Islamic Association of Raleigh

Sk. Yusuf Estes and Sk. Mutahhir Sabree will be visiting Raleigh from Friday 9/17 until Sunday 9/19.

They will be promoting Guide US TV, an authentic 24hr English-speaking Islamic channel for the US community.

Sk. Yusuf will be:
Speaking after Fajr on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the ICR
Presenting the 3rd Shift Jummah Khutbah at the ICR on 9/17
Presenting the Friday Night Program on 9/17
Presenting after Maghrib on Saturday, 9/18
Presenting to Al-Furqan School 11:15 am to 12:00 pm on Sunday, 9/19

An-Noor Quran Academy is proud to announce the 2010 Ramadan Quran contest. The contest is encouraging all Muslims to learn and memorize Quran using proper rules of tajweed. Details

Please join us for a night of knowledge, worship and remembrance. Special guests include Sh. Abdul Nasir Jangda from Bayyinah Insitute and Br. AbdelRahman Murphy Youth Director from Dallas, TX. Qiyam prayer led by Brs. Adnan Siddiqui and Yousef Mohsin.

Schedule
11:30pm A Path to Rememberance Br. AbdelRahman Murphy
12:30pm Break & Rest
1:00am Ramadan: The Month of Du'a Sheikh Abdul Nasir Jangda
2:00am Break & Personal Worship
3:00am Purified: Seeking Tawba Br. AbdelRahman Murphy
3:30am Qiyam Prayer Adnan Siddiqui/Yusuf
4:30am Suhur
5:30am Fajr Prayer
5:45am Selected Tafsir of Quran Sheikh Abdul Nasir Jangda
6:45am Reflections

Details

As we prepare for our honored guest who comes annually,

the Friday Night Program on August 6th between Maghrib and Isha
will be about getting ready for the Holy month of Ramadan,
presented by Imam Sameh Asal

United Nations humanitarian agencies has warned of humanitarian disaster in north-western Pakistan, where an estimated 1400 people have already died in the region's worst flooding in living memory and more heavy rains are forecast.

More than 3 million people have been affected. People immediately need food, water, shelter, health facilities, medicines and sanitation.

Insha Allah, we will be collecting donations after Friday prayers that will be sent to Pakistan by the Islamic Relief USA. Zakat money can also be donated for this humanitarian cause.

The prophet ﷺ said, "...He who helps his brother in [times of] need, Allaah will help him in [times of] need. And He who helps a Muslim to solve a hardship, Allaah (ﷻ) will solve a hardship for him on the Day of Judgment."

Alhamdulillah we are nearing the blessed month of Ramadan. On Tuesday, August 10th, the moon will set after the sun sets in most of the world, including Makkah and North America, providing a strong possibility for visibility.

We will carefully monitor for crescent moon sightings and make an official announcement on the IAR website as soon as information is available, but no later than 9:00pm ET on Tuesday, August 10th inshallah.

If we can confirm the new crescent moon sighting, we will begin Taraweeh on Tuesday evening and begin fasting on Wednesday, August 11. However, if we cannot confirm the new crescent moon sighting, then we will complete 30 days of the month of Shabaan and the first day of fasting will be on Thursday, August 12th.

For more information on Ramadan and moon sighting, please visit http://www.islam1.org/iar/imam/archives/2000/11/28/arrival_of_the_month_of_ramadan_taraweeh_prayer.php

Zakaat-ul-maal

(Mohamed Baianonie, Imam of the Islamic Center of Raleigh, NC, delivered this Friday speech on April 17, 1987)

 

            Zakaat is the third pillar of Islaam. It is sometimes translated as alms. Linguistically, zakaah means growth, purification and blessing.

 

            Zakaat purifies the heart from the horrible trait of stinginess, and it also purifies one's wealth by distributing a portion of it.  It also causes the wealth to grow with Allaah's blessings.  While regular charity is strongly recommended and greatly rewarded, Zakaat is a debt we owe to Allaah and it must be paid as a part of our belief in Him.

 

            Zakaat eventually became a specific amount after it was ordained in Madeenah during the month of Shawwaal of the second year of Hijrah.  In order to emphasize its importance, Allaah orders giving Zakaat and performing prayers together over eighty times in the Qur'aan.  In one verse which is repeated many times Allaah says what may be interpreted as, "... And perform prayers and give Zakaat..." and Allaah says to His Messenger ﷺ what may be interpreted as, "Of their wealth take alms so that, through it, you may purify and sanctify them..." [Surat At-Taubah, (verse 103)]

 

            Not only does the Qur'aan order giving Zakaat, but there are numerous sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that order it as well. For example, the Prophet ﷺ said: "Islam is built on five pillars..." [Recorded by Imaams Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] and he mentioned Zakaat as one of them. Also when the Prophet ﷺ sent Mu'aadh to the people of Yemen, he told him: "... And let them know that Allaah has ordained on them alms, to be taken from their rich (people) and given to their poor..." [Recorded by the group of Hadeeth collectors]

    

     There are several verses and Ahaadeeth that warn us about the severe consequences for those who do not pay Zakaat.  Allaah says what may be interpreted as, "... And those who hoard gold and silver and spend them not in the way of Allaah announce unto them a most grievous penalty.  On the Day, when they [the gold and silver] will be heated in the fire of Hell and used to brand their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs.  This is what you have hoarded for yourselves, taste you then what you have hoarded."[Surat At-Taubah, (verse 34)] The word "hoarded" used in this hadeeth refers to one's wealth on which Zakaat was due but not paid.

