Safeguarding As-Saum (The Fast)
1240. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)
reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When any one of
you is observing Saum (fasting) on a day, he should neither indulge
in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone
reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: `I am
observing fast.'''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary:
This Hadith has already been mentioned and is repeated here for its
being relevant to this chapter. We learn from it that during Saum not
only food, drink and sex are prohibited but the improper use of the
tongue and the other organs of the body as well. When one is
observing Saum, he should neither use abusive language nor talk
foolishly nor tell lies nor make obscene conversation nor indulge in
backbiting nor quarrel with anyone. If someone provokes him, he
should keep himself quiet and remember that he is observing Saum and
he has to abstain from such things. As far as possible, he should
keep his tongue engaged in the remembrance of Allah and recitation of
the Qur'an.
1241. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with
him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "If one does not eschew
lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from
his food and his drink.''
[Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: This
Hadith exhorts those observing Saum to fulfill all the requirements
of fasting. One should not conduct himself in such a manner that on
the one side he observes Saum and on the other he is fearless of
Allah. To save himself from Allah's Wrath and to get the reward of
the fasts, one must abstain from all sorts of vices, such as
cheating, lying, backbiting, and using obscene language. The threat
held against such people in this Hadith should make them fear that
their Saum will go waste and they would be deprived of its reward. It
does not mean that such people should start eating and drinking
during Saum but what is intended is that they should save themselves
from all kinds of sins so that they may earn the reward of Saum.
The
Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during Ramadan
Allah, the
Exalted, says:
"O you who believe! the fasting is
prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that
you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (Fasting) for a fixed number
of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number
(should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast
with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to
fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever
does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast
is better for you if only you know. The month of Ramadan in which was
revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the
guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of
you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of
Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must fast that month, and
whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one
did not fast must be made up) from other days.'' (2:183-185)
1215.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger
of Allah (PBUH) said, "Allah the Exalted and Majestic said:
`Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the
fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for
it.' Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he
should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his
voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he
should say: `I am fasting.' By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad
is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the
fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels
pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast
when he meets his Rubb.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In a narration by Al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
"Allah says: `(The person observing Saum) has abstained from
food and drink, and sexual pleasures for My sake; fasting is for Me,
and I will bestow its reward. Every good deed has ten times its
reward'.''
In a narration by Muslim, the
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The reward of every (good) deed
of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah
(SWT) says: `The reward of observing Saum is different from the
reward of other good deeds; Saum is for Me, and I Alone will give its
reward. The person observing Saum abstains from food and drink only
for My sake.' The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the
time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his
Rubb. Surely, the breath of one observing Saum is better smelling to
Allah than the fragrance of musk.''
Commentary:
"Khuluf'', is the smell that comes from the mouth of person who
observes Saum. It results from the thirst and hunger which he has to
suffer during the Saum. The Hadith not only tells us the merits of
Saum but also brings into focus the true significance of it. Saum is
not thus mere abstention from food, drink and sexual intercourse, but
also keeping away from all evils and vices and embracing virtues.
1216. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who spends a pair in the
way of Allah will be called from the gates of Jannah: `O slave of
Allah! This gate is better for you' and one who is constant in Salat
(prayer), will be called from the Gate of Salat; and whoever is eager
in fighting in the Cause of Allah, will be called from the Gate of
Jihad; and who is regular in observing Saum will be called from
Ar-Raiyan Gate. The one who is generous in charity will be called
from the Gate of Charity.'' Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him)
said: "O Messenger of Allah (PBUH)! May my mother and father be
sacrificed for you! Those who are called from these gates will stand
in need of nothing. Will anybody be called from all of those gates?''
He replied, "Yes, and I hope that you will be one of
them.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: "Pair''
means two; in other channels of transmission, it has been explained
thus: "They asked him, `Pair of what?' He (PBUH) said, `A pair
of horses, cows or camels'.'' "Pair'' in this Hadith, however,
can be all-inclusive; i.e., fasting two days or performing two
prayers, etc. This Hadith also mentions special distinction of Abu
Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) and the esteem in
which he was held by the Prophet (PBUH). It also transpires from this
Hadith that one can praise such a person right on his face about whom
one does not fear that it will make him proud. This Hadith has also
an inducement for giving in Sadaqah two instead of a single item.
1217. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him): The
Prophet (PBUH) said, "In Jannah there is a gate which is called
Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will
enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It
will be called out, "Where are those who observe fasting?'' So
they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will
have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter
through that gate.''
[Muslim].
Commentary: This
Hadith tells us about the special distinction of those who observe
Saum. "Only those who observe Saum'' signify the faithful who
not only observe Saum during the month of Ramadan but also frequently
observe voluntary fasts over and above the obligatory ones, otherwise
Saum of Ramadan are compulsory for every Muslim. Similar is the case
of the people of Salat, people of Sadaqah and people of Jihad, who
have been mentioned in the preceding Ahadith otherwise all Muslims
are on par so far as the Salat, Sadaqah, etc., are concerned.
1218.
Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Every slave of Allah who
observes Saum (fasting) for one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will
draw his face farther from Hell-fire to the extent of a distance to
be covered in seventy years.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: "Every slave of Allah'' includes men,
women, the free and the unfree, because they are slaves of Allah. The
Hadith highlights the excellence of fasting for the sake of Allah
which will serve, on the Day of Resurrection, as shield against
Hell-fire.
1219. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased
with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "He who observes
fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its
reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.''
[Al-Bukhari
and Muslim].
Commentary: "Sins'' here means minor
sins which relate to the Rights of Allah.
1220. Abu
Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of
Allah (PBUH) said, "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are
opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This is a
special distinction of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims
become more inclined towards the worship of Allah. They pay greater
attention to the recitation of the Qur'an, remembrance of Allah,
worship, and seeking pardon for sins.
1221. Abu Hurairah (May
Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH)
said, "Observe Saum (fast) on sighting the crescent and
terminate it on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy
before you, then complete the number (thirty days) of the
month.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: The words
"Ghabiya'', and "Ghumma'', both have the same meanings,
namely clouded sky or sky overcast with clouds, as a result of which
the moon is not visible. In that case, the injunction is that thirty
days of the month be completed. If the moon of Ramadan is not sighted
on the 29th Sha`ban, then its thirty days be completed and Ramadan's
Saum be started on the next day. Similarly, if the moon for the month
of Shawwal is not sighted on the 29th of Ramadan, thirty days of Saum
must be completed before celebrating `Eid-ul-Fitr. This means that
the sighting of the moon is necessary for keeping the Saum of
Ramadan. Counting by celestial system is not sufficient for this
purpose. Moreover, the evidence of reliable witnesses for the
crescent of Ramadan and the evidence of two dependable witnesses for
the crescent of Shawwal are sufficient. This amount of evidence will
fulfill the requirement of sighting the moon. Whether the sighting of
the moon at one place is sufficient for another place is
controversial and arguments of both the groups of `Ulama', who
support and oppose it, are based on this Hadith. The group which
contend that the sighting of the moon at one place is valid for
another holds that the words "Sumu" and "Aftiru"
are addressed to all the Muslims, and for this reason the sighting at
one place holds good for another place. The group which holds that
the sighting of the moon at one place is not enough for the Muslims
of other localities contend that the words are addressed to the
people who have actually sighted the moon. The Muslims of the
localities of other areas who have not sighted the moon are not
addressed by these words. They say that the sighting of the moon goes
with each area according to which they will decide about starting of
Saum and celebrating `Eid. There is a third group also, which is of
the opinion that for such areas which are in close proximity and do
not have much difference in the timings of sunrise and sunset, the
sighting of the moon at one place holds good for the other. In any
case, it is a moderate view, which can be implemented without fear of
its being wrong. According to this view, at least in one country the
sighting of the moon at one place holds good for all other areas.
The Excellence of Spending out Charity during Ramadan
1222.
Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger
of Allah (PBUH) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most
generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every
night and recited the Qur'an to him. During this period, the
generosity of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) waxed faster than the rain
bearing wind.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary:
This Hadith induces us to do two good things frequently and with full
preparation in the month of Ramadan. First, benevolence and
generosity so that people get maximum time for worship and reduce
their mundane affairs during this month. Second, recitation of the
Qur'an and Mudarsah, (reading and hearing the Qur'an from one
another) as is done by two Huffaz in this manner. The reason for the
stress on the Qur'an is that the Qur'an and the month of Ramadan are
closely linked with each other. The Qur'an was revealed in this
month.
1223. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him)
reported: When the last ten nights (of Ramadan) would begin, the
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would keep awake at night (for prayer and
devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent
in worship.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: The
entire month of Ramadan is a spring season for virtues, worship and
obedience of Allah, but its last ten days are the peak of this season
of worship. Therefore, one must strive hard in the last ten days and
nights of this month to follow the practice of the Prophet (PBUH), to
seek the Pleasure of Allah and to attain the benefits of
Lailat-ul-Qadr, which occurs during this period. The Prophet (PBUH)
used to make special arrangement for observing I`tikaf, and we must
also follow this practice of his.
Matters relating to As-Saum
(Fasting)
1242. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)
reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "If any one of you
forgetfully eats or drinks (while observing fasting) he should
complete his Saum (fasting), for Allah has fed him and given him to
drink.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith
tells us of a kindness and convenience of Islam that during the Saum
if a person inadvertently does any such thing which destroys his
Saum, i.e., eating, drinking, cohabitation with wife, etc., his Saum
will remain intact due to forgetfulness, provided one abandons the
act as soon as he remembers that he is observing Saum . He needs not
make any expiation for such a Saum.
1243. Laqit bin Sabirah
(May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I requested the Messenger
of Allah (PBUH) to talk to me about ablution. He said, "Perform
the Wudu' well (by washing those parts of the body, such as the face,
hands and feet beyond what is required, like washing the hands up to
the upper-arm instead of the elbow). Cleanse the base of your fingers
and sniff water deep into the nose except when you are observing
fast.''
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary:
Ordinarily, it is necessary for Wudu' that one should pass water
through the nose and rinse mouth thoroughly. But when one is
observing Saum, he has to take care that water does not go down the
throat through the nose as this nullifies the Saum.
1244.
`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of
Allah (PBUH) would wake up at Fajr time in a state of Janabah; so he
would take bath before dawn and observe fasting.
[Al-Bukhari and
Muslim].
1245. `Aishah, and Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased
with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would wake during
Ramadan (fasting) in a state of major impurity without a wet dream,
but on account of sexual intercourse and he would take a bath before
dawn.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This
Hadith sometimes and the one preceding it inform us that when the
Prophet (PBUH) would awake in the morning and was in need of bath as
a result of coition with his wife, he would take Sahur in that
condition and then take a bath and perform Fajr prayer, because
purification is essential for Salat. This condition of Janabah
(impurity) occurred without Ihtilam (wet dream) and its cause was
coitus with his wife because, according to a well-known saying,
Ihtilam is the result of Satan's suggestions from which Prophets are
safe.
The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasting) in the months of
Muharram and Sha'ban and the Secred Months
1246. Abu Hurairah (May
Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH)
said, "The best month for observing Saum (fasting) next after
Ramadan is the month of Allah, the Muharram; and the best Salat
(prayer) next after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night (Tahajjud
prayers).''
[Muslim].
Commentary: Reference of the
month to Allah is a sign of its distinction and auspiciousness like
Baitullah, Naqatullah etc. Muharram is one of the sacred months and
it is this month with which the Islamic year starts. The other three
sacred months are Rajab, Dhul-Qa`dah, and Dhul-Hijjah. The Hadith
points out that fasting in the month of Muharram is better than any
other month of the year after Ramadan.
1247. `Aishah (May
Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) did not
observe voluntary Saum (fasting) so frequently during any other month
as he did during Sha`ban. He observed Saum throughout the month of
Sha`ban.
Another narration is: He (PBUH)
observed Saum during the whole month of Sha`ban except a few
days.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: We learn from
another Hadith the reason why the Prophet (PBUH) kept greater number
of Saum in the month of Sha`ban. He did so because deeds are
presented before Allah during this month. For this reason, he liked
that when his deeds were presented, he should be observing Saum
(Nasa'i on the authority of Usamah (May Allah be pleased with him).
In spite of this distinction of Sha`ban, Muslims have been ordered to
observe Saum in the first fortnight only, and not in the second in
order to maintain their energy and vitality for the obligatory Saum
(i.e., Ramadan). The Prophet (PBUH) had greater spiritual strength
and Saum did not cause him weakness due to this strength. Again, by
virtue of this strength he would sometimes even observe Saum which is
termed "Saum-al-Wisal'' (observing Saum continuous without a
break in the evening). But he has forbidden his followers from such
Saum.
1248. Reported Mujibah Al-Bahiliyah on the
authority of her father or uncle that he visited the Messenger of
Allah (PBUH) once and then went to see him again after a year. His
appearance had totally changed. He asked the Messenger of Allah
(PBUH) if he had recognized him. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) asked,
"Who are you?'' He replied: "I am Al-Bahili who visited you
last year.'' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "You were quite
handsome, what has changed your appearance so much?'' He replied,
"Since my departure from here, I have not eaten anything except
at night.'' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) remarked, "You have
put yourself to torture. Observe Saum (fasting) during the Month of
Patience (i.e., Ramadan) and fast one day from each month.'' He
submitted, "Permit me to observe more voluntary fasts because I
have capacity to do so.'' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Then
observe fasts for two days in every month.'' He said, "Permit me
to observe more.'' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Observe
fasts on three days in every month.'' He requested that he should be
allowed to observe more fasts. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,
"Fast three days during the sacred months and omit fasting for
three days alternately.'' He (PBUH) joined his three fingers together
and left them apart while repeating this sentence thrice.
[Abu
Dawud].
Commentary: The name of Mujibah Bahiliyah's
father was Abdullah bin Harith Al-Bahli, and if this incident relates
to his uncle, his name is not well-known. In any case, he used to
take meal at night only, that is, he used to observe Saum daily.
Because of this routine, his health was greatly affected and the
Prophet (PBUH) prohibited him from observing Saum daily and stressed
that he should keep Saum thrice a month only, especially in the
sacred months. With the formula of ten-fold reward, he could thus get
reward of thirty days Saum in a month. This is how he would be
reckoned as one who observes Saum throughout the year. People with
weak health should not observe more than three Saum in a month. Those
who are healthy, are allowed to observe more Saum, but it will be
well if they do so in the style of Prophet Dawud, that is, on
alternate days.
The Prohibition of Observing Saum (Fasting) after
the Middle of Sha'ban
1224. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased
with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Do not observe
Saum (fasting) for a day or two days preceding Ramadan. However, if a
person is in the habit of observing Saum on a particular day (which
may fall on these dates), he may fast on that day.''
[Al-Bukhari
and Muslim].
Commentary: "However, if a person is in the
habit of observing Saum on a particular day'' means that if it is his
routine to observe Saum on these days, then he can do so two days
before the advent of Ramadan. The reason being that in that case his
Saum will not be for the reception of Ramadan but a matter of
routine. Some people have taken "one or two days before'' to
mean the first two days of the second half of Shawwal on the grounds
that some Ahadith contain prohibition of observing Saum in the second
fortnight of Shawwal. Because of this injunction, it is not
permissible to observe Saum in these days, except in case it is one's
routine.
1225. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them)
reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Do not observe
Saum (fasting) before the advent of Ramadan. Observe Saum at sighting
of the crescent of Ramadan and terminate it at sighting the crescent
(of Shawwal). If the sky is overcast, complete (the month as) thirty
(days).''
[At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: "Before
the advent of Ramadan'' here signifies the second half of Shawwal.
That is, one should not observe voluntary Saum after 15th of Sha`ban
so that one's vitality is maintained for the Saum of Ramadan
approaching near. If the moon is not sighted due to clouds, then
observing Saum should be started after completing thirty days of
Sha`ban. Similarly, if the moon of the of Shawwal is not sighted,
then thirty days of fasting Ramadan must be completed before
celebrating `Eid-ul-Fitr.
1226. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be
pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When
there comes the middle of Sha`ban, don't observe Saum
(fasting).''
[At-Tirmidhi].
1227. `Ammar bin Yasir (May
Allah be pleased with them) reported: He who observes the fast on a
doubtful day, has in fact disobeyed Abul-Qasim, (i.e., Messenger of
Allah (PBUH)).
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary:
"Doubtful day'' here signifies the day of 30th Sha`ban. In other
words, if the moon is not sighted on 29th of Sha`ban because of
clouds and a person observes Saum, he will be in doubt whether it is
the 30th of Sha`ban or the 1st of Ramadan. Thus, there is no need to
observe Saum on a doubtful day, and one should complete thirty days
of the month of Sha`ban.
O Allah, set aright our
religious life which is a safeguard in all our affairs, set aright
our wordly life which is a source of our maitenance, set aright our
life of the hereafter unto which we are bound to return; and make our
life a source of earning more and more good and make our death a
refuge against all troubles.
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