Olaleye Muhammed

21/03/2024

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗠

The Arabic words siyam and sawm literally mean ‘abstention’ and as such any avoidance even of speech may be called sawm

Legally however it means: “for a specific person [someone with capacity] to abstain from specific matters [food, drink and initimate relations] for a specific period [from true dawn until sunset].”

Following the hijrah [migration from Makkah to Madinah], the Prophet ﷺ used to fast three days of every month and the day of `Ashura. This continued until the second year after hijrah when Allah obligated the fast of Ramadan.

The Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ have the distinct honour of being the only nation to fast Ramadan but other nations also fasted prior to this in different ways.

The basis for the obligation of the fast of Ramadan is the following Quranic verse:

“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed as a guidance for mankind, clear signs of guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). As such whosoever of you witnesses (is alive, well and a resident for) the month should fast it.” [Quran 2:185]

Ibn al-Qayyim writes that fasting evolved through phases:

1️⃣ Fasts of Ramadhan were initially optional;
2️⃣ Then fasts were obligatory but would commence when one would go to sleep;
3️⃣ Finally, fasts would begin at dawn and end at sunset.

It is not compulsory to fast for the month of Ramadan until the advent of the month has been authentically established via one of two means:
a) the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan or
b) the end of 30 days of Sha'ban.

REQUIREMENTS FOR FASTING:
a. Being Muslim
b. Mental capacity
c. Adolescent

FAST NULLIFIERS:

Once something reaches the the throat, stomach or intestines through the natural holes leading to these, the fast will be broken. Hence, a fast will be invalidated by:
- Eating or drinking something
- inhaling a substance through the nose
- inserting something through the rear passage.
- intimate relations with one's spouse.

The digestive system cannot be nourished through the natural ways of nourishment.

EXEMPTIONS

1️⃣ A sick person is exempted from fasting altogether if there is genuine reason to believe that:
- The current illness will intensify by fasting.
- He will suffer another illness on result of fasting.
- His recovery will be prolonged due to fasting.

2️⃣ If a pregnant woman genuinely fears illness or harm is upon herself or the foetus, she is then exempted from fasting.

3️⃣ There is no fasting during menstruation.

4️⃣ A traveller who embarked on his journey prior to dawn is permitted to omit the fast of that day.

5️⃣ If an elderly person’s body cannot bear the consequences of fasting, it is permitted for them to omit the fast and give fidyah (expiatory payments).

20/03/2024

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗡!

1️⃣ Discipline: During Ramadan, we fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink & intimate relations. This requires self-control and restraint, ultimately strengthening one's discipline in all aspects of life.

2️⃣ Time management: In Ramadan, we have many to-do and not to-do goals! This necessitates effective time management skills to balance our spiritual development with daily tasks and responsibilities.

3️⃣ Sustainability: Fasting during Ramadan promotes mindful consumption of resources. We learn to appreciate the food we have and reduce wastage, encouraging sustainable practices beyond Ramadan.

4️⃣ Gratefulness: The experience of hunger during Ramadan helps us to empathise with the less fortunate, and cultivates a sense of gratitude for the blessings we have in our lives.

5️⃣ Resilience: Withstanding hunger and thirst during long fasting hours builds mental and physical resilience. This endurance translates into a greater capacity to overcome challenges in other aspects of life.

6️⃣ Agility: Ramadan offers an opportunity for personal growth and adaptability, as we learn to adjust our routines and habits to make time for our personal and spiritual development.

7️⃣ Aiming high: Ramadan inspires us to set ambitious goals for personal and spiritual growth, pushing us to strive for self-improvement and achieve greater heights in our lives.

8️⃣ Efficiency: Fasting during Ramadan encourages us to work efficiently within limited energy levels and available time. This heightened focus on productivity often translates into improved efficiency in other areas of life.

9️⃣ Teamwork: Sharing meals during iftar and participating in communal prayers fosters a sense of unity and cooperation among us. This teamwork mentality extends beyond Ramadan, promoting collaborative efforts in personal and professional spheres.

🔟 Positivity: Ramadan encourages self-reflection and spiritual growth, fostering a positive mindset in Muslims. By focusing on our faith and personal development, we learn to maintain a positive outlook on life and face challenges with optimism and hope.

12/03/2024

𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗗𝗢 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗦 𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧?

Fasting is not a dietary exercise.

Hunger is not negotiated just as a cultural practice.

Thirst is not experienced for some accolades.

Muslims fast solely to win the pleasure of God and show our utmost dedication, love, and admiration to Almighty Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed receiving ten times it’s like, up to seven hundred times.

Almighty Allah said, 'Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me.

For the fasting person there will be two joyous occasions; when he breaks his fast, and when he eventually meets his Lord." [Nasa'i]

Muslims fast to taste the sweetness of the above meaning, and to reciprocate the love Almighty Allah expresses for us.

Despite the heart, despite the long hours, despite the natural fatigue, the soul receives power and energy that makes it excel and shine. It is that speiriual energy which makes one perform nightly worship, yet work through the day.

18/07/2022

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