Ramadan Articles - Sighting the Crescent of Ramadan - I

Unlike the crescents of other lunar months, the crescent of Ramadan is
given special attention because it is the crescent of the best month
in the sight of Allaah The Almighty. This month is favored with
several virtues; the most important is the revelation of the Quran on
the best night of the month. Thus, scholars of Fiqh )Islamic
jurisprudence( have occupied themselves with elaborating the rulings
relevant to the sighting of the crescent, astronomers with making
relevant calculations and means of observation and Muslim caliphs in
celebrating the night of the sighting. Poets and writers vie with each
other in praising the crescent and reflecting the feelings of joy in
people's hearts.
The crescent of Ramadan in the eyes of scholars of Fiqh:
Scholars of Fiqh unanimously agree that the lunar month could
betwenty-nine or thirty days. In a Hadeeth)narration(, the
Prophetsaid:"Allaah has made the crescents signs to mark fixed periods
of time for mankind. When you see it )the crescent(, observe fast, and
when you see it )again( then break fast. If you can not see it )the
crescent(, thencomplete thirty days )for the month of
Sha'baan(."]Al-Haakim[
Sighting the crescent is what counts, not calculations. Ibn
'Umarnarrated that the Messenger of Allaahsaid:"We are an unlettered
nation, we neither write nor know calculations. The month is like this
and this)sometimes of 29 days and sometimes of 30 days(."]Al-Bukhaari[
Al-Haafith Ibn Hajarcommented,
"The Arabs were described as unlettered because writing was rareamong
them. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}It is He who has sent
among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves.{]Quran 62: 2[ This
is not refuted by the fact that some of them had knowledge of writing
and calculations, as such people were few and rare. Calculations in
this context are pertaining to stars and planets. The Arabs knew
little about this. So, the rulings relevant to the beginning of
fasting and other acts of worship were made contingent on sighting the
crescent in order not to place them under the hardships of making
calculations. This ruling iseffective even if there will come
generations fully aware of calculations. Even the explicit meaning of
words reveals exemptingcalculations in this regard at all. This is
supported by the part of the Hadeeth that reads:"If you can not see it
)thecrescent(, then complete thirty days )for the month of
Sha'baan(."TheProphetdid not say: then ask those who are knowledgeable
of calculations. The rationale is that completing thirty days unites
people and keeps them far from divergence and dispute."]Fat-h
Al-Baari[
According to the majorityof scholars, the beginning of Ramadan is
determined by one of two ways, completing 30 days of Sha'baan or
sighting the crescent, even by just one trustworthy person. It was
narrated that Ibn 'Umarsaid, "People sighted the crescent, and when I
told the Prophetthat I had sighted it, he fasted and ordered people to
fast." ]Abu Daawood[
Another group of scholars is of the opinion that sighting is not
confirmed unless two trustworthy men give testimony, as is the case
with the crescent of Shawwaal. As evidence, they quoted the Hadeeth of
'Abdul-Rahmaan ibn Zaydthat he gave a sermon on the 29th day of
Sha'baan and said,"I sat with the Companions of the Prophetand they
related to me that he said: 'Fast when you see it, and cease fasting
when you see it and perform the rites of Hajj based upon that and if
it is hidden by clouds then complete thirty days )of Sha'baan(. If two
Muslim witnesses testify then fast and cease fasting."]Ahmad[
There is also the Hadeeth of the ruler of Makkah, Al-Haarith ibn
Haatibas it was narrated that hesaid,"The Messenger of Allaahordered
us to perform the rites of Hajj upon sighting )the crescent(; and if
we couldnot see and two trustworthy witness testified, we should
perform the rites accordingly."]Abu Daawood[
The majority of scholars, however, argued that the utmost that the
mention of the two can signify is the rejection of the testimony of
only oneperson. However, the aforementioned Hadeethof 'Abdullaah ibn
'Umarindicates that the Prophetindeed accepted the verbal testimony of
Ibn 'Umar; and this is of a stronger indication.

Ramadan Articles - Explaining Ramadhan to People Belonging to Other Faiths

Who Must Fast?
Fasting is compulsory for those who are mentally and physically fit,
past the age of puberty, in a settled situation (not traveling), and
are sure fasting is unlikely to cause real physical or mental injury.
Exemptions from Fasting (some exemptions are optional)
*.Children under the age of puberty (Young children are encouraged to
fast as much as they are able.)
*.People who are mentally incapacitated or not responsible for their actions
*.The elderly
*.The sick
*.Travelers who are on journeys of more than about fifty miles
*.Pregnant women and nursing mothers
*.Women who are menstruating
*.Those who are temporarily unable to fast must make up the missed
days at another time or feed the poor.
Special Events
*.Special prayers, called taraweeh, are performed after the daily
nighttime prayer.
*.Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night ofPower" or "Night of Destiny") marks the
anniversary of the night on which the Prophet Muhammad first began
receiving revelations from God, through the angel Gabriel. Muslims
believeLailat ul-Qadr is one of the last odd-numbered nights of
Ramadhan.
Traditional Practices
*.Breaking the daily fast with a drink of water and dates
*.Reading the entire Quran during Ramadhan
*.Social visits are encouraged.
Eid ul-Fitr ("Festival of Fast-Breaking") Prayers at the End of Ramadhan
*.Eid begins with special morning prayers on thefirst day of Shawwal,
the month following Ramadhan on the Islamic lunar calendar.
*.It is forbidden to perform an optional fast during Eid because it is
a time for relaxation.
*.During Eid Muslims greet each other with the phrase"taqabbalallah
ta'atakum," or "may God accept your deeds"and "Eid Mubarak"
(eed-moo-bar-ak), meaning "blessed Eid."
Ramadhan Questions and Answers
Q: How did the fast during Ramadhan become obligatory for Muslims?
The revelations from God to the Prophet Muhammad that would eventually
be compiled as the Quran began during Ramadhan in the year 610, but
the fast of Ramadhan did not become a religious obligation for Muslims
until the year 624. The obligation to fast is explained in the second
chapter of the Quran:"O ye who believe! Fasting isprescribed to you as
it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn)
self-restraint...Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the
Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and
judgment (between rightand wrong). So every one of you who is present
(at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..."(Chapter
2, verses 183 and 185)
Q: What do Muslims believe they gain from fasting?
One of the main benefits of Ramadhan are an increased compassion
forthose in need of the necessities of life, a senseof
self-purification and reflection and a renewedfocus on spirituality.
Muslims also appreciate the feeling of togetherness shared by family
and friends throughout the month. Perhaps the greatest practical
benefit is the yearly lesson in self-restraint and discipline that can
carry forward to other aspects of a Muslim's life such as work and
education.
Q: Why does Ramadhan begin on a different day each year?
Because Ramadhan is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days
earliereach year. Throughout a Muslim's lifetime, Ramadhan will fall
both during winter months, when the days are short, and summer months,
when the days are long and the fast is more difficult. In this way,
the difficulty of the fast is evenly distributed between Muslims
living in the northern and southern hemispheres.
Q: What is Lailat ul-Qadr?
Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night of Power") marks the anniversary of the night
on which the Prophet Muhammad first began receiving revelations from
God, through the angel Gabriel. An entire chapter in the Quran deals
with this night:"Wehave indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of
Power: and what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is? The
Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the
angels and the Spirit by God's permission, on every errand.
Peace!...This until the rise of morn."(Chapter 97) Muslims believe
Lailat ul-Qadr is one of the last odd-numbered nights of Ramadhan.
Q: Is it difficult to performthe fast in America?
In many ways, fasting in American society is easierthan fasting in
areas where the climate is extremely hot. This year at least, the
number of daylight hours will be less than when Ramadhan occurs during
the spring or summer. In Muslim countries, most people are observing
the fast, so there are fewer temptations such as luncheon meetings,
daytime celebrations andoffers of food from friends. Many American
Muslims would prefer a daytime work shift during Ramadhan so thatthey
may break the fast with their families and attend evening prayers.
Q: How can non-Muslim co-workers and friends help someone who is fasting?
Employers, co-workers and teachers can help by understanding the
significance of Ramadhan and by showing a willingness to make minor
allowances for its physical demands. Special consideration canbe given
to such things as requests for vacation time, the need for flexible
early morning or evening work schedules and lighter homework
assignments. It is also very important that Muslim workers and
students be given time toattend Eid prayers at the end of Ramadhan.
Eid is as important to Muslims as Christmas and Yom Kippur are to
Christians and Jews. A small token such as a card (there are Eid cards
available from Muslim bookstores) or baked goods given to a Muslim
co-worker duringEid ul-Fitr would also be greatly appreciated.
Hospital workers should be aware that injections and oral medications
might break the fast. Patients should be given the opportunity to
decide whether or not their condition exempts them from fasting.
Q: Do people normally lose weight during Ramadhan?
Some people do lose weight, but others may not. It is recommended that
meals eaten during Ramadhan be light, but most people can't resist
sampling special sweets and foods associated with Ramadhan.

Ramadan Articles - How To Avoid Some Common Problems Encountered In Ramadan

This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common
problems encountered inRamadan. If followed, it would enable one to
fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefitsof Ramadan.
During the holy month ofRamadan, our diet shouldnot differ very much
from our normal diet andshould be as simple as possible. The diet
should be such that we maintainour normal weight, neither losing nor
gaining. However, if one is overweight, Ramadan is an ideal time to
normalize one's weight.
In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting
foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting
foods.Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting
foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.
*.Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like
barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal
flour,unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).
*.Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc.
(called refined carbohydrates).
*.Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat,
grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry),
marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie,the leaves of
beetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried
apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc.
The foods eaten should be well balanced, containing foods from each
food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals
and dairy products. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited.
They cause indigestion, heartburn, and weight problems.
AVOID
*.Fried and fatty foods.
*.Foods containing too much sugar.
*.Over-eating especially during the meal before Dawn (sehri. or suhur)
*.Too much tea during the meal before Dawn (sehri. or suhur). Tea
makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that
your body would need during the day.
*.Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down
gradually starting a fewweeks before Ramadan.Smoking is unhealthy and
one should stop completely.
EAT
*.Complex carbohydrates during the meal before Dawn (sehri. or suhur)
so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry.
*.Haleem is an excellent source of protein and isa slow-burning food.
*.Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium
and magnesium.
*.Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat.
*.Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.
DRINK
*.As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar (Breaking
fasting) and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in
time.
Common Medical Problems:
CONSTIPATION
Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures (painful cracks
in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.
Causes:Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre
in the diet.
Remedy:Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran
in baking, brown flour when making roti.
INDIGESTION AND WIND
Causes:Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and
foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated
drinkslike Cola also produce gas.
Remedy:Do not over-eat; drink fruit juices or better still drink
water. Avoid fried foods and add ajmor to wind-producing foods.
LETHARGY ('low blood pressure')
Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness,
especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and
feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This
tends to occur towards the afternoon.
Causes:Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.
Remedy:Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.
Caution:Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood
pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood
pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadan. They
should consult their doctor.
HEADACHE
Causes:Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day,
lack of sleep, hunger, usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at
the end of theday. When associated with "low blood pressure", the
headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar
(Breaking Fasting).
Remedy:Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two
before Ramadan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted.
Reorganize your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate
sleep.
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiringeasily,
feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities,
headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.
Causes in non-diabetics:Having too much sugar i.e. refined
carbohydrates especially during the meal before Dawn (sehri or suhur).
The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.
Remedy:Eat something atsuhur (sehri) and limit sugar-containing foods
and drinks.
Caution:Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan,
consult your doctor.
MUSCLE CRAMPS
Causes:Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.
Remedy:Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit,
dairy products, meat and dates.
Caution:Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone
problems should consult their doctor.
PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIA
Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadan aggravate the
above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area
under the ribs and can extend up to the throat. Spicy foods, coffee,
and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.
Medications are availableto control acid levels in the stomach. People
withproven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor
well before Ramadan.
KIDNEY STONES
Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink.
Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent
stone formation.
JOINT PAINS
Causes:The increased pressure on the knee joints during Salat. In
theelderly and those with arthritis this may result inpain, stiffness,
swelling and discomfort.
Remedy:Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra
load. Exercise the lower limbs. Being physically fit allows greater
fulfillment, thus enabling one to be able to perform Salat with ease.

Islam Encourages Scientific Progress

The word Islam conjures up a disturbing picture in the minds of some
people outside the Muslim world. It is a fact that many in the West
imagine Islam to be a faith far removed from modern life, closed to
science and that attaches no value to a good quality of life. The
first reason for this erroneous belief is that various people who
claim to be Muslims in fact have views and lifestyles that fly in
the face of it. However, someone looking in from the outside cannot
recognize that and will be unable to evaluate matters accurately.
Another important reason is associated with the first: Most people
are unacquainted with the truths of Islam and the correct
interpretation of the Quran. In point of fact, these people who
make incorrect evaluations are not only from outside the Islamic
world; many people within the Islamic world as well are unable to
properly understand the Quran. The reason for the appearance of
mistaken and radical views is that the Quran is not correctly
understood.
The only point of reference to truly learn about Islam is the Quran
but we see that some people do not interpret the Quran correctly and
produce their own perverse and foolish deductions from it in order
to support their own misguided and superstitious beliefs. One of the
subjects most easily capable of being misinterpreted in this way is
science and scientific activity.
Science is an important reality that enables us to know the universe
we inhabit, the Earth and our own bodies and to be able to
appreciate all the beauties around us. Scientific advances have
enlightened human life and opened the door to a healthier way of
living. For example, by means of medical advances the average human
life span today is much greater than it was a century ago. Even in
the 1950s, average worldwide life expectancy was 47, whereas
according to U.N. figures it had risen to 68 by 2010. Similarly,
advances in other branches of science have made our lives easier and
more comfortable.
Today, for instance, the benefits of the Internet are obvious. By
means of the Internet we can learn at once what is happening in
different parts of the world. Communications among people have
grown and become far easier. New concepts such as e-commerce have
bestowed a new dimension to our understanding of economics.
Information about a subject one wants to investigate can now be
accessed immediately. The Internet is just one of the benefits that
science has bestowed on mankind over the last century and those
nations making greater uses of the benefits of science now live at a
much more advanced level. Had science not progressed as much as it
has, we would very likely still be living dark and backward lives
devoid of many facilities.
For a sincere Muslim, science is a blessing that God has bestowed on
mankind. Islam advocates a rational approach. In many verses of
the Quran, God advises people to use their intelligence. He
emphasizes the need for us to think rationally and scientifically,
speaking of, "...those deeply rooted in knowledge..." and "...only
people of intelligence pay heed." (3:7). Another verse advises
people to think about the formation of the universe: "...reflect on
the creation of the heavens and the earth ..." (3:191)
Use is still being made today of the work of various Muslim
scientists in the past who understood that Islam encourages
scientific investigation. People such as Avicenna, Farabi and
Battani were among the leading scientists of the Middle Ages.
Avicenna's book "The Canon of Medicine" (al-Qānūn fī al-Tibb) was
used as a text book in the universities of Montpellier and Louvain
until 1650. Battani's "Zij" was regarded as a most important
astronomical text, and his work inspired that of Copernicus. A
crater on the moon was even named after him as a mark of respect:
"Albategnius." Al-Khwarizmi's work "Compendious Book on Calculation
by Completion and Balancing" is regarded as the first work in
which the first systematic solution of linear and quadratic
equations are presented. The very term "algebra" comes from
"al-jabr," one of the methods for solving quadratic equations in
al-Khwarizmi's book. Many other examples of contributions to
scientific progress by Muslim scientists could be given.
Today, too, there are a great many scientists, academics and
intellectuals who have emerged from the Islamic world and serve all
mankind. The spread of scientific thinking and concentration on
rationality will further increase the numbers of such people and the
contributions they make. That is why it needs to be better
understood that the Quran encourages rational thinking and
scientific research and activity. In this way, more enlightened
people will appear from within the Islamic world and bearing in
mind that societies are today in ever greater interaction with one
another, such progress will clearly be of great benefit to both the
Islamic world and to the world as a whole.