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For those of you who are fasting for Ramadan can you share with us what Ramadan is all about etc etc etc. and your experiences with fasting and any other rituals that are observed?
:)
RissaWissa
02-09-2008, 07:34 PM
soo when i was little i started out fasting like a day or two then when i felt that i cud handle going the whole month i went for it!!
RissaWissa
02-09-2008, 07:41 PM
feel free to ask anything u want...i can TRY to answer...if i cant answer i'm sure ali can...lol
Thais
02-09-2008, 07:53 PM
What does fasting actually consist of?
Surely not going without food OR water for a month. Do you also abstain sexually? Do you eat or drink after sunset?
Fasting is observed in my religion, and I would like to participate.
RissaWissa
02-09-2008, 11:35 PM
i got this in an email a couple days back...this might answer some questions
CONTRACEPTIVES AND FASTING
If a woman is on a contraceptive, can she continue to use it so not to miss fasts in Ramadhaan? the contraceptive is used for medical purposes and not to prevent a child-not married .
If an unmarried female is on a contraceptive for medical reasons, she may continue its use as that will be of dual benefit to her, medical as well as to be able to fast. If she does not have to take it for medical reasons then it is advisable for her not to do so as that is disturbing the natural cycle which may have health implications. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
KISS WHILST FASTING
During fasting, can I give my wife a tight squeeze and a smacking kiss?
If you are able to contain your carnal desires, then it is permissible to do so. If you are unable to do so, for example, you are young or newly married and there is a strong possibility that the hugging and kissing will lead to being more intimate, then it is prohibited. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
NOSE DROPS, EYE DROPS
Can a person who is sick inhale some menthol type medicine through the nose to clear the head during fasting in Ramadan? Can a person put eye drops in their eye during Fasting in Ramadan?
It is not permissible to inhale medicine during fasting. It is permissible to use eye drops during fasting. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
SWIMMING
Can one swim while fasting ?
It is permissible. Care should be taken that no water enters the mouth. It will, however, be best to abstain and use the precious moments of this month in Ibaadat. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Moulana Imraan Vawda]
BREASTFEEDING
I am breastfeeding my 5-month old daughter - can I fast during Ramadan? The iftar time will be 8:30pm. If fasting affects lactation should I continue or make up the days later?
It is permissible to fast whilst breastfeeding. However, if fasting affects lactation, you may make up for the fasts later. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
SWALLOWING MUCUS
If someone has a throat infection and is coughing up green or yellow colored sputum, if such sputum is swallowed will this invalidate the fast? Similarily if someone has a runny nose from the flu or common cold which is producing clear mucus, if this mucus is swallowed will the fast be invalidated?
Swallowing Mucus or sputum does not invalidate the fast. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
SEHRI TIME
Being a Shafie, was my fast valid if I accidently followed the hanafi sehri ending time (which is earlier)? I am from Malaysia and studying in UK. I was not aware of the difference between fajar and asar time between the shafie and hanafi mazhab. A large portion of last ramadhan, I ate to the last minute before sehri ends using the hanafi time. Do I have to perform qada?
There is no difference of opinion in the terminating time of Sehri and commencing time for Fajr Salaat. All the scholars are unanimous that Sehri ends upon the commencing of Subh-e-Saadiq (break of dawn) when the horizontal light in the sky appears. Fajr time commences at Subh-e-Saadiq. Your fasts were valid and you do not have to make Qadhaa of your fasts. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
TOOTHPASTE & BRUSHING TEETH
1. I was wondering if brushing with miswaak allowed (which has a taste to it), why isn't brushing with tooth paste allowed?
It is permissible to make miswak while fasting. To use tooth paste in the state of fasting is Makrooh (disliked). The minimum taste in the miswak is unlike the strong taste in the paste. Furthermore the paste is a solid substance and liquidifies more in the mouth thereby having the potential of going down the throat. [Mufti E. Desai]
2. Is it permissible to brush teeth while fasting?
It is makrooh to use toothpaste during fasting. One may use the miswaak during fasting. [Mufti E Desai]
BLOOD TEST
If blood is taken out of the body, does this break the fast?
Taking out blood during fasting does not invalidate the fast. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]
2. I am diabetic and I am prone to fainting - can I take blood tests to monitor my blood sugar during ramadan?
Shari'ah (laws of Islam) are balanced and have taken into consideration different circumstances.
If a person is ill to such an extent that he will faint due to fasting, then he will be excused from fasting. Such a person may give Fidya (compensation) for not fasting. However, taking blood tests during fasting is permissible and that does not invalidate the fast. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
GUMS BLEED
When I am fasting, sometimes my gums bleed. If I swallowed this blood would my fast be broken? Sometimes I cannot spit the blood out at work as I cannot leave my post to go to the toilet easily?
You should not swallow the blood. However, the swallowing of the blood does not invalidate the fast. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]
INJECTIONS WHILST FASTING
Is it permissible to take an injection while fasting and does that nullify the fast?
It is permissible to take an injection during fasting. The injection does not nullify the fast. (Ahsanul Fataawa vol.4 pg.432) And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
ASTHMA PUMPI am an asthma patient. Is it permissible for me to use the inhaler during fasting? The inhaler contains salbutamol (liquid medication). If it is not permissible, what should I do when I get an asthma attack during fasting?
Since the inhaler contains a medication (salbutamol), the use of it in the state of fasting will invalidate the fast. We advise you take medication at the time of Sahri to avoid an asthma attack. However, should you get the attack during fasting, if there is no adequate alternative which does not break the fast, you may use the inhaler and make-up for that fast later (make Qadhaa). And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
LIP BALMS
Are you allowed to put anything on your lips during fasting, such as lip balm or vaseline to help them from burning?
It is permissible to use a lip balm in the state of fasting. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]
WET DREAM
During Ramdhan, if one has a wet dream (self relief during sleep), is the fast valid?
If one has a wet dream during fasting, the fast is still valid. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]
INTIMACY WHILST FASTING
I am fasting is it permissible to sleep with own wife ? If yes what we can do with her. touch, kiss, hug etc.
It is not permissible to have intercourse with one's wife during fasting. If the husband can control his desires, then he can touch, kiss, etc. the wife. If he fears that it may lead to being intimate with her, then it is prohibited. And Allah Ta'ala knows best . [Mufti E. Desai]
MENSES
1. If a female gets her period during her fast, can she break the fast right away or she has to wait till the end?
If a female gets her periods during fasting, she may eat immediately thereafter. However, she should not do so in public and in the presence of other fasting people. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]
2. A female starts menstruating while fasting. What if she stops menstruating during fasting? How should she conduct herself?
If her menses commenced while fasting, she can eat (not in public). If her menses stopped while fasting, she should abstain from eating, drinking, etc. but (in both instances) make up for the day by keeping a Qadhaa fast after Ramadaan. (Aalamgiri vol.1 pg.214; Rashidiyya)
BATHING WHILST FASTING
I've been told not to take bath when I'm fasting,either before fasting or after iftar I can take a bath.Please tell me whether this is true.
It is permissible to take a bath while fasting. The information given to you is incorrect. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]
PREGNANCY & POST BIRTH
1. Is a pregnant woman or one who has just delivered, permitted to fast in the month of Ramadhaan?
The fast of a pregnant woman is valid. However, due to weakness during pregnancy, she is exempt from fasting. After delivery of the baby, during Nifaas (bleeding after birth), she cannot fast. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
2. A woman delivered a baby about a month ago through a ceassarean operation. The doctor said that the operation wound may take upto 6 months to recover. She is also breast-feeding the baby. She has been adviced to keep herself healthy with proper intake of food. Since Ramadan is commencing after 1 month, is it permissible for her to miss her fasts in the month of Ramadan and make up for it later. Please advice.
Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'aan, 'If a person is sick (whilst in Ramadhaan) or on a journey, then complete fast on other days (besides Ramadhaan). If by not eating there is harm feared to either the woman or her child, it will be permissible for her to continue eating and keep Qadhaa of Ramadhaan whenever she is able to. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
QADHAA FASTS IN SHAWWAL
Is it permissible to make up for the days missed during the month of Ramadhaan while people are fasting the six days in the month of Shawwal?
Yes. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]
Taken from Islam.tc
Prepared by Al-Islaah Publications
The month of Ramadhan is the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. The month in which Muslims all over the world of all creeds and races fast everyday from dawn to dusk for one month.
Abstaining from food and drink from dawn till dusk is only one aspect of Fasting.....we learn to appreciate more what we have. We see people suffering everyday from starvation, malnutrition etc. and we do nothing.....by getting a "taste" of what people have to go through we learn to be patient and be grateful to God for what you have and be more charitable to those in need :).
Also Fasting brings you closer to God...makes you more God conscious.......all year round you do things care free without thinking about whether it's right or wrong. Fasting in Ramadhan is like a "training ground" if i may where you try your utmost best to stay away from all things that are wrong both morally and legally.
The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said:
"Fasting is not merely abstaining from eating and drinking. Rather, it is also abstaining from ignorant and indecent speech. So if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say: I am fasting, I am fasting."
Fasting also brings a sense of togetherness and unity within the household and also in the community. For example everyone wakes up the same time to have a meal at the table. Now tell me how often does this happen under normal circumstances?....Also the breaking of the fast is done collectively as a unit :)
There is much to talk about but i cant think of everything right now...kinda sleepy :xD:...ask away and we'll try to answer....i aint no scholar eh
what about the no water thing? can a person go without water during the day? yesterday it was sooooooooo hot outside, how can you go without water and travel home? Is it safe?
I personally have no problem. I have been doing it a very long time now. Never had the urge to break my fast due to thirst. Some people have no meal to look forward to when the time for the breaking of the fast approaches, not even clean water :(.......I can wait it out :)
Thais
03-09-2008, 11:41 PM
Ramadan is very similar to our fasts, but we only celebrate the fast 1 holy day each month... then donate at least the money equal to what we have saved on food to the poor.
Otherwise all the rules/guidelines are the same.
Wait: we have no proscription against takin inhaled medications. I am concerned about the asthmatic. They should be put on a long-acting steroid spray and the if they have an attack, take the medication and make up the day.
Yes no doubt, if fasting is a health risk like for example asthmatic patients then they should discontinue the fast, take the necessary medication and they have 11 months before the next Ramadhan approaches in which to make up the missed fasts.
edit: this was already pointed out in Rissa's post :)
Thais
04-09-2008, 05:56 PM
Another lame question: When does Ramadan start and stop each year?
Another lame question: When does Ramadan start and stop each year?
lol not a lame question
Well the Islamic calendar is different from the one we use everyday. (is it called Gregorian calender or something i forgot dunno)
We are currently in the year 1429AH....the Islamic calendar year or Lunar year (each month begins with the sighting of the new moon) is about 10 or 11 (not sure) days shorter than the normal year. This means Ramadhaan next year will be 10 days earlier than when it started this year.
So.....it is the 9th month of the lunar year...it is 29 or 30 days long depending on the sighting of the new moon for the start of the next month which is called Shawwal. 1st of Shawwal is the day of Eid.
Hope i didnt confuse you :)
one thing to note.......during this month, like every single day we get some really good food for dinner.........no roti and choka :xD:
what u mean what we had to eat?
well 3 days went so far...
1st day....dhal, rice, curry chicken, mango, salad.
2nd day....fried rice, fried salmon, fried chicken, cream potato, salad
3rd day.....same as second day.....but fresh chicken n fish was fried
many more to come :)
RissaWissa
05-09-2008, 02:51 PM
one thing to note.......during this month, like every single day we get some really good food for dinner.........no roti and choka :xD:
and esp good thing to break fast!!!
and esp good thing to break fast!!!
yes so true...the mosque has quite alot of stuff to break fast.....too much actually...so i prefer break my fast at home and eat a little so i could eat a proper dinner afterwards :yes:
RissaWissa
05-09-2008, 02:56 PM
only on weekends we get to break fast in the mosque but this year is different...but we still stay home cuz it's so late...but on weekends when we go to mosque it's usually pakistani or arab food...
tuesday i went to break fast in the mosque......for each person there was dates of course,a saheena, a puff, a breadfruit pie (1st time i ate that...seemed that they dipped a piece of breadfruit in some batter and fried it...was ok)
but when i ate that i couldnt enjoy my dinner :no:....was halfway full already
Thais
05-09-2008, 06:41 PM
can you have sex at night? or medications?
can you have sex at night? or medications?
yes you can.....you only fast from dawn till dusk.....^you can do that from dusk till dawn :)
^^But of course during this blessed month one would use this time wisely to perform other acts of worship....performing extra prayers during the night has great merit :)
Thais
06-09-2008, 01:42 AM
i think i would be tempted to sleep the day away, and eat and worship through the night if i were able.
it would be a great month to request graveyard shift.
i think i would be tempted to sleep the day away, and eat and worship through the night if i were able.
it would be a great month to request graveyard shift.
errrmm ...what is that? dunno
RissaWissa
06-09-2008, 03:48 AM
graveyard shift is working nites
Thais
07-09-2008, 04:39 AM
I intend to keep the fast tomorrow. I know it is a late start, but I intend to make up the days I have missed.
Ramadan Kareem to every Muslim in every part of the world.
May Allah bless you in this holy month and accept all your prayers and good deeds.
CuChulainn
08-09-2008, 08:56 PM
Sorry to sound selfish, but I could not do it.... I dont even stay off meat on Good Friday ! I think its great that some of you do it, but it would not be for me
Have you been fasting from a young age ? Any do any of you still fast due to obligation as opposed to wanting to do it ?
Thais
09-09-2008, 09:33 PM
I think I started fasting around age 8. 1 Sunday per month.
There is a certain power in saying no to your body, and knowing that you can. It also help me think less about trivial things and I feel good donating the $$ saved to the poor.
I heard someone saying that during the month of Ramadan something about Hell being closed and if you die during this month you go to Heaven? dunno
Ramadan or Ramadhan or Ramazan(Arabic (http://www.worldsunited.net/wiki/Arabic_language): رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (http://www.worldsunited.net/wiki/Islamic_calendar).
The word Ramadan is derived from the word ramd "to burn". Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam (http://www.worldsunited.net/wiki/Five_pillars_of_Islam). The month is spent by Muslims fasting (http://www.worldsunited.net/wiki/Sawm) during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. The name came from the time before the Islamic calendar, when the month of Ramadan fell in the summer. Fasting during this month is often thought to figuratively burn away all sins. Muslims believe that the Qur'an (http://www.worldsunited.net/wiki/Qur%27an) was sent down to the earth during this month. Furthermore, Muhammad (http://www.worldsunited.net/wiki/Muhammad) told his followers that the gates of Heaven would be open all the month and the gates of Hell would be closed. The first day of the next month is spent in celebrations and is observed as the ‘Festival of Breaking Fast’ or `Eid ul-Fitr (http://www.worldsunited.net/wiki/Eid_ul_Fitr).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan_(calendar_month)
The gates of Heaven are open and the gates of Hell are closed
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/ramadan_1.shtml
I've heard this quite often but sounds like none sense to me because if a "suicide bomber, " as they are called, strikes and murders people during this month, he would go to heaven? I don't think so. :no:
dunno but look at those links above. why do they say that on those websites?
find out later and tell us :p
For now here is a Commentary (http://www.central-mosque.com/fiqh/ramadhan.htm) on the narration you posted
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