الكبر فلم يدخلاه الجنة »
رواه الترمذي والحاكم
Allah is the Greatest. This indicates that forgiveness will be granted for everyone and no one will be denied it except the one whom Allah Almighty denied.
I Swear by Allah it is so. Sa‘eed narrated from Qataadah that it was said: whoever is not forgiven in Ramadan, he will not be forgiven in any other month. That is to highlight the serious danger of the neglectful person, and not to make people despair from the mercy of the Most Great and Most Just.
Actually, … How come that Ramadan is not the month of mercy while the Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained up.” [Agreed upon]
«إذا جاء رمضان فتحت أبواب الجنة، وغلقت أبواب النار، وصفدت الشياطين»
متفق عليه
At-Tirmizi and An-Nasa’i reported from the Hadeeth of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him:
“And a caller cries out: ‘O seeker of good, proceed; O seeker of evil, desist. And Allah has those whom He redeems from the Hellfire, and that happens every night.”
«وينادي منادٍ: يا باغي الخير أقبل، ويا باغي الشر أقصر، ولله عتقاء من النار، وذلك كل ليلة»
رواه الترمذي والنسائي
How the month of Ramadan cannot be the month of mercy and forgiveness while the Messenger, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“And from one Ramadan to the next are expiation for (sins committed) in between, so long as you avoid major sins.” [Reported by Muslim]
«ورمضان إلى رمضان مكفرات ما بينهن إذا اجتنبت الكبائر»
رواه مسلم
How the month of Ramadan cannot be the month of mercy and forgiveness while the beloved Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Agreed upon]
«من صام رمضان إيماناً واحتساباً غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه»
متفق عليه
And also said:
“Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Agreed upon]
«من قام رمضان إيماناً واحتساباً غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه»
متفق عليه
And also said:
“Whoever spends the night of Laylat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Agreed upon]
«من قام ليلة القدر إيماناً واحتساباً غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه»
متفق عليه
The Most truthful, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said that Allah Almighty said:
“Allah Said, Every act by the son of Adam will be rewarded between ten and seven hundred fold. Allah said: ‘Except fasting, for it is for Me and I shall reward for it for he gave up his desires, his food and his drink for My Sake. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. The smell coming out of the mouth of a fasting person is better in the Sight of Allah than the smell of musk” [Reported by Ahmed and it was in As-Saheeh]
« كل عمل ابن آدم يضاعف الحسنة عشر أمثالها إلى سبع مائة ضعف إلى ما شاء الله قال الله عز وجل إلا الصوم فإنه لي وأنا أجزي به يدع طعامه وشهوته من أجلي للصائم فرحتان فرحة عند فطره وفرحة عند لقاء ربه ولخلوف فم الصائم أطيب عند الله من ريح المسك »
رواه أحمد
Moreover, Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, said: “Fasting is for Allah. No one knows the reward of it except Allah Almighty.”
Sufiayn ibn ‘Uyainah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Opponents (on the Day of Judgment) will not take from the reward that the person acquires through fasting. Allah will preserve them for the fasting person until He admits him to Paradise because of them.”
Some of our pious forefathers once said: Tuba (glad tidings of a tree in paradise) for the one who gave up a present desire for unseen time which he never witnessed.”
Furthermore, the fasting person will eat, drink, marries in Paradise what Allah Almighty Wills for him. Allah The Almighty says:
{Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent on before you in days past!} [Al-Haaqah 69: 24]
{كُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا هَنِيئًا بِمَا أَسْلَفْتُمْ فِي الأَيَّامِ الْخَالِيَةِ }
الحاقة: 24
Transliteration: Kuloo washraboo hanee-an bimaaslaftum fee al-ayyami alkhaliya
Mujahid and others, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “It was revealed about the fasting person.”
The Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“You will never give up something due to fearing Allah Almighty and Most Glorified except Allah will give you what is better than it (such matter you gave up).” [Reported by Ahmad]
«إنك لن تدع شيئاً اتقاء الله تبارك وتعالى إلا أتاك الله خيراً منه»
رواه أحمد
The Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“In Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyaan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but them will enter it.” [Agreed upon]
«إن في الجنة باباً يقال له الريان يدخل منه الصائمون يوم القيامة لا يدخل منه أحد غيرهم»
متفق عليه
And in another narration: “Whoever enters from it, he will drink and whoever drinks from it, he will never experience thirst.”
