Virtues of Hajj (Pilgrimage) – Part one

Virtues of Hajj (Pilgrimage)-Part one

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious the Most Merciful. All prayers and blessings of Allah SWT are upon our Prophet (PBUH), his households, his Companions and all those who follow his Sunnah until the Day of Judgment.

1- The definition of Hajj

Hajj is an Islamic act of worship during which Muslims are obliged, when they have the necessary means, to set on a journey to the sacred city of Makkah and its surroundings (Alharam) to fulfill the prescribed rites and rituals of that duty in a set period of time mostly during the month of Zulhijjah.

Accordingly, Hajj is an obligated duty due to Allah SWT on Muslims when they have the necessary means to fulfill that obligation. Those means here are meant to be physical and financial abilities for males plus a Mahram for females, meaning a Muslim male to travel with them. The Mahram could be the husband or a Muslim male that the Muslim woman cannot mary on an eternal basis.

2- History of Hajj

This sacred act of worship had been ordained for Muslims, based on the most agreed opinion, in the ninth or the tenth year of Higrah. Scholars said that Hajj was decreed by the Aiah mentioned in Surat Al-Imran which says:

“ولله على الناس حج البيت من استطاع إليه سبيلا، ومن كفر فإن الله غني عن العالمين”

“It is a duty due to Allah on people to perform Hajj into the House of Allah, if they have the means to do it, but whoever turns away then Allah stands in no need to any one.”(3:97)

Hajj has been decreed for Muslims, not only as an ordinary act of worship, but also as one of the essencial pillars of Islam.

In a Hadith narrated by Ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with both of them), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying:

“بُنى الإسلام على خمس: شهادة أن لا إله إلا الله، وأن محمدا رسول الله، وإقام الصلاة، وإيتاء الزكاة، والحج، وصوم رمضان.”

“Islam is built on five pillars: The testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Mohammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah, establishing Prayer, paying Zakat, performing Hajj and fasting Ramadan” (Narated by al-Bukhary and Muslim)

In another narration the Prophet (PBUH) added:

“Performing Hajj is stipulated on having the necessary means.”

For all the purifing impacts of Hajj, it had been decreed for other prophets and their followers before our prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Residents of Makkah, along with people of the Arabian Peninsula, used to perform Hajj in Makkah before Islam.

Our scholars said that along with Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail, Prophets Nooh (Noah) and Mousa (Moses) had also performed Hajj. Moreover, it is reported that Prophet Eisa (Jesus) will perform Hajj too, when he’ll come back to the earth at the end of time as one of the major signs of the Day of Judgment.

As a well-known fact, prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) had been subjected to very challenging trials by his Creator, yet he steadly and successfully passed all of them. As a reward, Allah SWT had elevated his status and assigned to him the rebuilding of Ka’bah, which he accomplished along with his son prhophet Ismael. Then Allah SWT ordered him to proclaim the call on people for performing Hajj.

Allah S. said in Suratul al-Hajj:

“وأذن في الناس بالحج يأتوك رجالا وعلى كل ضامر يأتين من كل فج عميق”

“And proclaim to people Hajj, they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, from every distant pass” (22:27)

Then Prophet Ibrahim asked his Lord: “How my voice will reach all people?”. Allah S. told him: “You make the call for Hajj and We’ll make your vioce reach them”. Accordingly, the call of prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) for Hajj had reached all those whom Allah SWT has granted the opportunity to perform Hajj.

3- The great reward of Hajj

For all the restrictions and sacrifices entailed by Hajj Allah S. has promised a great reward of mercy and forgiveness for those who perfom Hajj in its duely manner. Our Prophet (PBUH) said in a Hadith narrated by al-Bukhary on the authority of Abu Huririah (may Allah be pleased with him):

“من حج لله فلم يرفث أو يفسق رجع كيوم ولدته أمه”

“Those who will perform Hajj for the sake of Allah without committing any act of obscenity or disobedience will be cleared of their sins and return as newly born persons.

The Prophet also said in a part of Hadith narrated by al-Bukhary and Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurirah (may Allah be pleased with him):

“الحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة”

“The reward of the accepted Hajj by Allah S. is nothing but Paradise.”

That is really great favour, mercy and grace from Allah SWT for which the Muslim pilgrims should show total gratitude to their Lord SWT. These graceful rewards are worthy to be a catalyst for those Muslims to commit themselves, after returning home, to the total obedience towards their Creator SWT by staying within the divine limits imposed by Allah SWT.

Performing Hajj is in itself a great religious achievement which is always been remembered in the aftermath of its fulfillment. However, the real challenging factor is the post-Hajj conduct and behavior of the Muslim pilgrims.

4- Hastening the performance of Hajj

According to the majority of our scholars, when the means are available to perform Hajj, it should not be delayed,

Our Prophet (PBUH) has urged Mulims not to put off the conduct of Hajj, if means are available.

In a Hadith narrated by Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah and Ahmad on the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both of them) the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“من أراد الحج فليتعجل فإنه قد يمرض المريض وتضل الراحلة وتعرض الحاجة”

“Whoever intends to perform Hajj let him hasten to perform it fearing that sickness may occur, the animal mount may be lost or a need may arise.”

Those who have the sincere desire to fulfill that act of duty, Allah, by His Mercy and grace, will make it easy for them to fulfill it, therefore, let them not to delay it!

5- Characteristics of Hajj

Unlike the other major acts of worship (Pillars of Islam): Prayers, Fasting and Zakah which are tied by time only, Hajj is tied by both time and place. Rites of Hajj are done mostly in the the month of Zulhijjah but the Muslim pilgrims have to travel to the blessed city of Makkah to perform it.

One of the specific characteristics of Hajj is the fact that it is ordained by Allah SWT to be done once in the lifetime of Muslims. There’s undoubtedly a divine wisdom behind that decree. This wisdom is two-fold:

First, the many reqirements of Hajj which entail also some restrictions the Muslim pilgrims have to abide by.

Secondly, and more importantly, the most profound impacts that Hajj would instill in the hearts and souls of the Muslim pilgrims after completing that blessed journey.

In addition, these wide-ranging impacts are reinforced by two types of sacredness. First, the sublime rites of Hajj are to be conducted in the sacred area of Alharam and secondly during the sacred two months of Zulqedah and Zulhijjah, by which the effects of Hajj are alwyas been deepened.

After returning home, these tremendous positive and purifing impacts should make the Muslim pilgrims closer to their Creator and more conscious of their religios duties, during the rest of their lives.

6- Requirements of Hajj

Performing Hajj entails more commitment, discipline and sacrifice than other acts of worship. To perform Hajj, the Muslim pilgrims have to leave their homes and sometimes their own families too, if traveling alone. They also set aside their woldly attachments; like positions, business, jobs, properties and friends plus being totally dedicated to the service of their Creotor.

Moreover, the Muslim pilgrims have to spend from their own wealth to perform that blessed journey and sometimes their all savings. On the other hand, performing Hajj also requires physical power and energy, knowing that it necessitates moving between different locations in the blessed city of Makkah and its surroundings at specific times.

Hajj is literally a journey from one’s home to the bleslsed city of Makkah to perform the Hajj rites and rituals ordained by Allah and taught by His Messenger Al Mustafa (PBUH).

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a Hadith narrated by al-Bayhaqi on the authority of Jaber ibn Abullah (may Allah be pleased with both of them):

“خذوا عني مناسككم فإني لا أدري لعلي لا أحج بعد عامي هذأ”

“Follow my way in conducting your Hajj rituals, I may not be able to perform Hajj after this year”

Despite the fact that the Hadith is meant to be about Hajj, it is a main directive for all Muslims to follow the Sunnah of their Prophet (PBUH) in all their acts of worship.

The Prophet (PBUH) also said in a part of another Hadith narrated by al-Bukhary:

“صلوا كما رأيتموني أصلي”

“Establish Prayers the way you had seen me performing it”

7- The hidden meaning of Hajj

Hajj, in its spiritual essence, is a Hijrah (migration) to Allah SWT, by which Muslim pilgrims set out on a journey to their Creator in full dedication and devotion leaving behind all their worldly concerns and the vanities, ornaments and distractions of this worldly life. In that journey they committ themselves to stay within the limits of Allah’s divine law and be subjected to all the requierements and restrictions entailed by the fulfillment of Hajj.

