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What is the importance of Suhoor and Iftar?
Suhoor and Iftar are important to Muslims, especially during the month of Ramadan. Suhoor is a meal eaten before dawn during Ramadan, when a Muslim is obligated to fast. This meal gives him/her energy so that they will be able to function well the rest of the day. Iftar is the meal after Maghrib prayer when Muslims break their fast by eating a large meal. They thank Allah for the food that they have and they eat after they have fasted the whole day, from dawn to sunset.
What is tahjhad?
I don't know what tahjhad means but it sure sounds like tahajud. Tahajud is the prayer that Muslims pray in the last quarter of the night in Ramadan. Usually, it starts around 3 and ends right before fajr and suhoor time. In some mosques in the US, the Imam, while praying tahajud and everyone is praying behind him, there are people cooking suhoor for the Muslims to eat. Very fun nights, I've been to them and helped out.
What age do you start fasting?
Your age should be when you are young. Some parents like to have their kids at ages 5-8 begin to try but 9+ should be able to fast a full day. Just remember to feed them suhoor so they can last the day.
When are muslims allowed to eat during ramadam?
Muslims are allowed to eat before dawn, known as suhoor, and break their fast after sunset, known as iftar, during Ramadan. They abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset as an act of worship and self-discipline.
What is fasting and what are the rules governing fasting in your Diocese?
Fasting is the act of not eating any thing for a set periods of time, like in Ramadan they can,t eat from sun rise to sunset . These rules are applied by religions and are kept constant every where
What is a traditional pre Ramadan meal?
Muslims live in every country and culture in the world, so dietary practices vary widely. In Ramadan, the pre-fasting meal is called suhoor; the fast-breaking meal is called iftar. However, the particular menu of these meals varies widely. Most Muslims break the fast with dates, if they have them, but this is not required.
What time is dinner during the month of Ramadan?
During fasting, not allowed to drink, eat, smoke, or make sex from dawn (just before show up first line of light, usually about 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours before sunrise) to sunset. So, first meal is any time before dawn and last meal just at sunset. During the period of night from sunset to dawn you are allowed to eat, drink, smoke, and make sex.
What and when do people eat during Ramadan?
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims eat after dusk falls. Usually they eat anything ranging from cheese sandwich to Lasagna. They break their fast with dates and a drink like water, juice, or milk and then they eat dinner (usually the first day is a feast). But truthfully (from experience) you shouldn't eat a lot right away because then your stomach starts to ache. See the thing is your fasting usually more than 8-10 hours so after a full day of your stomach not having anything in it you don't just want to fill it up. You want to take your time. Make your stomach rest.
What do followers of Islam do during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan?
we fast from sunrise to sunset. it lasts for about a month and gets very easy once you get used to it and it cleanses the body and mindAnswerMuslims, who have no excuse should fast the whole month of Ramadan. Fasting Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting means one to forbid himself from eating, drinking, smoking, making sex over the period from Dawn (it is the time when first light is going to appear. It is around 1 to 1 1/2 hours before sunrise) to sunset. Out of this period he is allowed to do every thing allowed in normal life (but of course not to be forbidden by religion as gambling, drinking alcohol, prostitution, etc..).
What we do on Eid al fitr?
Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm from about age twelve.During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the daylight hours. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.Eid al-FitrRamadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which in 2014 occurs on July 28. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.
What does sawm mean aceptionally and detail?
Sawm (Arabic: صوم‎) is an Arabic word for fasting regulated by Islamic jurisprudence. In the terminology of Islamic law, Sawm means "to abstain from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse". The observance of sawm during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, but is not confined to that month.Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual intercourse from dawn (fajr) to sunset (maghrib). Fasting is essentially an attempt to seek nearness to Allah and increase one's piety. One of the remote aims of fasting is to sympathize with those less fortunate ones who do not always have food and drink readily available. Also one must try to avoid cursing and thinking evil thoughts. Fasting is also viewed as a means of controlling one's desires (of hunger, thirst, sexuality, anger) and focusing more on devoting oneself to God. Sawm also carries a significant spiritual meaning. It teaches one the principle of love: because when one observes Fasting, it is done out of deep love for God.For a fast to be valid in the first instance, an intention (niyyah) must be made beforehand; this is considered to form an oath. If this is not performed then the fast is not valid, it is not required to be made verbally. Throughout the duration of the fast itself, Muslims will abstain from certain provisions that God has otherwise allowed; namely eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse. This is in addition to the standard obligation already observed by Muslims of avoiding that which is not permissible under Qur'anic or Shari'ah law (e.g. ignorant and indecent speech, arguing and fighting, and lustful thoughts). Without observing this standard obligation, Sawm is rendered useless, and is seen simply as an act of starvation. The fasting should be a motive to be more benevolent to the fellow-creatures. Charity to the poor and needy in this month is one of most rewardable worship. If one is sick, nursing or travelling, one is considered exempt from fasting. Any fasts broken or missed due to sickness, nursing or traveling must be made up whenever the person is able before the next month of Ramadan. According to the Qur'an, for all other cases, not fasting is only permitted when the act is potentially dangerous to one's health - for example; those elderly who are too weak to fast for extended periods of time, but this must be made up by paying a fidyah which is essentially the iftaar, dinner and suhur for a fasting person who requires such financial help, diabetics, nursing, and pregnant women. Observing the fast is not permitted for menstruating women. However, when a woman's period has ceased, she must bathe and continue fasting. Any fasts broken or missed due to menstruation must be made up whenever she can before the next month of Ramadan. Women must fast at times when not menstruating, as God indicates that all religious duties are ordained for both men and women. During Ramadan, one who fasts and breaks the oath out of forgetfulness must nevertheless continue, since the fast will remain valid. If, however, one intentionally breaks the fast, by eating, drinking, or smoking, then they must continue for the rest of the day, add one day onto their fast and pay a "penalty'" (fidyah). Fidyah differ in the different schools of thought. In Malaysia however, a fidyah consists of the amount of rice used for a meal. However if one intentionally breaks the fast by having sex (without breaking it first by other means such eating, etc.) a set of "penalty" (kaffarra) shall apply. These exist in three forms, of which the person must choose one: * Fasting for an extra 60 consecutive days * Feeding and clothing 60 people in need Penalties for voluntary fasts at other times of the year, are, however, more lenient; if an oath is given, and circumstances dictate that if broken (or if the one giving the oath deliberately breaks it), one needs to fast for three days consecutively if they cannot initially find 10 poor people to feed and provide clothing for (both of which are commanded before the act of fasting as a form of repentance). The penalties are harsher during Ramadan because all mentally able Muslims are expected to have an increased awareness of the fast at that time. In accordance with traditions handed down from Muhammad, Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal called the suhoor. All eating and drinking must be finished before Salat-ul-Fajr, the pre-dawn prayer. Unlike the Salat-ul-Zuhr and Salat-ul-Maghrib prayers, which have clear astronomical definitions (noon and sunset), there are several definitions used in practice for the timing of "true dawn" (al-fajr as-sadq), as mentioned in the hadith. These range from when the center of the sun is 12 to 21 degrees below the horizon [1] which equates to about 40 to 60 minutes before civil dawn. There are no restrictions on the morning meal other than the restrictions on Muslims diet. After completing the suhoor, Muslims recite the fajr prayer. No food or water is allowed to go down the throat after the suhoor. However, water unlike food may enter the mouth, but not go down the throat during wudu. The meal eaten to end the fast is known as al-Iftar. Many Muslims, following the Sunnah of the Prophet, Muhammad, break the fast with dates and water before praying Salat-ul-Maghrib, after which they might eat a more wholesome meal. Fasting inculcates a sense of fraternity and solidarity, as Muslims can feel and experience that which needy and hungry humans feel. However, even the poor, needy, and hungry participate in the fast. Moreover, Ramadan is a month of giving charity and sharing meals to break the fast together, the latter offering more reward than if eating alone. Most importantly, the fast is also seen as a great sign of obedience by the believer to Allah. Faithful observance of the Sawm is believed to atone for personal faults and misdeeds and to help earn a place in paradise. As briefly mentioned earlier, fasting can also be observed voluntarily (as part of the Greater Jihad ): Sawm is intended to teach believers patience and self-control in their personal conduct, to help control passions and temper, to provide time for meditation and to strengthen one's faith. Fasting also serves the purpose of cleansing the inner soul and freeing it of harm. Although fasting is considered a pious act in Islam, there are times when fasting is prohibited. There are certain days on which fasts are prohibited: * Eid ul-Adha * Eid ul-Fitr * Day of Ashura [10th of Muharrum] (For Shia Muslims only - however they can do a faqa, which is a fast from morning to mid day prayers) * Ayyam at-Tashriq (the 11th, 12th and 13th of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah).Source: Wikipedia
Why has Allah asked Muslims to fast?
Fasting is a ritual worship in all religions although the fasting rules are different. Some main reasons are:It is a demostration of obedience and surrender to God will,It is helps to develop more capabiblities in refraining yourself from doing what you are forbidden to do, anfIt helps you to have better feeling of the poor and persuades you to help them.It brings you closer to Allah (God in English)refer to question and link below More details:Ramadan fast is a divine injunction mandatory for all able-bodied Muslims who are free from compelling excuses. Whoever deliberately forgoes fasting in Ramadan, should know that (s)he has disobeyed Allah's injunction and no amount of fasting thereafter can give her/him a reward equivalent to one misssed Ramadan fast as obvious in this hadeeth: Fasting is not new to Islam; it is, indeed, as old as Adam(a.s) who was the first creature and the first Muslim to submit to one Allah. No one knows precisely when fasting began among Adam's progenies but it is the practice of all the Prophets of Allah and their followers. Qur'an mentions that Musa(a.s) fasted for 40 days (see 2:51) (this is what the Jews termed "Jewish Passover") and the Prophet(s.a.w) told us that Dawud(a.s) used to fast for half of the year (this involves fasting on every alternate day). 'Issa (a.s) (or Jesus) was also reported to have fasted for 40 days (this is what the christians termed "the Lent", usually observed before Easter festival). Since these Prophets were Muslims, it can be seen that by asking Muslims to fast, Allah intends to draw their attention to the practice and tradition of those pious predecessors who attained piety (in His sight) through fasting.Fasting the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. It's a duty commanded by the Almighty Allah. It teaches many good things like patience,feeling with poor & hungry people & helping them,solidarity in the Islamic community.The Almighty Allah promised to reward those who fast to obey Him & bessech His favors.Fasting is considered to be important to Muslims because the Islamic faith is built on five pillars: Shahadah (or the declaration of faith), Salat (prayer five times a day), Sawm (fasting), Zakat (paying alms to charity), and Hajj (the holy pilgrimage to Mekkah). Fasting, especially during Ramadan is considered to have great spiritual value, and it is believed that fasting will allow you to get closer to Allah by means of Taqwa. Muslims believe that fasting allows them to appreciate God and how much he does for them, as well as inducing empathy for those less fortunate. Fasting also helps create a feeling of Umma within the Islamic community as Muslims across the world know that their brothers and sisters are going through the same ordeal that they themselves are.Not everybody has to fast. Children under the age of 13 (girls) or 14 (boys) are exempt, as are pregnant and breast-feeding women, the elderly and the sick. There are also many things that negate the fast if a person commits them. For example, eating, drinking, sexual activities, smoking, swearing and immoral behaviour all exempt the fast. If a person commits one of these offences, depending on the severity, they would either have to make up the day of fasting, or fast for 60 days after Ramadan ends. If this is not possible, they have to make up the cost of two meals for sixty poor people - this generally equates to being around £300.If a person fasts for the fist six days of Shawwaal, after Eid-ul Fitr, it is said that the benefits in heaven will be as if that person had fasted for a lifetime.Every year in the month of Ramada-n, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown--abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her purpose in life by constantly being aware of the presence of God. God states in the Qur'an: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183)Fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory on every Muslim adult. The Arabic word sawm is used for fasting. The word sawm (plural siyam) literally means 'to refrain', but as an Islamic term, it means refraining from food, drinks and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Allah says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2-183): 'O you who believe, siyam is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained.'The importance of Siyam in Ramadan is clearly expressed in several sayings of the Prophet(S.A.W.). It is reported by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet said: 'He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Lailat al- Qadr in prayer with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.'(Bukhari and Muslim)Fasting in Ramadan is practiced by Muslims all over the world. The most significant aspect of Siyam is the development of Allah-consciousness (Taqwa) in the heart and the soul of a fasting Muslim. One must abstain from immoral behavior and attitude as well. Refraining from food and such is essential during fast but it is not sufficient. The Prophet of Allah is reported to have said: 'If one does not abandon falsehood in words and deeds, Allah has no need for his abandoning of his food and drink.'(Al-Bukhari)WHO IS EXEMPT FROM SAWM?Fasting is mandatory on every Muslim who is sane, adult, able and resident. The following exemptions apply:the insane;children who are not adolescent yet;the elderly and chronically ill for whom fasting is unreasonably strenuous; Such persons are required to feed at least one poor person every day in Ramadan for which he or she has missed fasting.pregnant women and nursing may postpone the fasting at a later time;the ill and the travellers can also defer their fasting. Allah says in the Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqara:'But if anyone 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.'Women during the period of menstruation or of post childbirth confinement. Fasting during these periods is forbidden and should be made up later, a day for a day.DURATION OF SAWM:Fasting starts everyday in Ramadan at the break of dawn, which is also the start of the Salatul Fajr time. Fasting ends at sunset or with the call of Salatul Maghrib.VALIDITY OF FASTING:The validity of fasting depends on the following:Abstaining from food, liquids and sexual activity from dawn to sunset.The intention to fast must be made every day before dawn. The intention (niyyah) may be made during night before going to sleep or it can also be made at the time of Suhoor before dawn. Suhoor is eating before fasting. It should be as close to Fajr time as possible. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) says: 'Partake Suhoor, for there is blessing in Suhoor.'(Bukhari, Muslim)It is desirable to break the fast as soon as possible after sunset. Breaking the fast with dates or water is a tradition of the Prophet. Following is one of the Du'a for breaking fast: Allahumma laka sumtu WA 'ala ridhqika aftartu (O Allah! For You did I fast and with Your bounties did I break the fast.)The things which invalidate fast are of two kinds. The first one requires Qada (only making up missed days), the other one not only requires Qada but also Kaffarah(a penalty).The following are the things that require Qada only:Eating or drinking intentionally. This includes non-nourishing items taken by mouth.Deliberately causing oneself to throw up.The beginning of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding even in the last moment before sunset.Ejaculation for reasons other than sexual intercourse.Intending to break the fast before sunset even if one changes his mind, since intention is one of the pre-requisites of the validity of fasting.Eating, drinking or having intercourse after dawn on the mistaken assumption that it is not dawn yet. Similarly, engaging in these acts before Maghrib on the mistaken assumption that it is already sunset.Things that not only require Qada but also Kaffarah are the following:Sexual intercourse during fasting(dawn to dusk). The penalty is to fast an additional period of 60 continuous days. If one is not able to do so then he must feed sixty poor people-one average meal each.Before the days of the Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.), slavery was a common practice in the Arab world. Islam eliminated slavery from the society in a very short period of time. A useful approach was to allow people free a slave as a charity or as a penalty for a sin. Thus during the time of the Prophet(S.A.W.), setting a slave free was the penalty one must pay as a kaffarah, if he or she had a slave.What does not break the fast:If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast, for it is only Allah who has fed him and given him drink. (A Hadith from Muslim).Unintentional vomiting.Swallowing things which are not possible to avoid, such as one's saliva, street dust, smoke, etc.Brushing the teeth.Injection or intra-venous which is solely medical and not nutritional.Breaking of fast under exceptional conditions:Muslims are permitted to break the ordained fast of Ramadan when there is danger to their health. In this situation a Muslim should make up his fast later at any other time of the year.
