A Day and A Night in Ramadan

A Day and A Night in Ramadan

The Fast of the Day

Ramadan is a very special month for the Muslims, as in it Muslims around the world perform various types of worship, the most important of them being

fasting. This fasting of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, mandatory upon all adolescents and adults who have the ability. Ramadan is also the month in which the first revelation came to the Prophet Muhammad, and thus is called the "Month of the Quran". During this month, there is a noticeable change in people's lives as well as societies. This article will describe a typical day of a Muslim during this month of forgiveness.

An Early Meal

"Eat a predawn meal, for indeed in it there is blessing." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Although not obligatory, Muslims families throughout Ramadan rise early in the morning before the first traces of light and partake in a light meal in implementation of this Prophet teaching. Usually, the day of a Muslim starts with the dawn prayer performed when the first traces of light appear in the sky, but since it is the time when one starts the fast by withholding from food or drink,

the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, encouraged Muslims to arise before that time and partake in a meal.

From this it is clear that the point of fasting is not that one feels hunger throughout

the day, but rather that one changes their lifestyle in order for it to be more conducive to the worship of Allah, a fact which will become quite clear. One who often misses the dawn prayer, the hardest of the five prayers to perform due to its stated time, in this blessed month arises early in order to partake in a meal. Thus this person becomes accustomed to awakening at an early hour, ultimately helping him to perform the dawn prayer for the rest of the year.

The most beloved of the voluntary prayers is one called "Qiyaam -ul-Layl", or the Night Prayer[1]. This prayer is performed before the dawn prayer in solitude. It is so beloved that it is usually nicknamed "the Prayer of the Pious", a prayer performed by the devout when the majority of people are still sleeping in their beds. God described this prayer in the Quran, saying:

"Their sides forsake from (their) beds, calling upon their Lord in

fear and in hope...." (Quran 32:16)

Waking in the early hours before dawn to eat a meal also encourage the believers to perform this blessed prayer, one which otherwise seem like an arduous task for some.

This predawn meal is to be eaten close to the time of dawn, and thus people continue to eat until they hear the mu'ezzin, or caller of prayer, call out the azaan from the local mosque, signaling that the first traces of light have appeared. Thus, Muslims end their meal and prepare themselves to attend the congregational prayer at their local mosque, held five times a day throughout the year.

The Month of the Qur'an

After attending the dawn prayer, many Muslims choose to sit in the mosque for a while and recite a selected portion of the Quran at this time. Recitation of the Quran is recommended at all times, and due to it one's faith increases in Islam:

"The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their

hearts tremble with fear, and when His Verses are recited unto them,

they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in

their Lord (Alone)." (Quran 8:2)

Being the month in which the Quran was revealed, Muslims are even more zealous to recite its entirety, as this was also done by the Prophet.

"[The Prophet] would meet him (Gabriel) every night in Ramadan and they would recite the Quran to each other." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Quite often in Ramadan in the Muslim world, you will hardly find a mosque empty

during any part of the day. Muslims try to set aside time this month in order to complete the Quran and ponder its meanings.

Fasting of the Day

In most Muslim countries, workload and schedules are lightened in order to

accommodate for the special features of this month. Children go to school at a later time to accommodate for their early rise and the late night prayer, and the majority of businesses close well before dusk. Many stores also remain open throughout the night.

During daylight hours until the sun sets below the horizon. Muslim abstain all types of food and drink, as well as sexual intercourse with their spouses. This creates a sense within the Muslim throughout the day that they are obeying the commands of God, as they leave things which are perfectly permissible at other times. This created within the

Muslims a conscience which encourages them to leave those deeds impermissible at all times. Muslims, dry-mouthed from lack of water and abstaining from all types of food seen throughout the day, gain a sixth sense - God consciousness - and this is the goal of fasting the month of Ramadan. God says in the Quran:

"Fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for

those before you in order that you become of the God-conscious." (Quran 2:183)

Fasting is a secret worship which a person offers to God. He may very well eat and drink in privacy without anyone coming to know of it... but the trait which keeps the Muslim from doing so is this consciousness of His Lord.

For this reason, one sees that many sinful Muslims as well leave many of their sins

during this blessed month, due to its sacredness, and one hopes that this will cause them to be more faithful throughout the remainder of the year.

The Prophet warned Muslims against certain sins they might easily fall into and thus ruin the goal of fasting. The Prophet said:

"Whoever does not stop speaking falsehood and acting in accordance with it, God has no need of him giving up his food and drink." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

He also warned against being provoked into behaving rudely. He encouraged Muslims to respond to one who may provoke him by saying:

"Indeed I am fasting, Indeed I am fasting." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

These Prophetic sayings are clear in that the main benefit of Ramadan is spiritual and moral rectitude.

Thus one finds in Muslim societies that a spirit of peace dwells in the hearts of

Muslims throughout Ramadan, due to the extra worship and avoidance of all evilness and ill manners. One finds that people are generally more easy to deal with and lighthearted, and when one lives in a society for one month in which most of the people are fasting, the sense of unity and brotherhood which results is unmatched by any other occasion, except maybe the Hajj.

Iftar, or Breakfast

As the day ends, Muslims gather in their homes in wait for sunset. Mothers and daughters are usually busy at this time preparing breakfast and dinner, while

men usually return from their work and slip into more comfortable clothes, either taking time to recite the Quran or help out in the preparation for breakfast.

Before sunset, the family gathers at the dining table in wait for the mu'ezzin, utilizing this time supplicating to Allah and asking Him for His Mercy.

"Indeed for each fasting person there is a prayer which is answered when they break their fast." (Tuhfat-ul-Muhtaj)

Once the call to prayer is heard, Muslims hurry to break their fast with dates, in

emulation of the Prophet, and offer words of gratitude taught by the Prophet.

"The Thirst has been quenched, and the veins have become moist and full, and the reward is certain, God willing." (Abu Dawood)

Many Muslims add:

"Oh Allah, indeed for You Alone I have fasted, and in You alone I have believed. With your provisions I have broken my fast, and upon You I have trusted."

Muslims then eat a light meal of various appetizers and drinks. Many times, Muslims find themselves either invited or inviting others, whether they be members of the extended family, one's friends, or the poor. The majority of mosques also offer free food in order ease the sufferings for the poor. Many mosques hold iftar in order to strengthen community ties, common in countries in which Muslims are minorities. Prophet Muhammad encouraged to feed others during this blessed month in his saying:

"Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, he will have a reward equal to his (the fasting person)..." (Al-Tirmidhi)

Special rations are also distributed to needy households in the beginning of the month by charitable organizations to meet the needs of the

month.

