[E-book] New Muslim Ramadan Guide

What Is Fasting?
Fasting is called sawm in the Qur’an. The word sawm literally means ‘to abstain’. In Surat Maryam, Allah tells us about Mary, the mother of Jesus, that she said:
I have vowed a fast (sawm) for the sake of the Merciful, so today I shall not speak to anyone. (Maryam 19:26)
The meaning is ‘I have vowed to abstain from speaking to anyone today’. According to Shari`ah, the word sawm means to abstain from all things that are forbidden during fasting from the break of dawn to the sunset, and to do this with the intention of fasting.
Why Do Muslims Fast?
The Qur’an 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 taqwah (God consciousness). (Al-Baqarah 2:183)

 

Taqwa is a very important spiritual and ethical term mentioned repeatedly in the Qur’an. It is the sum total of all Islamic spirituality and ethics. It is a quality in a believer’s life that keeps him/her God fearing all the time.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that fasting is a shield. It protects a person from sin and lustful desires.

 

 

E-dawah committee

Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 58 | Size: 13.40 MB

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[E-book] Let’s Talk About Ramadan

 

It is important for every Muslim to know and understand that the month of Ramaḍān opens the doors of goodness, and it makes the pathways to Paradise (ꞌAl-Jannah) easy to obtain just as was stated by the Messenger of ꞌAllāh, ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam. ꞌAbū Hurayrah, may ꞌAllāh be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of ꞌAllāh, ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said,

“Upon the arrival of Ramaḍān the doors of Paradise are opened, the doors of the Hellfire are closed, and the devils are shackled.”

 
The people of knowledge have explained “the devils are shackled” with numerous explanations. Some of the scholars say that “the devils are shackled” is a sign that there is no excuse for a person to disobey ꞌAllāh, The Most High. So it is as if it has been said, “the devils have been held back from you, therefore don’t use the devil as an excuse to leave off performing acts of obedience for ꞌAllāh, and don’t use the devil as an excuse to commit sins.”

 
It has also been reported on the authority of ꞌAbū Hurayrah, may ꞌAllāh be pleased with him, that the messenger of ꞌAllāh, ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said,

“Whoever fasts Ramaḍān believing in ꞌAllāh, and desiring his reward from ꞌAllāh alone, will be forgiven for his previous sins.”

We ask ꞌAllāh to make us of those who strive during the blessed month of Ramaḍān, seeking His reward alone, and may the prayers and peace be upon Muḥammad, his family and all of his companions and those who follow him until the Day of Judgment.

 

About the Book

This is a conversation taking place between Amir and Zayd. Amir is a new Muslim who has some questions about fasting in Ramaḍān. Zayd has a significant amount of knowledge regarding fasting as he was granted the opportunity to travel abroad and study ꞌIslām. On the Monday morning after praying Ṣalātal-Fajr, Amir’s car wouldn’t start. When Amir saw Zayd leaving the masjid, he asked Zayd if he could take him to work . . .

Al-Thamaraat publication

Language: English | Format: PDF | Page: 27 | Size: 1.30 MB

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