Quran says in Surat al-Baqrah:

“الحج أشهر معلومات فمن فرض فيهن الحج فلا رفث ولا فسوق ولا جدال في الحج”

“Hajj is to be performed in well-known months, so whoever will be commited to do it in those months should not be involved in obscenity nor wickedness nor dispute.” (2:197)

In other sense, Muslims who intend to perform Hajj will be like commiting themselves to abandoning all what is prohibited by Allah SWT, which is to be considered another connotation of Hijrah (migration).

The Prophet (PBUH) said in part of a Hadith narrated by al-Bukhary and Muslim on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Amre (may Allah be pleased with both of them):

“المهاجر من هجر ما نهى الله عنه”

“The migrant is he who abandons what Allah SWT has prohibited”

Therefore, another hidden meaning of Hajj is the Quranic directive of “Fleeing to Allah SWT” mentioned in Surat Azzariat:

“ففروا إلى الله إني لكم منه نذير مبين”

“Therefore, flee to Allah I am from Him a plain warner to you”

The scholars of Quran interpretaion said the the intended gist is to seek refuge in Allah SWT from His punishment by showing total obedience to His commandments.

8- Entering the state of Ihram and its impacts

Muslim pilgrims, when entering the blessed city of Makkah, at the start of Hajj journey, should get into this blessed city from their own assigned place of entery, which is called al-Miqat. The Muslim pilgrims comming from the different directions of the world have their own designated Miqat.

This in itself has another great significance, which is an additional factor of the unification of the Muslim Ummah and a show of discipline on the part of the Muslim pilgrims at the very beginning of their blessed journey of Hajj.

After entering the city, they begin to be engaged in the state of Ihram, which is mainly a state of dos and don’ts, untill the conclusion of all the required rites of Hajj.

To start the state of Ihram the Muslim pilgrims should first make Ghusl (Islamic shower) and take off their ordinary closing. Then men should wear two pieces of white clothing, while women should wear loose garments includeing covering the hair. Muslim pilgrims then pray two rakaas and declare their Niah (Intention) according the type of Hajj they will perform.

The fact that the Muslim pilgrims, after entering the state of Ihram, wear just two pieces of closing for men and just simple loose garments for women, signifies the total equality between human beings, before their Lord, regardless of their race, nationality, wealth, skin colour, family lineage and social status.

According to the Islamic tenents, humans are distinguesed, in the sight of Allah SWT, only by their righteousness, piety, sincerity and devotion to their Creator Allah SWT.

Quran says in Surat al-Hujurat:

“إن أكرمكم عند الله أتقاكم”

“The most honoured among you in the sight of Allah are those who are righteous”(49:13)

Moreover, wearing those simple closing is a vivid reminder of the state in which Muslims will leave this fleeting worldly life and be generally shrouded only in three pieces of white sheets for men and five pieces for women.

During the state of Ihram, Muslim pilgrims are willingly accepting specific restrictions and prohibitions. No obscenity nor wickedness nor any act of disobedience are allowed, only total surrender to the commandments and will of Allah SWT. Those prohibitions Muslims should mainly abide by at all times and in all places, however during Hajj there’s more emphasis on that abidance.

Muslim pilgrims have also to show total respect for the blessed area of Alharam. They cannot cut any of its trees or plants nor hunt for any animal or bird in that area, which adds another layer of discipline for them. In addition, Muslim pilgrims have to stay away of hurting other people or engaging in any dispute or argument with each others.

Accordingly, Hajj requires total commitment and discipline on the part of the Muslim pilgrims. Therefore, performing Hajj is a manifestation of firm faith and total surrender to the will of Allah.

9- Types of Hajj

There’re three main types of Hajj:

1- Ifrad: performing Hajj only.

2- Qiran: combining Omrah and Hajj then staying in the state of Ihram until the fufillment of all the necessary rites of Hajj..

3- Tamatu: Combining Omarah and Hajj with the possibility of breaking the state of Ihram after finishing the rites of Omrah and before engaging in the other rites of Hajj. This is the most preferred type of Hajj, because it’s more convenient.

In the case of the Hajj of Ifrad, the Muslim pilgrims declare their Niah (intention) to perform Hajj only.

In the case of Qiran they declare first their Niah to perform Omrah first then should stay in the state of Ihram until they make another Niah for perfoming Hajj before leaving Makkah to a place called Mina, about five miles away, on the 8^th of Zulhijjah to fulfill the remaining rites of Hajj.

In the case of Tamatu, they declare their Niah of performing Omrah first after which they can break the state of Ihram. However, they have to make another Niah for performing Hajj and enter again into the state of Ihram from their own residence in Makkah, before heading to Mina, as in the case of Hajj of Qiran.

10- The significance of Talbiah

A look at the variant rites and rituals of Hajj will certainly unfold the sublime reinforcing effects of that act of worship for the faith of the Muslim pilgrims and their devotion to Allah SWT.

The highly effective impacts of Hajj rites and rituals start first with entering the state of Ihram. Afterwards, they prounce the following very revealing statement:

“لبيك اللهم لبيك، لبيك لا شريك لك، إن الحمد والنعمة لك والملك لا شريك لك”

O Allah I’m responding to your call for Hajj (call of prophet Ibrahim (PBUH)), You have none as partners. All praise is for You and all blessings are from You. The sovereignty and ownership of this whole world are Yours and there’re no parteners with You.

The Muslim pilgrims, by declaring that pronoucement are first expressing their total appreciation and devotion to Allah SWT that He had granted them the opportunity to perform Hajj. The Muslim pilgrims are also manifesting their total readiness to accept all the reqirements of performing that blessled act of worship. At the very beginning of that noble journey they stress their total belief in monotheism and the absolute onness of the Lord of the whole world.

Muslim pilgrims are to keep pronouncing that statement loudly in their way to the blessed city of Makkah until they enter al-Masjid Alharam. Then they start, according to their intentions, the rites of Omerah in the case of Hajj of Tamatu and Qiran, or of Hajj only in the case of Hajj of Ifrad. In all cases they start the rites by making Twaf (circumambulation) around the Kabbah.

(InsahAllah in the second part of this blessled subject we’ll continue the comment on the other rites of Hajj.)

Writen by Sayed Abutaleb

Imam of Masjid Fatima.

s.abutaleb47@gmail.com

The Significance of the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

In the islaimic (Hijri) calendar, Dhul Hijjah marks the final month of the year. It is a month where we are thankful to have experienced another year. But it is also a time most blessed by Allah (SWT).

This is especially true for the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. For in these sacred days of the Islamic month, Muslims around the world increase in worship towards our Allah (SWT). They also prepare for two important events: Hajj the fifth pillar of Islam, and Eid-al-Adha, the “festival of sacrifice”.

Why is Dhul Hijjah Important?

Similar to the Holy month of Ramadan, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are an extremely blessed time. In Islam, several verses and ahadith emphasise the importance of these 10 days.

In the Quran, Allah (SWT) swears an oath by these first 10 days, as told in Surah Al-Fajr saying:

“By the dawn and by the ten nights,”

Quran 89:1-2

As the Creator of the universe and beyond, Allah (SWT) does not swear an oath by something unless it provides great benefit to us as His creations. This is the Divine Knowledge and Wisdom of Allah (SWT).

A time for great rewards

The blessed 10 days of Dhul Hijjah also offer us a chance to gain immense rewards, even more so than Ramadan. For in one particular hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) specifically highlights the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah as better than all the other days of the year.

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”

Sahih Bukhari

Dhul Hijjah and the Day of Arafah

On the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) received this verse from Surah Al-Ma’idah:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”

Quran 5:3

Much like how Laylatul Qadr, during the blessed month of Ramadan, is considered the greatest night of the year, the Day of Arafah is considered the greatest day of the year. For it was on this Day of Arafah that Allah (SWT) perfected His religion. He completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and approved Islam as a way of life.

The coming together of the pillars of Islam

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are a time when the greatest acts of worship are performed.

“The most apparent reason for the ten days of Dhul Hijjah being distinguished in excellence is due to the assembly of the greatest acts of worship in this period – salawat (prayers), siyam (fasting), sadaqah (charity) and the Hajj (pilgrimage). In no other periods do these great deeds combine.”

Fath al-Bari

As such, many Muslims use the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah to increase their remembrance of Allah (SWT). It’s a time beyond Ramadan when we have the best opportunity to maximise our blessings and rewards from Allah (SWT).

This year, the first day of Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon. As such, we should make the most of the best 10 days by elevating our acts of worship.

What Should We Do During the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah?

Generally, all good deeds are greatly rewarded during the blessed 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. This is especially true on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah. As the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah.”

Sahih Muslim

Good deeds include actions such as praying, reading the Quran, making Dua (supplication), seeking Allah’s forgiveness (Istighfar), Tawbah (repentance), giving in charity and being good to our families, and other voluntary (nafl) righteous deeds of worship.

On the other hand, there are also specific good deeds mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah we are encouraged to carry out during these best 10 days.

Hajj

The month of Dhul Hijjah is also known as “The Month of the Pilgrimage”. From the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims from all around the world come together in Makkah to perform Hajj. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is a compulsory act of worship for anyone who is financially, emotionally and physically able to do it. Muslims who are able to also only have to do Hajj once in their lifetime.

Many Muslims hope to get the opportunity to go on Hajj and have their sins forgiven after completing it. As performing Hajj is one of the best deeds one can do during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. In turn, for one who sincerely performs and completes Hajj, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said

“An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”

Ibn Majah

Fasting

Fasting in the month of Dhul Hijjah is greatly encouraged during the first nine days. This is especially true for the Day of Arafah. As the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Fasting the day of Arafah expiates the [minor] sins of two years.”

Sahih Muslim

Dhikr

Dhikr, the verbal remembrance of Allah (SWT), is another virtuous act. In the Quran, in Surah Al-Hajj, it states:

“And mention the name of Allah on the appointed days”

Quran 12:28

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also encouraged Muslims to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) and Takbeer (Allahu-Akbar) during this time.

There are no days that are greater before Allah in which Good Deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed during them.”

Ahmad

Sacrifice

The 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah is the first day of Eid Al-Adha. On this day, we perform Qurban (sacrifice, also known as Udhiyah or Qurbani). This ritual of Eid Al-Adha commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Allah (SWT). In his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS) for the sake of Allah (SWT), God intervened and sent a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail (AS)’s place.

Thus, on Eid Al-Adha, the festival of the sacrifice, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal (a goat, sheep, cow or camel) to reflect this great act of worship. This year, Eid al-Adha is expected to fall on Thursday, June 6, 2025.

Following the sacrifice, which is usually carried out after Eid prayer, the meat is divided. At least one-third of the meat must go to the poor or vulnerable.

Donating Qurban is a highly encouraged act for every Muslim who is financially able to do so. It can be done so through a certified charity, such as Islamic Relief Australia, with specific Qurban programs.

As the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah fast approach, we hope that this blessed time is one of great joy, reflection and blessings for all. May we take this opportunity to make the most of the rewards Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon us, insha’Allah!

Give for the sake of Allah (SWT)

Take advantage of the most rewarding days of the year; give your Qurban and increase your acts of Sadaqah before the ten days are over.

What is Eid-ul-Adha

What is Eid-ul-Adha?

There are two key Eid’s (Celebration Festivals) in Islam: Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan; and Eid-ul-Adha, the greater Eid, which follows the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, at the time of Qurbani (sacrifice).

Although Eid-ul-Adha has no direct relation to the Hajj Pilgrimage, it is but a day after the completion of Hajj and therefore has significance in time.

The day of Eid-ul-Adha falls on the tenth day in the final (twelfth) month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar; Dhu-al-Hijjah. The day that celebrations fall on is dependent on a legitimate sighting of the moon, following the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj – which is an obligation for all Muslim’s who fit specific criteria, one of the important Five Pillars of Islam.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah SWT and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. At the very point of sacrifice, Allah SWT replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son. This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command, without question. Therefore, Eid-ul-Adha means the festival of sacrifice.

Depending on the country, the celebrations of Eid-ul-Adha can last anywhere between two and four days. The act of Qurbani (sacrifice) is carried out following the Eid Salaah (Eid Prayers), which are performed in congregation at the nearest Mosque on the morning of Eid.

The act of Qurbani consists of slaughtering an animal as a sacrifice to mark this occasion in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice for Allah SWT. This is also known as Udhiya. The days of animal sacrifice total three days, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu-al-Hijjah.

The sacrificial animal must be a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull or a camel; the sheep, lamb or goat consist of one Qurbani share, whereas a bull, cow or camel consist of seven shares per animal. The animal must be in good health and over a certain age in order to be slaughtered, in a “halal” friendly, Islamic way.

The Qurbani meat can then divided into three equal portions per share; one-third is for you and your family, one-third is for friends, and the final third is to be donated to those in need.

Traditionally, the day is spent celebrating with family, friends and loved ones, often wearing new or best attire and the giving of gifts.

Things to do before Ten Days of Eid-ul-Adha

If you are planning to send the qurbani and fasting, then you will do as much as possible that the pilgrims are doing during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which includes not shaving your head, underarms, and pubic hairs; men do not shave their beards regardless and only trim their mustaches, which is not done.

Famous Dua to be remembered and read time to time every day

What is Eid al-Fitr

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day. It is the first time Muslims can eat during daylight hours after fasting during Ramadan. The translation of “Eid al-Fitr” from Arabic sums up the holiday as it means “festival of breaking the fast.”

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Muslim (lunar) calendar. This means that the timing of Eid al-Fitr (and Ramadan) is different every year as it is based on the lunar cycle. It does not begin until the new moon is seen, which means it starts at different times for different Muslims around the world. However, some Muslims choose to celebrate Eid al-Fitr when the new moon first appears over Mecca instead of their own locations.

Muslims around the world perform communal prayer at daybreak on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, after cleansing themselves and donning new clothes. They then continue to celebrate for three days. A common greeting during Eid al-Fitr is “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Eid.” This greeting is used to wish other Muslims well during Eid.

These celebrations during Eid al-Fitr vary from country to country but include visiting family and friends, giving presents, enjoying feasts, wearing new clothes, and visiting the graves of relatives. Through these celebrations, Muslims show their gratitude to Allah after reflecting and fasting during Ramadan.

This holiday is also a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for what they have as well as to help the less fortunate. This is known as zakat, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Zakat is a requirement that all Muslims with the means to do so donate to the less fortunate. Zakat significantly increases during Ramadan and continues as an important part of Eid al-Fitr.

VIRTUES OF THE FIRST TEN DAYS OF ZUL-HIJJAH

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious the Most Merciful. All Prayers and Blessing of Allah are upon our Prophet (PBUH), his households, his Companions, and all those who follow his Sunnah until the Day of Judgment.

Allah SWT, the Creator of time, has favoured, out of His absolute discretion, some times over others and some months and days over others throughout the Islamic year to be occasions of more active Ibadah (worship). During those occasions, rewards for good deeds are promised to be multiplied and sins be wiped out.

One of the most favoured days in the sight of Allah SWT in the whole year is the First ten days of Zulhijjah.

In Suratul al-Fajre, Allah SWT says:

“والفجر وليال عشر” (الآيتان 1 و 2)

“By the dawn and by the ten nights” (89: 1 and 2)

The Commentators of the Quran have agreed that the ten nights referred to in that Surah are the First ten days of Zulhijjah. The fact that Allah SWT is swearing by those ten days reflects the sacredness, honor, and greatness attached by Allah SWT to those days.

In Suratul al-Hajj Allah SWT says:

“ليشهدوا منافع لهم ويذكروا اسم الله في أيام معلومات على ما رزقهم من بهيمة الأنعام” (الآية: 28)

“That they may achieve some benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah SWT in the appointed days, for the cattle that Allah SWT has provided for them to sacrifice” (22:28).

The Commentators of the Quran have interpreted those appointed days as the first ten days of Zulhijjah.

The Prophet (PBUH) has confirmed the sacredness of those blessed ten days in a Hadith Sahih narrated by Ibn Abbas, may Allah SWT be pleased with both of them, in Sunan Abu Dawood. He said:

“ما من أيام العمل الصالح فيها أحب إلى الله من هذه الأيام، يعني أيام العشر، قالوا يا رسول الله ولا الجهاد في سبيل الله؟ قال: ولا الجهاد في سبيل الله إلا رجل خرج بنفسه وماله فلم يرجع من ذلك بشئ.”

The Prophet (PBUH) said in that Hadith:

“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah SWT than these ten days.” The Sahabah then asked the Prophet (PBUH), even more than Jihad for the cause of Allah SWT? He answered: “Even more than Jihad for the cause of Allah SWT, except for a man went out offering himself and his wealth for the cause of Allah SWT and end up sacrificing both of them”.

During those blessed ten days, Muslims combine almost all acts of worship to Allah SWT: prayers, fasting, offering Sadaqah (charity), and performing Hajj, a combination of collective worship that never occurs in any other time throughout the year.

The sacredness and blessing of those ten days are manifested by the fact that millions of Muslims assemble in those days in Makkah from all over the world to perform Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, which is obligatory at least once in the lifetime.

Those ten days include the Day of Arafa (the ninth of Zulhijjah), which is the best day of the whole year. On that day the Muslims who are performing Hajj stand in the valley of Arafat to fulfill the most essential part of Hajj (Standing in Arafat).

The Prophet (PBUH) said in Hadith Sahih narrated by Imam Ahmad and others:

“الحج عرفة”.

Which means the whole essence of Hajj is in the standing in Arafat.

They stand before Allah SWT in total and absolute equality wearing just two peaces of white cloth without any distinction between rich or poor, black or white, high position, or low position. All are just seeking the forgiveness and mercy of their Lord, Allah SWT.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in part of a Hadith narrated by Jaber, may Allah SWT be pleased with him, in Sahih Ibn Hiban:

“وما من يوم أفضل عند الله من يوم عرفه”.

“The Day of Arafah is the most favoured day to Allah SWT”.

On that great day, Allah SWT will save from Hellfire many of His slaves more than any other day.

In another Hadith in Sahih Muslim, narrated by our mother Aishah, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“ما من يوم أكثر أن يعتق الله فيه عبدا من النار من يوم عرفه، وإنه ليدنوا ثم يباهي بهم الملائكة فيقول ما أراد هؤلاء؟”.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in that Hadith:

“There is no day in which Allah SWT will save more of His servants from Hellfire than the Day of Arafah. On that day Allah SWT will come close to Muslims who are standing in Arafat and be proud of them in front of the angles and say that those Muslims will get what they are seeking (Forgiveness, Mercy, and Pleasure of their Lord)”.

On that day one of the greatest Aiahs of Quran had been revealed in Suratul Ma’dah. This ayah has confirmed the perfection of the religion of Islam as a religion for all Mankind.

“اليوم أكملت لكم دينكم وأتممت عليكم نعمتي ورضيت لكم الإسلام دينا” (المائدة: 3).

“On this day I have perfected your religion and completed my favor upon you and accepted Islam as your religion” (5:3).

For all the virtues of the Day of Arafah, the fasting of that blessed day has been highly recommended for Muslims, but not for those who are performing Hajj. A great reward of forgiveness from Allah SWT is promised for the Muslims who will fast that blessed day. This is a gift that Allah SWT has reserved for the Muslims who would not perform Hajj in a particular year.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a Hadith narrated by Abu Qatadah in Sahih Muslim:

“صيام يوم عرفة أحتسب على الله أن يكفر السنة التي قبله والسنة التي بعده”.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in that Hadith:

“The fasting of the Day of Arafah is promised to grant forgiveness for the sins of the year before it and the year after it”.

The sacred First ten days of Zulhijjah also include the Day of Nahre (slaughter of Udhiyah “Qurbani”), which occurs on the tenth of that blessed month. It is the first day of Eidul-Adha, which with Eidul-Fitre constitutes the two annual Eids in Islam. However, Eidul-Adah is much greater, as it witnesses more essential rites of Ibadah, in particular by Muslims who perform Hajj.

On that great day Muslims who are performing Hajj conclude the major part of their Hajj rites by doing the first act of throwing the pebbles (Jamarat), slaughtering Udhiyah (Qurbani), shaving or cutting hair, performing Tawaful-Ifadah around Ka’bah. After fulfilling those rites, the restrictions of Ihram for Hajj will come to an end. Then the Muslims have to return back to the valley of Mena to complete the second and the third day of throwing the pebbles.

Muslims who don’t perform Hajj celebrate that day first by performing Eid prayer and then slaughtering their Udhiyah (Qurbani). It is worth mentioning that it is prohibited for Muslims to fast the first day of Eidul-Adha (Day of Nahre) and the following three days, which are called “Days of Tashreeq”. These are days for Muslims to celebrate, visiting each other and reconnecting with their families and friends.

However, Muslims who are performing Hajj are allowed to fast the Days of Tashreeq (11-13 of Zulhijjah) if they don’t have the financial ability to offer Udhiyah and have to rush into leaving to their countries. They need to fast a total of ten days, three days in Makkah and then seven days back in their countries.

Keeping in mind all the above-mentioned virtues of the first ten days of Zulhijjah, Muslims are recommended to seize the opportunity of those sacred days to be more active in Ibadah and perform as much righteous deeds as they can. That could include prayers (more often Jamaa in Masjid), fasting during the first nine days, in particular the Day of Arafah, offering charity, reconnecting with their parents, relatives, Muslim brothers, neighbors, and showing kindness to them.

Moreover, Muslims who feel that they have deviated from Allah’s right path, also need to rush into declaring their repentance to their Lord, Allah SWT, in particular during those blessed days. Sincere repentance means to have the firm determination to stop immediately the sins that are committed and showing regret and sincere intention not to commit such sins again.

We pray to Allah SWT to grant us enough energy that would help us to be more active in our Ibadah and to bestow His Forgiveness, Mercy, Grace, and Blessing upon us, our families, and the whole Muslim Ummah. We also pray to our Creator, Allah SWT, to accept the righteous deeds that we make during those blessed ten days, Ameen!

Sayed Abutaleb

Imam of Masjid Fatima, Woodside , NY

FAQ about Zakatul Fitre

Zakatul Fitre is obligatory on the capable Muslim, male or female, young or old.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a part of Hadith narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim:

فرض رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم زكاة الفطر في رمضان على كل نفس من المسلمين: حرِّ أو عبد، رجل أو امرأة، صغير أو كبير …

The Prophet (PBUH) made Zakatul Fitre an obligatory act in Ramadan on each Muslim, free or slave, man or woman, young or old …

Who has to offer Zakatul Fitre

Zakatul Fitre is mandatory on the Muslim who has an extra amount of food enough for him and his dependants for the duration of the night and day of Eidul Fitre. The capable Muslim has to offer Zakatul Fitre for each one of those who are financially dependant upon him, including the servants.

On the other hand, if the wife has separate financial ability, it is recommended that she offers her own Zakatul Fitre. The same would apply to parents and adult children, who live with the Muslim. The young orphans, if they have an inheritance, the guardian has to offer Zakatul Fitre, from their own wealth, on their behalf.

Purposes of Zakatul Fitre

1- Making up for any shortcomings or deficiencies in the Muslim’s fasting.

2- Provide assistance and help to the poor and needy Muslims.

3- Showing gratitude to Allah SWT for allowing the Muslim to perform the fast of the month of Ramadan.

Amount of Zakatul Fitre

The capable Muslim has to offer the measure of one sa’(صاع) from the food that is easily available in the country where he’s offering Zakatul Fitre. The amount of the measure of sa’ is equal to about three kilograms of food. It can be offered as dates, wheat, barley, rice, raisin, corn or similar basic items of dry food.

Most of the scholars had agreed that the amount of Zakatul Fitre has to be offered as food. Imam Abu-Hanifah, however, mentioned that it can be offered as money.

Time of offering Zakatul Fitre

Zakatul Fitre becomes due right after the sunset of the last day of the month of Ramadan (The night of Eidul Fitre). It has to be offered before the prayer of Eidul Fitre, otherwise, it’ll be considered as Sadaqah (charity). However, it can be offered one or two days before Eidul Fitre, according to the opinion of some scholars.

Recipients of Zakatul Fitre

Zakatul Fitre is to be offered mainly to poor and needy Muslims, in the country where the Muslim lives. Some scholars, however, mentioned that it can be offered in other countries where there’re more needy and poor Muslims. On the other hand, Zakatul Fitre can be given to non-Muslim needy, if this would achieve the interest of Islam and Muslims. This can be considered when the Muslim, for example, is living in a non-Muslim country.

Sayed Abutaleb

Imam of Masjid Fatima, Woodside, NY

(s.abutaleb47@gmail.com)

Virtues of Fasting

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious the Most Merciful. All prayers and blessings of Allah SWT are upon our Prophet (PBUH), his households, his Companions, and all those who follow his Sunnah until the Day of Judgment.

Owing to the so many virtues of the fast, Allah SWT has ordained the fasting of the blessed month of Ramadan as the fourth Pillar of Islam and an obligatory act of worship.

The fast is one of the dearest acts of worship to Allah SWT. Therefore, He SWT has promised for the fast a great reward, the magnitude of which is only known to Him SWT.

The fast is a confidential relationship between Allah SWT and His servants. The Muslim can be fasting and keeping it a secret between him and his Lord, Allah SWT. Therefore, the fast is mostly a sincere act of worship that is free from hypocrisy.

Allah SWT has promised a great deal of His Mercy, Forgiveness, and Blessings for the Muslims who will practice fasting. Consequently, the fast will bring so many benefits to the Muslims.

Allah SWT says in Surat al-Baqarah:

وأن تصوموا خير لكم إن كنتم تعلمون (الآية: 184)

It is better for you to fast, if you would know (2-184)

The virtues and benefits of fasting are explained in the following.

1- Special reward is set for fasting

Mostly all acts of worship are usually manifested to people around the Muslim except the fast. The Muslim could be fasting and, if he wishes, no one around him will be aware of that.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a part of a Hadith Qudsi narrated by al-Bukhari, in which Allah SWT said:

كل عمل ابن له إلا الصيام فإنه لي وأنا اجزي به.

All deeds of Son of Adam belong to him except fasting it is made for Me and I will provide the reward for it.

The reward for all acts of worship could be multiplied to ten times until seven hundred times but the magnitude of the reward of the fast is kept only to the knowledge of Allah SWT. Hence, that reward could be multiplied, by the will of Allah SWT, to more than seven hundred times.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a part of Hadith narrated by al-bukhari and Muslim:

كل عمل ابن آدم يضاعف له: الحسنة عشر أمثالها إلى سبعمائة ضعف، قال الله سبحانه وتعالى: إلا الصوم فإنه لي وأنا أجزي به.

The reward of Son of Adam’s deeds is multiplied to ten times until seven hundred times. However, Allah SWT said: except fasting, it is made for Me and I will provide the reward for it.

On the other hand, Allah SWT has promised a countless reward for the Muslim who will show patience and steadfastness. Fasting is one of the manifestations of patience and perseverance.

In fasting the different kinds of patience and perseverance are practiced. First, patience by showing total obedience to the commands of Allah SWT and staying away, during fasting, of physical desires, like food, drink and intercourse, that are originally lawful for the Muslim. Also, showing patience by staying away of the kinds of sins that may spoil the fasting.

Allah SWT said in Surat a-zzumar:

إنما يوفى الصابرون أجرهم بغير حساب (الآية: 10)

Those who show patience and perseverance will be rewarded without measure (39-10).

Accordingly, the Muslim who performs the fast will get a countless reward from his Lord, Allah SWT, given the fact that fasting is one of the manifestations of patience and perseverance.

2- The reward of fasting is safeguarded

On the Day of Judgment, all feuds between the adversaries will be settled. Those who had wronged others, in the worldly life, and didn’t make the necessary amends, part of their good deeds will be given, as compensation, to their victims on the Day of Judgment.

The reward of the fast, however, wouldn’t be touched or affected by such settlements. Allah SWT will make it up for the victims of injustices and compensate them in the way that He SWT will choose. Hence, Allah SWT will keep the reward of the fast intact in such adjustments of disputes.

As mentioned above in the Hadith Qudsi Allah SWT says:

كل عمل ابن آدم له إلا الصيام فإنه لي وأنا أجزي به

All the deeds of Son of Adam belong to him except the fast it is made for Me and I will provide the reward for it.

Some scholars have concluded from the above statement that Allah SWT has attributed the reward of the fast to Himself SWT and hence, this reward will be kept preserved for the Muslim on the Day of Judgment from the settlement of feuds.

3- Safeguard from Hellfire

The fast will preserve the Muslim from Hellfire.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in an authentic hadith Qudsi narrated by Imam Ahmad:

قال ربنا سبحانه وتعالى: الصيام جنة يستجن به العبد من النار، وهو لي وأنا أجزي به.

Allah SWT has said: The fast is a refuge to which the servant could resort and save himself from Hellfire and it is made for Me and I will provide the reward for it.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in another authentic hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad:

الصيام جنة وحصن حصين من النار.

The fast provides protection and it is a solid shield against Hellfire.

4- Immunity against sins

The Muslim, during fasting, is taught self-restraint and this will give him mostly immunity against sins. The fast, in particular during the month of Ramadan, will also raise the Muslim to a higher level of spirituality. Consequently, he’ll have an added spiritual power and would be mostly able to resist the temptations of Satan and shun sins or faults that may displease his Lord.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a part of Hadith Qudsi narrated by al-Bukhari in which Allah SWT has said:

وإذا كان صوم أحدكم فلا يرفث ولا يصخب، فإن سابه أحد أو قاتله فليقل إني إمرؤ صائم.

If anyone of you is fasting, he shouldn’t be involved in any obscenity or shouting. In case of anyone cursed him or tried to wrangle with him, he has to restrain himself and say I’m fasting.

Self-restraint, in front of such challenges, is generally recommended, however, during fasting, it is more befitting for the Muslim.

5- Immunity for Muslim youth

When the Muslim youth wouldn’t have the necessary means to get married the fast could be a refuge for them from carnal desires.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a Hadith narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim:

يا معشر الشباب من استطاع منكم الباءة فليتزوج، فإنه أغض للبصر وأحصن للفرج، ومن لم يستطع فعليه بالصوم، فإنه له وجاء.

O young people: Whoever among you has the necessary means to get married, let him do that, as marriage helps in lowering the gaze and preserving chastity, but whoever doesn’t have the necessary means, he could resort to fasting, it would give him immunity.

6- Setting a wide distance away from Hellfire

The fast will keep a huge distance between the Muslim and Hellfire.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a Hadith narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim:

من صام يوما في سبيل الله بعًّد الله وجهه عن النار سبعين خريفا.

The Muslim who will fast one day for the sake of Allah SWT, He SWT will keep the face of that Muslim away from Hellfire for seventy years.

On the other hand, the fast will set a hugely vast ditch between the Muslim and Hellfire.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in an authentic Hadith narrated by a-ttirmizi:

من صام يوما في سبيل الله جعل الله بينه وبين النار خندقا كما بين السماء والأرض.

The Muslim who will fast one day for the sake of Allah SWT, He SWT will set a ditch between that Muslim and Hellfire as vast as the distance between Heaven and Earth.

7- The fast is unparralled in its benefits

In so many occasions, the Prophet (PBUH) has recommended the fast to his Companions. The Prophet (PBUH) receives his knowledge directly as a revelation from his Lord, and knows well how fasting is so rewarding for Muslims.

Abu Omamah, one of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH), came to him saying: Command me to do something that would benefit me, the Prophet (PBUH) said to him:

عليك بالصوم فإنه لا عدل له.

Stick to fasting, it is unparralled in its benefits.

It’s quite clear form the Hadith that the fast, in comparison to other acts of worship, could bring so many benefits, some of whom many Muslims may not aware of. Consequently, the Prophet (PBUH) has recommended Muslims, in many occasions, to offer voluntary fasting after the month of Ramadan.

8- Arrayan Gate is consecrated for Muslims who fast

From the eight gates of Paradise, a special Gate has been devoted exclusively for the Muslims who fast, the name of which is Arrayan Gate. This is an illustration of the special honour that Allah SWT has bestowed upon the Muslims who fast.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a Hadith narrated by al-Bukhari:

إن في الجنة ثمانية أبواب، فيها باب يسمى الريان، لا يدخله إلا الصائمون.

Paradise has eight gates, among them, a gate called Arrayan, through which enter only the Muslims who fast.

9- A source of happiness

The Prophet (PBUH) said in a part of Hadith narrated by Muslim:

للصائم فرحتان: فرحة عند فطره وفرحة عند لقاء ربه.

The Muslim, when fasting, will feel happiness in two occasions. First when he breaks his fast and secondly when he meets his Lord Allah SWT.

At the time of breaking the fast, the Muslim will feel the joy of showing obedience to his Creator, Allah SWT, by fasting. He’ll feel also gratitude that Allah SWT has allowed him to show that kind of obedience. When breaking his fast, the Muslim will feel the joy of quenching his thirst and alleviating his hunger after staying fasting all the day.

In addition, on the Day of Judgment, at the encounter with his Lord, the Muslim will feel joyful after getting the bountiful reward that Allah SWT has promised for fasting.

10- Supplication of the Muslim is to be accepted

When the Muslim is performing the fast and staying away of sins and faults, he’ll be quite close to Allah SWT and hence, his supplication, by the will of Allah SWT, will be answered,.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in an authentic Hadith narrated by al-bayhaqi,

ثلاث دعوات مستجابات دعوة الصائم ودعوة المظلوم ودعوة المسافر.

There’re three types of Muslims whose supplications are promised to be answered by Allah SWT. These are the supplication of the Muslim during his fast, the supplication of the individual who has been subjected to injustice and the supplication of the traveler.

11- Intercession in favour of the Muslim

The fast and the Quran will come as intercessors for the Muslim on the Day of Judgment.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in an authentic Hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad and others:

الصيام والقرآن يشفعان للعبد يوم القيامة يقول الصيام: أي ربِّ منعته الطعام والشهوات بالنهار فشفعني فيه، ويقول القرآن: منعته النوم بالليل فشفعني فيه، قال: فيشفعان.

The fast and the Quran will intercede in favour of the servant of Allah SWT on the Day of Judgment. The fast will say: My Lord I deprived him of food and carnal desires during the day, let me intercede for him. The Quran will say: I deprived him of sleep at night, let me intercede for him and they will be permitted to intercede.

**12- Great reward for providing Iftar to Muslims**

Muslims race with each other, during the month of Ramadan, into helping other Muslims, by providing them with Iftar meal to break their fast, mostly in the Masajid. Also, in some spaces in the Muslim cities, around the world, tables are set to offer Iftar meal for Muslims. Allah SWT has promised a great reward for providing Muslims with food to break their fast.

The Prophet (PBUH) said in an authentic Hadith narrated by a-ttirmizi:

من فطر صائما كان له مثل أجره، غير أنه لا ينقص من أجر الصائم شيئا.

Whoever will provide food for a Muslim to break his fast will have the similar reward of fasting, without diminishing the reward of the fasting Muslim.

13- An option for expiation

Allah SWT by His Mercy and Grace has allowed for the Muslim, in case of committing specific faults, options for expiation, among them is fasting. Accordingly, the fast could be an option of expiation in the following cases.

Resort to a prohibited act during Hajj as a result of an illness or ailment.
Intentionally violate one of the Hajj prohibitions.
Failure to fulfill one of the Hajj obligations.
Hunting in the state if Ihram.
Unaffordability to offer the sacrifice of Hadye (Offering) when combining Hajj with Omarah.
Unintentional killing of a person.
Divorce through Zihar (the husband says to his wife: you’re prohibited to me like my mother).
Having intercourse while fasting in Ramadan.
Breaking an oath.

14- A lead to righteousness

The fast could lead the Muslim to reach the level of righteousness (Taqwa). The essence of Taqwa is exemplified in fearing Allah SWT and fulfilling our duty to Him SWT by showing total obedience to all His Commands and staying away of all what He has prohibited for us.

Allah SWT says in Surat al-Baqarah:

يا أيها الذين آمنوا كتب عليكم الصيام كما كُتب على الذين من قبلكم لعلكم تتقون (الآية: 83).

O you who believe: The fast has been prescribed for you as it had been prescribed for people before you, so that you could reach the level of righteousness (Taqwa).

The fast is a unique act of worship, in the sense that the Muslim, during fasting, would stay away of physical desires like food, drink and intercourse, just for the sake of Allah SWT. Accordingly, the Muslim, during fasting, could acquire some of the characteristics of angles who haven’t such desires.

In such a condition the Muslim becomes closer to his Lord and could win over Allah’s Mercy, Forgiveness and Support. The Muslim, while fasting, in particular during the month of Ramadan, could transcend to a higher level of spirituality that would work as a shield against sins and offenses. The more spirituality the Muslim will reach the more Taqwa he’ll achieve.

15- Showing gratitude to Allah SWT

The Muslim, by fasting, will voluntarily relinquish food and drink during the day. By virtue of that, he’ll appreciate such favours of Allah SWT, which otherwise he’ll be oblivious of.

Allah SWT said in Surat al-Baqarah:

ولتكملوا العدة ولتكبروا الله على ما هداكم ولعلكم تشكرون (الآية 185)

You should complete the number of the fasting days and glorify the name of Allah SWT, after He has guided you, hence you’ll show your gratitude to Him (2-185).

16- Showing empathy towards the needy

No doubt that when the Muslim is deprived of food and drink, during fasting, he will feel sympathy with the poor and needy. Consequently, he’ll be willing to support them and satisfy some of their needs by providing food, drink and Sadaqah (charity).

17- Health benefits

It has been confirmed, even by non-Muslim sources, that the fast will provide great benefits in the matter of human health. According, to nutrition experts, the fast could provide healing from many serious illnesses, like heart illnesses, diabetes, kidney diseases, obesity and others. They explained by saying that the fast will give the opportunity for the body organs, during fasting, to get rid of many of the toxins that accumulate inside the human body and allow for the healing process.

Allah SWT says in Surat al-Baqarah:

وأن تصوموا خير لكم إن كنتم تعلمون (الآية: 184).

It’ll be better for you to fast, if you would know (2-184).

Importance of voluntary fasting

For all those so many benefits of fasting, the Prophet (PBUH) has recommended Muslims not to restrict themselves into fasting only the month of Ramadan. He has advised Muslims to perform voluntary fasting, as much as possible, in specific occasions, throughout the whole year, to reap the benefits of the fast.

The Prophet (PBUH) has recommended fasting voluntarily in the following occasions and days:

Six days in the month of shawwal, which, in addition to the fast of Ramadan, will be as fasting the whole year. This is based on the fact that the reward for each Hasanah (good deed) is multiplied ten times.
In the first nine days of the month of Zulhijjah. The Day of Arafah, which occurs on the ninth of Zullhijjah, is highly recommended for fasting. The Prophet (PBUH) said that the promised reward for fasting the Day of Arafah is forgiveness for the sins committed in two years, the previous year and the following one.
Fasting as much as possible during the month of al-Muharram, in particular the Day of Ashura which occurs on the tenth of that month. With fasting the Day of Ashura, it is recommended to also fast, one day before or one day after. The promised reward for fasting the Day of Ashura is forgiveness for the sins of the previous year.
Fasting three days each month, preferably the white days, which correspond to the thirteen, fourteenth and fifteenth of each month. This will be equal to fasting the whole year, based on the fact that the reward for each Hasanah (good deed) is multiplied ten times.
Fasting of Monday and Thursday each week, either both of them or one of them as much as possible, according to the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).
Fasting as much as possible during the month of Sha’ban.
Fasting as much as possible during the prohibited months, Zulq’dah, Zulhijjah, al-Muharram and Rajab
The best type of voluntary fasting, according to the Prophet (PBUH), is to fast each other day. This is called the fasting of Prophet Dawood.

We pray to Allah SWT to give us the opportunity to perform as much voluntary fasting as possible, throughout the whole year Ameen!

We also pray to Allah SWT to bestow upon us the knowledge that would benefit us and others, Ameen!

Sayed Abutaleb

Imam of Masjid Fatima, Woodside, NY

(s.abutaleb47@gmail.com)

May 25^th, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions about Fasting

In the name of Allah SWT, the Most Gracious the Most Merciful, let all Peace and Blessings of Allah SWT be upon our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, his family, his Companions and all those who will follow his Sunnah until the Day of Judgment.

There are some issues about fasting that many Muslims are confused about and don’t know whether they would invalidate their fasting or no. Those issues have been explained as follows.

1- Taking a blood sample for a blood test is usually a small amount that would not weaken the Muslim or affect his fasting. However, donating a big amount of blood one day, for someone in case of emergency, could allow the Muslim to break his fast if he would feel weakened and unable to fast. In this case, the Muslim has to make up for that day later on.

2- All kinds of injections used for treatment, not for nutrition, including colon cleansing, would not invalidate the fasting. On the other hand, the injections that are used for feeding, as an alternative to food and drink, would spoil fasting. Generally, such feeding injection is used during sickness which is mostly an excuse for breaking fasting.

The Muslims who will get feeding injection could break the fast and make up later on for the missed day or days. However, if the feeding injection is used in cases of chronic or permanent illnesses, the Muslim would not have to fast, instead, he could offer only Fidyah (ransom) by feeding a needy person for each missed day.

3- Asthma inhaler medications would not invalidate fasting. Those medications are inhaled usually to provide relief from the asthma attacks, which normally make breathing very hard. Therefore, those medications are allowed during fasting because they involve no feeding.

4- Little bleeding, like nose or teeth bleeding, will not spoil fasting. However, bleeding a large amount of blood, as a result of an accident, temporary illnesses or other reasons could be an excuse for the Muslim to break the fast, but will have to make up for the missed day or days later on.

5- The Muslim can use eye drops and ear drops during fasting. They don’t enter into the stomach and accordingly, they would not spoil fasting.

6- The use of nose drops is not permitted during fasting, because they could seep from the nose into the stomach and, as such, would spoil fasting. However, in case of severe nose congestion, the Muslim could use those drops during fasting to clear his nose. In such a case, the Muslim should make sure that the drops would not seep into the stomach.

7- The stomach diagnosis through the process of Endoscopy does not invalidate fasting. This process is done by inserting a tubular flexible instrument, equipped with a camera at its end, into the stomach through the mouth to visualize the interior of that organ and determine whether there’re any disorders or abnormalities that need treatment. Accordingly, this process would not affect the fasting, as it doesn’t involve any feeding.

8- Using suppositories that are inserted into the rectum for treatment wouldn’t invalidate fasting, as they don’t involve any feeding.

9- Throwing up during fasting is excused for the Muslim, as long as it is not done intentionally.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said in a Hadith sahih narrated by Attirmizi and others:

من ذرعه القئ وهو صائم فليس عليه قضاء، ومن استقاء فعلية القضاء.

Whoever throws up unintentionally while fasting, his fasting is not affected and would not have to make up for that day, but whoever does it intentionally his fasting is invalidated and has to make up for that day.

10-.Cleaning the teeth by a dentist is not allowed during fasting, because a lot of water is used during that process and certainly some of it would enter into the stomach. Also, extracting one tooth or more will involve a lot of bleeding and pain and accordingly, is not allowed during fasting. In case of emergency, the Muslim could break his fast on the day of the extraction and make up for it later on.

However, the Muslim is allowed to brush his teeth, but care has to be taken to prevent the toothpaste or water from going into the stomach.

11- The Muslim who will pass out or enter into a coma temporarily during fasting, even several times, could continue his fasting in this case. However, if the Muslim, after starting fasting, enters into a coma that continues the whole duration of the day or more, his fasting would be invalidated. After recovery, he has to make up, later on, for the day or days on which the coma continued.

12- If a wet dream happens during fasting, it would not spoil it, and the Muslim could continue the fasting.

13- If the Muslim gets up in the month of Ramadan after Fajre (dawn) Junub (impure and needs to perform Ghusle) fasting would not be affected. However, the Muslim has to make Ghusle as soon as possible to perform the Salah.

Our mother A’shah said in a Hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim:

كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يدركه الفجر في رمضان وهو جنب، من غير حُلُم، ثم يغتسل ويصوم.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used, sometimes, to get up in Ramadan after Fajre, Junub (impure), but not from a wet dream, then perform gusle and continue fasting.

14- The Muslim could eat in the meal of Suhur (dawn meal) until the start of Azan of Fajre prayer. Some calendars set the abstinence of eating for Suhur at about five minutes before the Azan. The Muslim doesn’t have to be tied by such time for stopping eating. That time is just meant to alert the Muslim that the time to finish eating has become close. Therefore, if the Muslim has not finished eating by that time, he could continue his meal, but has to stop eating at the start of the Azan.

On the other hand, it is recommended to eat the meal of Suhur and delay it as much as possible.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said in a Hadith narrated by Bukhari:

تسحروا فإن في السحور بركة.

Eat the meal of Suhur as there’re blessings in eating that meal.

Getting up to eat that meal would involve many blessings, as the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم pointed out. The most prominent blessing of the Suhure meal is that it enables the Muslim to catch that blessed early time and get the Grace and Mercy of Allah SWT. It also provides the Muslim with the energy that would help him in performing Fajre prayer in time.

On the other hand, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to delay the meal of Suhur and make it close to Fajre prayer. Therefore, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم recommended the Muslims to follow that Sunnah that will help them maintain the fasting easily during the day.

15- If the fasting Muslim would forget and eat or drink during the day, the fasting will not be invalidated.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said in a Hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim:

من نسي وهو صائم فأكل أو شرب فليتم صومه، فإنما أطعمه الله وسقاه.

If the Muslim would forget and eat or drink while fasting, he could continue his fast, Allah SWT has provided that food and drink for him.

16- Tasting the food during cooking, while fasting, just to check it, is allowed if there’s a need to do so. However, the Muslim has to make sure that nothing of the tasted food would be swallowed.

17- During very hot days, if the fasting Muslim would be affected by high hot weather and, as a relief, would pour water over his head or take shower for refreshment, the fasting would not be invalidated. The same would apply if the Muslim rinses his mouth with water several times because of dryness in the mouth on hot weather days. In those cases, the Muslim has to be careful and prevent any water from seeping into the stomach.

18- When the Muslim is fasting and traveling by airplane from one country to another or one place to another, in which the time is different, he can’t break his fasting, while in the airplane, as long as the sun is rising.

The Muslim is tied during fasting by the place in which he is performing his fast, even in the air, as in the case of traveling by airplane. Breaking the fasting, in this case, has to be done after sunset, even if he’ll fast additional or less hours, as long as he is passing by a place where night and day are alternating over 24 hours.

Allah SWT says in Surat Al-Baqarah:

ثم أتموا الصيام إلى الليل (الآية 187)

Stay fasting until the nightfall (2-187).

It is well known that the nightfall starts right after sunset.

19- In some situations, the moon of the month of Ramadan may be seen in the country of the Muslim or another country where he is staying, and he starts fasting. Then he travels later to another country in which the month of Ramadan had started one day before or one day after. In such case, if he would stay in that country until the end of the month of Ramadan, he would be tied by the fasting of the Muslims of that country and has to break his fasting with them, even if he may fast one day more or one day less.

However, the Muslim should fast at least 29 days, because the month in the Islamic calendar has to be 29 or 30 days. Seeing the moon of the month of Shawwal in a county after 28 days from the start of the month of Ramadan would mean that the Muslims of that country had started the month of Ramadan wrongfully one day later. Accordingly, those Muslims have to make up for that day later on, but not on the Eid day (first day of Shawwal) because that day is prohibited for fasting.

20- The Muslim could be living in a country where the duration of the day and night will be more than 24 hours, as the case in Scandinavian countries. In such case the Muslim has to estimate the length of the day according to the nearest place to him, where the duration of day and night is normal, to determine the length of his fasting time.

We pray to Allah SWT to bestow upon us the knowledge that would benefit us and others. Ameen!

Written by Sayed Abutaleb

Imam of Masjid Fatima, Woodside, NY

(s.abutaleb47@gmail.com)

Muslims who are allowed not to fast

(بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ)

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious the most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah SWT. Let Allah’s Peace and Blessing be upon His Messenger along with his family, his Companions, and those who will follow his Sunnah until the Day of Judgment.

Some Muslims may go through some hardships or difficulties that would make the fasting a real challenge for them. Therefore, Allah SWT has given such Muslims the facility that allows them not to fast during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Allah SWT says in Surat Al-Baqarah:

يريد الله بكم اليسر ولا يريد بكم العسر (الآية 185)

Allah SWT intends for you ease not hardship (2-185).

In Surat Alhajj, Allah SWT also says:

وما جعل عليكم في الدين من حرج (الآية 78)

Allah SWT has not meant for you any hardship in the matter of religion (17-78)

Those excuses that could allow Muslims not to fast during the blessed month of Ramadan are as follows.

1- Old age

Muslims with old age don’t have to fast the month of Ramadan if they feel unable to do so.

Allah SWT says in Surat Al-Baqarah:

لا يكلف الله نفسا إلا وسعها (الآية 286)

Allah SWT does not task any soul beyond its capacity (2-286).

Instead of fasting, Muslims with old age could offer a Fidayah (ransom). They can feed a needy person for each day they would not fast.

Allah SWT says in Surat Al-Baqarah:

وعلى الذين يطيقونه فدية طعام مسكين (الآية 184)

Those who find difficulty in fasting could offer instead a Fidyah by feeding a needy person (2- 184)

To offer the Fidyah, they have the option of giving dry food like rice, in the amount of one kilogram and a half (about three and a half pounds), or providing one meal for each needy person, to make up for each missed day. This can be offered at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of the month of Ramadan.

2- Chronic or permanent illness

Muslims could be inflicted with a chronic or permanent illness, disease, or any kind of impairment, with no hope for recovery. In this case, those Muslims are excused from fasting the month of Ramadan.

In such a case, a Fidayah has to be offered, as in the case of the Muslims with old age.

3- Temporary sickness

Muslims who feel unable to fast due to sickness for a period of time, short or long, they could be excused from fasting the month of Ramadan during that period. However, after recovery, those Muslims have to make up for the missed days, either separately or consecutively, after Ramadan.

Allah SWT says in Surat Alabaqrah:

أياما معدودات، فمن كان منكم مريضا أو على سفر فعدة من أيام أخر (الآية 184)

You have to fast a fixed number of days. But whoever among you would be sick or on a journey, the missed days (from fasting) have to be fasted on other days (2-184).

Those days have to be fasted before the following Ramadan if the Muslim has already recovered by that time. Failing to do so some scholars said that a Fidyah has to be offered, over and above the fasting the missed days.

In the case of temporary illnesses, there could be three cases.

The first case, when fasting would not cause any kind of hardship or harm. In this case, the Muslim has to fast, because sickness could not be an excuse.

The second case, if fasting would cause some kind of hardship or harm to the sick Muslim. In this case, it would be makrooh (disliked) for the Muslim to fast. However, the Muslim has to make up for the missed days after Ramadan.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said in a Hadith Sahih narrated by Imam Ahmad:

إن الله يحب أن تؤخذ رخصه كما يكره أن تؤتي معصيته.

Allah SWT would like that His facilities to be used and benefited from, the same as He dislikes being disobeyed.

The third case, if fasting would hurt the Muslim during sickness or delay recovery. Fasting, in this case, would not be permitted.

Allah SWT said in Surat Al-Baqarah:

ولا تلقوا بأيديكم إلى التهلكة (الآية 195)

Don’t lead yourselves into destruction (2-195).

In Surat Annisa Allah SWT says:

ولا تقتلوا أنفسكم إن الله كان بكم رحيما (الآية 29)

Don’t kill yourselves, indeed Allah SWT is so Merciful towards you. (4-29)

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said in a Hadith Sahih narrated by Imam Ahmad and others:

لا ضرر ولا ضرار.

No causing of harm and no reciprocation of harm.

4- The traveler

In general, it is allowed for the Muslim, when traveling, not to fast during the month of Ramadan. The distance of traveling should be at least 48 miles (86 kilometers), for this facility to be granted.

In the case of traveling, the general rule is that, for Muslim travelers to benefit from the facility of non-fasting, his stay during travel should be less than four days. If the Muslim reaches his destination and stay there for more than four days, he is not permitted to break his fasting.

However, when Muslims are traveling, there would be three cases.

The first case is when the traveling would cause an unbearable severe hardship. In this case, fasting would not be permitted for the Muslim (the same as in case of severe sickness mentioned above).

During the conquest of Makkah in the month of Ramadan, some of the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had complained that fasting was causing some hardship for them. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم asked for a cup of water and drank it before them as an indication that they are permitted to break their fasting.

Later on, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was told that some Companions were still fasting. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then said:

أولئك العصاة، أولئك العصاة.

These are the disobedients, these are the disobedients!

The second case is when traveling would cause a slight hardship. In this case, fasting is Makrooh (disliked) and it is recommended for the Muslim not to fast.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was once traveling, he then saw a man surrounded by people trying to give him a shelter from the heat of the sun. When he inquired about the reason he was told that the man was fasting. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said in a Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari:

ليس من البر الصوم في السفر.

It is not a righteous act to fast during traveling.

In another Hadith Sahih narrated by Annasa’i the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم added:

وعليكم برخصة الله التي رخًّص لكم فاقبلوها.

Seize the facility that Allah SWT has granted you and accept it.

The third case, when traveling would not cause any kind of hardship. In this case, the Muslim has the option of fasting or non-fasting.

One of the Companions asked the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم about fasting during traveling. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم answered by saying in Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari:

إن شئت فصم وإن شئت فافطر.

You have the option of fasting or non-fasting.

In another Hadith narrated by Muslim, the same Companion said to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم “I have the ability to fast in travel, do I commit any sin by doing so? The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم answered:

هي رخصة من الله فمن أخذ بها فحسن، ومن أحب أن يصوم فلا جناح عليه.

It is a facility offered by Allah SWT, whoever will accept it, this would be good for him and whoever would like to fast, there will be no blame on him.

However, the majority of the scholars consider that, if traveling is not causing any difficulty or harm, it is preferable for the Muslim to fast. The scholars Ibnotheimeen explained the reasons as follows:

1- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was seen fasting in a hot day during traveling.

2- This will enable the Muslim to fulfill the duty of fasting once and for all.

3- It would be easier to fast while people are fasting around the Muslim.

4- Attaining the virtue of fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan.

The Muslims who will be in permanent travel, like drivers of trucks moving non-stop from one place to another, could benefit themselves from the facility granted by Allah SWT and not fast during the month of Ramadan. However, later on, when they are not traveling, they have to fast and make up for the missed days before the coming of the following Ramadan, either separately or in a consecutive way.

5- Women in menstruation and childbirth bleeding

Women are permitted not to fast during the days of monthly period or childbirth bleeding. It is not permitted for them to fast such days and if they do, it would not be accepted.

However, they have to fast the missed days later on, either separately or in a consecutive way, before the start of the following Ramadan.

Our mother Aishah said in a Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari:

كنا نحيض على عهد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فنؤمر بقضاء الصوم ولا نؤمر بقضاء الصلاة.

During the time of the Messenger of Allah, we used to be in menstruation and were ordered to make up for non-fasting but not for non-praying.

The Hadith means that the same applies to the childbirth bleeding.

6- Pregnant and nursing women

The Muslim women who are pregnant or breast-feeding a child are permitted not to fast if fasting will cause hardship, harm them, or harm the child. However, they have to make up for the missed days.

In the case of the nursing woman, if she would fear for herself or her child, Imam Malek said that she has to offer Fidyah in addition to fasting the missed days. He explained that in such case the nursing mother could fast by hiring another nursing woman to feed the child.