The delight felt at breaking fast is one truly indescribable. Never does the most meager of meals seem so tasty or bring so much joy to a believer. Indeed the Prophet spoke the truth when he said:

"The fasting person will feel two moments of joy: one moment when he breaks his fast and

another when he meets his Lord." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

There is no time at that point to eat a large meal, as sunset is the time for another

prescribed prayer. Muslims prepare to attend the congregational prayer, mostly always at walking distance. After attending the dusk prayer, some Muslims eat dinner, while others delay eating until the night prayer is finished, an event which is one of the main features of the night of Ramadan, another spiritual dimension of this blessed month of mercy and blessings.

After performing the dusk prayer, Muslims return to their homes either to continue

with their appetizers or eat dinner. Most people, however, choose not to eat much, as it will hinder them in performing that worship which is the delight of the believer in Ramadan - the taraweeh prayer. This prayer is held immediately after the night prayer, which is performed when the last traces of dusk disappear, about an hour and a half after the dusk prayer.

The Taraweeh (Night Prayer)

The taraweeh is a special prayer performed in congregation. It is quite long, lasting about an hour to an hour and a half. It is performed every night of Ramadan, and in it most of the Imams, or prayer leaders, seek to complete the recitation of the entire Quran. In it Muslims pray to their Lord, standing, bowing and prostrating to Him, and gain the opportunity to listen to the Quran in its entirety, listening to its verses in a melodious voice as if they were being revealed then and there. Mosques with more proficient recitors tend to fill quickly, so worshippers arrive earlier than the stated time to reserve their place. Some mosques have over a thousand worshippers who come from all over the city to attend. Indeed it is an experience one awaits an entire year to experience. The taraweeh prayer is a means of forgiveness, as the Prophet said:

"Whoever stands the night in prayer in Ramadan believing in God and seeking His reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Worshippers listen to the Quran being recited in prayer and ponder over its meanings, and the voice of the Imam has much to do with the effect it has on people. In various mosques, it is not rare to see people crying while listening to its verses, verses which speak of the blessings of God, His Mercy and Love, His Paradise which He has reserved for the patient believers, as well as verses which speak about the sufferings of Hell. The Quran is a revelation which speaks to each individual, and thus each individual feels that God is directly addressing him when he hears it. Thus the feelings which arise while listening to its recitation is truly incomparable and indescribable.

At the end of the taraweeh prayer, the Imam and the congregation raise their hand in supplication to God for themselves and for the Muslims, asking God to forgive their sins, give them strength to practice their faith and remain firm, enter them into Paradise, to cure the sick, to forgive those who have already passed away, and all other good things of this world and the next. They also ask God to save them from the punishment of the day of Judgment, to ease their account on that day, and also to ease the sufferings of their brethren throughout the world. It is not uncommon to find the majority of the congregation in tears begging their Lord. Indeed the taraweeh prayer is one of the highlights of Ramadan and plays a great role in giving inspiration to and the rectitude of the Muslims.

After the taraweeh, Muslims return to their homes and eat dinner, and then retire to bed in preparation for their early rise for the predawn meal.

As one can see, Ramadan is a month in which various kinds of worship are performed to God. Ramadan is like a training period in which Muslims change their lifestyles to one which is in accords to God's commandments. From the time a person awakens in the morning, throughout the day and into the night, a Muslim is performing various types of worship, some obligatory while others voluntary, all in order to gain the pleasure of his Lord. This month is indeed a key factor in the lives of Muslims, a period of rejuvenation in which the believer is inspired for another year in his life, one filled with the pleasure of God and void of His anger.

There are other special features in Ramadan.

The Last Ten Nights

1. "Indeed we have revealed it (the Quran) in the Honored Night.
2. And what will explain to you what the Honored Night is
3. The Honored Night is better than a thousand months.
4. In it, the angels descend as well as the Spirit (Gabriel) by the permission of their Lord, with all types of decrees.
5. 'Peace' it is until the rising of dawn." (Quran:97:1-5)

It was Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed from the heavens to the Earth.

More specifically, it was one of the last ten nights of this blessed month. The Prophet said:

"Seek the Honored Night in the last ten." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

On that night, worship and good deeds are better than performing them for a

thousand months, as mentioned in the verses above. Thus the Prophet would increase his worship by staying awake the whole night in worship.

"When he entered the [last] ten [nights] of Ramadan, the Prophet would 'rollup his sleeves' and give life to the whole night, and waken his family." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Muslims in Ramadan seek this Honored Night in order that they may be given an

increase in reward. Muslims spend the whole night in worship, from praying the

taraweeh prayer to reading the Quran, supplicating to God, and praying extra voluntary prayers. During these nights, there is even an extra congregational prayer held in the mosques which lasts for about an hour and a half to two hours up until the time of the predawn meal. Nights are alive with worship, and people for these ten nights expend all efforts in doing so, seeking that they may have spent the Honored Night in the worship of God. The Prophet said:

"Whoever stood in prayer in the Honored Night, believing in God and hoping for His reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

who are saved from the Fire:

"God chooses who will be saved from the Fire (in Ramadan), and that is every night." (Al-Tirmidhi)

For this reason in Ramadan, people fast, pray, and seek the Honored Night in orderthat they may be forgiven for their shortcomings and enter Paradise.

Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage to Makkah)

The Prophet encouraged people to visit the Kaaba and perform the lesser pilgrimage, or Umrah. He said:

"Indeed performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal to performing Hajj with me." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Thus, millions of people flock to Mecca to perform this lesser pilgrimage, most coming during the last ten days of the month hoping to earn the reward of Hajj and also witnessing the prayers at the Kaaba, an exhilarating experience for the believer. One meets Muslims from all parts of the world, from all cultures and races, and all have congregated in this sacred sanctuary, fasting throughout the day and worshipping throughout the night, all to earn the pleasure of their Creator, their Lord.

A Month of Forgiveness

We mentioned various Prophetic sayings which state that the various types of worship in Ramadan are a means for forgiveness. Fasting, the taraweeh prayer, and praying in the Honored Night are all means of forgiveness.

"Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan, believing in God and hoping for His reward, all his

previous sins will be forgiven." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

"Whoever stands the night in prayer in Ramadan believing in God and seeking His reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

"Whoever stood in prayer in the Honored Night, believing in God and hoping for His reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Ramadaan in general is a month of savior from the Fire:

"God chooses who will be saved from the Fire (in Ramadan), and that is every night." (Al-Tirmidhi)

A Month of Charity

As mentioned before, people seek to feed others with food for which to break their fast and donate food rations to needy families to suffice them the month of Ramadan. In addition to this, people are more charitable in general during Ramadan, as charity is considered worship for which God will reward them. The companioned the Prophet, Abdulah b. Abbas, said:

"The Prophet was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

In order to increase in their good deeds, some Muslims choose to offer their Zakaah[1], or obligatory annual charity, in this month as well.

Private Devotion

There is a special type of worship in Islam in which one devotes himself to the mosque for a period of time, whether it be for a day or a week, and spends his time in reciting the Quran and mentioning praises of God, again a training for having a person becoming accustomed to living a life revolved around the worship of God. In secluding oneself from one's daily routine and indulging in the worship of God, he learns to prioritize his life and give less worth to the life of this world. The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, himself would practice this act of devotion, called I'tikaaf, during the last ten days of Ramadan. He would pitch a tent in the mosque and seclude himself in it, busying himself in various types of individual worship.

Muslims around the world take leave from their work or school and try to fulfill this

act of worship, but because of its difficulty, as it entails a type of cutting off from daily life, few people do so. None the less, the majority of the congregational mosques do have a few people who take to this worship.

Conclusion

As one can see, Ramadan is indeed a very special time for Muslims around the world. It is a month of worship in which sinners repent and return to God, and the believer rejuvenate their faith. It is a training period in which one becomes accustomed to leading a life in accordance to the commands of God and seeking His Pleasure. It is a time when one strengthens their relationship with their Creator. It is a time when one trains himself to do extra acts of worship in addition to the obligatory. The month of Ramadan is one which has no match, and the feelings Muslims have in this month are unexplainable. For this reason, the companions of the Prophet would ask God to give them the blessing to experience Ramadan six months before its arrival, and for six months after its departure, they would seek forgiveness from God for their shortcomings in it. We ask God to accept

the Muslims fasting and praying in this blessed month, and to give others the guidance to be able to fast it as Muslims.

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The Prophet in Ramadan

It was Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, who made us raise our eyes from the dust beneath to view the glory of the starry heavens above. It was Muhammad who led us from the depths of darkness to the grandeur of the light of God.

The Prophet was the one who led us to break our stone statues and wooden gods. It was Muhammad who lifted us out of the filth of idolatry to relish the serenity of God's transcendence.

On the Night of Power in one Ramadan, the Quran descended on Muhammad, and he received its first verses in the Cave of Hira. (Ibn Abbas)

Thereafter the Prophet taught us how to celebrate Ramadan through days of fasting and nights of prayer: to honor each day of Ramadan as a day of patient endurance through fasting, and each night as a night of gratitude through prayers.

An Unexpected Transformation

It was nothing short of miraculous how the Prophet reformed and refined those unruly tribes of Arabia and transformed them into pious, disciplined, God-fearing ascetics, who stood in prayers in the mosque five times a day seeking the guidance of God.

And imagine: these same people who once reveled in the pleasures of "wine and

women" could now spend the whole month of Ramadan in fasting and prayers.

Into the hearts of his followers, the Prophet instilled the love and fear of God and love for humanity. His example was inspiring and irresistible; and each of them became eager to be his closest follower.

To them he was the sincerest and the most cordial of leaders. And his life was open

before them like a book; they could see him practicing most closely in his own life what he was preaching.

Letting the Spirit Reign Supreme

The Prophet demonstrated to his people how this world is less important than the next, and how the body is less important than the soul. In fasting, the Prophet taught them step by step how to ignore the physical demands so that the spirit reigns supreme.

Abandoning food, drink, and sex was only a prelude to the next stage of greater significance: of conquering avidity and cupidity, lust and licentiousness; of liberating one's mind from flights of passion and fits of temper. Indeed the Prophet said:

"The strong person is not the one who can wrestle someone else down. The strong person is the one who can control himself when he is angry." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Also about the effect of fasting on one's behaviour, the Prophet said, "Fasting is a

shield, so the one who fasts should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behaviour. If someone abuses him or starts to fight with him, he should reply by saying: 'I am fasting. I am fasting'." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The core of fasting according to the Prophet was one's willingness not merely to give up self-indulgence, but to feel the need of one's brother as one's own. And no one was more kind-hearted and generous than the Messenger of God; and his generosity reached its peak in Ramadan. (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet stressed on the importance of treating people nicely when he said:

"Make things easy for people and do not make them difficult, and cheer people up and do not drive them away." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

He also said:

"The most beloved of actions to God Almighty, is making another Muslim happy, removing a hardship that has befallen him, paying off a debt of his or ridding him of hunger. It is more beloved to me indeed that I walk with my Muslim brother to see to a need of his than secluding oneself in a mosque for a month..." (Tabarani)

The heart of one who sincerely fasts is open to the contemplation of the magnificence of the countless bounties of God. That is why the Prophet asked his followers to avoid gluttony:

"The food of two people is enough for three, and the food of three people is enough for four." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Gentleness in Hardship

God is All-Merciful and He has expressed His Mercy to us His creatures through the sending of His final messenger Muhammad as an embodiment of mercy. The Prophet said:

"Have mercy to those on earth so that He Who is in Heaven will have mercy on you." (Tirmidhi)

"The believer is not the one who eats his fill when the neighbour beside him is hungry." (Bayhaqi)

So it was not surprising that the Prophet's Companions loved him dearly, as he was

the kindest of men, bestowing his mercy not only upon humans but also on other

creatures of the world as well.

No leader could be more considerate and solicitous of his followers than Muhammad: he never allowed any Muslim to bear any burden more than they could bear, as taught by God Himself.

For he was well aware of the infirmities of people; and this is evident from his

consideration for his followers in the matter of fasting: He taught Muslims to delay the sahur (the pre-dawn meal before fasting) till a little before Dawn Prayer and not to delay the iftar (the meal to break the fast) after the call to Sunset Prayer so that no unnecessary strain is laid on the fasting person by prolonging the fast time.

During travel in Ramadan, the Prophet would either fast or break his fast; and he

allowed his companions to choose between the two, according to their ability.

It is noteworthy that the Prophet did not specify a particular distance in travel as a

minimum limit for a person to break the fast. His Companions sometimes broke the fast immediately after leaving home, because this was the example set by the Prophet himself.

