Come and join a gathering where Allah is mentioned. Let’s win this Ramadan in sha Allah.
*RAMADAN FAMILY EVENT*
Taleem would like to invite you to a special family dinner Ramadan event. Join us for a beneficial convention exploring tips on how to prepare for Ramadan.
Let’s get ready for Ramadan in obedience to our Most Merciful Rabb, Allah!
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
It is hoped this will inform us of the primary reasons we fast, what is required of us and what to hope for.
May Allah, The Supreme Creator, permit us to fast for none but Him alone, may He reward us for our endeavours, and may He permit us to strive to avoid that which nullifies the fast, and strive to adhere to what maintains and perfects it, in accordance with the teachings of His final prophet peace be upon him. Ameen.
DISCLAIMER: This is for educational purposes and serves as an introduction to the issues pertaining to fasting. Parents/guardians are advised to supervise the following read as some issues which pertain to married adults have been mentioned. Please consult a knowledgeable Islamic scholar (and trustworthy medical professional) for details, particularly for questions and advice related to individual circumstances. We are not scholars and thus cannot issue fatwa, however we endeavour relate to you the words of the scholars who have studied the authentic teachings of Islam from the Qur’an and the Sunnah of prophet Muhammad upon him be peace. And ultimately, Allah knows best.
Fiqh of Fasting – Part 7 (adapted mainly from Sh. Yahya Adel Ibrahim with notes from others)
Summary of Siyam (Fasting) Essentials
What is the meaning of “Siyam?”
The word “siyam” comes from the root word “sowm,” which means “to abstain from.”
Did Muslims fast before 2 A.H.?
Yes, in fact the Prophet sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam and his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to fast on various days, including:
1. Day of Ashura (the exodus) when Allah delivered Musa sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam and the Muslims of that time from the evil of Pharaoh. The Prophet (upon him be peace) taught us to fast two days—either the day before or after plus the actual day of Ashura.
2. On the day of Arafat, if not making Hajj
3. The first 9 Days of dhul-Hijjah
4. Mondays & Thursdays through out the year
5. The middle three days of each lunar month (13th, 14th & 15th) when he moon is at its brightest
6. There are some proofs by way of Khadija (May Allah be pleased with her) who reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast before the prophethood—but we do not know the exact days.
Why was Siyam ordered?
The answer to this question lies only with Allah. However, we can find that there are many benefits and bits of wisdom behind this pious and sincere act.
1. Increases one’s Taqwa (remembrance of Allah in daily affairs), as is stated in the Quran: Surah Baqara verse 183.
2. Trains the body, mind and spirit to bear hardships while remaining patient.
3. Trains the body, mind and spirit to hold back from the natural desires of the human: food, drink, anger, lust, etc.
4. To help one understand what the impoverished go though.
What is the importance of the month of Ramadan?
This is the month in which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed. This is the month where every dua’ reaches Allah. This is the month where the Muslims are protected from the evil whisperings of the shayateen. This is the month where one plants the seeds of worship, the seeds of taqwa in the earth and harvests the good deeds for sustenance throughout the year. And most importantly, this is the month in which the Quran was revealed—more specifically, on the night of Lailat-ul-Qadr.
Who must fast?
1. One who is Muslim
2. One who has Aql (mental faculties are sound and understands the responsibility of fasting)
3. One who has reached the age of puberty (signs include: growth of pubic hair or nocturnal emissions, emitting maniy, or reaching 15 years of age, occurrence of menses)
4. One who is Kaadir (able to maintain the fast)
What is the requirement for the fast?
Very simply, the fast begins with the niya (intention-this need not be verbal, rather intention resides in the heart)—this is a pre Requisite/ Shart—and then refraining from food, drink and things that break the fast, until the time for Maghrib has arrived.
It must be noted by the reader that one cannot just wake up in the morning and proclaim his fast for that day. This was only allowed for the Prophet sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam. Rather, for the followers, there needs to be mental recognition of the fast BEFORE FAJR in other than the month of Ramadan.