    

     The Prophet ﷺ said: "For every owner of hoarded wealth on which he does not pay Zakaat, this wealth will be heated in the fire of Hell and made into sheets with which his flanks and forehead will be branded until Allaah passes judgment among His servants on a day that measures fifty thousand years (of our reckoning), then his path will be shown, either to Heaven or to Hell." [Recorded by Imaams Bukhaari, Muslim and Ahmad]

    

     The companions of the Prophet ﷺ have unanimously agreed, during Abuu-Bakr's term of Khilaafah, to fight those who refused to pay Zakaat. As a result of their decision, they fought those who withheld Zakaat during Abuu Bakr's term.

 

WHO MUST PAY ZAKAAT?

Zakaat is obligatory on every Muslim, male or female, who has a surplus of money, called "Nisaab."  Nisaab must be extra money saved in one's possession for one whole lunar year, after a person has covered the basic needs of oneself and dependents. Nisaab determines whether a person is obligated to pay Zakaat or not.

 

HOW IS NISAAB DETERMINED?

            There are two standards that determine the amount of Nisaab. The first Nisaab is the equivalent of the price of eighty five (85) grams of pure gold which, according to today's market value, is worth about three thousand dollars ($3,000). The second Nisaab is the equivalent of the price of five hundred and ninety five ($595) grams of silver, which is worth about nine hundred dollars ($900).  A Muslim can choose from either estimation to determine whether they are obligated to pay Zakaat or not. Some scholars prefer the Nisaab estimation for silver, since it is lower, so that more people would be required to pay Zakaat and the poor would get more help.  It is important to know that Zakaat is calculated based on the total amount of wealth in one's possession at the end of the lunar year, not only the minimum amount of Nisaab.

 

WHAT IS MEANT BY BASIC NEEDS?

            Basic needs refer to the things one cannot live without.  These necessities may include any or all of the following: food, clothing, housing, and transportation for oneself and one's dependents. Dependents may include wives, children or grandchildren who are unable to earn their living and parents or grandparents who are in need.

 

HOW IS A ZAKAAT YEAR DETERMINED?

            A Zakaat year is one lunar year starting from the time one's wealth reaches the Nisaab.  If the wealth drops below the Nisaab at any time during the year, one should stop counting the days and start again the day the wealth reaches the Nisaab. Here is one scenario which follows the gold estimation for Nisaab (three thousand dollars ($3,000).

 

            For example, if a person's wealth consists of gold, silver, cash, stocks, bonds, and merchandise, one should add up the values of all these possessions.  If the total amount is equal to or greater than the $3,000dollar Nisaab, and it has stayed at or above $3,000 dollar amount for a complete lunar year, then Zakaat is due on this wealth. Zakaat must be paid on his wealth at a rate of two and a half percent (2.5%) of the amount possessed at the end of the year.

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE ZAKAAT?

            There are eight categories of people eligible to receive Zakaat.  They have been specified in the Qur'aan. Allaah says what may be interpreted as, "Alms are for the poor, the needy, the employees who administer the funds, those whose hearts have been recently reconciled to the Truth, those in bondage, those in debt, in the cause of Allaah, and the wayfarer, (thus it is) ordained by Allaah, and Allaah is most knowledgeable, most wise." [Surat At-Taubah, (verse 60)]

    

     Based on this verse, the following groups are eligible to receive Zakaat funds:

 

1.     The poor (Fuqaraa') who do not have enough income to cover basic needs.

2.     The needy (Masaakeen) whose basic needs are met but their income does not take care of other important needs.

3.     Those whose sole job is to collect and distribute the Zakaat funds.

4.      Those who are close to accepting Islaam and non-Muslims whose evil can be avoided if they receive money. 

5.     For freeing a Muslim person from bondage (whether a slave in the old times, or a prisoner of war in our times).

6.     For those who are indebted and cannot pay their debts.

7.     In the cause of Allaah : the scholars have said that what is meant here is that Zakaat can be given to those who volunteer to fight in the cause of Allaah and do not receive a fixed salary from the government.

8.     For the wayfarer who is stranded in a foreign land and cannot get enough money to go back to his homeland, even if he is wealthy in his homeland.  He should be given enough money to allow him to return to his homeland.

 

            It is preferable that Zakaat be paid to the poor and the needy among one's relatives first.  As we will see shortly, not all relatives qualify to receive Zakaat.

 

WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE ZAKAAT?

            There are five categories of people who are not eligible to receive Zakaat.  They are: 1) the rich who have enough to support themselves; 2) the healthy person who is capable of working and earning his living, unless he cannot find a job or his job does not provide him with enough money to support himself and his family. The Prophet ﷺ mentioned these two categories of people and he said: "Alms are not to be given to the rich or to the well-built." [Recorded by the five of Hadeeth collectors]The term "well-built" in this hadeeth means that he is able to work and support himself.

 

     In addition, Zakaat cannot be paid to: 3) one's dependents for whom he is responsible for supporting including: his wife, parents, grandparents (up to the eldest living great grandparent), children, and grandchildren (down to the last born great grandchild). However, since a woman is not financially responsible for any dependents, then she can pay Zakaat to her husband, father, brother, or anyone else including family if they are poor.    Also, Zakaat cannot be paid to: 4) a non-Muslim, unless he qualifies to receive Zakaat from one of the mentioned categories. Finally, Zakaat cannot be paid to: 5) the family of the prophet Muhammad ﷺ, this includes the families of Banuu Haashim and Banuu Al-Mut-Talib. The Prophet, ﷺ said: "Indeed, sadaqah ought not to be given to the family of Muhammad ..." [Recorded by Imaam Muslim] Abuu Hurairah (R.A.) narrated that when Al-Hasan took one date from the sadaqah dates, the Prophet, ﷺ said to him: "Nay spit it out! Don't you know that we cannot eat from charity?" [Recorded by Imaams Bukhaari and Muslim]

 

WHAT IF I AM IN DEBT, SHOULD I EXCLUDE MY DEBT FROM THE AMOUNT ON WHICH I HAVE TO PAY ZAKAAT?

            There are two types of debts: a) one that must be paid immediately in full and b) one that must be paid in installments.  The amount of the debt that is due immediately can be excluded from the total amount of Zakaat that is due.  However, if you are paying the debt in installments, then only the due installment can be exempted from Zakaat. 

 

IS IT PERMISSIBLE TO DISTRIBUE ZAKAAT MONEY TO AN AREA OTHER THAN WHERE IT WAS COLLECTED?

     In principle, Zakaat should be distributed among the people in the area where it was collected; this has been mentioned in the hadeeth when the Prophet ﷺ sent Mu'aadh (R.A.) to Yemen.  However, if there were no people eligible to receive Zakaat in the same area where it was collected or if there was Zakaat money left over after distribution, then this money can be sent to other areas as needed.

 

DO WOMEN HAVE TO PAY ZAKAAT ON THEIR JEWELRY?

     The scholars have agreed that jewelry made of precious stones or metals other than gold or silver is exempt from Zakaat.  As for jewelry that is made of gold or silver, the scholars have varied in their opinions.  Some say that Zakaat is due on this type of jewelry; among those scholars are Imaams Sa'eed Ibnul-Musayyeb, Sa'eed Ibnu-Jubair, Mujaahed, and Imaam Abu Hanifah.  They support their opinions with the Hadeeth which starts with "For every owner of gold or silver who does not pay their duty (i.e. Zakaat), this wealth will be heated in the fire of Hell and made into sheets..." In another Hadeeth, a woman came to the Prophet ﷺ accompanied by her daughter in whose hand were two bulky bracelets made of gold.  The Prophet ﷺ asked the mother: "Do you pay Zakaat on these?"  She answered "No".  The Prophet ﷺ said: "Would you like that Allaah exchange them for two bracelets made of fire (you'd wear on the Day of Judgment)?"

 

            On the other hand, there are scholars who say Zakaat is not due on this type of jewelry; among those scholars are Imaams Ash-Sha'bi, Taawoos, Maalik, Ash-Shaafe'i, and Imaam Ahmad.  They support their opinions with a narration that Aa'isha (R.A.) looked after her orphaned nieces who used to wear jewelry and she did not pay Zakaat on the jewelry. In another narration, Abdullaah Ibn Omar, (R.A.), used to give his daughters and female servants jewelry made of gold and he did not pay Zakaat on it.

 

            It should be noted, however, that gold and silver in storage, whether in the form of jewelry or otherwise, are considered savings and thus are included in the calculation of Zakaat.

 

WHAT IF ZAKAAT WAS NOT PAID FOR YEARS, DOES IT HAVE TO BE PAID NOW?

     Zakaat is considered a debt we owe Allaah , and it should be paid when it is due without any delay.  If a person is supposed to pay Zakaat and they neglected to pay it for years with or without a legitimate reason, then the whole amount of Zakaat which they missed paying should be paid immediately after precise calculations.  Moreover, if they had no legitimate reason for being late to pay Zakaat they should pay it immediately and repent and ask Allaah for forgiveness.

 

CAN ZAKAAT BE PAID BEFORE IT IS DUE, PARTIALLY OR FULLY?

            Yes, according to some scholars, this is permissible if a situation arises when there is a need to give out some or the entire anticipated Zakaat amount before the lunar year is over.  In this case, the amount given out with the intention of being considered Zakaat is deducted from the actual Zakaat amount due at the end of lunar year.

 

Let us not forget that Zakaat is a very important pillar of Islaam. It purifies one's heart and one's wealth.  It is important to keep in mind that Zakaat is a debt we owe Allaah and it must be paid in order for our faith to be complete.

 

            Finally, here at the Islamic Center of Raleigh, we have a committee that collects and distributes Zakaat-ul-maal.  If you would like to give your Zakaat-ul-maal through this committee please deposit it in the donation box in the lobby.

Islamic Rules and Basis for Determining the Beginning and End of Ramadaan

By Mohamed Baianonie, Imam at the Islamic Center of Raleigh, NC

Rajab 23, 1407 H., March 23, 1987

 

 

Just as fasting the month of Ramadaan is a pillar of Islaam, the criteria that marks the start and end of Ramadaan is set by Islaam as well. The crescent moon marks the beginning of each lunar month in Islaam, as Allaah stated in the Qur'aan in what may be translated as, "They ask you [O Muhammad] about the crescent moons, Say, 'They are measurements of time for the people and for hajj (pilgrimage).'" [Surat Al-Baqarah, verse 189]

 

I will cover this issue in the following points:

 

1. Mentioning the authentic Ahaadeeth of the Prophet ﷺ which specify to us the legitimate way in asserting the start and end of this month.
2. The summary of what those Ahaadeeth have benefited us in dealing with this case.
3. What is the Shara' point of view/the legitimate point of view in asserting the start and end of this month depending the calculations?
4. The sayings of some of the Muslim scholars regarding relying upon calculations to assert the start of the month.
5. The Shara' point of view regarding different viewings of the crescent, and the sayings of the scholars regarding that.

 

First:  The authentic Ahaadeeth of the prophet ﷺ:

 

1. Abû Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said, "Fast after you have seen it [the new crescent] and end the fast [at the end of the month] when you see it. If it is hidden from you, then wait until the thirty days of Sha'baan have passed." [Recorded by Imaams al-Bukhârî and Muslim]
2. In another version of the hadeeth recorded by Imaams al-Bukhârî and Muslim, the Messenger ﷺ said: "Do not fast until you see it, and do not break fast until you see it, and if you could not see it, continue Sha'baan to thirty days."
3. The son of Umar related that the Prophet ﷺ said: "The month is 29 days, so do not fast until you see it, and if you could not see it, complete the month; continue Sha'baan to thirty days." [Recorded by Imaams Muslim and Ahmad]
4. A'isha related that the Prophet ﷺ was very watchful to see the crescent of Sha'ban where he was not so for the other months, and he used to fast Ramadan when he saw the crescent, and if he could not, he would count thirty days and fast. [This was recoated by Imaam Ad-Daareqtni with authentic chean? according to Muslim's condition]
5. The son of Umar said: "The people looked to see the crescent, so I told the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ that I have seen it, so the Prophet fasted and ordered the people to fast." [This was recorded by Imaams Abu Dawood and Ibn Habbaan corrected it; Al-Haakim said: it is an authentic hadeth according to Muslim's condition]
6. Ibn Abbaas said: "A Bedouin came to the messenger of Allaah ﷺ and said: 'I have seen the crescent of Ramadaan,' so the Prophet said: 'Do you witness that there is no God but Allaah?' The Bedouin said: 'Yes!' Prophet said: 'Do you witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah?' The Bedouin said: 'Yes!' Then the Prophet asked Bilaal to inform the people to fast the next day." [Recorded by Imaams Abu Dawood, Tirmedhi, Ibn Habbaan and Al-Haakim corrected it]

Second: The summary of what those Ahaadeeth have benefited is that the legitimate way in                     asserting the start of the month of Ramadaan and Shawaa'l does not exceed two ways:

                       

1. The seeing of the new crescent.
2. To complete the month to thirty days if we could not see it for any reason.

 

You should notice that the world "see it" has been repeated in all the previous mentioned Ahaadeeth which certifies that we fast and ending the fast for the seeing of the new crescent and not for its existence. So the crescent might exist in reality, but we could not see it with the eye for any reason, so we do not fast or ending the fast and this is what all the scholars agreed on. 

 

Third:  What is the Shara' point of view to assert the start and end of the month depending on calculations? From what has been mentioned before, we find that this method is not legal to assert to the start and end of this month because of the following reasons:

 

1.      Because it disagrees with what has been stated in the authentic Ahaadeeth of the Prophet ﷺ which is relying on two ways to assert the start and end of the month: Viewing and completing the month to 30 days.

 

2.      Because it is a specialized process that not all Moslems can do, so it is not possible that Allaah asks the Muslims, who differ in their capabilities and educational levels, a worship whose way to assert its start and end is a specialized matter embraced within a group and not available to all of them.  

 

3.      Because no matter how specific this process is, it can not be determinant, and error can occur as was informed by the scholars of this field, the field of Astronomy.

 

Fourth:  The sayings of the Muslim jurists regarding asserting the start and end of the month         relying on calculations:

 

Muslim jurists have agreed that this way is not right, and here follows some of their saying that have been available to me:

 

·         School of Imaam Abu Hanifa says: 'It can not be depended upon someone who works with calculations and fixed timing in asserting the month for because he is disagreeing with the way of the Prophet ﷺ' (Al-Fiqh-u-lislaamy-wa'delatah By Dr. Whbah Az-Zuhayli vol 2, p.599)

 

·         Imaam Maalik says: The view of the crescent can not be asserted by the saying of someone who calculates the flow of the mood and its orbit neither for himself nor for someone else because Allaah, the Legislator, made fasting and ending the fasting rely of the vie of the crescent not on its existence; this is even if the person who did the calculations is right. So the work with the astronomical observatories even if they were right is not allowed. (Al-Fiqh-u-lislaamy-wa'delatah By Dr. Whbah Az-Zuhayli vol 2, p. 600)

 

·         Imaam Ibn Hanbal says: "We should not fast according to the stars and calculations even if they were right, for many times for they do not rely on legitimate basis. (Al-Fiqh-u-lislaamy-wa'delatah By Dr. Whbah Az-Zuhayli vol 2, p.602)

 

 

Fifth:   Is one sighting of the new crescent sufficient for the whole Muslim Ummah, or should each region depend on their own sighting?

Most Muslim jurists have adopted the opinion that any sighting of the new crescent, anywhere in the world, is considered valid and acceptable for determining the beginning and end of the month of Ramadaan. These jurists include: Imaam Abu Haneefah, Imaam Maalik and Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal. In other words, if the new crescent is seen anywhere in the world, it becomes obligatory for all Muslims to begin fasting, as the Prophet ﷺ said, "Fast after you have seen it [the new crescent] and end the fast [at the end of the month] when you see it." This hadîth is a general address directed to the whole Muslim Ummah. That is, if anyone sees the new crescent in any place, then this will be a valid sighting for all Muslims.

The sayings of the Muslim jurists regarding this matter:

(From the book Al-Fiqh-u-lislaamy-wa'delatah By Dr. Whbah Az-Zuhayli vol.2, p. 606)

 

• The Hanaafi Scholars said[1]: "The difference of the moon sighting localities, and sighting the moon during the daytime whether before midday or after it are not considered in terms of determining the beginning or the end of the month. This is in accordance with the preponderant opinion in the Hanaafi School. It is also the opinion viewed by most of the Hanaafi scholars, and it is also the opinion followed in giving fatwas. Therefore, the people of the east are duty bound to follow the new moon sighting of the people of the west if it is proved that they have sighted the moon in a sound and binding way, such as when two men bear witness that they have sighted the new moon, or if they testify to the judgment of the Judge, or if the news of the sighting of the moon becomes well-known to everyone. This does not apply to the case when one reports that the people of such and such city have sighted the new moon, for this is considered a reported speech.

 

• The Maaliki scholars said[2]: "If the crescent is sighted somewhere, people should fast everywhere, whether they live close or far away. People are not to consider in this regard the distance required for shortening the prayer nor the unity in sighting localities or its non-existence. Hence, fasting is obligatory for everyone who is informed about the sighting of the crescent if this sighting is reported by two reliable witnesses or a big group of people.

 

• The Hanbali scholars said[3]: "If the crescent has been sighted in a certain locality, be it near or far, all the people are obligated to fast. The ruling of the one who has not sighted the crescent is the same as that of the one who has sighted it.

 

Is one sighting of the new crescent sufficient for the whole Muslim Ummah, or should each region depend on their own sighting?

Most Muslim jurists have adopted the opinion that any sighting of the crescent moon, anywhere in the world, is considered valid and acceptable for determining the beginning and end of the month of Ramadaan. These jurists include: the Hanafis, Maalikis, and Hanbalis. In other words, if the crescent moon is seen anywhere in the world, it becomes obligatory for all Muslims to begin fasting, as the Prophet ﷺ said, "Fast after you have seen it [the crescent moon] and end the fast [at the end of the month] when you see it." This hadîth is a general address directed to the whole Muslim Ummah. That is, if anyone sees the new crescent in any place, then this will be a valid sighting for all Muslims.

            However Imaam Shaafi'i said that each locality should have their own sighting, and they are not obligated to adopt the sighting of another location. He used the following as evidence: Once one of the companions, Kuraib narrated that Um Ul-Fadl has sent him to visit Muaa'wia in As-Shaam (Syria). He said: 'I went to As-Shaam and accomplished the purpose of my visit, and while I was there, Ramadaan started; I had seen the crescent moon on Thursday night, and then went back to Madinah at the end of the month. Ibn Abbaas mentioned the crescent moon asking, 'When did you see the crescent moon?' I replied: 'We saw it on Thursday night.' Ibn Abbaas then asked: 'Kuraib, did you see it?' I answered: 'Yes! And the people had seen it, and they fasted, and so did Muaa'wia.' So Ibn Abbaas said: 'But we had seen it Friday night, so we will fast until we complete thirty days or until we see the crescent moon. I then asked: 'Aren't you satisfied with Muaa'wia's sighting and his fasting?' Ibn Abbaas answered: 'No, this is what the Messenger of Allaah had ordered us to do. [Recorded by Imaam Muslim, and others]

           

             Notice from this previous hadeeth, that Kuraib arrived to Madinah at the very end of the month of Ramadaan. This is important because Ibn Abbass and the Muslims in Madinah didn't have the knowledge of Mu'awia's sighting, and therefore, they had no choice but to continue their fast based on their own sightings. However, in today's society, communication is highly advanced and fast. News of sightings in any place in the world can reach us before fajr time, right before we begin our fast. Nobody can claim today that had Ibn Abbass been informed of a sighting before fajr that he would not have followed it and fasted along with the people of As-Shaam. With that said, this previous hadeeth is not applicable to today's society, because rapid communication did not exist at that time as it does today.

 

The followers of Imaam Shaafi'I further specified the exact distance between locations saying: If the crescent is seen in a certain place, then the areas within this region are obliged to accept this sighting, however, the places outside of this region are not obliged. Anyone who lives within an area spanning 133.056 km from the original sighting location is obliged to follow that area's sighting. This distance was calculated by multiplying twenty-four units of distance by 5544 meters, which is the equivalent of 133.056 km. In other words, all those who live within this 133 km span, are required to follow the sighting.

 

After hearing this information about determining the beginning and ending of Ramadaan, we ask Allaah to give us the health, strength, and Imaan to take advantage of the opportunities to worship during the month of Ramadaan and that He accept all of our righteous deeds. Ameen. 

I ask Allaah to protect us against the misdoings and bestow unto us sincerity in speech and action. Aameen

 

                                                                                                                       

 

           

 

 

 For Al-Iman & Al-Furqan Schools

Rules of the Fasting of Ramadaan

 (Prepared by Mohamed Baianonie, Imam of the Islamic Center of Raleigh, NC)

 

     The blessed month of Ramadaan is just around the corner. We should prepare ourselves to receive this month with sincerity in our fasting and our nightly prayers, so that we can receive the utmost reward of forgiveness and Paradise from Allaah .

 

Allaah says in the Qur'aan what may be interpreted as, "O' you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may achieve Taqwaa (righteousness, God-fearing)." [Suratul-Baqarah, (verse 183)] 

 

The prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Whoever observes the fast during the month of Ramadaan, (while) believing in Allaah and seeking His rewards, will have his past sins forgiven." [Reported by Imaams Bukhaari, Muslim and others]

 

          Fasting the month of Ramadaan is one of the main pillars of Islaam.  It is obligatory upon every sane, healthy Muslim who reaches puberty and is not traveling during the time of fasting.

 

Two Things Needed for Your Fast to be Accepted:

 

 If you want your fast to be accepted and earn a reward from Allaah , then you must:

 

1.    Have the intention to fast before fajr (dawn) every night during the month of Ramadaan. Every night, in your heart, you must believe that tomorrow you will fast for Allaah because you want to obey Allaah, make Allaah pleased with you, and to get His rewards.

                                                                                                                                                                  

2. Also if you want your fast to be accepted, you must not do the actions that will cancel your fast. You must not do these actions from dawn until sunset.

 

If you have the intention every night that you want to fast, and you stay away from all the actions that cancel your fast, then InshAllaah, Allaah will reward you for fasting.

 

What Are Some Actions that Will Cancel My Fast?

 

1-2. Eating or Drinking Purposely: If someone eats or drinks by accident, forgetfulness, or because someone has forced you to, then your fast is NOT cancelled and you can keep on fasting. But if you choose to eat or drink, then your fast for that day is cancelled, and you have to make it up after Ramadaan.

3. Vomiting Purposely: If you are overcome by the urge to vomit and you throw up then you can keep on fasting, because your fast will not be cancelled. But, if you purposely cause yourself to vomit, for any reason, then your fast will be cancelled, and you must make up the fast at a later date after Ramadaan.

What Is Okay To Do While Fasting?

 

There are some actions that are permissible to do during fasting, which will not cancel the fast. For example:

 

1.    Taking a shower: It is okay to shower for any reason, even if you are showering because you are thirsty or very hot.

 

2.    Rinsing the Mouth and Nose: It is okay to rinse the mouth and nose, but not so with so much water that you may swallow some.

 

3.    Applying Eyeliner or Eye Drops: It is okay to apply eyeliner or eye drops or anything else to the eyes, even if some taste from it finds its way to the throat.

                                                                                                                                                               

4.    Taking Injections: It is also okay to get a shot or take injections for nutritional or medical purposes.

 

5.    Accidental Consumption: If you accidentally swallow something that you did not have control over then your fast is still acceptable and you can keep fasting. For example, if you swallow your saliva, or accidentally swallow dust, or any other particles like sifted flour/sugar than you can keep fasting because it was out of your control.

 

6.    Tasting Food with the Tongue: If you taste food with your tongue, as long as you do not swallow any of it then your fast will still be okay. It is okay to use toothpaste or mouthwash, as long as you do not swallow any of it.

 

7.  Breathing in Different Scents: It is okay to smell or breathe in any kind of odors or scents including medicinal inhalers or vapor rubs that might enter the lungs.

 

8. Giving Blood: It is also okay to give blood in any amount for any reason. If giving blood will make the person weak, then it is disliked for that person to give blood.

 

When Is It Okay To NOT Fast?

 

There are certain conditions when a person can choose to fast or not. For example, if a person is sick or if a person is traveling then he can choose whether he wants to fast that day or not. They must make up these days they missed sometime in the future.

If someone has a permanent illness or they are very old and weak and they cannot fast, then they have to feed one poor person for each day that they have missed.

 

How Can I Earn Extra Rewards During Ramadaan?

 

There are some acts that are recommended, and if you practice them, you will gain more rewards from Allaah . Such as:

 

1.  Eating suhuur (pre-dawn meal) and having suhuur right before fajr time.

 

2.    You can also hurry to break your fast at sunset.

 

3.    Breaking your fast by eating an odd number (1,3,5...) of fresh or dry dates, and if those are not available, then having a drink of water would be okay.

 

4.    Also we can earn rewards by supplicating at the time of breaking the fast, as the prophet ﷺ used to say,

 Dhahabadh-dhama-oo wabtallatil-'urooqu, wa thabatal-ajru inshaa'Allaah.

 

"The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and Allaah willing, the reward is confirmed."

 

5.    Another recommended act is that we pray taraaweeh daily after 'ishaa'.

         

6.    You can earn more rewards in Ramadaan by reciting and studying the Qur'aan. This is because the Qur'aan was revealed to the prophet Muhammad  at this time, and also Angel Gabriel used to review the Qur'aan with the Prophet during this month. We should try to do just like the prophet used to!

 

7.    We can also gain rewards by using Miswaak (a piece of root from the Araak tree found in the Hijaaz region of the Arabian Peninsula used to clean the teeth), if not available, any other cleaning tool (toothbrush, floss) to clean the mouth is sufficient.

 

InshAllaah, we will all do our best to fast for Allaah so that He can give us success in our lives, great rewards and forgive us for all the bad things we have done. Aameen.

 

Rules of the Fasting of Ramadaan

 (Prepared by Mohamed Baianonie, Imaam of the Islamic Center of Raleigh, NC)

 

      The blessed month of Ramadaan is just around the corner. We should prepare ourselves to receive this month with sincerity in our fasting and our nightly prayers, so that we can receive the utmost reward of forgiveness and Paradise from Allaah .

 

Allaah says in the Qur'aan what may be interpreted as, "O' you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may achieve Taqwaa (righteousness, God-fearing)." [Suratul-Baqarah, (verse 183)] 

 

The prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Whoever observes the fast during the month of Ramadaan, (while) believing in Allaah and seeking His rewards, will have his past sins forgiven." [Reported by Imaams Bukhaari, Muslim and others]

 

            Fasting the month of Ramadaan is one of the main pillars of Islaam.  It is obligatory upon every sane, healthy Muslim whose reached puberty and is not traveling during the time of fasting.  As for women, they must not fast if they are menstruating or having post-childbirth bleeding. 

 

The Essential Elements of the Fast

 

            There are two essentials elements for your fast to be valid and accepted. They are:

 

1.       The Intention: You must have the intention to fast before fajr (dawn) every night during the month of Ramadaan.

The intention does not need to be spoken, because in reality it is an act of the heart, which does not involve the tongue. It will be fulfilled by one's intention from the heart to fast out of obedience to Allaah , seeking His pleasure.

                                                                                                                                                                    

2. Abstaining from Acts that Nullify the Fast: The second essential element for your fast to be accepted is that you abstain from the acts that nullify the fast from dawn to sunset.

 

If you maintain these two essential elements during fasting, then your fast will be valid and accepted.

 

The Six Actions that Invalidate or Nullify the Fast

 

All scholars have agreed that the following acts will invalidate the fast. They are:

 

1-2. Intentional Eating or Drinking: If someone eats or drinks due to forgetfulness, a mistake, or coercion, then his fast is still valid and should continue to fast. If you choose to eat or drink, for any reason, then your fast will become invalid. 

3. Intentional Vomiting: If one is overcome by the urge to vomit, and vomits unintentionally, then he should continue to fast. If someone chooses to vomit, for any reason, then his fast will become invalid.

4. Intentional Sexual Intercourse: If one has sexual intercourse while fasting, then he must perform kaffaarah, expiation (Fasting continuously for sixty days. If unable, one should feed sixty poor people).

5-6. Menstrual & Childbirth Bleeding Invalidate the Fast:  The fast becomes invalid during menstrual or post-childbirth bleeding. Even if such bleeding begins just before sunset, the fast of that day is invalid and the day must be made up at a later time.

 

Note:  All the actions mentioned above are agreed upon by all scholars.  However, there are some other actions that are not mentioned above which are not agreed upon.

 

Action that are Permissible During Fasting

 

There are some actions that are permissible to do while fasting, which will not nullify the fast. For example:

 

1.      Taking a Shower: It is permissible to shower, for any reason, even if you are showering due to thirst or being overheated.

 

2.      Rinsing the Mouth and Nose: It is permissible to rinse the mouth and nose without exaggeration; using too much water may cause you to swallow water, which may invalidate your fast.

 

3.      Applying Eyeliner or Eye Drops: It is permissible to apply kohl (eyeliner) or eye drops or anything else to the eyes, even if some taste from it finds its way to the throat.   

                                                                                                                                                             

4.      Taking Injections: It is also permissible to take injections for nutritional or medical purposes; there is no text that proves this invalidates the fast.

 

5.      Taking Suppositories: Similarly, it is permissible to have an enema or douche. The injection of liquid into the rectum through the anus for cleansing, as a laxative, or for other therapeutic purposes, or the use of a suppository (a solid medication designed to melt within a body cavity) or any other medicine that can be used in the private parts, whether in the front or back is permissible. There is no text that considers these acts to nullify the fast. 

 

6.      Accidental Consumption: Your fast will not become invalid if you consume something that you could not protect yourself from. For example, swallowing your saliva or accidentally swallowing dust or sifted flour that has accidentally entered your mouth.

 

7.      Tasting Food with the Tongue: Your fast will be valid even if you taste food with your tongue or use toothpaste or mouthwash as long as nothing is swallowed.

 

8.  Breathing in Different Scents: It is permissible to smell or breathe in any kind of odors or scents including medicinal inhalers or vapor rubs that might enter the lungs.

 

9. Kissing and Embracing One's Spouse: It is permissible to kiss and embrace your spouse as long as one is able to control oneself.

 

10. Drawing Blood: It is also permissible to draw blood in any amount for any reason. If drawing blood weakens the person, it will be considered a disliked action.

 

11. Being in a State of Janaabah: Your fast will still be valid even if you find yourself in a state of janaabah (a major ritual impurity) after fajr (dawn) has arrived. Ghusl (a full bath) can still be performed once the time of fajr has begun.

 

 

 

Who May Be Excluded From Fasting?

 

There are certain situations when it is optional to fast during the month of Ramadaan, however, the fast must be made up at a later date. This is the rule for the sick or for the one who is traveling.

However, women who are experiencing post-childbirth bleeding or are in their menses are not allowed to fast until their bleeding ends. They must make up the days they missed fasting at a later date.

For those who cannot fast due to a permanent illness or old age, they have to pay fidiya (feeding one poor person) for each day that they have missed.

 

Pregnant and nursing women, who are afraid that fasting may weaken them or the child, have the option of fasting or not. After Ramadaan ends, they have the choice of fasting or paying fidiyah (feeding one poor person) for each day that they had missed during Ramadaan. However, according to the Hanafi School of jurists, such women are only to make up the missed days of fasting, and they are not supposed to feed one poor person a day. On the other hand, Imaams Ahmad and Ash-Shaaf'i, hold the opinion that if such women fear only for the baby, they must pay the fidiyah and make up the days later. If they fear only for themselves or for themselves and the baby, then they are only to make up the missed days at a later date.

 

Recommended Acts During Ramadaan

 

There are some acts that are recommended, and if you practice them, you will gain more rewards from Allaah such as:

 

1.  Having suhuur (pre-dawn meal) and delaying it until just before fajr (dawn) time.

 

2.       We should also hurry to break the fast at sunset.

 

3.       Another recommended act is that we break the fast by eating an odd number of fresh or dry dates, and if those are not available, then having a drink of water would be sufficient.

 

4.       Also we can earn rewards by supplicating at the time of breaking the fast, as the prophet ﷺ used to say,

 Dhahabadh-dhama-oo wabtallatil-'urooqu, wa thabatal-ajru inshaa'Allaah.

"The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and Allaah willing, the reward is confirmed."

 

5.       Another recommended act is that we pray taraaweeh daily after 'ishaa'.

           

6.       To gain even more rewards, it is recommended that during Ramadaan we increase our recitation and study of the Qur'aan. This is because the revelation of the Qur'aan began during this time, and also Angel Gabriel used to review the Qur'aan with the Prophet during this month.

 

7.       We can also gain rewards by using Miswaak (a piece of root from the Araak tree found in the Hijaaz region of the Arabian Peninsula used to clean the teeth), if not available, any other cleaning tool to clean the mouth is sufficient.

 

We ask Allaah to strengthen us in Ramadaan, accept our fasts, and reward us with His forgiveness and the highest place in Paradise. Aameen.