«من دخل منه شرب ومن شرب منه لم يظمأ أبداً»
Imam Ahmad narrated that the Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
"My Ummah (nation) is given five privileges in the month of Ramadan that no Ummah was given before: The khuloof (smell) of the mouth of a fasting person is sweeter in the Sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk. The angels keep praying to Allah to forgive them (i.e. those who are fasting), until they break their fast. Allah decorates Jannah (paradise) every day saying to it, 'My pious slaves are about to be relieved of their burdens and sufferings and enter you'. Devils are chained in this month, so they cannot achieve what they usually achieve (at other times). The believers' sins are forgiven by the last night of Ramadan.
Someone asked the Messenger of Allah Almighty, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him,: Is it the night of Lailatul-Qadr'? He said: No. But the laborer is usually paid upon finishing his task.'
«أعطيت أمتي خمس خصال في رمضان، لم تعطها أمة قبلهم، خلوف فم الصائم أطيب عند الله من ريح المسك، وتستغفر لهم الملائكة حتى يفطروا، ويزين الله تعالى كل يوم جنته، ثم يقول: يوشك عبادي الصالحون أن يلقوا عنهم المؤونة والأذى ويصيروا إليك، ويصفد فيه مردة الشياطين، فلا يخلصوا إلى ما كانوا يخلصون إليه في غيره، ويغفر لهم في آخر ليلة. قيل: يا رسول الله أهي ليلة القدر؟قال: لا ولكن العامل إنما يوفى أجره إذا «قضى عمله
رواه أحمد
Ramadan is the month of Qur’an, which Allah Almighty bestowed upon humanity and by which He honored them. Allah Almighty says:
{The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbir (Allahu-Akbar; Allah is the Most Great) on seeing the crescent of the months of Ramadan and Shawwal] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2: 185]
{شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنْـزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ}
البقرة: 185
Transliteration: Shahru Ramadana allatheeonzila feehi alqur-anu hudan linnasi wabayyinatin mina alhuda walfurqani faman shahida minkumu ashshahra falyasumhu waman kana mareedan aw ‘ala safarin fa’iddatun min ayyamin okhara yureedu Allahu bikumu alyusra wala yureedubikumu al’usra walitukmiloo al’iddata walitukabbiroo Allaha ’ala ma hadakum wala’allakum tashkuroon.
Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, the interpreter of the Qur’an said: “The Noble Qur’an, was sent down, wholly, in Ramadan and in the blessed night of Laylatul Qadr. Then it was sent down on the spots of the stars recited through months and days.”
Is it not the one who has been deprived of all such great goodness truly the deprived?!
Is not the one who sees the month come and go and did not get the great share of forgiveness and mercy, the unjust.
O Muslims! Rejoice, these are the eight gates of Paradise opened in this month for you and its breath have come to you. These are the gates of Hellfire closed for you, Satan and his offspring chained up from their feet for you. So where are the striving workers?
Ramadan is the school of piety
This is Ramadan, the month of Qur’an, repentance and returning to Allah Almighty, has come to you.
We have to make it a starting point to return to Allah Almighty with sincere repentance so that it may erase our sins, remove our offences and evil-doings.
The devils are chained up in the month of Ramadan, the fire of lust is put off, and your mind will be in control of your body. So the evil doer has no excuse.
O Clouds of negligence! Clear up. O Suns of piety and faith! Rise upon us. O Records of righteous deeds! Ascend with ranks. O Hearts of the fasting persons! Submit to your lord. O Feet of strenuous workers! Prostrate and bow to your Lord. O eyes of the strenuous worker! Do not sleep. O souls! Have a great determination. O Eyes of sincere worshipers! Glitter with love. O Thoughts of righteous worshipers! Rise high. O Determinations of the lovers! Do not satisfy by anything but Allah.
If the sinful individuals stood up on their feet, praying at night and began to apologize saying:
{O ruler of the land! A hard time has hit us and our family, and we have brought but poor capital, so pay us full measure and be charitable to us.} [Surat Yusuf 12: 88]
{ يَا أَيُّهَا الْعَزِيزُ مَسَّنَا وَأَهْلَنَا الضُّرُّ وَجِئْنَا بِبِضَاعَةٍ مُزْجَاةٍ فَأَوْفِ لَنَا الْكَيْلَ وَتَصَدَّقْ عَلَيْنَا}
يوسف: 88
Transliteration: ayyuha al’azeezu massana wa’ ahlana addurru wajina bibida’atin muzjatin faawfi lana alkayla watasaddaq ‘alayna.
So that they may get:
{No reproach on you this day, may Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy} [Surat Yusuf 12: 92]
{قَالَ لا تَثْرِيبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْيَوْمَ يَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ }
يوسف: 92
Transliteration: La tathreeba ‘alaykumu alyawma yaghfiru Allahu lakum wahuwa arhamu arrahimeen.
He who does not repent in Ramadan, when will he repent?
He who does not return to Allah Almighty in Ramadan, when will he do so?
He who does not perform the obligatory prayer regularly in Ramadan, when will he do so?
He who does not give up committing sins and doing evils in Ramadan, when will he do so?
Life is running out, days are folded, and death comes in a blink of an eye, when it is least expected.
Take heed in returning to Allah with repentance and ask his forgiveness. This is Ramadan, the month of repentance and forgiveness.
One of our pious forefathers once said: “The best forgiveness is the one accompanied with repentance. It is the sound solution for persistence in committing sins. So whoever asks forgiveness and his heart still persists in committing sins and is determined to return to do evil again after fasting, then his fasting will be rejected and will not be accepted.”
Ka‘b, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and intends to disobey his Lord after breaking his fast and after Ramadan, then his fasting will be to no avail.”
Mutawif used to say in his invocations: “O Allah! Be pleased with me. If You are not pleased with me, then forgive me.”
By Allah, he was sincere for the one who believes that he has many sins, he cannot ask for Allah’s pleasure, but his sublime aim is to get forgiveness. In fact, he who knows his self well, he cannot see himself except in this position.
This is the month of the sinful, the month of the neglectful, and the month of wrong doers.
O Muslims! Where are you? Do you not take heed of these warnings and reminders? Placing the verse, in which Allah Almighty says:
{And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2: 186]
{وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ }
البقرة: 186
Transliteration: Wa-itha sa’alaka ‘ibadee ’annee fa-innee qareebun ojeebu da’wata adda’iitha da’ani falyastajeeboo lee walyu’minoo bee la’Allahum yarshudoon.
After the verse of fasting is a warning and a reminder for those who are heedless and sinners. Furthermore, it gives an indication of the virtues of the righteous deed. Invocations in such honorable month believing in its acceptance, being pardoned and forgiven for.
It was reported in Al-Musnad, As-Sunan At-Tirmizi, Ibn Majah on the authority of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“Three persons will not have their supplication rejected: the just ruler, the fasting person until breaking the fast, and the supplication of the oppressed.”
«ثلاثة لا ترد دعوتهم: الإمام العادل، والصائم حتى يفطر، ودعوة المظلوم»
رواه الإمام أحمد فى مسنده و الترمذي وابن ماجه
‘Ubaid Allah ibn Abi Mulaikah said: “I have heard ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Amr saying when breaking his fast, O Allah! I ask You by Your Mercy that encompassed all things to forgive me.”
In fact, our pious forefathers have understood the words of the Lord of beings and had a deep conviction of the importance of time and days. So they recorded valuable and untold examples in history that are difficult for lay persons to grasp.
This is Ash-Shafe‘i, may Allah have mercy upon him, used to complete the recitation of the Noble Qur’an sixty times in Ramadan. Az-Zuhri, may Allah be pleased with him, used to say when Ramadan begins, it is for reciting Qur’an and give food. Maalik, may Allah have mercy upon him, when Ramadan begins he used to stop studying Hadeeths and attending the sessions of scholars, and that is to dedicate himself to the recitation of the Noble Qur’an from the Mushaf.
Is it not about time we comprehend this wisdom as they had done before and do righteous acts as they had done before and get the status that they had?
Our blessed brother! Try hard to make the month of Ramadan a school to learn patience. Ramadan is the month of patience.
It will teach us to have patience concerning the acts of worshipping Allah Almighty such as fasting, praying, stand in prayers, recitation of Qur’an and charities. This is the Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, gave us a practical example in his life. The Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, used to stand at night praying during Ramadan, and recite Qur’an slowly. He did not recite a verse that mentioned mercy but he paused and asked for it, and he did not recite a verse that mentioned punishment but he paused and sought refuge from it. So he used to combine between recitation, praying, invocation, and pondering over the verses. That is really the best and most perfect act of worship.
For the Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, the matter of giving charity in Ramadan is of great importance.
It was reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim that Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, said: “The Prophet was the most generous amongst people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Jibreel visited him, and Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Holy Qur'an to Jibreel, and when Jibreel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare).” [Agreed upon]
«كان رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم أجود الناس، وكان أجود ما يكون فى رمضان حين يلقاه جبريل وكان يلقاه فى كل ليلة من رمضان فيدارسه القرآن فلرسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم أجود بالخير من الريح المرسلة »
رواه البخاري ومسلم
The Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, was asked about the best charity and he replied: “A charity in Ramadan.” [Related by At-Tirmizi]
«صدقة في رمضان»
رواه الترمذي
Ash-Shafe‘i, may Allah have mercy upon him: “It is more preferred for a person to be excessively generous during the blessed month of Ramadan, following the example of the Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him. Furthermore, people have a dire need for such charity since many of them are busy with fasting and praying to earn their livelihood in that month.”