What breaks the fast?
1. Eating
2. Drinking
3. Sexual relations/intimate acts of any type that leads to male or female sexual discharge,
4. Haid (menstrual bleeding)
5. Nifas (post natal bleeding)
6. Intentional vomiting
7. Needles that give you nourishment
For further clarification on some issues:
a. Blood testing is okay
b. If one needs to take Insulin then that person cannot fast
c. Using the puffer for asthma patients is okay—the respiratory type only.
• If the couple have intercourse intentionally then they have to make up that day and they have to fast 60 days consecutively, or if unable feed 60 people or Kafarah
What is Kafarah?
This is given only as expiation for sexual infractions during the fast. There are three methods of expiation:
1. Freeing of a slave
2. Fast for 60 consecutive days. If one day is missed then you would start from the beginning again
3. If you are unable to fast, for a legitimate reason (sick, old,etc.) then you may feed 60 miskeen (poor) people. They have to be Muslim people and it can happen on one day as a feast. Also, one can just give the money to feed 60 people. This is considered a debt for that person and they should fulfil it before their death. If they do die then the relatives can either fast for them or feed the miskeen.
What about those that cannot fast, but are of age?
Of those who are excused from the fast are those who have a long-term sickness, the pregnant woman, the woman who is breast-feeding and the traveller. For the traveller, the fast is to be made up. But for the others, they are to pay the Fidya (please note, there is a scholarly difference of opinion regarding who can pay fidyah instead of making up fasts- please consult a scholar for your own case, see the links below). Fidya is to pay for a meal for one miskeen person for everyday that is missed. Like the Kafarah, one can arrange to give 30 days worth of money at one time, or arrange a feast for 30 miskeen people on one day.
Confused about your case? Contact a knowledgabe Mufti (try calling up on the Ask the Sheikh programmes on Eman Channel, or similar.)
The Sunnan of Fasting
1. The sahoor and iftaar should be done with the family. If the family is not available then one should make an effort to never break the fast alone.
2. To hurry up with breaking the iftaar—not to delay it. But the sahoor can be delayed right up until the time for Fajr enters.
3. To break the fast with dates, or at least 3 sips of water.
4. To make dua’ of breaking the fast. (“Dhahaba al-zamau’a, wa abtallat al-‘urooq wa thabata al-ajr insha Allah (Thirst has gone, the veins are moist, and the reward is assured, if Allaah wills).” see Arabic below )
5. To increase in acts of ibada (recitation of the Quran) and this should continue after the month of Ramadan has passed.
6. To give more sadaqa (charity).
7. To offer the tahajud prayers and the tarrawih prayers (in congregation).
8. To feed other Muslims, even if they are not needy—meaning to invite people to your house for the iftaar. In fact, when you invite people the host receives the reward that his guest earned on that day (while the guest retains his own reward). This is true even for the one who finances an iftaar, or one who prepares the food.
The Makrooh (hated things) of Fasting
1. To be excessive in rinsing with water, during wudu or other times. Having too much water in the mouth might cause a person to swallow some.
2. To unnecessarily taste food. There cannot be any swallowing and the tongue should be cleaned of any residual taste.
3. Kissing your spouse.
4. To sexually excite/touch your spouse.
5. To lie, to make ghiba (back biting), to do nameema (telling lies to cause two parties to fight). In fact, those who practice nameema do not enter paradise with the first set of Muslims.
6. To not pray the tarrawih or tahajjud in the last 10 days.
What are some the Voluntary Fasts that one may do?
1. The fast of the Prophet Dawood (peace be upon him) was mentioned by Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) as the best. It includes one day of fasting and one day of resting, continuously.
2. The best months for fasting include: Sha’ban, Muharram, Ramadan,Dhul Hijja.
3. The 13th, 14th & 15th of every Islamic month. The reward of fasting these three days is like having fasted an entire year.
4. Mondays and Thursdays—for these are the two days that the angels rise and descend with your deeds; i.e. the gates of heaven are open.(This refers to Maghrib time)
5. The 9th day of Dhul Hijja (for the ones not performing the hajj).This is the day of Arafat and fasting on this day ensures that the minor sins for the previous year and the coming year are forgiven.
Allah knows best!
May Allah make this benefit us, and this advice is to us before it is to you our beloved readers.
May Allah allow us to succeed this Ramadan and may He forgive us for He is the Oft-Forgiving, The Forbearing! May Allah forgive us for any errors in this and grant us correctness. Wasallallahu alaa nabiyina Muhammad.Amin
✅With the grace of Allah, we are extremely proud and excited to welcome you all back to our SUMMER SCHOOL OF FUN
✅We are set and ready to welcome all of our students and wider community to our super fun and educational summer school, New location will be sent upon registration
✅Registration is required through our link below. Whoever wants to enrol in Summer School, must fill up the registration form.
NOW IS THE TIME- 5 daily prayers, work/school and more
Prayer is the 2nd pillar of Islam, and must be taken seriously.
How to go about praying at school or work? Is it allowed to miss a prayer and make it up later? What should the Muslim do to make sure he fulfils this duty? Watch these sheikhs answer.
May Allah make it easy for us to remember Him on time always and may He make us of those who guard strictly the 5 daily prayers. Allah bless our final prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Amin
It was narrated from Mu’aadh ibn Jabal that the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The shaytaan
is the wolf of man like the wolf of sheep takes the stray sheep and the one
that wanders far. Beware of division, and adhere to the jamaa’ah.”
Narrated by Ahmad (22029); classed as hasan by the editors of al-Musnad.
During the summer, walhamdulillah, we had some fabulous meet-ups for Muslim women and children. It was a wonderful environment, as the children played and ran around, the women benefitted from a gathering where Allah is mentioned, shared their own experiences and nibbled some snacks and fizzy refreshments!
If you weren’t there, you can benefit from the following reminders below: be sure to share with one and all!
This book was available from the help desks in Masjid Al Haram, Makkah, KSA
It is crucial that we purify our intentions purely for The One True God, Allah alone.
It is vital we hold onto The Qur’an (Final revealed book from Allah) and The Sunnah (teachings of Allah’s final prophet Muhammad upon him be peace).
It is necessary for us respect the Sahabah (righteous companions of the Prophet Muhammad upon him be peace, may Allah be pleased with them). The sahabah practiced Islam the way Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) taught it to them, the perfect and complete way.
These were some of the beautiful reminders, among socialising and snacks and helping each other out!
Jazakallah khair everyone who was a part of it and please keep us in duas and support us however you can.
Allah forgive all our errors. Allah guide us to the straight path, the correct belief, upon Al Quran and sunnah always, with sincerity in our intentions. wasallallahu alaa nabiyina Muhammad! amin
Come and join us this summer for regular meet-ups!
It was narrated from Mu’aadh ibn Jabal that the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The shaytaan
is the wolf of man like the wolf of sheep takes the stray sheep and the one
that wanders far. Beware of division, and adhere to the jamaa’ah.”
Narrated by Ahmad (22029); classed as hasan by the editors of
al-Musnad.
Come join us for an informal gathering, socialise, remember Allah, study Qur’an and Ahadith and just chill!
COMMUNITY IFTAR IN THURROCK! Grays Mosque, Tilbury Mosque, THURROCKMUSLIMS.COM
Thurrock Helping Hands
IFTAR 2019
(Message from Thurrock Helping Hands)
“Whoever offers meal to his/her muslim brother/sister at the time of iftar, s/he receives as much reward as s/he has earned. Nothing becomes less of the reward of those s/he offered meal to. (Tirmidhî, Sawm: 82; Ibn-Majah, Siyam: 40)”
Assalamu alaykum.
On behalf of Thurrock Helping Hands we cordially invite you to our annual iftar gathering, please be our guest and enjoy the moment of blessing and pray for all muslim ummah.
This year we will provide iftar two days in two masajid.
Unite against Anti-Islam hate crime- Thurrock Muslims
Asalamu alaykum.
Peace.
As you may be aware, a hateful campaign aimed at terrorising the Muslim community has been circulating recently in the UK. It is unfortunate that far-right sentiment is creeping up on us.
Everyone should work to create a peaceful, safe and productive society. As Muslims, our purpose to do such is especially important, since we live in submission to Allah alone, and know that Islam encourages us to benefit others, spread goodness and remove evil for our communities to prosper.
*Scroll down for duas seeking protection from Allah*
We shouldn’t have to feel intimidated or threatened with verbal or physical abuse on account of adhering to Islam.The Prophet Muhammadpeace be upon him was heavily targeted by the bigots and tyrants among the Arab pagan tribes. Being the prophet of mercy, Muhammad (peace be upon him), refused to abandon his mission and refused to stoop to the lowest levels of his vicious opponents.
Through his patient perserverance in calling to Allah’s Oneness, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) successfuly denounced the vices prevelant among his people. His bravery, patience, mercy and genuine concern for his people softened their hearts. Meanwhile, the aggressive opponents enforced various boycotts and brutal torture campaigns, even death threats and a plot to murder The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, eventually driving him out of his birthtown, Makkah. However, when the true message of Islam reached the hearts of the masses, their characters transformed dramatically for the better and injustices were successfully eradicated. The tyrants and criminals were eventually losing the battle, and Prophet Muhammad gracefully conquered Makkah, transforming it into the most peaceful city in the world.
Remember these inspirational quotes from the Book of Allah, The Qur’an:
Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy come upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction]
So if they believe in the same as you believe in, then they have been [rightly] guided; but if they turn away, they are only in dissension, and Allah will be sufficient for you against them. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.
But if they turn away, [O Muhammad], say, “Sufficient for me is Allah ; there is no deity except Him. On Him I have relied, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne.”
The haters want us to fall into their trap and spread hate, terror and violence like they do. As Muslims, we should be the better person and treat everyone with justice.
*Dua’s and ways of seeking protection from Allah and tips to keep safe*
1- Always seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil.
2-Pray 5 Salah/prayers on time and read the supplications afterwards
6- Put your complete trust in Allah alone, none can allow or prevent harm or benefit to befall us but Allah ,The Most Wise. Allah is the Most Powerful, The All-Capable, The Protector, Our Rabb. Make plenty of dua, ask Allah to grant you and everyone safety and protection, don’t forget our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.
7- Read the dua’s from the Sunnah of Muhammad peace be upon him, when waking and sleeping, when you leave the house, before entering the toilet, before and after eating, when you fear harm, when feeling anxious… (get hold of the book Fortress of the Muslim or see this link)
8- Continue to practice Islam, inwardly and outwardly. Be brave, observe full Hijab, keep the beard and attend Mosque. Life and death is only in Allah’s control.
9-Look out for each other. Stronger people defend the weaker ones. Sisters try not go out alone. Stick together in groups.
10- Let authorities know if you sense danger. Call 999 for police for emergencies or 101 and don’t hesitate to report crimes.
11- Contact MAMA (Measuring anti-Muslim attacks), let them know about any anti-Islam hate crime encounters.
12- Educate people. Be the best Muslim in your manners, share the Truth, postivity and goodness with everyone. Appreciate those who refuse to delve into terror and anarchy. Thank you to those of you who denounce bigotry and hate crimes, including Islamophobic campaigns.
If you or someone else is genuinley in danger, take action and call 999 , that’s what the police are there for- to help stop crime. You can also call 101 for non-urgent police calls. Let MAMA know too.
For the haters, just chill out! Hate and anger aren’t going to solve anything. Talk to us with a good intention, you’ll find we want good for everyone, including you.
Thurrock Muslim Community 