How could Ramadan help us unite instead of disputing over moon sighting and the like?
Answer
Moon sighting should not turn into moon fighting. The hadith is clear that fasting and festivals are collective celebrations. The least that should be done in North America and similar settings is to be united on the city of micro level, whatever interpretation is adopted. Better still is to have some central body like in North America composed of Shari'ah scholars and Muslim astronomers, and representatives of major organizations on a national or even continental level and let all follow their announcements.
This is the true spirit of Ramadan as a month of unity, not dispute. It is up to us to live up to that spirit of Ramadan. There are many other aspects of Muslim unity that should be pursued in addition to Ramadan unity.
Name
Sami
-
Profession
Question
During Ramadan, what Muslims should change?
Answer
1. To change our relationship with Allah to the better:
After all the purpose of fasting is to attain taqwa, which means in the broader sense the feeling of the presence of Allah in one's life. Abstinence in Ramadan reminds constantly of Allah and His boundless mercy. Practical steps to increase our taqwa includes: dhikr, supplication, regular recitation of the Qur'an or listening to it, being more regular in our mandatory prayer, and engagements in acts of charity including donating generously to the afflicted and the needy and to engage in non-mandatory prayers such as taraweeh prayers during the nights of Ramadan. Another practical tradition is to attend useful lectures and lessons and reading Islamic books that help inspire us and remind us of Allah.
2. To realize that taqwa goes beyond all the above measures and includes the following:
a. To take advantage of abstinence to kick off bad habits such as smoking, and excessive eating.
b. To realize that abstinence includes refraining from all evil words and deeds and learning how to control our anger.
c. To embody the spirit of Ramadan in kind treatment of others; family members, friends, neighbors, and community at large.
d. To strengthen our relationship with the Muslim community by sharing meals and visitation.
e. Also to reach out to our neighbors and friends from other faith community, possibly inviting them to share iftar and learn about fasting in particular and Islam in general.
Name
Rami
-
Profession
Question
Is change limited to bad habits?
Answer
This is only one important part of abstinence; others were discussed in the answer to the previous question.
Name
Badawi
-
Profession
Question
Is the change you are talking about something individual or collective?
Answer
It is both individual and collective. Like all Islamic teachings, even acts of worship, the individual and collective elements are present and interrelated. To give an example of collective change is to develop the quality of sympathy towards the poor and hungry within the Ummah and outside the Ummah for that matter.
Since Ramadan is the month of the Qur'an, it unites the Ummah and rallies it around the Revealed Book that changed not only individuals and communities but the world at large. Connecting individuals, communities and the Ummah with the Qur'an does not mean only recitation or listening to it, but also reflection on its wisdom and guidance and more importantly applying the Qur'an in our lives individually and collectively.
Similar to Hajj and irrespective of slight time differences concerning moon sighting, the whole Ummah (1.5 billion persons) fast during the same month, which is a unique symbol of unity on the global level.
Name
D.
- United States
Profession
Financial Services
Question
I would like to know how to decide when it's okay to break a fast due to illness and what is required to make it up? I suffer from migraines on occasion for which I take prescription medication at the onset of the headache, so timing is important to avert a full-fledged flare up.
These headaches can completely incapacitate me for hours or days without the medicine. I broke my fast a few days ago to take medication, so I have missed one day already this Ramadan. Yesterday, I experienced another headache and chose to ride it out, though it was extremely difficult to do with hours of severe pain and many tears before Maghrib.
Even though I feel that it is understandable that I should have to break my fast, I still feel guilty and inferior for doing so. I worry that somehow Allah, will not forgive me and that I am just a weak person. Do you have any advice for how much pain we are expected to endure for the sake of Allah in the case of fasting?
Answer
The basic rule concerning illness is the concession to break the fast if fasting harms the health of the fasting person especially if a trusted physician (preferably a practicing Muslim) recommends or instructs the patient not to fast due to harm or excessive pain such as migraines. Any missed day of fasting should be made up for in a later time, preferably before the following Ramadan.
The extent of pain that a person can endure is left to your own good judgment but remember that the Qur'an and hadith state that Allah does not wish to require us as humans to do more than we can bear.
Name
Tarek
- Armenia
Profession
Question
How can we rescue the Ummah from the state of indifference and apathy now witnessed everywhere among Muslims?