Abu Bakr ibn Aby Mariam narrated that his sheikhs used to say: “When the month of Ramadan begins, spend generously for spending is multiplied in it in much the same way as the spending in the Cause of Allah Almighty, and glorifying Allah Almighty for one time in it is better than a thousand times in other months.”
Zaid ibn Khaalid, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the one who fasted. [Reported by Ahmad and others]
«من فطر صائماً كتب له مثل أجر الصائم لا ينقص من أجر الصائم»
رواه أحمد وغيره
Once one of our pious forefathers was asked about the wisdom behind legislating fasting, he replied: “It is to make the rich experience hunger so that he won’t forget the hungry people.”
Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Whoever cannot reach the rank of giving preference over himself, so he should not fail to reach the rank of those who give comfort or sympathy.”
Ibn ‘Umar used to fast and never break his fast except with the poor. If his wife prevents him from that, he does not take his dinner.
A righteous forefathers had a desire for a certain kind of food and he was fasting. At the time of breaking fast, this food was presented in front of him, but he heard a beggar saying: "Who is it to give a goodly loan to (Allah) the respite giver, the faithful Who is free of need?" he said: "His destitute servant who is bankrupt of good deeds." He stood and carried out the bowl and came out to him with it, and spent that night with an empty stomach.
A poor person came to Imam Ahmad and asked for something, so he gave him two loaves, which he prepared to break his fast. Then he slept while he was hungry and went up fasting.
Performing ‘Umarh in Ramdan has a special status; It was Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim that Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, said: “The Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, asked an Ansari woman, What prevented you from performing Hajj with us?'
«ما منعك أن تحجين معنا؟»
She replied, 'We have a camel and the father of so-and-so and his son (i.e. her husband and her son) rode it and left one camel for us to use for irrigation.' He said (to her), 'Perform ‘Umrah when Ramadan comes, for ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in reward),' or said something similar.”
«فإذا كان رمضان اعتمري فيه فإن عمرة في رمضان حجة»
رواه البخاري ومسلم
Also we have to learn from this month to have patience concerning abstaining from matters prohibited by Allah Almighty such as backbiting, ill speech, evil deeds, hearing and looking. The Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.).” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]
«من لم يدع قول الزور، والعمل به والجهل فليس لله حاجة أن يدع طعامه وشرابه»
رواه البخاري
Actually, the true meaning of fasting is not to abstain from eating and drinking but it is a school to learn how to keep yourself away from lawful things until you get used to that and thus keeping away from evil and sins would be much easier to handle.
Some of our pious forefathers said: “The easiest form of fasting is to abstain from drinking and eating.”
Moreover, Jabir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “If you fasted, then let your ear, eyes, tongue abstain from lying and all other evil matters.”
Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “The secret behind seeking the Pleasure of Allah Almighty through abstaining from lawful things cannot be perfect except by seeking His Pleasure with abstaining from prohibited things. Therefore, it was mentioned and Allah knows best in the Noble Qur’an the prohibition of eating up one another's property unjustly (in any illegal way, e.g., stealing, robbing, deceiving) after mentioning the prohibition of drinking and eating for the fasting person during the day of Ramadan.
You should know, may Allah guide you, that showing patience concerning abstaining from what is essential for your life such as drinking, eating, sexual intercourse and others things during the days of Ramadan and along the whole month will make you more able to show patience concerning abstaining from what Allah Almighty has prohibited.
Additionally, once we learn patience concerning fulfilling the orders of Allah from that month and patience concerning abstaining from what Allah has prohibited, we in this way will attain piety that Allah Glory be to Him The Almighty wanted for us from ordaining fasting for us. Allah Almighty says:
{O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may have Taqwa} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2: 183]
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ}
البقرة: 183
Transliteration: Ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo kutiba ‘alaykumu assiyamu kama kutiba ‘ala allatheena min qablikum la’allakum tattaqoon
So the matter is not mere abstention from drinking or eating; however, it is a training course for fulfilling the acts of worship and enjoinments.
The ordainment of hastening in breaking the fast and delaying the Suhur and encouraging doing so has indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful. Imam Ahmad narrated from Abu Dhar, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him, said:
“My Ummah(Nation) will always retain goodness as long as they hasten in breaking the fast and delay the Suhur.”
«لا تزال أمتي بخير ما أخروا السحور وعجلوا الفطر»
رواه أحمد
I ask Allah to make me and you of those who fasted and stood at night of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and in hope of reward and to include us among those whom He redeems in this noble month from the Hellfire.
By: Dr. Muhammad Ar-Rukbaan
Wathakker Islamic Website
- Category: