Taraweeh prayer.

Question: 




Does the Tarawih Prayer substitute for two rak`ahs of 

sunnah following the `Isha' Prayer? 

If it does not, when should the two rak`ahs of sunnah be 

performed? 

What is the time of the Tarawih Prayer?




In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.



The true opinion states that the Tarawih Prayer is not valid before the `Isha' Prayer. There is no disagreement among the jurists that the Tarawih Prayer is valid after the `Isha' Prayer; however, it is better that Muslims pray the sunnah Prayer of `Isha' before the Tarawih Prayer. Muslims should not neglect the sunnah Prayer after `Isha', as it is sunnah mu`akkadah (confirmed Sunnah) and the Tarawih Prayer does not substitute for it.

If the people of a certain mosque are not used to giving time for the people to pray these two rak`ahs, they should be kindly advised to follow the Sunnah. If they refuse, there is no need for dissension. The sunnah Prayer can be performed after the Tarawih Prayer, or one can perform the first two rak`ahs of the Tarawih Prayer with the intention to perform the sunnah Prayer of `Isha', and then complete the Tarawih Prayer.

Muslims should observe the two rak`ahs of sunnah after `Isha', as Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), narrated that she heard him say, "If any Muslim servant (of Allah) prays for the sake of Allah twelve rak`ahs (sunnah prayers) every day, over and above the obligatory ones, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise, or a house will be built for him in Paradise" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "I have not abandoned observing them after (hearing it from the Messenger of Allah)."

It is stated in the Kuwaiti Encyclopedia of Fiqh that the majority of the jurists assert that the Tarawih Prayer is sunnah mu`akkadah and it should be performed after the `Isha' Prayer. The Tarawih Prayer is considered a sunnah Prayer, as it is performed after the obligatory Prayer. Its time starts after performing the sunnah Prayer of `Isha' and ends shortly before Fajr, to leave time to pray the Witr Prayer. It is preferable not to delay it, if one will miss the prayer in congregation.

Moreover, the Kuwaiti Encyclopedia mentioned the madhhabs of the scholars as follows:
The majority of the scholars hold the opinion that the time of the Tarawih Prayer is after the `Isha' Prayer until the Fajr [Prayer], before performing the Witr Prayer, as the Prophet's Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to pray it during this time. If a Muslim prays it after the Maghrib Prayer and before the `Isha' Prayer, the majority of jurists and many Hanafis hold the opinion that it does not replace the Tarawih Prayer and the Malikis say that it is a nafl (supererogatory) Prayer. However, some Hanafis say that it is valid, as all the night—before and after `Isha'—until Fajr is a time for the Tarawih Prayer. The Hanbalis say that it is invalid because it is performed after an obligatory Prayer, i.e., the `Isha'; hence, it is invalid before the `Isha' Prayer, just as is the sunnah Prayer following `Isha'. Also, they say that the Tarawih Prayer is performed after the two rak`ahs of sunnah Prayer after the `Isha'. Al-Majd, one of the Hanbali jurists, says, "As it is disliked to delay the Sunnah prayer of the `Isha' to be performed after the chosen time of the `Isha', it is more suitable to perform the Tarawih prayer following the Sunnah of the `Isha'."

If one performed it (i.e. the Tarawih) after the `Isha' Prayer and the Witr Prayer, many of the Hanafis hold the opinion that it is sufficient. Some of the Hanafis and Shafi`is say that it is preferable to delay the Tarawih Prayer until the third or the half of the night. The Hanafis differ concerning performing it after the half of the night: Some say that it is disliked, as it succeeds the `Isha' Prayer, just like the sunnah Prayer of the `Isha'; and the right opinion that it is not disliked, as it is the Night Prayer that is preferable to be performed late at night. The Hanbalis say that it is preferable to perform Tarawih in the early part of the night, as people used to do so during the time of `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). When Ahmad was asked to delay the Tarawih Prayer until the last part of the night, he answered, "The sunnah of the Muslims is dearer to me."

It was mentioned in Al-Insaf fi Al-Fiqh Al-Hanbali:
According to the right opinion of the madhhab and the chosen opinion of the majority of the scholars, the time of the Tarawih Prayer is after the `Isha' Prayer and its sunnah Prayer. As reported and asserted by Harb in Al-`Umdah, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said that it is performed after the `Isha' and before the sunnah Prayer of the `Isha'.

Also, it was stated in Kashshaf Al-Qina` fi Al-Fiqh Al-Hanbali, "If he prayed the Tarawih Prayer after the `Isha' Prayer and before its sunnah, it is absolutely valid; however, it is better to be performed after the sunnah Prayer."


Allah Almighty knows best.

Ramadhan the blessing month

The benefits of the Ramadhan month of fasting are too many to be counted. If one does recognize them and realize their importance, he wishes to have the month of Ramadhan to be throughout the whole year.

These blessings are given by Allah to the fasting Muslims, who are to fast with full faith and expectation.

These blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan have been grouped and summarized into different categories. They are summarized here without commentary. It should be remembered that all of these blessings were taken directly from Holy Quran and Hadith.

The following is a partial list for the blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan:

01. Taqwa:

1. Fearing Allah (SWT)
2. Practicing the Revelations of Allah (SWT)
3. Accepting the little things that one has achieved
4. Preparing for departure from this world to the Hereafter
5. Self-discipline
6. Self-control
7. Self-restraint
8. Self-education
9. Self-evaluation

By accepting these criteria and by practicing them, the Muslim will achieve the concept of Taqwa in his private and public life.

02. Protection:

1. Avoiding Immorality
2. Avoiding anger/outcry/uproar
3. Avoiding stupidity
4. Avoiding all makrooh/mashbooh/haram

By achieving these good manners, a Muslim will come out of fasting a better human being in the society.

03. Revelation of Holy Quran: The Holy Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadhan. The Holy Quran is meant to be:

1. A Guidance to mankind
2. A Manifestation of right from wrong
3. A Summation and culmination of all previous revelations
4. A Glad-tiding to the believers
5. A Healer
6. A Mercy

04. Doors of heaven are open

05. Doors of hell are closed

06. Devils are chained down

07. Fasting with Iman (faith) and expectation: Such type of intention leads to forgiveness by Allah (SWT) to the individual’s sins.

08. Door of Rayyan: There is in Paradise a door called Al-Rayyan. It is for the fasting Muslims. Only those who fasted the month of Ramadhan are the ones to enjoy the bliss of Paradise inside that area.

09. Rejoices: There are two types of rejoices for the Muslims who fast. These are:

1. When breaking fast
2. When meeting Allah (SWT) on the day of Judgment

10. Mouth Smell: The smell of the mouth of the fasting Muslim will be better than the smell of musk during the day of Judgement. (Bad Breath)

11. Glad-Tidings: These glad-tidings are given to the well-wishers while the ill-wishers are to be stopped during fasting.

12. Ramadhan -to- Ramadhan: Whoever fasts two consecutive months of Ramadhan with good intention will receive forgiveness for the mistakes committed throughout the year.

13. Multiplication of Rewards: Doing good = 10x, 70x, 700x or more during the month of Ramadhan.

14. Feeding Others: Whoever invites others to break the fast, and whoever takes care of the hungry, needy, during the last ten days of Ramadhan will receive equal rewards to the fasting person(s).

15. Blessing of Iftar: Dua is accepted by ALLAH (SWT) at Iftar time.

16. Blessings of Sahoor (The late night meal): This meal time gives the opportunity for:

1. Night Prayers
2. Zikr, Remembrance, Contemplation
3. Recitation of Holy Quran
4. Fajr Salat in Jamaat
5. Dua of Fajr

17. Night Prayers: Whoever performs the Night prayers with sincerity and good intention will receive forgiveness of his past mistakes.

18. Shafa’at (Pleading One’s Case for Forgiveness): Whoever fasts Ramadhan will receive on the day of Judgement the Shafa’at of:

1. Ramadhan
2. Holy Quran

19. Ihya (Passing Nights Awake): Last ten days of Ramadhan. When a Muslim makes this type of effort, he will get rewards, forgiveness, and multiples of blessings.

20. Itikaf (Retreat): A Muslim who performs Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan will get:

1. Blessings and rewards
2. Peace of mind
3. Contemplation and evaluation
4. Better citizen

21. Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Power): Whoever observes it with sincerity and good intention will get the following benefits:

1. Forgiveness of mistakes
2. Better than 1,000 months
3. Dua
4. Zikr
5. Prayers
6. Reading Holy Quran
7. Rewards
8. Blessings
9. Better human being

22. Generosity: Kindness, hospitality, visitation, etc. All of these and many more are among the benefits of Ramadhan.

23. Zakat al-Fitrah (Charity on Eid Day): The benefits of paying such as charity to the needy are tremendous, among which are the following:

1. Purity
2. Feeding the needy
3. Sharing happiness
4. Improving human relations
5. Improving society

24. Sadaqah (Charity): The benefits of paying sadaqah are many. These are summarized as follows:

1. Purity
2. Flourishing of wealth
3. Improving economy
4. Circulation of wealth
5. Elimination of inflation
6. Elimination of poverty

25. Fasting and Health: By fasting, one gets the following benefits:

1. Purification of body from toxins
2. Reducing of weight
3. Purity of brain
4. Rejuvenation of body
5. Living of life with happiness
6. Looking younger

26. Change of Lifestyle: By living a different life style, one gets rid of the monotony of life and hence enjoys his life span.

27. Sharing: Of hunger, thirst and rituals with others in the society.

28. Eid-ul-Fitr (Feast): Sharing of happiness and visitation of one another as members of the society.

29. Graveyards Visitation: One will get the following benefits by visiting graveyards.

1. Dua for the deceased
2. Preparing oneself for departure from this world
3. Feeling respect for the deceased
4. Making the person to be humble in his life

30. Every breath is Tasbiih. Every breath and even sleep is Ibadah and awarded.

31. Umrah in Ramadhan: Visiting Makkah during the fasting month of Ramadhan is:

1. Equal to one Hajj (pilgrimage)
2. Equal to one Hajj with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

32. Historical Successes and Victories in Ramadhan: Muslims throughout their history received many benefits during Ramadhan the month of fasting, among which are the following:

1. Battle of Badr
2. Battle of Khandaq
3. Opening of Makkah
4. Battle of Tabuk
5. Tariq Ibn Ziyad opened Europe
6. Salahuddin liberated Jerusalem from the crusaders
7. Egypt and Israel, 1973 – Egyptians kicked the Israelis out of Egypt during Ramadhan the month of fasting, etc.

33. Learning lessons from historical incidents that happened during Holy Ramadhan the month of fasting, e.g.

1. Wafaat Hazrat Khadijeh (as).
2. Wiladat Imam Hassan bin Ali (as).
3. Shahadat Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (as).
4. Youm-al-Quds

Benefits of fasting in Ramadhan

One may enumerate many reasons, based upon the Qur’anic verses and hadith.

1. In obedience to the command of Allah swt.
2.  As an obligatory act (one of the pillars of Islam)
3.  To earn rewards and blessings (multiplied many times) from Allah
4.  To earn a special reward, yet unknown, from Allah (Hadith Qudsi)
5.  To seek and receive forgiveness from Allah for our sins and shortcomings
6.  To receive increased sustenance from Allah, by observing the “Night of Qadr.”
7.  To guard against evil (practice taqwa)
8.  To practice self-restraint

Some of the benefits that we know from observation and experience include:

1. An opportunity to get rid of undesirable habits
2. To inculcate and increase fortitude and patience
3. To empathize with less fortunate members of humanity who suffer from hunger due to poverty.
4. To keep Satan and his prompting away
5. To improve physical health

Spiritual benefits of fasting:

1. Satan is far removed and, “his face is darkened.” (Hadith)
2. increased concentration in acts of worship, including Salaat
3. Dikr and supplications are more enjoyable
4. Acts of worship are more accepted and better rewarded.
5. Peace of mind and tranquility occur during the entire month of fasting

Health benefits of fasting

1. Weight reduction
2.  Improved gastrointestinal function
3. Improved eating habits. (Escape from unhealthy “munching” habits).
4.  Overall feeling of physical well being

Book : Understanding Muslim Fasting Practices by Nour El-Zibdeh

There are an estimated 6 million to 7 million Muslims in America whose unique food practices are guided by religious laws and influenced by cultural differences.1 But when it comes to understanding the real essence of these practices, many dietitians are in the dark, which creates a barrier to reaching out to this segment of the population.

No one cuisine unites Muslim Americans. The Muslim community is diverse; 36% were born in the United States, while the rest are from 80 different countries worldwide.2 Although the three major ethnic groups in this community are South Asians, Arabs, and African Americans, many have Caucasian, Caribbean, and Far Asian roots.

Islamic Dietary Guidelines

By Islamic law, all foods are considered halal, or lawful, except for pork and its by-products, animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughtering, animals slaughtered in the name of anyone but Allah (God), carnivorous animals, birds of prey, animals without external ears (some birds and reptiles), blood, alcohol, and foods contaminated with any of these. All seafood is halal.

Muslims are concerned about what is in their food, forcing them to be skillful readers of ingredient lists. Food ingredients that come from multiple sources, such as gelatin, emulsifiers, and enzymes, necessitate the Muslim consumer to do some research to confirm whether they are lawful.

Many Muslims choose to eat halal-certified products only, available in ethnic stores, some ethnic and franchise restaurants, and occasionally in mainstream grocery stores located in Muslim-dense neighborhoods. The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America provides such certification.

Foods mentioned in the Quran, the Holy Book of Islam, are of great spiritual value, and many eating habits are extracted from the practice of the Prophet Mohammad. Olives, honey, yogurt, dates, figs, grapes, pomegranate, and legumes are at the top of the list. Not only do they appeal religiously to Muslims, but their nutrient value is also a plus.

Fasting in Ramadan

Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar year, which is based on the lunar cycle and consists of 12 months of 29 or 30 days each. Because the Islamic year is roughly 10 days shorter than the Gregorian one, Ramadan shifts yearly. This year, August 21 marks the first day of Ramadan.

Fasting for Muslims means abstaining from all foods and beverages, including gum and water, as well as medication and smoking, from dawn to sunset. The two main meals of the day are suhur (immediately before dawn) and iftar (immediately after sunset). These mealtimes are also related to two of the five main prayers Muslims perform every day. Muslims may consume other meals or snacks at night. Aside from hunger and thirst, Ramadan bestows spiritual peace to Muslims; during Ramadan, acts of worship are highly intensified.

It is impossible to describe typical suhur or iftar meals, considering the high diversity of the Muslim American community. Suhur can be dinner, or iftar, leftovers, typical breakfast foods, or ethnic foods. Social gatherings, many times buffet style, at iftar are frequent, and traditional dishes are often highlighted. A few dates and a cup of water are usually the first foods to break the fast, while fried pastries, salads, nuts, legumes, and breads are common. Traditional desserts are often unavoidable, especially those made only during Ramadan. Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also consumed. Soft drinks and caffeinated beverages are consumed to a lesser extent.

While weight loss is certainly not the driving power behind fasting, it is not uncommon for some to take advantage of it to shed a few pounds. At the same time, many Muslims see no changes in their weight, while others may gain weight. Excess fried foods and desserts, overeating at buffet-style iftar parties, and reduced physical activity can be attributed to weight gain. Many Muslims aim for nutrient-dense foods to optimize nutrition and see fasting as a way to detox and allow the gut to rest.

Fasting and Medical Issues

Fasting does not pose any medical risks to healthy individuals. In fact, Sarah Amer, MS, RD, CDN, says, “The body has the incredible ability to adapt.” She reveals that it takes her only a few days of fasting to get back to her usual activity level.

Exemptions to fasting are travel, menstruation, illness, older age, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. However, many Muslims with medical conditions insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs, and healthcare professionals must work with their patients to reach common ground. Professionals should closely monitor individuals who decide to persist with fasting.

The main chronic diseases of concern are diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, renal disease, and peptic ulcers.3-5 Care plans must be individualized, as many patients with these conditions can fast without adverse events. Compliance with medications may be an issue, especially for those on daily daytime dosages. For patients with diabetes, things to consider are feasibility of adjusting medication and insulin dose, clinical stability, history of hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, and the presence of other comorbidities.

Tips for the Dietitian 

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of the religion and a highly valued act of worship. Sandy Burnett, a 37-year-old Muslim, describes Ramadan as a time to “look forward to celebrating every year … to slow down a bit and focus on all the blessings that we have in life … to step back from the materialism of this world.”

For dietitians to build a bridge of trust with their Muslim patients, they must respect the fasting practice and its spirituality. Dietitians can tailor nutritional care to the lifestyle of the month. The following are strategies to use to support your fasting patients:

• Help compose suhur and iftar meals that promote more satiety.

• Discuss portion control and self-restraint at social events.

• Emphasize adequate hydration and limiting sodium.

• Highlight nutrient-dense foods.

• Help patients manage their weight.

• Address constipation issues and tips to increase fiber intake.

• Suggest alternate cooking methods to reduce the fat and sugar content of some traditional dishes.

• Brainstorm opportunities to incorporate physical activity.

• Manage medical conditions on an individual basis.

• Assess the need for mineral/vitamin or other supplements.

Many Muslims agree that fasting is more mental than physical. Suehyb Alkhatib, a Muslim American from Washington, D.C., believes it is a “lesson in self-restraint and in discipline.” Dietitians have the opportunity to channel this strength to restore their patients’ confidence in their ability to comply with medical nutrition therapies or make lifestyle changes.

Effective communication is key when working with a Muslim patient, as it is with any other. Because the American Muslim community is diverse, assumptions can be barriers to rapport while individualized treatments produce the best results. Ask your patients what their eating habits look like during Ramadan, as they would love the opportunity to talk and share.

THIS IS THE SUMMARY OF A BOOK BY NOUR EL-ZIBDEH. 

Get your own copy now!

August 2009 Issue
Understanding Muslim Fasting Practices 
By Nour El-Zibdeh, RD
Today’s Dietitian
Vol. 11 No. 8 P. 56

Fasting of muslim : total abstinence from food, water, smoking and sexual activities

From the story of a muslim brother from Canada :


One of my colleagues at work invited me to the Christmas Eve luncheon. I excused myself by saying that I am fasting.
"Then you can just drink some water," he said. This was an opportunity for me to explain to him that fasting is prescribed to us (Muslims) as it was prescribed to those before us, but this does not mean that the Muslim fast is like the other fasts previously observed or are observed by others now.


Details of our fast had to be given mentioning that ours is a total abstinence from food, water, smoking and even sexual activities, from dusk till dawn. When we fast we should also abstain from lying, stealing, arguing, fighting, back biting, We spend the duration of the fast in the rememberance of Allah and avoid all sorts of evil thoughts and actions.The Muslim fast is as spiritual and moral as is physical. The instincts for food, drink and sex are strong in the animal nature, and temporary restraint from all these enables the attention to be directed to higher things.


Then our friend was informed that it was the Holy month of Ramadan in which Qur'an, The Last and Final Revelation of God to the entire mankind, was revealed."O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you As it was prescribed To those before you, That ye may (learn) Self-restraint-"(Fasting) for a fixed Number of days; But if any of you is ill, Or on a journey, The prescribed number (Should be made up) From days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, The feeding of one That is indigent But he that will give More, of his own free will- It is better for him. And it is better for you That ye fast, If ye only knew.


"Ramadan is the (month) In which was sent down The Qur'an, as a guide To mankind, also clear (signs) For guidance and judgement (Between right and wrong). So every one of you Who is present (at his home) During that month Should spend it in fasting, But if any one is ill, Or on a journey, The prescribed period (Should be made up) By days later. Allah intends every facility For you; He does not want To put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete The prescribed period, And to glorify Him In that He has guided you; And perchance ye shall be grateful."(The Holy Qur'an Chapter 2: Verse 183-185)


Hazrat Abu Hurairah RadiAllahuAnhu relates that The Holy Prophet, Muhammad ((may Peace and Blessing of Allah be on him) said, 'When somebody breaks the fast then they should do so with a date. If they do not get it, then with water for it is pure and purifies others.'

How to control appetite during Ramadhan?

It’s time to break your fast. Isn’t it a wonderful feeling? Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace and blessing be upon him) says, “The fasting person experiences two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and one when he meets His Lord” (Muslim). That first joy is something we can all attest to. Especially with the long, 16 hour fast, it feels great to finally quench your thirst and get some satisfying food in your tummy. Ok, well, some might not be the right word. For many of us, when sunset rolls around, we eat like there’s no tomorrow. Or, should I say, to stock up for tomorrow? Whatever the reason – being tempted by delicious food, compensating for feeling deprived during the day, storing energy for the next day’s fast, or just plain old social eating – we struggle repeatedly with over-eating at iftar time.

Subhan’Allah (Glory to God), the Prophet ﷺ said: “The worst container to be filled to its utmost capacity is the stomach. It is enough for people to eat what will suffice to keep them standing, but if that is not attainable, then one third for food, one third for drink, and one third empty for air” (Tirmidhi). Most of us know the Prophet’sSunnah (practice), but how many of us continue to eat until we’re 5/3rds full, to the point where we can’t breathe and feel uncomfortably stuffed, lethargic, sleepy, and not as energized for prayer and worship as before we broke our fast? It’s amazing how we can practice complete self-restraint with food while we’re fasting, but we struggle to apply it even partially when we have the green light to eat.

We are now in the second half of Ramadan, and before we know it, the month will be over. Let’s make it one of our goals (and insha’Allah [God-willingly] commit to it for good) to minimize over-eating so we can maximize the benefits of this blessed month. Here are seven tips to help develop a more mindful approach to eating:

1. Think of the Purpose. One of the benefits of fasting is that it makes you appreciate the blessing of food. Allahsubhanahu wa ta’ala (exalted is He) says, “So eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship” (Qur’an, 16:114). Your ultimate purpose in life is to worship Allah (swt), so food provides you the energy and strength you need to worship Him with more devotion, concentration, and reverence. As you have iftar every day, ask yourself: are my eating habits hindering me, or helping me increase the ihsan (excellence) in my worship?

2. Remember the Source. If friends or relatives shower you with gifts, it is common courtesy to thank them and show appreciation. Allah (swt) provides you with sustenance on a daily basis, so remembering Him when you eat is a thoughtful way to express gratitude. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah is pleased with His slave when he eats something and praises Him for it, or drinks something and praises Him for it” (Muslim). When you take the time to remember Allah, mindfully and with contemplation – before, during and after you eat – it is more likely that you will be satisfied with less food.
 
3. Start Small. Break your fast with something light (i.e. dates and water), then pray Maghrib (evening prayer) before having the rest of your meal. That should take the edge off your hunger, which makes you less susceptible to binging and ravenous eating. Also, when you serve the food, serve it in a small plate, then go for seconds if you feel the need. Keep the main dishes away from sight and not where you’re sitting. The more food you see in front of you, the more you will eat without thinking about it first. If you’re having trouble holding back, think of Allah’s rewards, “And eat and drink but do not be wasteful, certainly He does not like those who are wasteful” (Qur’an, 7:31). Remember that waste is not just what goes in the trash, but also what we consume in excess.
 
4. Hydrate. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water when you break your fast. You’ll be less likely to eat too much afterward because that hunger sensation (which is often mistaken for thirst) can partly subside with hydration. Also, sip the water slowly and smile with thanks as you feel it tingling down your body. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three (gulps). Mention the Name of Allah (say Bismillah) when you start drinking and praise Him (say Al-hamdu lillah) after you have finish (drinking)” (At-Tirmidhi).
 
5. Share with People. Ramadan is a beautiful time because it brings family and friends together, and strengthens the bonds of kinship and brother/sisterhood. Part of that bond is built when you share food together. Sharing not only increases the blessing in your food, but also makes you realize how little you can be satisfied with. Some of the Companions came to the Prophet ﷺ once and said, “We eat but are not satisfied.” He ﷺ said, “Perhaps you eat separately.” The Companions affirmed that. He then said, “Eat together and mention the Name of Allah over your food. It will be blessed for you” (Abu Dawud). If you’re at home, make sure you don’t eat alone, and invite people to eat with you. If you’re eating out in a group, partner up with someone and order a dish together.  You will be surprised how filling it will be. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Food for one person suffices for two, and food for two people suffices for four, and food of four people suffices for eight” (Muslim).
 
6. Go Super Slow. Eating too much can sometimes be a result of eating too fast. It takes a mindful, conscious effort to actually slow down your body’s motions while you’re eating. Try to be aware of every piece of food you eat; raise it to your mouth slowly, chew it slowly, and swallow it slowly.  That will give you time to enjoy the food, savor every bite, and be thankful for it. It will also give your body time to process the food you ingest, and give you time to listen to your body when it tells you it’s satisfied.
 
7. Plan Ahead and Get Cracking! One way to avoid over-eating is by shortening the meal time, and not making the evening revolve around food. Besides planning and making simple meals, every day before iftar, have a plan set that specifies how you will spend the rest of the night. Every moment is precious in Ramadan, so bring that to mind often, and plan accordingly. As soon as you feel satisfied with what you eat, consciously stop eating. Don’t eat more just because there’s food on your plate! It’s better to save leftovers than stuffing yourself so food doesn’t get thrown away. Then, after you finish eating, get moving; help clean the kitchen, go for a walk, read Qur’an. If you can, leave the area where food is visible so eating more isn’t an option. And whatever you do, don’t linger around the sweets and desserts for too long because that’s just asking for trouble!

What tips do you have on how to eat less at iftar time? Share with us!

We ask Allah (swt) to grant us the ability to always be grateful for His blessings, and to utilize His blessings in a way that is most pleasing to Him.

Benefits of fasting in Islam

Discussing the objectives of our actions is an important thing because to do so is to discuss the actions in a true and deep way. It is possible that if we do not know why we are doing certain things, we could miss the entire point behind the action itself. The Prophet ﷺ said about this concept, “Maybe a fasting person gains nothing from his fast except hunger and thirst. And maybe a person who prays in the night gains nothing from their prayer except staying up late.”¹ So this is a person who does an action but gets no result from it.

This is because if someone does an action without knowing why they are doing it or what the objective behind it is, then it is possible that the action will be useless. This is because, as Imam al-Shāṭibī said, “Actions without objectives are like bodies without souls.” So in this article we will discuss some of the general objectives of fasting and Ramadan.

1. Attaining Taqwa

This is the major objective of fasting in Ramadan as clarified by the Qur’an. God said, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous [muttaqūn].”² Fasting also teaches a person how to have taqwā because while one is fasting they are careful about all kinds of things. They watch what comes out of their mouth, what they look at, and all that they do. As a result, the person learns how to have a certain level of restraint regarding their actions. This helps them build their taqwā by making them watchful over everything that they do. As to the definition of taqwā, the clearest way to understand it is through the definition that was provided by Abū Hurayra (ra). Someone came to him and asked, “What is taqwā?” He responded by asking the man if he has ever walked through a thorny road. He said, “Yes.” He asked, “What did you do?” He replied, “Whenever I saw thorns I would avoid them or adjust my clothes to keep them safe.” Abū Hurayra told him, “That’s taqwā.”

2. Fasting is a Shield

The Prophet ﷺ said in an authentic hadith (narration) that “fasting is a shield.”³ Even the word shield in Arabic has the connotation of protection and this is one of the meanings of the word taqwā. The Prophet ﷺ also said, “O youth! Whosoever amongst you can afford to get married, let them get married. And whoever cannot afford to do so then they should fast because it will help him control his desires.”⁴ This protection that fasting gives cannot be accomplished by just reducing one’s food intake because it is the material and immaterial elements of fasting that aide one in controlling themselves. For this reason Imam al-Ṣanʿānī said about this, “It is for a secret that God put in fasting, so just reducing how much food you eat will not be enough.”

3. Fasting and Patience

Another thing that we should learn in Ramadan is to be patient with what we face in our daily lives. The Prophet ﷺ said in a hadith, “Fasting the month of patience, and three days of every month is equivalent to fasting the entire year.”⁵ In this hadith, the Prophet ﷺ refers to the month of Ramadan as the month of patience, emphasizing the importance of patience in this month.

It is also said that fasting is half of patience. This is because patience basically consists of staying away from bad deeds and persisting in good deeds. In the month of Ramadan, one of the major things that we seek to do is stay away from as many bad deeds as possible so that our fasting is half of patience.

4. Ramadan is the Month of Qur’an

In the month of Ramadan, we spend more time with the Qur’an than in any other part of the year. We spend time reading it by ourselves, we spend time studying it, we spend time listening to it during tarāwīḥ prayers, and so on. In this month, the revelation of the Qur’an began and a civilization of learning and knowledge was born.

5. A Month of Generosity

It is narrated that the Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people and his most generous time was Ramadan. In doing this, the Prophet ﷺ was combining between a personal act of worship, like reading the Qur’an, and a social act of worship, charity. Thereby, he showed what it means to live a comprehensive existence as someone who worships God. In doing so, he shows that our responsibilities are not only limited to ourselves but also include those around us.

6. The Importance of Time

We also learn in Ramadan that time is one of the most important blessings that we have in our lives. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Two blessings, many people are at a loss regarding them: health and free time.”⁶ The major acts of worship in Islam are all related to specific times. We pay our zakāt at a particular time. We pray at specific times. We start fasting at a particular time, in a particular month, and we break our fast at a particular time. We go on ḥajj at a particular time. All of these specifications are meant to teach us, among other things, the importance of time. For this reason al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī said, “O son of Adam! You are nothing but a compilation of breaths, so every time you inhale and exhale, a piece of you is lost.” The believer is strict with their time and the more a person’s faith increases, the more their observance of their time increases. The responsibilities we have are more than the time we have to carry them out, so we should try to be as strict with our time as possible.

These are just some of the objectives of fasting and Ramadan that we should seek to actualize. We can use these as a measuring stick for our month and see how we add up. If we look throughout and see that we are improving in these aspects then we should thank God for His bounties upon us, and if we find that we are not, then we should seek His forgiveness and grace and work harder.

May Allah accept from us all our good deeds in this month and forgive us for our shortcomings. Ameen.

SOURCE : suhaibweb