Answer
Let us begin with ourselves and try to be good practicing Muslims. Next, we should do our best to help our families do the same. Next, we should promote this genuine commitment to Allah in our communities, societies and the Ummah at large. In all steps which may happen in a parallel way we should never lose hope, but continue to pray to Allah to help us all change what is ourselves so that Allah may change our pathetic and sad state which results only from our weak commitment to our faith.
Name
hani
-
Profession
Question
How can spouses develop better relations in Ramadan and change their treatment to each other?
Answer
Charity begins at home. If Ramadan teaches us patience, self-control, charity, forgiveness, and love, then that should start at home. Spouses need to be patient with one another as they deal with each other in a more sustained way. Ramadan also teaches us to control our anger. Both spouses have shortcomings so one should realize that we should not go too far in our anger because of a word or action by our spouses.
As we like others to forgive us for our shortcomings, we should also forgive others, especially our spouses. Ramadan teaches peace and love, as such, we should always remember that the Qur'an (30: 21) teaches that the pillars of marriage in Islam are dwelling with each other in peace and tranquility and that Allah ordained mawaddah (which is higher than near love) and compassion.
Name
Taqwa hussain
- India
Profession
Question
For the last few days after the earthquake in Pakistan and northern India, I have not been able to concentrate on anything. Because my family members are also in a part where its recognized as zone 5, the most earthquake prone zone in India. It is the northeastern states of India. Although I know that as human beings we cannot do anything and everything is up to Allah Almighty as He is the One Who decides everything. But still I have a constant fear for my people.
I am really worried about them and because of this phobia I have not been able to concentrate on anything properly whether it be my studies. Although, I have been fasting but still some kind of fear creeps into my head. What if a very high magnitude earthquakes hit my area, what if I lost my family members (may Allah save my people and the believers)? I am increasing my supplication to Allah asking for his help. Please advise me if I can make some special prayers for my people.
Answer
We all appreciate the tribulations and difficulties that our brothers and sisters are going through after this major disaster. We should all remember the following:
1. To accept what Allah ordained to happen and trust His wisdom and mercy for we cannot be merciful to others or to ourselves more than Allah.
2. To pray to Allah to shower the deceased with His mercy and forgiveness and to alleviate the sufferings of those who survive.
3. While anxiety about your relatives is natural, it should not cripple us from pursuing our life as best as we can. Let us remember that it may be ultimately to the advantage of those deceased that they died as martyrs.
4. Do not have excessive anxiety about what may happen in your area and put your trust in Allah since anxiety will not prevent what Allah ordained from happening.
5. All of us as individuals and Ummah should do the best we can to extend our help and support of the victims of this disaster and to do it as soon as possible and in the most efficient way.
May Allah forgive and help us all.
Name
Mother
-
Profession
Question
How can we change our children's bad habits in this blessed month?
Answer
The strongest, more lasting and effective change is the change that comes from within the person. As parents, we should help our children develop their own relationship with Allah and His Messenger so as to deepen their genuine commitments as Muslims. Only then will the change be real and not for the sake of pleasing parents.
If that commitment is manifested in fasting, that itself will help change bad habits: e.g., too much pop and "junk food" and excessive eating and lack of discipline in one's life.
It should be also remembered that our good example as parents will go along way inspiring our children to follow suite.
Name
......
-
Profession
Question
I am addicted to pornography, how can I leave this bad habit in this month?
Answer
First of all, I pray to Allah to help you overcome this "addiction" and fill your heart with iman and love of Allah. I pray also that Allah will help you get married as soon as possible which may help avoid these sins.
Since fasting includes abstaining from any action that displeases Allah and goes against the spirit of Ramadan, one should exert a special effort and engage in Jihad against evil inclinations. It is highly recommended to keep in the company of Allah-fearing pious people and to go for taraweeh prayer every night so as to keep your heart and mind with Allah and away from the Satan.
I hope that these few humble suggestions will be of help and I sincerely pray for your well-being in this life and in the life to come, which could begin at any moment in one's life. I pray also that none of us will suddenly leave this earthly and temporary life while in a state of disobedience to the creator. May Allah bless you.
Name
Tarek
- Armenia
Profession
Question
Could you please shed some light on the Qur'anic approach towards change? Do you support gradual change approach concerning bad habits?
Answer
1. The Qur'an states that Allah will not change the state of any people until they change themselves.
2. In the matter of beliefs there is no room for gradualness as the person either believes in Allah or does not; there is no half way between the two. It is like asking a lady whether she is pregnant only to hear her saying "I am only half pregnant."
3. For major sins like murder, theft, adultery and fornication the person must desist without delay.
4. Bad habits that may require sometime to change may take place gradually if necessary such as smoking. One must keep in mind the relative gravity of what some may call "bad habits".
Name
Zaman Irheid
-
Profession
Question
Ramadan should act as a turning point in our life, but as we notice people go back to their normal life styles after Ramadan, the rich having the type of life they used to have and the poor to their own life....Why people can't change to the core instead of only observing acts of worship for some period of time?
Answer
One purpose of Ramadan is to empower us and energize us to continue its spirit even after the month is over. It is like charging a battery which could be fully charged in Ramadan but should continue to supply energy for some time to come. Of course Ramadan is a special occasion but the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) indicated that if people were to realize the blessings of Ramadan they would have hoped that Ramadan would last for the whole year.
The reasons people fail to change or continue to change after Ramadan are:
1. Observing Ramadan only as a cultural practice void of its deeper spiritual meaning.
2. Weak commitment on the part of some people before Ramadan; for example, some people would be regular in their five daily prayers in Ramadan alone forgetting that this mandatory prayers should be observed year round.
3. The weakness of the well-power of some which is one of the main lessons of Ramadan.
May Allah help us sustain the spirit of Ramadan till the next or until we meet Allah.
Name
Nizar
-
Profession
Question
With so many Islamic calendars which one should you follow in regards to 'imsak? I live in the USA. So should I follow the calculations according to ISNA? OR the University of Karachi?
Answer
According to the Qur'an, one may continue to partake food and drink until the beginning of daybreak, i.e. Fajr time. Some calendars include a classification called 'imsak which is about 20 minutes before Fajr time with the argument that this is a precautionary measure. However, there is no basis for that and it should not be taken as a cut-off minute to begin fasting.
While there may be a slight difference in calculating the beginning of Fajr, whatever legitimate opinion you follow is valid in sha' Allah.
In fact, the Qur'an gives a broad criterion for this: "and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears." (Al-Baqarah 2: 187)
Name
Fatimah
-
Profession
Question
'No relax or rest until our good becomes better and out better become the best', do you agree with this statement?
Answer
Allah Almighty says "So strive as in a race in all virtues. The return of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute" (Al-Maidah 5: 48).
That means we should constantly try to improve ourselves. However, we must realize that we are only humans and that 'iman may go through ups and downs. If that happens one should not despair of the mercy of Allah but try to recover quickly and pursue the path of excellence "ihsan".
Name
Abu Shakir
-
Profession
Question
Dear Sheikh, in light of the recently published story on BBC about the earthquake that hit Pakistan, and its terrible impact on people there, what does Islam say on some victims who, under the terrible condition of coping with the aftermath of the disaster, are forced to eat during the day (instead of fasting)? Doesn't Islam have some kind of flexibility with calamity-stricken people in a way that will make the religious observance more humanely? How do you see the reaction of some scholars who totally see that such people "should fast" in this condition, no matter how?
Answer
Fasting involves self-control and discipline and it is challenging in itself under any condition. It is not however the purpose of fasting to endanger the people's life, delay or jeopardize their recovery if they are ill nor to impose on them something beyond their ability.
That is why certain categories are exempt from fasting in Ramadan; some are exempt permanently such as old and weak persons or those with incurable illnesses who do not expect that they will be better in the future – in such cases they are only required to pay a charity as fidya equivalent to two average meals for each missed day of fasting.
There are other temporary exemptions such as women during their menses or in the post-childbirth bleeding period or who are pregnant or breastfeeding and are worried about harms to themselves or to their babies. Also those who are ill or on a journey. In these cases they are allowed to make up for the missed fasting whenever they can.
In such major disasters where there are near starvation, weakness and injuries there maybe cases that are analogous or similar to the above exemptions. If for example a person is saved or recovered from under the rubble and has not eaten for days and is in a state of dehydration one cannot expect the person to wait until sunset. A decision can be made on the basis of an Islamically trusted advice or the good judgment of each individual concerned. The Qur'an did not specify exact detailed criteria for illness, and it is up to the conscience of the individual to determine whether he/she finds it tow hard to fast or not.
Name
Abu Ali
- Australia
Profession
Teacher
Question
As-Salamu `alaykum Shaykh Badawi. Is it possible to freely have access to your talks and da'wah materials in electronic format for the purposes of da'wah. And how can we get them?
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salaamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh.You can now have free access to all the talks free of charge on Islamonline. Please visit the following link:
