Islam: The Nas And Figure Opinion

by: Dr.. Bin Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Malay Version can be found here

A different view to that of Al-Quran and al-Sunna is a sin for a Muslim. However, giving different opinions on religious leaders and academics of course, is not necessarily an error. While the opinions or views of a religious figure is just a look, and then other people can differ with him.

If he must present the court order or specific tests, but the test with or without a warrant can be given different interpretations of others, especially if other scientific presentations berpaksikan strong, then a vision of religion is not really accepted as "Islamic needs.

It is important to understand the public, so they can distinguish between the views of religion and religion itself. Al-Quran and Religion berpaksikan al-Sunnah. Either party to celebrate the Quran and Sunnah for al-Islam. But there is also some evidence of religious is not the Koran or the Sunna income al-possible or more than one interpretation or hypothesis.

You also know what the religious views of religion as such an interpretation, only one, not a clear mandate. In matters of law or otherwise has no clear order, certainly no more than an opinion, but may be dozens of different opinions of scholars. Therefore, the public can choose the most objective viewpoints diyakininya of difahaminya kind of work.

Then each individual Muslim who can read and think that reading, for example only when the technology is to seek views of knowledge to ask the reason for his opinion. Thrown against the wall of the attitude of some people tried to make religion is exclusive to them only by making the instructions memandir "" Muslims brain saying "listen and follow what I say to my religion, they are normal people . Rangkapan not pagan culture of knowledge in Islam.

Brush your teeth rejected

The month of Ramadan, we hear the views of the Polish State makrooh Ustaz teeth or gargle during or after noon on an empty stomach. If we ask, 'What NAS to this problem? ". Some of them may say: 'Like the scholars as mourn before, deeds or speak so humbly accepted. You will have an answer that can be considered" rabble " once.


- Preview Furniture

Islam is not religion taklid blind, swallowing what people talk without having to know dalilnya. Perhaps a more appropriate response is: "No state Hadith Prophet:

"The smell of the mouth of the fasting is more fragrant to Allah than the fragrance of animals" (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Yes, there is a known scholars of ancient and even give such opinions. But if we see this hadith is not a state of fasting person is not allowed or encouraged to polish teeth. Memakruhkan view that teeth grinding or not to use toothpaste, only cases of treatment or the hadith, there is a decree that prohibits clearly valid.

Hadith does not say that God does not smell all day dikekal. There are other hadiths seems to encourage people to maintain the fast because the dry mouth odor fast is the light on Day sanadnya is incompetent or weak. You can see in the comments of al-Imam al-Mubarakfuri (d. 1353H) al-Ahwazi Tuhfah about Using miswak for fasting.

In the context of everyday life, if we leave our mouth is always bad during the month of Ramadan affects our office mate, friend or colleague who may have one of them do not understand Islam and speculate that? For me, I think "makruh" USE miswak mouth clean when fasting or can not win the USO incentives miswak the Prophet said:

"If it were not afraid to hold my nation to be charged each time you use miswak hours of prayer" (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Hadith does not exclude the month of Ramadan, and of course, between a time for prayer and Zohor Asar prayer during the fast.

It is not logical

Prophet mentioned in the pattern of prayer imam Hadith:

"Be a leader of a country (Jamaah) is one of the best of them read the Book of God (reading the Qurannya). If they were both reading, and then (choose) the most notify the Sunnah. If they are equal, then (select) the first time. If they are equal, then (choose) the age of majority "(Narrated by Muslim).


- Preview Furniture

These priests features. If all remains the same, then that means that all the law itself. However, some scholars like Imam al-Hasan ibn 'Ammar al-Syurunbulali (d. 1069H) mentions in his book Al Falah Maraqiy add other features that are not mentioned in the hadith, among them "the most beautiful wife, most of the wealth, the bigger the head, also the smallest part of the body to grow. "(See: p. 143).

In its conclusions, which helps kusyuk. Remember that the people of his most beautiful woman, then more humble. This small body of orgasm more humble. The question is whether this assumption correct? Or else can happen. Then, a judge of beauty to be the wife of priests this? More than that, the way they measure their genitals. Or more treatments are made, even by a prominent scholar who can not accept. Nas not the Koran or Hadith that we have to swallow it outright.

Similarly, some books of the section of Al-Shafi'i why mention the right of the mandatory chapters on a wide range of different scenarios, as

"If two pieces Dick, only to be included in the first woman in the genitals and the second husband, the wife of why women mandatory, optional second. If joined at the genitals of a spouse, while another wife anus , then they should shower (see: to Hawasyi-Syarwani, 1 / 260).

Al-Hasyiah Bajuri added if a person (whole body) in the female vagina, then they should shower .. ". Imagine, treatment and description of this strange place. Wants things like this? Or, say, between our contributions and ketokohan academic issue, but the debate about treatment or prescription requirements. I call it because I heard the religious leaders in the media for claiming that only scholars received our first single. He said, 'we have to "follow" to give opinions that differ from the more than diving with us.

Taklid like this knowledge that makes that Muslims are not growing. See the latter considered as equivalent to a decree of the Qur'an and Sunnah. Moreover, when they give a little 'extra' people are still forced to swallow it. We respect them, but they reveal what can not be criticized or that are discussed.

Generally, people tried to establish religious thought 'Tok Guru Ustaz or can not be questioned "only maintain the status of your convenience. We are given different numbers in a particular religion does not mean that called for modesty or respect.

Provide a statement and questioned politely and try to find truth and knowledge in the world needs is something that the claims of religion. It is important to understand. Not all religious people believe represents the needs of Allah and His Messenger.

As Muslims, we are entitled to ask questions and find a more accurate due to the realization that God has given us. We respect them, but at the same time rooted in reality. Should we close the command of Allah and His Messenger, to correct any, may be one, can be modified, can also avoid the restrictions and requirements for the country kemunasabah.

Because they do not understand this case, Muslims see the head of religious figures, now that different. If the academic and business, the agreement may affect the company which can affect political policy issues. Etc. Take, examines the reasons and arguments for each of them and ask if Allah and His Messenger, or Teachers 'thought-feeling' alone.

MD5sums calculates the MD5 message digest for one or more files (includes a percent done display for large files). By comparing the MD5 digest of a file to a value supplied by the original sender, you can make sure that files you download are free from damage and tampering. MD5 values are frequently supplied along with downloadable files. (Optimized implementation). Download here.

Make money uploading files!

Never before has making money been so easy - or payouts so high. Simply upload files and get people to download them, and earn from 30 to 60 cents per download! Register Here.

Ziddu.com provides you World's Leading Image,Video,Audio and Document Sharing Portal. Its fast and easy.Only people knowing the exact download URL are able to download your file. Register now.

Reflections of Ramadan: Atoms that come alive

BY HARUN YAHYA www.harunyahya.com

Atoms are building blocks of animate organisms as well as inanimate objects. Since atoms are inanimate particles, it is extremely astonishing for them to be the building blocks of living beings. This is an issue evolutionists can never explain. Just as it is impossible to imagine pieces of stone coming together to form living organisms, so is it impossible to imagine inanimate atoms by themselves coming together to form living organisms. Think about a lump of rock and a butterfly; one is inanimate, the other is animate. Yet, when we delve into their essences, we see that both are made up of the same sub-atomic particles. A living cell is formed by the arrangement of inanimate atoms in a very special creation. Faculties of living cells, such as growth, reproduction and others, are results of perfect creation rather than the properties of molecules. Whatwe find at this point is only Allah’s creating the living from the dead: Allah is He Who splits the seed and kernel. He brings forth the living from the dead, and produces the dead out of the living. That is Allah, so how are you perverted? (Surat al-An’am: 95) When the theory of evolution was advanced in the middle of the 19th century, scientific research conducted with primitive microscopes had then created the impression that the cell was just a simple lump of matter. In the 20th century, however, the use of advanced technology revealed that the cell has an extremely complex structure that could only have beenperfectly created.. Most importantly, this research showed that it is absolutely impossible for life to arise spontaneously out of inanimate matter. The source of life is life alone. This fact has been proved experimentally, too.1 This is a problem evolutionists can never resolve. For this reason, instead of presenting scientific evidence, renowned evolutionary scientists, who are at a great impasse, tell tales which they themselves do not believe either. They put forward totally illogical and unscientific claims that matter has a consciousness, ability and will of its own. Nevertheless, they are eventually forced to confess that the main questions that need to be answered cannot be answered scientifically: There was once a time before our life, when the Earth was barren and utterly desolate. Our world is now overflowing with life. How did it come about? How, in the absence of life, were carbon-based organic molecules made? How did the first living things arise? How did life evolve to produce beings as elaborate and complex as we, able to explore the mystery of our own origins?2 The outstanding evolutionary mystery now is how matter has originated and evolved, why it has taken its present form in the universe and on the earth, and why it is capable of forming itself into complex living sets of molecules.3 As the evolutionary scientist above confesses, the basic purpose of the theory of evolution is to deny that Allah created living beings. This is the scenario evolutionists claim, describing the transformation of inanimate and unconscious atoms into animate organisms, and most significantly, into people with high levels of consciousness and intelligence. After the Big Bang, atoms, containing precisely balanced forces, somehow brought themselves into being. While some of the atoms, adequate in number to form the whole universe, formed the stars and the planets, and some others the Earth. Some of the atoms making up the Earth initially formed the land and later on, suddenly decided to form living beings! These atoms first transformed themselves into cells with highly complex structures and then they started speaking and hearing. Subsequently, these atoms transformed into university professors viewing themselves under the electron microscope and claiming that they came into being coincidentally. Some atoms came together to form civil engineers who construct bridges and skyscrapers, while some others came together to manufacture satellites, space crafts. Atoms like carbon, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and iron came together to form, instead of a dark mass, perfect brains of exceptional complexity, the secrets of which have not yet been fully unraveled. It is possible to prolong this story but let us stop here and see whether unconscious atoms can spontaneously form the DNA molecule.DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid), which is located in the nucleus of the cell, contains the codes carrying the information of all organs and all characteristics of the body. It is is a series of nucleotides arranged in a special sequence. A protein is a series of amino acids arranged again in a special sequence. First of all, it is mathematically impossible for either DNA molecules or protein molecules that come in thousands of different types to sort out the appropriate sequences necessary for life by chance. Probabilistic calculations reveal that the probability of even the simplest protein molecules achieving the right sequence by chance is zero. (For more information, see the book The Evolution Deceit by Harun Yahya). There is also an important chemical obstacle to the coincidental formation of these molecules. If the relationship between DNA and protein were a result of time, chance, and natural processes, then there would be some sort of chemical tendency towards DNA and protein to react, as acids and bases have a great tendency to react. In that case, if chance had really played a role, sugar-acid, aminophosphoric acid, and a whole host of other natural chemical reactions would occur among any random fragments of DNA and protein and the living beings we see today would not form. As seen, it is absolutely impossible for DNA and proteins, which can by no means form randomly, to be left uncontrolled to form life following their own formations. Jean Guitton, a contemporary philosopher, addressed this impossibility in his book titled Dieu et la Science (God and Science): Following which ‘coincidence’ did certain atoms draw near each other to form the first molecules of amino acids? Again, through which coincidence did these molecules come together to form this extremely complex structure called DNA? I am asking this simple question just like the biological scientist François Jacob did: Who prepared the plans of the first DNA molecule to give the first message that led to the birth of the first living cell? If one is satisfied with assumptions involving coincidences, these questions – and many others – remain unanswered; this is why, for the last few years, the biologists began to change their views. Top researchers are not satisfied by re-telling Darwin’s laws without thinking, parrot-fashion; they put forward new surprising theories. These are theories based on the idea that an organizing principle that is apparently superior to matter is involved in the process.4 As Jean Guitton stated, science has reached such a point, that it has been scientifically established that Darwin’s theory of evolution has no validity whatsoever. American biologist Michael Behe addresses this in his famous book Darwin’s Black Box: Science has made enormous progress in understanding how the chemistry of life works, but the elegance and complexity of biological systems at the molecular level have paralyzed science’s attempt to explain their origins. There has been virtually no attempt to account for the origin of specific, complex biomolecular systems, much less any progress. Many scientists have gamely asserted that explanations are already in hand, or will be sooner or later, but no support for such assertions can be found in the professional science literature. More importantly, there are compelling reasons – based on the structure of the systems themselves – to think that a Darwinian explanation for the mechanisms of life will forever prove elusive.5 Just as the entire universe, all the living beings were created from nothing. Only Allah, Possessor of infinite power, infinite wisdom and infinite knowledge, has power to do all these: Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the Earth in six days and then settled Himself firmly on the Throne. He covers the day with the night, each pursuing the other urgently; and the Sun and Moon and stars are subservient to His command. Both creation and command belong to Him. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. (Surat al-A’raf: 54) To purchase the works of Harun Yahya, please visit www.bookglobal.net

Ramadan and Healthy Eating

We have experienced much this year both personally and globally.

Someone kicks, but we are unable to see who it is. We can only see the consequences of that kick, and in a dazed state we tend to lose the language to properly express what is actually happening. Emotions build up and affect our judgement and care for our own selves, and we either tend to try to forget or we become stronger in acknowledgement of the value of what we are already blessed with.

Ramadan offers us an opportunity to care for ourselves and our life's transaction with God. “Certainly the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of the men, but mostly people do not know” (40:57).

Choose What You Eat

We tend to get into bad eating habits throughout the year, as the momentum of the day becomes a week, a month and finally the year has ended. Some may even shop for convenience foods because it offers less time in the kitchen. So whilst we are improving our economic situation and busy doing everything else, our health deteriorates but not always visibly. What we go through emotionally and psychologically also manifests in our deeds and in the way we eat and what we eat.

Referring to genetically modified foods, Muzammal Hussain argues that it is clear that genetic engineering is a process that we do not understand in a world where everything is interconnected (Hussain p.5). What affects one species affects another for better or for worse.

“The sun and the moon follow a reckoning. And the herbs and the trees do adore (Him). And the heaven, He raised it high, and He made the balance, that you may not be inordinate in respect of the measure. And keep up the balance with equity and do not make the measure deficient” (Rahman 55:5-9).

Fasting and Spiritual Equilibrium

Dr. Omar Hassan Kasule tells us that, “the definition of disease considers several dimensions that may operate singly or in combination: moral/spiritual, biological/pathological, psycho-social, or normative/statistical. Loss of spiritual equilibrium is a disease in itself and soon leads to physical disease. Most diseases involve disturbances in the equilibrium of the normal body physiology. These biological disturbances may be within the range of normal physiological variation or may be clearly pathological. The psycho-social dimension of disease is associated with loss of equilibrium and may precede or follow physical disturbances (Kasule p.3).” Fasting is done with one's complete will, encouraging the entire physiological, psychological and spiritual systems to work together.

As we try to get rid of the emotional build-up gained throughout the year, our bodies will also want to get rid of the toxic waste that it has been unable to eliminate. Fasting allows the digestive tract to take a rest, and mobilizes the detoxification mechanism by facilitating the release of hormones that stimulate the immune system. Fasting also releases the insecticides and man-made chemicals that have become stored in our body fat.

So instead of looking to those finely packaged goods in the supermarket, try frequenting the grocers that sell food more readily ascertained to be as nature intended it to be.

The Incorrect Approach

Food intake should not be excessive rendering the onslaught of sleep soon after consumption therefore preventing us from our duties to ourselves, each other and God.

Incorrect eating can cause:-

• Indigestion – caused by excessive eating, fried, fatty and spicy foods as well as carbonated drinks.
• Constipation – caused by eating too many processed foods and not enough fiber or water consumption. Fiber rich foods include most cereal grains, fruits and vegetables.
• Lethargy – due to low blood pressure which can be caused by a sudden excessive consumption of heavy starchy and fatty foods.
• Headache – caused by lack of sleep and being overly physically active.
• Muscle cramps – due to an inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium. Foods rich in calcium include broccoli, kidney beans, okra, parsnips, almonds, raisins, sesame seeds and dairy products. Magnesium rich foods include: bran, brown rice, cornmeal, cheese, egg yolk, bananas, apples, dates, almonds, carrots, eggplant (aubergines) and cauliflower. Potassium rich foods include: cheese, apples, cantaloupe, apricots, pineapple, chicken, peanuts (groundnuts), cod, beet, cabbage, cucumber and green peppers (Haffejee p.1).
• Lack of sleep – Adequate sleep is necessary to ensure balance the next day especially for those who go to work or a place of study. Lack of sleep can express itself in the form of nervousness, bad headaches and digestive problems. Sleeping after a meal also causes problems with digestion. The final meal should be taken at least 1 – 1½ hours before the night-time sleep.

Break Your Fast the Healthy Way

Dates are an important part of the Ramadan break-fast.

All the good from fasting can be undone by the sudden intake of food. Not only this, but the body's natural healing mechanisms are deprived of the benefits that fasting delivers. It is noted that healthy Ramadan practices result in the reduction of cholesterol levels and skin conditions are much improved (al- Qalam p.9). At the same time Iftar (the first meal taken to break the fast) is the Ramadan breakfast and as we have always been told, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Our body is mostly water and the best source of fluid replacement is pure unadulterated water. The sunnah (prophetic tradition) of dates and water make a wonderful combination to gently break the fast without placing the body into a state of shock i.e. a sudden drop in blood pressure. Dried dates contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, sulfur, manganese, silicon and chlorine. Potassium, vital to the prevention of dehydration, is also plentiful in dates. Fresh dates in addition contain thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, ascorbic acid and beta carotene.

In some schools of fiqh it is preferable to do the Maghrib prayer (prayer done at sunset) before commencing the main meal. “ O children of Adam! Attend to your embellishments at every time of prayer, and eat and drink and be not extravagant; surely He does not love the extravagant ” ( Araf 7: 31). This also proves to be functional in terms of giving your body time to digest what it needs from the sunnah of dates and water before eating some more.

The key word here is fiber, as fiber is slow digesting as opposed to fast burning foods like processed and sugar-based foods. In Yemen a typical iftar (main meal following the fast) includes a soup of boiled oats, milk and sugar followed by shafoot (pancakes broken in yoghurt with some spices and herbs) and samboosa (minced meat and herbs in a pastry envelope). A balanced combination of fiber, protein, dairy, cereal, minerals (herbs) and carbohydrates (Shabeebi p. 1).

After the Break-Fast

The time between meals should be spaced out allowing for proper digestion. Ibn Sina (otherwise known as Avicenna to the Western world) warned never to take one meal until the previous meal was digested. Whatever was lacking nutritionally in the previous meal should be compensated for in the next meal. Many recipes exist online that can conjure up ideas.

Be careful with relaxation, for what one does can upset the balance of what has been achieved. A bad habit that has developed in the Middle East is a craving for shisha smoking (water pipe). In Bahrain, 17 – 21% of Bahraini women indulge in this habit. Some people assume that it is healthier than smoking cigarettes, but in reality it can cause throat and lip cancer as well as cause the build-up of poisonous gases within the stomach. This can lead to heart disease and brain stroke (Bahrain p.1).

Suhoor (the final meal before dawn) is a mercy for those who need that extra meal. It usually consists of a milk-based food which is slow-digesting. Most importantly is fluid intake throughout Ramadan that will ensure proper functioning of the kidneys and adequate digestion. For those with diabetes, a kidney disease or those who suffer from low blood pressure, it is recommended to consult a physician about fasting before the Holy month begins.

Sources:

• Al-Qalam. “ Healthy Eating for Ramadhan ”. 26: 11(2000). Pages 9/12. 10/23/02
• Bahrain. TV. “ a Few Words of Caution about Healthy Living Patterns During Ramadhan ”. 2. 11/26/01. 10/23/02.
• Haffejee, Farouk. “ Some Health Guidelines for Ramadhan ”. 5. 04/08/02.
• Hussain, Muzzamil. “GM Foods, the Environment and Islam”. 1-6. Home.Clara.net. 07/26/01.
• Kasule, Omar Hassan. “Disease (al Maraadh)”. 4. 08/16/02
• Mohammed, Amina. “Family Diet in Islam: The Importance of Food and Correct Nutritional Habits”. 6. 08/12/01.
• Shabeebi, Khairia. “A Ramadhan Day in the Life of a Yemeni Woman”. Jan '98. 2:8. Culture . 06/12/01.

When is Ramadhan?

Islamic Calendar 2008 - 2015
(We have made every effort to assure that the dates below are correct)

According to the Islamic Society of North America the first day of fasting for Ramadan 2008 is expected to be September 01st. (depending on where you live)

Source: www.moonsighting.com

CURRENT MOON

moon phases

Islamic Events 2008* Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) December 20, 2007 Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) July 29, 2008 Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) August 15, 2008 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) September 01, 2008 * Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) September 26, 2008 Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) October 01, 2008 Yaum-al-Arafah (Day of Arafaat (Hajj)) December 07, 2008 Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) December 08, 2008

*Ramadan 2008: The first day of Ramadan (fasting) in North America according to sighting, is expected to be September 02. However, according to Saudi Ummul-Qura calendar, Fiqh Council of North America, and European Council for Fatwa and Research, the first day of Ramadan is on Monday, September 01, 2008.

According to a new Fatawa from Deoband, India, the first day of Ramadan in UK will be September 02, because the moon should be easily seen by naked eye from Australia to Morocco. In Pakistan also, sighting will be easy on September 01, and first day of Ramadan will also be September 02.

(source: Moonsighting.com) [updated 08/25/2008]

Islamic Events 2009* Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year) December 29, 2008 Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) July 19, 2009 Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) August 05, 2009 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) August 22, 2009 Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) September 16, 2009 Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) September 20, 2009 Eid-Al-Adha: November 27, 2009

Islamic Events 2010* Al-Hijra - 1st Muharramn (Islamic New Year) December 18, 2009 Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) July 08, 2010 Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) July 26, 2010 Ramadan Begins in North America: August 11, 2010 Lailat Ul Qadr (Night of Power): September 05, 2010 Eid-Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): September 10, 2010 Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) November 16, 2010

Islamic Events 2011* Al-Hijra - 1st Muharramn (Islamic New Year) December 07, 2010 Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) June 28, 2011 Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) July 15, 2011 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) August 01, 2011 Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) August 26, 2011 Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) August 30, 2011 Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) November 06, 2011

Islamic Events 2012* Al-Hijra - 1st Muharramn (Islamic New Year) November 26, 2011 Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) June 16, 2012 Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) July 04, 2012 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) July 20, 2012 Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) August 14, 2012 Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) August 19, 2012 Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) October 26, 2012

Islamic Events 2013* Al-Hijra - 1st Muharramn (Islamic New Year) November 15, 2012 Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) June 05, 2013 Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) July 23, 2013 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) July 09, 2013 Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) August 03, 2013 Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) August 08, 2013 Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) October 15, 2013

Islamic Events 2014* Al-Hijra - 1st Muharramn (Islamic New Year) November 04, 2013 Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) May 25, 2014 Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) June 12, 2014 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) June 28, 2014 Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) July 23, 2014 Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) July 28, 2014 Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) October 04, 2014

Islamic Events 2015* Al-Hijra - 1st Muharramn (Islamic New Year) October 25, 2014 Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens) May 15, 2015 Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation) June 01, 2015 1st Ramadan (Fasting Begins) June 18, 2015 Lailatul-Qadr (Night of Power) July 13, 2015 Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) July 17, 2015 Eid-al-Adha (10th Zul-Hijjah) September 23, 2015

*We have made every effort to assure that the dates are correct. Please notify us if they are not. For more information on the Islamic calendar visit www.moonsighting.com

The Fast of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation".

It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.

During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning.

According to the Holy Quran:

One may eat and drink at any time during the night "until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night"

The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things -

the telling of a lie

slander

denouncing someone behind his back

a false oath

greed or covetousness

These are considered offensive at all times, but are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.

On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.

When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.

What is Ramadan? To answered Christian

Why do more than a billion people around the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sex from dawn to sunset for a one-month period each year? They are Muslims who are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship. Abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing evil intentions and desires is regarded as an act of obedience and submission to God as well as an atonement for sins, errors, and mistakes. Called Ramadan (or Ramazan), Muslims fast during this month from the moment when it first starts to get light until sunset.

Muslims fast as an act of faith and worship towards Allah, seeking to suppress their desires and increase their spiritual piety. Fasting together as a worldwide community—Ummah—affirms the brotherhood and equality of man before Allah.

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month and begins with a combination of the sighting of the new moon and astronomical calculations. The exact time of Ramadan sometimes varies from place to place as some rely heavily on the moon sightings while others depend on science. An Imam (Muslim holy man) will declare the exact time of Ramadan just prior to its commencement. The fasting period ends upon the sighting of the next new moon, which occurs after 29 or 30 days.

The name Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ramida or ar-ramad, denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same word there is ramdaa, meaning “sunbaked sand” and the famous proverb Kal Mustajeer minar ramadaa binnar—to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. Some say it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground.

Ramadan brings out a special feeling of emotional excitement and religious zeal among Muslims of all ages. Though fasting is mandatory only for adults, children as young as eight willingly observe fasting with their elders. Children look forward to the excitement of sighting the moon and eating special meals with their families. Adults appreciate the opportunity to double their rewards from God and seek forgiveness for past sins. As Ramadan emphasises Muslim brotherhood and community all feel a particular closeness.

Muslims have to change their whole physical and emotional selves during this 30 long days of fasting. A typical day of fasting begins with getting up early, around 4:30 a.m. and sharing a meal called Sahur together before the fast begins at dawn, about 5:10 a.m. As dawn breaks, the first of five daily prayers, Fajr, is offered.

As the day proceeds, fasting Muslims are constantly bombarded with messages from their stomachs that it is time for breakfast, snack, lunch, and so on. And each time, Muslims remind themselves that they are fasting for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah and seeking his mercy. They offer the second and third prayers during early and late afternoon, respectively.

Fasting helps one to experience how a hungry person feels and what it is like to have an empty stomach. It teaches one to share the sufferings of the less fortunate. Muslims believe that fasting leads one to appreciate the bounties of Allah, which are usually taken for granted - until they are missed!

Throughout the day Muslims are encouraged to go out of their way to help the needy, both financially and emotionally. Some believe that a reward earned during this month is multiplied 70 times and more. For this reason, Ramadan is also known as the month of charity and generosity.

To a Muslim, fasting not only means abstaining from food, but also refraining from all vice and evils committed consciously or unconsciously. It is believed that if one volunteers to refrain from lawful foods and sex, they will be in a better position to avoid unlawful things and acts during the rest of the year.

The fast is broken at sunset. The Prophet Muhammed recommended breaking the fast with dates. Muslims are urged to invite others to break the fast with them. These gatherings are called Iftar parties.

Just after breaking the fast, and before dinner, Muslims offer the fourth of the five daily prayers, which is called the Maghrib prayer. After dinner, Muslims go to their houses of worship, called Mosques, to offer the Isha prayer, which is the last of the five daily prayers. The day ends with a special voluntary prayer, the Taraweeh, offered by the congregation reciting the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam.

The last ten days of Ramadan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night which is also called the “Night of Power,” or the “Night of Destiny.” It is believed that on this night the prophet Muhammed received the first revelation of the Qur’an. For many Muslims, this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity and they may spend these nights praying and reciting the Qur’an.

After 30 days of fasting, the end of the month of Ramadan is observed with a day of celebration, called Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day, Muslims gather in one place to offer a prayer of thanks. It is traditional to wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives, exchange gifts, eat delicious dishes prepared for this occasion, and wait patiently for the next year.

Muslims follow a lunar calendar which is approximately 10 or 11 days earlier each year. Some nations vary as the starting date for Ramadan as it depends on the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the new month.

In the Bible, we do not find any one method of fasting required of us, but the Lord Jesus did say however, “when you fast…” (Matthew 6:16), seeming to assume that His followers would imitate His own example. We fast as an outward symbol of our devotion to God, being willing to deny ourselves food for His sake.

Fasting adds intensity to our prayer, and often leads to breakthroughs. We do not fast to convince or persuade Him, but rather to identify with His broken heart and with His desire for all mankind to know Him.

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free and that you break every yoke. Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out” (Isaiah 58:6-7).

Do you know what is Ramadhan?

Question: What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.

Answer: During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.