Similarly during times of heat or thirst they were permitted to cool themselves by

pouring water on the head, and the Prophet himself did so.

His example in the matter of consorting with his wives during Ramadan was not

different; he disallowed only such acts that would obviously undermine the fasting.

As for the Tarawih Prayers (the supererogatory night prayers performed in Ramadan), it is recorded that the Prophet began praying them in congregation and then he stopped, fearing that such prayers would become obligatory if he continued to pray them in congregation.

Thus while he demonstrated through his example that the Tarawih Prayers are better offered in congregation, he allowed leniency in the matter out of his mercy.

Seclusion: Refreshing the Soul

The highest point of Ramadan for Muslims is seeking the Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) during the last ten days. One act of worship the Prophet emphasized particularly during this time is itikaf, which is a spiritual retreat in which one confines oneself to a mosque to spend one's time entirely to the worship and remembrance of God.

In these modern days when people hanker after indulgence in ephemeral pleasures, one needs to return to the seclusion of the house of prayer from time to time; which is essential for one's spiritual rejuvenation and the return to one's Creator.

Thus the beloved Prophet has taught us how to use Ramadan as a month for

disciplining our intransigent passions, for renouncing our desires for self gratification and for practicing patient endurance in the face of hardships.

The Prophet exhorted us that during Ramadan most especially it is our duty to support and uplift our less fortunate fellow humans.

Above all, Ramadan is a month of contemplating the Grace and Bounty of God

Almighty, of returning to our Guardian Lord in repentance, of sincerely seeking His forgiveness.

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Adab-Adab Wajib dalam Berpuasa

Syaikh Muhammad bin Shalih Al-Utsaimin (rahimahullah)

ADAB-ADAB WAJIB DALAM BERPUASA

Segala puji bagi Allah yang memberi petunjuk makhluk-Nya kepada kesempurnaan adab, membukakan pintu rahmat dan kemurahan-Nya dari segala penjuru, menerangi akal kaum muslimin untuk menemukan kebenaran dan mencari ganjaran, membutakan akal orang-orang yang berpaling dari ketaatan, sehingga terbentanglah hijab antara dia dan cahaya Allah. Sebagian mendapat hidayah dengan keutamaan dan rahmat-Nya sedangkan sebagian yang lain tersesat dengan keadilan dan kebijakan-Nya. Sesungguhnya dalam yang demikian itu terdapat pelajaran bagi orang-orang yang berakal. Aku bersaksi bahwa tiada tuhan yang berhak disembah kecuali Allah semata. Tidak ada sekutu bagi-Nya. Milik-Nya lah kerajaan, dia Maha Perkasa lagi Maha Pemurah. Dan aku bersaksi bahwa Muhammad adalah hamba dan utusan-Nya, yang diutus dengan membawa ibadah yang mulia dan kesempurnaan adab. Semoga Allah melimpahkan shalawat dan salam-Nya kepada beliau, kepada segenap kerabat dan sahabat, dan kepada orang-orang yang mengikuti beliau dengan benar sampai kelak hari kiamat.

Saudara-saudaraku …

Ketahuilah, puasa memiliki adab-adab yang banyak, sehingga puasa tidak akan sempurna melainkan dengan menjalankan adab-adabnya. Adab puasa dibagi menjadi dua bagian, yaitu:

·         pertama adab yang wajib, yaitu yang wajib bagi seseorang yang berpuasa untuk menunaikan dan menjaga adab-adab puasanya.

·         Dan yang kedua adab yang sunnah, yaitu yang dianjurkan untuk menunaikan dan menjaga adab-adab puasanya.

Diantara menjaga adab-adab (puasa) yang wajib adalah seseorang yang berpuasa harus menunaikan ibadah-ibadah yang telah diwajibkan oleh Allah baik ibadah qouliyah (berupa ucapan) ataupun ibadah fi’liyah (perbuatan). Ibadah yang paling utama adalah shalat fardhu yang merupakan rukun islam paling utama setelah dua kalimat syahadat. Sehingga wajib baginya untuk menunaikan shalat berserta rukun-rukunnya, wajibnya dan syarat-syaratnya, menunaikan shalat tepat pada waktunya bersama jama’ah di masjid. Hal-hal tersebut termasuk dari wujud ketaqwaan seorang hamba yang merupakan tujuan disyari’atkan dan diwajibkannya puasa pada umat ini, adapun melalaikan shalat akan menghilangkan ketaqwaan dan pelakunya diancam Allah dengan siksaan.

Allah ta’ala berfirman:

Maka datanglah sesudah mereka, pengganti (yang jelek) yang menyia-nyiakan shalat dan memperturutkan hawa nafsunya, Maka mereka kelak akan menemui kesesatan. Kecuali orang yang bertaubat, beriman dan beramal saleh, Maka mereka itu akan masuk surga dan tidak dianiaya (dirugikan) sedikitpun (QS. Maryam: 59-60)

Diantara orang-orang yang berpuasa ada yang masih melalaikan kewajiban shalat jama’ah sementara Allah telah mewajibkan perkara tersebut dalam kitab-Nya sebagaimana firman Allah :

dan apabila kamu berada di tengah-tengah mereka (sahabatmu) lalu kamu hendak mendirikan shalat bersama-sama mereka, Maka hendaklah segolongan dari mereka berdiri (shalat) besertamu dan menyandang senjata, kemudian apabila mereka (yang shalat besertamu) sujud (telah menyempurnakan serakaat), Maka hendaklah mereka pindah dari belakangmu (untuk menghadapi musuh) dan hendaklah datang golongan yang kedua yang belum bersembahyang, lalu bersembahyanglah mereka denganmu, dan hendaklah mereka bersiap siaga dan menyandang senjata…. (QS. An Nisa’:102)

Allah memerintahkan kaum muslimin untuk melaksanakan shalat berjama’ah meskipun berada dalam suasana perang dan ketakutan, maka dalam kondisi aman dan tenang perintah shalat berjama’ah lebih ditekankan lagi.

Dari Abu Hurairah RadhiyaLlahu ‘Anhu diceritakan bahwa seorang lelaki buta berkata kepada Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam:

يا رسولَ الله ليس لي قائدٌ يقودنُي إلى المسجدِ. فرخَّصَ له. فلمَّا ولَّى دعاه وقال هلْ تسمعُ النِّداء بالصلاةِ؟ قال نَعَمْ قال فأَجِبْ، رواه مسلم.

“Wahai Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam, tidak ada orang yang menuntunku pergi ke masjid, apakah aku punya keringanan untuk shalat di rumahku?”. Mulanya beliau memberi izin. Tapi setelah orang itu beranjak, beliau memanggilnya dan bertanya, “Apakah engkau mendengar seruan untuk shalat?”, ia menjawab, “Ya”, Beliau berkata lagi “Kalau begitu penuhilah”. HR. Muslim.

Rasulullah tidak memberi keringanan kepada lelaki tersebut untuk meninggalkan shalat berjama’ah padahal ia buta dan tak ada yang menuntunnya. Seseorang yang meninggalkan shalat jama’ah karena melalaikan kewajiban ini akan kehilangan kebaikan yang banyak berupa dilipat gandakannya kebaikan (pahala), karena pahala shalat jama’ah dilipat gandakan sebagaimana dalam shahih Bukhari Muslim, dari hadits ibnu Umar -Radhiyallahu ‘Anhuma- bahwa Nabi Muhammad shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam bersabda,

صلاةُ الجماعة تفضل على صلاةِ الْفذِّ بسبْعٍ وعشرين درجةً.

 “Shalat berjama’ah 27 derajat lebih utama daripada shalat sendiri” 

Dan dia akan kehilangan kemaslahatan-kemaslahatan untuk masyarakat yang semestinya diperoleh kaum muslimin jika mereka berjama’ah di masjid berupa tumbuhnya rasa saling mencintai dan terkaitnya hati, mengajari orang-orang yang belum tahu, menolong orang-orang yang membutuhkan, serta kebaikan-kebaikan yang lainnya.

Seorang yang meninggalkan shalat berjamaah berarti telah menghantarkan dirinya kepada hukuman Allah dan menyamakan dirinya dengan orang-orang munafiq. Sebagaimana dalam kitab shahih Bukhari dan Muslim:

أثْقلُ الصَلَوَاتِ على المنافقين صلاةُ العشاءِ وصلاةُ الفجر، ولو يَعْلَمون ما فيهما لأتَوهُما ولوْ حَبْواً. ولقد هممْت أنْ آمُرَ بالصلاةِ فتقام، ثم آمر رجلاً فيصلِّي بالناس، ثم أنطلق معي برِجالٍ معهم حِزَمٌ من حطبٍ إلى قوم لا يشهدون الصلاةَ فأحرق عليهم بيوتَهم بالنارِ.

Shalat yang paling berat bagi oleh orang-orang munafiq adalah shalat Isya’ dan Shubuh, seandainya mereka mengetahui balasan pada dua shalat tersebut, niscaya mereka akan bersegera melaksanakannya walaupun dengan merangkak. Dan sungguh aku sangat ingin agar shalat ditegakkan, kemudian aku menyuruh seorang laki-laki untuk mengimami shalat kemudian beberapa orang laki-laki pergi bersamaku dengan membawa kayu bakar kepada suatu kaum yang tidak menghadir shalat dan akan aku bakar rumah mereka.

Dalam shahih Muslim dari Ibnu Mas’ud Radhiyallahu ‘anhu, beliau berkata,

من سَرَّه أنْ يَلْقى الله غداً مسلماً فلْيحافظْ على هؤلاء الصلواتِ، حيث يُنادَى بهن فإنَّ الله شَرَعَ لنبيكم سُنَنَ الْهُدى وإنهنَّ مِنْ سُننِ الهُدى

Barang siapa yang ingin bertemu Allah kelak dalam keadaan muslim, hendaklah ia menjaga seluruh shalatnya dengan jama’ah dimana mereka diseru, sesungguhnya Allah telah mensyari’atkan kepada nabi kalian sunnah yang agung, shalat berjama’ah adalah salah satu dari sunnah yang agung tersebut.

Beliau juga berkata,

ولقد رأيتنا وما يتخلَّفُ عنها إلاَّ منافقٌ معلوم النفاقِ. ولقد كَان الرجُلُ يُؤتْى به يُهادَى بين الرجلين حتى يقامَ في الصفَّ

Sungguh tidak ada seorangpun yang menyelisihinya melainkan ia adalah munafik yang hakiki. Sungguh seorang laki-laki akan datang ke masjid dengan dipapah oleh dua orang sehingga ia sampai ke shaf.

Sebagian orang yang berpuasa meremehkan perkara ini, bahkan mereka tidur pada waktu shalat.

Meninggalkan shalat termasuk kemungkaran yang paling besar dan kelalaian yang berat terhadap shalat, sehingga sebagian besar ulama berkata, ”Sesungguhnya barang siapa yang mengakhirkan waktu shalat tanpa udzur yang dibolehkan agama, maka shalatnya tidak diterima sekalipun ia shalat seratus kali”. Sebagaimana sabda Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam,

مَنْ عمِل عملاً ليس عليه أمْرُنا فهو رَدّ

Barang siapa yang melakukan suatu amalan yang tidak ada perintah (contohnya) dari kami maka amalannya tertolak. (HR. Muslim).

Dan mengerjakan shalat setelah lewat waktunya bukanlah ajaran Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam, sehingga perbuatan tersebut tertolak.

Diantara adab-adab yang wajib dipenuhi juga, hendaklah seorang yang berpuasa menjauhi perkara-perkara yang diharamkan Allah dan Rasul-Nya baik berupa perkataan maupun perbuatan. Seperti menjauhi perbuatan dusta, yaitu menceritakan sesuatu yang bukan kenyataan (kebohongan). Kedustaan yang paling besar adalah berdusta kepada Allah dan rasul-Nya, seperti menyandarkan suatu perkara kepada Allah dan rasul-Nya untuk menghalalkan sesuatu yang telah jelas keharamannya atau mengharamkan sesuatu yang telah jelas kehalalannya tanpa ilmu.

Allah berfrman,

Dan janganlah kamu mengatakan terhadap apa yang disebut-sebut oleh lidahmu secara Dusta "Ini halal dan ini haram", untuk mengada-adakan kebohongan terhadap Allah. Sesungguhnya orang-orang yang mengada-adakan kebohongan terhadap Allah Tiadalah beruntung. (Itu adalah) kesenangan yang sedikit, dan bagi mereka azab yang pedih. (QS. An Nahl: 116-117).

Dan dalam shahih Bukhari-Muslim, juga dalam kitab shahih yang lainnya, Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam bersabda,

مَنْ كَذَبَ عَلَيَّ متعمِّداً فليتبوَّأ مقْعَدَه من النار.

Barang siapa yang berdusta atas ku dengan sengaja maka hendaklah ia mengambil “tempat duduknya” di neraka.

Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam memberi peringatan keras orang yang berdusta, beliau bersabda:

إيَّاكُم والكذبَ فإنَّ الكَذبَ يَهْدِيْ إلى الفُجُورِ وإنَّ الفجورَ يهدِي إلى النار ولا يزالُ الرجلُ يكذِب ويتحرَّى الكذبَ حتى يُكتَب عند الله كَذَّاباً»، متفق عليه.    

Jauhilah perbuatan berdusta. Sesungguhnya dusta menghantarkan pada dosa, dan dosa menghantarkan pada neraka. Dan seorang senantiasa berdusta, dan terbiasa berdusta hingga ditulis di sisi Allah sebagai pendusta. (Muttafaq ‘Alaih)

Perkara lainnya yang harus dihindari seorang yang berpuasa adalah ghibah, yaitu menceritakan perihal orang lain tentang sesuatu yang tidak ia sukai, baik menceritakan tentang fisiknya seperti pincang, juling, buta sebagai bentuk celaan, ataupun tentang akhlaqnya, seperti bodoh, fasiq dll. Baik yang dikatakan itu benar ataupun tidak.

Ketika nabi Muhammad shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam ditanya tentang ghibah, beliau bersabda,

هي ذكْرُك أخاك بما يكْره، قيل: أفَرأيتَ إنْ كان في أخِي ما أقول؟ قال: إنْ كان فيه ما تقولُ فقد اغتبتَه وإنْ لم يكن فيه ما تقول فقد بَهَتَّهُ

“Engkau menceritakan perihal saudaramu yang tidak ia sukai” kemudian seorang berkata,” Bagaimana jika apa yang aku katakan itu memang ada padanya?”, beliau bersabda, “Jika apa yang engkau katakan itu benar maka disitulah engkau telah melakukan ghibah, jika apa yang engkau katakan itu tidak ada pada saudaramu maka engkau telah berdusta” (HR. Muslim).

Allah telah melarang perbuatan ghibah dalam Al Qur’an dan mengumpamakan perbuatan ini dengan sejelek-jelek perumpamaan, Allah perumpamakan dengan seorang yang memakan bangkai saudaranya, sebagaimana Allah ‘Azza Wa Jalla berfirman dalam surat Al Hujurat:12,

Janganlah menggunjingkan satu sama lain. Adakah seorang diantara kamu yang suka memakan daging saudaranya yang sudah mati? Maka tentulah kamu merasa jijik kepadanya.

Nabi Muhammad shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam mengabarkan bahwa pada malam ketika beliau melakukan Mi’raj, beliau melewati suatu kaum yang kuku-kukunya terbuat dari besi, mereka mencakar wajah dan dada mereka. Kemudian Rasulullah bertanya,

مَنْ هؤلاء يا جبريلُ؟ قالَ: هؤلاءِ الذينَ يأكلونَ لحومَ الناسِ ويَقعونَ في أعْراضِهِم»، رواه أبو داود.

“siapakah mereka wahai Jibril?”, berkata Jibril, “mereka adalah orang-orang yang semasa hidupnya memakan daging manusia dan menginjak-injak kehormatan manusia” (HR. Abu Daud)

Larangan berikutnya harus dijauhi oleh orang yang berpuasa adalah perbuatan namimah, yaitu menukil perkataan seseorang untuk disampaikan kepada orang lain dengan tujuan menimbulkan permusuhan diantara dua orang tersebut. Perbuatan namimah ini termasuk salah satu dosa besar. Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam bersabda,

لا يدخلُ الجَنَّةَ نَمَّام

Tidak masuk surga, orang yang suka berbuat namimah. (Muttafaq ‘Alaih).

Dan dalam shahih Bukhari dan Muslim, dari hadits Ibnu Mas’ud Radhiyallahu ‘Anhuma, bahwasanya Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam pernah melewati dua kuburan, kemudian beliau bersabda,

إنَّهما ليُعَذَّبانِ وما يُعذَّبان في كبير ، أمَّا أحَدُهما فكان لا يسْتنْزهُ من البولِ، وأمَّا الآخرُ فكانَ يَمْشِي بالنَّميمة

“Sesungguhnya kedua penghuni kubur ini sedang di adzab oleh Allah, keduanya diadzab bukan karena perkara besar, yang satu diadzab karena ia tidak bersuci setelah buang air kecil, dan yang satunya lagi diadzab karena perbuatan namimah”.

Namimah menimbulkan dampak buruk baik pribadi maupun masyarakat, dan dapat memecah belah kaum muslimin, menimbulkan permusuhan diantara mereka.

Dan janganlah kamu ikuti Setiap orang yang banyak bersumpah lagi hina, yang banyak mencela, yang kian kemari menyebarkan fitnah.
(QS. Al Qalam: 10-11)

Maka barang siapa yang memfitnah orang lain di hadapanmu maka bisa jadi ia pun akan memfitnahmu, maka berhati-hatilah.

Larangan yang lain adalah menipu atau berbuat curang, baik dalam berniaga, sewa-menyewa, bekerja, pegadaian, dalam setiap nasehat ataupun saran dan yang lainnya. Menipu atau kecurangan termasuk salah satu dosa besar, Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam berlepas diri dari pelakunya, Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam bersabda,

من غَشَّنَا فليس مِنَّا. وفي لفظٍ: من غش فليس مِني.

“Barang siapa yang berbuat curang/menipu maka ia bukan golongan kami” dalam riwayat yang lain, “Barang siapa yang berbuat curang/menipu maka ia bukan golonganku” (HR. Muslim).

Menipu atau curang berarti menutupi kebenaran, menyia-nyiakan amanah dan menghilangkan kepercayaan diantara manusia. Dan setiap usaha dari perbuatan menipu atau curang adalah usaha yang buruk lagi haram, yang tidak akan memberikan apa-apa kepada pelakunya melainkan ia akan semakin jauh dari Allah.

Larangan berikutnya yang harus dijauhi oleh orang yang berpuasa adalah menjauhi alat musik dengan beragam jenisnya, yang merupakan benda yang melalaikan, seperti gambus, rebab, biola, piano, dan lain-lain. Semua alat-alat ini haram dinikmati. Semakin besar keharaman dan dosanya jika disertai nyanyian dengan suara yang merdu/indah dan membuat terlena.

Allah berfirman dalam al-quran,

Dan di antara manusia (ada) orang yang mempergunakan Perkataan yang tidak berguna untuk menyesatkan (manusia) dari jalan Allah tanpa pengetahuan dan menjadikan jalan Allah itu olok-olokan. mereka itu akan memperoleh azab yang hina. (QS. Luqman: 6)

Ibnu Mas’ud ditanya tentang ayat ini, beliau berkata, “Demi Dzat yang tiada Ilah yang berhak disembah selain Dia, yang dimaksud ayat itu adalah nyanyian”. Dari Ibnu Abbas dan Ibnu Umar dan disebutkan oleh Ibnu Katsir dari Jabir, Ikrimah, Sa’id bin Jubair, berkata Al Hasan, “ayat ini diturunkan berkenaan dengan nyanyian”. Sungguh Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam telah memberikan peringatan keras untuk menjauhi alat musik dan menyandingkan kedudukan pelakunya dengan pelaku zina, Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam bersabda,

ليكونَنَّ من أمَّتي أقْوَامٌ يستحِلُّونَ الحِرَ والحريرَ والخمْر والمعازفَ

Akan ada (di akhir zaman) dari umatku, kaum yang menghalalkan kehormatan, sutera dan alat musik. (HR. Bukhari).

Yang dimaksud kehormatan adalah  farji (kemaluan), lebih tepatnya, perbuatan zina. Pengertian menghalalkan dalam hadits di atas adalah seorang melakukan perbuatan tersebut dengan kesadaran. Hal ini sungguh telah terjadi pada zaman kita sekarang, sebagian orang memainkan alat musik atau mendengarkannya seakan-akan apa yang mereka lakukan itu adalah perkara halal. Ini merupakan salah satu keberhasilan dari tipu daya yang dilancarkan musuh-musuh Islam, sehingga kaum muslimin lalai dari berdzikir kepada Allah, agama dan dunia mereka. Sehingga jumlah kaum muslimin yang gemar mendengarkan musik lebih banyak ketimbang yang senang mendengar bacaan Al Qur’an, Hadits, perkataan para ulama’ yang menjelaskan hukum-hukum dalam syari’at agama islam berserta hikmah-hikamhnya. Maka berhati-hatilah wahai kaum muslimin dari melakukan pembatal-pembatal dan pengurang pahala puasa, jagalah diri kalian dari berkata yang buruk dan berbuat dusta.

Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam bersabda,

من لم يَدَعْ قولَ الزور والعملَ به والجهلَ فليس لله حاجةٌ في أنْ يَدَع طعامَهَ وشرابَه

“Barang siapa yang tidak meninggalkan perkataan dan perbuatan dusta serta bodoh maka Allah tidak butuh pada puasanya”.

Berkata Jabir Radhiyallahu ‘anhu, “Jika engkau berpuasa, maka puasakanlah pendengaran, penglihatan dan lisanmu dari berdusta dan berbuat keharaman. Jangan menyakiti tetangga, dan buatlah tetanggamu merasa tenang dan nyaman terhadapmu. Jangan engkau samakan hari ketika engkau berpuasa dengan hari ketika engkau tidak berpuasa”

Ya Allah jagalah agama kami, anggota tubuh kami dari menimbulkan kemarahan-Mu. Ampunilah dosa-dosa kami, kedua orang tua kami, dan seluruh kaum muslimin dengan rahmat-Mu wahai Dzat yang maha Penyayang. Semoga shalawat dan salam tercurah kepada nabi kami Muhammad shallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam, keluarganya, serta para sahabatnya.

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Why Do Muslims Fast?

Why Do Muslims Fast?

Dr Bilal Philips

Most of us who are fighting the battle of the bulge have experimented with some form of fasting, like an all fruit fast, a water fast or an sugar-free fast, you name it. But what many may find rather strange and intriguing is a whole nation of people;

be it man or woman, old or young, rich or poor; going completely without food and drink from dawn to dusk for a whole month - Ramadan. What is the significance of Ramadan beyond shortened work hours? Is it not a very harsh practice? Is it merely a time when Muslims sleep and fast and hardly work all day; and eat, drink, enjoy and stay awake all night? What really is the spirit of Ramadan?

Fasting Prescribed in All Religions

In English "fasting" means to abstain from food or from certain kinds of food

voluntarily, as an observance of a holy day or as a token of grief, sorrow, or repentance.[1]

This practice can be found in most of the major religions of the world. For example, in Hinduism, fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Devout Hindus observe fasting on special occasions as a mark of respect to their personal gods or as a part of their penance. Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like festivals. On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a special diet of simple food.[2] For Jews, the day Yom Kippur ("Day of Atonement") is the last of the Ten Days of Repentance observed on the 10th of Tishri. It is forbidden on that day to eat, drink, wash, wear leather, or have sexual relations. In addition, prohibitions on labor similar to those on the Sabbath are in force.[3] It should also be noted that Moses (peace be upon him) is recorded in the Torah to have fasted.

"And he was there with the Lord 40 days and 40 nights, he neither ate bread not drank water." (Exodus 34:28)

For Catholics among Christians, Lent is the major season of fasting, imitative of the

forty-day fast of Jesus (peace be upon him). In the fourth century it was observed as six weeks of fasting before Easter or before Holy Week. It was adjusted to forty days of actual fasting in most places in the seventh century.[4] Jesus (peace be upon him) is recorded in the Gospels to have fasted like Moses.

"And he fasted 40 days and 40 nights, and afterward he was hungry." (Matthew 4:2 & Luke 4:2)

It is in this context that God states in the Quran: "O believers! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you in order that you become more conscious of God." (Quran 2:183)

Among the Best Righteous Deeds

Although in most religions, fasting is for expiation of sin or atonement for sin, in Islam it is primarily to bring one closer to God, as stated in the above-mentioned verse. Since, God-consciousness is the prerequisite for righteousness, great stress is placed on fasting in Islam. Thus, it is not surprising to find that when Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was asked:

"Which is the best deed?" He replied, "Fasting, for there is nothing equal to it." (Al-Nasa'i)

There are as many levels of fasting as there are facets to being human. Proper fasting should encompass all dimensions of human existence for it to have the divinely intended effect. The following are some of the major levels of fasting:

The Levels of Fasting

The Ritual Level

This level of fasting requires that the basic rules for fasting be fulfilled, which are

avoiding food, drink and sexual intercourse between dawn and sunset for 29 or 30 days each year. On this level, one is basically following the letter of the laws regarding fasting without particular consideration for the spirit of fasting. It is the entrance level which must be fulfilled for the fast to be Islamicly correct, but the other levels must be added for the fast to have any real impact on the fasting person. Fasting on this level alone will not benefit one spiritually, except from the perspective of submission to divine instructions, if one chooses to follow the ritual consciously and not merely according to tradition. Thus, by itself, the ritual level will not purify one of sin or atone for sin.

The Physical Level

Fasting on the "physical" level causes the fasting person to experience the pangs of

hunger and thirst when the prophetic (Sunnah) way of fasting is observed. Prophet

Muhammad used to consume a very light meal before the dawn (suhoor) and moderate meal (iftaar) to break the fast at sunset, while scrupulously avoiding filling his stomach.

He is reported to have said:

"The worst container a human being can fill is his stomach. A few morsels of food to keep a person's back straight are sufficient. However, if his desire overcomes him, then let him eat a third, drink a third and leave a third for breathing." (Ibn Majah)

before beginning the sunset prayer.[5] This level allows the fasting person to

experience the pangs of hunger and thirst and thereby develops sympathy in him or her for those starving and dying of thirst in other parts of the world.

Medical Benefits

On the physical level, some chemicals in the brain that transmit messages and create feelings, called neurotransmitters, are affected by fasting. Fasting encourages the endorphin neurotransmitter system, related to the feeling of well being and euphoria, to produce more endorphins and, in fact, makes us "feel" better. This is similar to the effect of exercise (but without the physical work).It has also been noted by medical experts that fasting improves the physical health in numerous ways. For example, during the fast the body uses up stored cholesterol (fat) that is often deposited in the blood system, as well as in other fatty areas of the body. Thus, it helps to keep the body firm and minimizes the danger of heart attacks. The difference between the ritual level 1 and the physical level 2 is that a person dong only ritual fasting may eat large meals prior to beginning the fast

and immediately upon ending the fast, and thus not feel any hunger or thirst throughout the whole month. However, like level one, if the fasting person does not incorporate the other levels of fasting, the fast will only be physically exhausting. The Prophet said:

"Perhaps a fasting person will gain nothing but hunger and thirst from fasting."(Ibn Majah)

The Libidinal Level

The sexual instinct and drives (libido) are harnessed on this level of fasting. In these times where the media continually plays on sexual desires to promote and sell products, the ability to control these powerful desires is a plus. Fasting physically reduces sexual desires and the fact that the fasting person has to avoid anything which could stimulate him psychologically helps to further lower the libido. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said:

"O youths, whoever among you is able to marry let him do so, for it restrains the eyes and

protects the private parts. He who is unable to marry should fast, because it is a shield." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

By restraining oneself from sexual acts which are permissible, the fasting person

makes it easier for himself to restrain himself from forbidden sexual acts when he is not fasting.

The Emotional Level

Fasting on this level involves controlling the many negative emotions which simmer in the human mind and soul. For example, among the most destructive emotions is anger. Fasting helps to bring this emotion under control. Prophet Muhammad, said:

"When one of you is fasting, he should abstain from indecent acts and unnecessary talk, and if someone begins an obscene conversation or tries to pick an argument, he should simply tell him, 'I am fasting.'" (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Thus, on this level, whatever negative emotions challenge the fasting person must be avoided. One must abstain from lewd conversation and heated arguments. Even when one is in the right, it is better to let that right go and keep one's emotional fast intact. Likewise, the negative emotion of jealousy is reduced, as every fasting person is reduced to the common denominator of abstinence; no one is externally superior to another in this regard.

The Psychological Level

This level helps the fasting person psychologically to control evil thoughts and trains him or her, to some degree, how to overcome stinginess and greed. The Prophet was reported to have said:

"Allah has no need for the hunger and the thirst of the person who does not restrain himself from telling lies and acting on them even while observing the fast." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

In this age of immediate gratification, when the things of the world are used to fulfill human needs and desires almost as soon as they have them the ability to delay gratification is an important skill. What is between immediate gratification and delayed gratification is patience. During the fast, the believers learn patience and the benefits of it.

From a psychological perspective, it is good to be somewhat detached from the things of the world. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a good and full life - in fact, one can and should expect that. However, it is important that people are able to detach ourselves from material things so that they do not become the most important part of their lives.

Fasting gives one the opportunity to overcome the many addictions which have become a major part of modern life. Food, for many people, provides comfort and joy, and the ability to separate oneself from it gives the fasting people the psychological benefit of knowing that they do have some degree of control over what they do and what they do not do.

The Spiritual Level

In order to establish this, the highest and most important level of fasting, the level of God-consciousness, Prophet Muhammad made the renewal of the intention for fasting a requirement before every day of fasting. He was reported to have said:

"Whoever does not intend to fast before Fajr (the dawn) will have no fast." (Abu Dawud)

The daily renewal of intention helps to establish a spiritual foundation of sincerity

essential for the spiritual cleansing effects of fasting to operate. Sincere fasting purifies and atones for sin, as the Prophet said:

"Whoever fasts Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking his reward from God, his previous sins will be forgiven."

He was also reported to have said, "From one Ramadaan to the next is atonement for the sins between them." Sincere fasting brings one closer to Allah and earns a special reward. The Prophet informed that there is a gate in paradise called Rayyaan reserved for those who fast and he also said:

"When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are open." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Fasting is primarily between the person and God, as no one can be sure that any

person is actually fasting. Because of this intimate aspect of fasting, Allah was quoted by the Prophet as saying:

"Every act of Aadam's descendants is for themselves, except fasting. It is meant for Me alone, and I alone will give the reward for it." (Saheeh Muslim)

When combined with the previous levels of fasting, this level transforms a person from within. It restores, revives and regenerates the fasting person's spirituality and radically modifies his or her personality and character. These are the precious products of aheightened state of God-consciousness.

On the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted, a special celebration is made, called Id al-Fitr. A quantity of staple food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-Fitr), everyone has bathed and put on their best, preferably new, clothes, and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends.

There are other fast days throughout the year. Muslims are encouraged to fast six

days in Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, Mondays and Thursdays, and the ninth and tenth, or tenth and eleventh of Muharram, the first month of the year. The tenth day, called Ashurah, is also a fast day for the Jews (Yom Kippur), and Allah commanded the Muslims to fast two days to distinguish themselves from the People of the Book.

While fasting per se is encouraged, constant fasting, as well as monasticism, celibacy, and otherwise retreating from the real world, are condemned in Islam. Fasting on the two festival days, Id al-Fitr and Id al-Adha, the feast of the Hajj, is strictly forbidden.

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