Namaz E Taraweeh: How to Perform Namaz e Taraweeh?

Namaz E Taraweeh: How to Perform Namaz e Taraweeh?

Namaz-e-Taraweeh is a special Nafli prayer which is performed in the month of Ramadan after Isha prayer. 




Some muslims perform 20 taraweeh on every day while some muslims perform 8 taraweeh per day in the month of Ramadan. Read how to perform namaz e taraweeh in Ramzan.

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Makkah Taraweeh 2011 [Full] - Ramadan Night 1 ~ تراويح مكة 1432 - ليلة 1

makkah, taraweeh, trawih, tarawih, terawih, taravih, taravi, quran, muhammad, prophet, islam, mecca, makka, kabah, kabaah, Namaz, Namaaz, Tarabi, Tarabih, Ramzan, Ramadan, Ramadhaan,

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About Ramzan Eid, Ramadan, Ramzaan, Ramadhaan

Coming with the new moon, the festival marks the end of 'Ramadan' - a month when Muslims fast throughout the day and eat only at night Prayers, feasts and family get- together are the major highlights of the celebrations. It was during this month that the holy Koran was revealed. Eid means recurring happiness or festivity. Eid is celebrated in India with much enthusiasm and fervor and Muslims from all strata of life can be seen adorned in beautiful new clothes, visiting the mosques to attend Salatul Eid (Eid prayers). Greetings of "Eid-Mubarak" or "a blessed Eid" are exchanged.

A very important aspect of eid is the charity, which all the Muslims are expected to extend to the needy. Earlier, this was in the form of gifts in kind but now cash is given to the needy. The first Eid of the year is known as "Eid Al Fitr". Al Fitr literally means breaking of fast. Thus Eid Al Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawaal, the tenth month in the Muslim calendar, to mark the end of a month long fast during the month of Ramadan. As the third "pillar" or religious obligation of Islam, fasting has many special benefits. Among these, the most important is that it is a means of learning self-control. Due to the lack of preoccupation with the satisfaction of bodily appetites during the daylight hours of fasting, a measure of ascendancy is given to one's spiritual nature, which becomes a means of coming closer to Allah. Ramadan is also a time of concentrated worship, reading of the Quran, purifying one's behavior, giving charity and doing virtuous deeds.

The secondary objective of fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing compassion for the less fortunate, and learn to be thankful and appreciative for all of God's bounties. Fasting is also advantageous to the health and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits.

Eid Al Fitr is a day of joy and thanksgiving. On this day, Muslims show their joy for the health, strength and opportunities of life, which Allah has given them to fulfill their obligations of fasting and other good deeds during the month of Ramadan. It is considered unholy to fast on this day. It is also a day of forgetting old grudges and ill feelings towards other fellow men. The second important Eid celebration is called "Eid Al-Adha".

Although only the pilgrims in Makkah can participate in the Hajj fully, all the other Muslims in the world join with them by celebrating Eid Al-Adha, or "Celebration of Sacrifice." On the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world celebrate this feast of commitment, obedience and self-sacrifice to Allah. They wear their nicest clothing and attend Salatul-Eid (Eid Prayer) in the morning. This is followed by a short sermon, after which everyone socializes. Next, people visit each other's homes and partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts. Children receive gifts and sweets on this happy occasion. In addition, like the pilgrims in Makkah, the Muslims, who can afford to do so, offer domestic animals, usually sheep, as a symbol of Ibrahim's sacrifice. The meat is distributed for consumption to family, friends, and to the poor and needy. Prayers are offered in mosques and Idgahs and elaborate festivities are held.

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Who Must Fast? - Ramadan

• Fasting is obligatory upon every adult Muslim who is sane, is able to perform it, and is not travelling. If he cannot meet any one of these conditions, he is excused from the fast without any penalty.
• Those who convert to Islam are not required to make up the fasts that they missed while they were still non-Muslims.
• Children are not required to fast until they reach a certain age. However, they should be encouraged as much as possible while they are still young to practice fasting by gradually expanding the time that they can observe it.
• Those who are insane, retarded, or somehow mentally impaired so that they do not (or cannot) function like normal people do not have to fast. They are not penalized in any way. The same is true for those who are very elderly and feel that they are unable to fast.
• Invalids such as very elderly persons or persons suffering from incurable illnesses are not required to fast. However they must compensate for this by feeding one needy person for every day of fasting that they miss.
• Those who fall ill unexpectedly and feel that their condition would worsen if they observed the fast are excused. After they recover, they must make up the fast by fasting the number of days that they missed.
• Pregnant and nursing mothers do not have to fast if they believe that it would cause them undue and unnecessary hardship or that it might harm the unborn child or the nursing infant. After this period of danger has passed, they must fast the number of days that they missed.
• Women who are having their menstrual period or experiencing bleeding due to recent child birth are not required to fast. They must make up the days that they have missed when their period or bleeding has finished.
• People who need to break the fast in order to save the life of someone else (i.e. being caught in a fire or drowning) are allowed to break their fast and to make it up at a later date.
• Those who are travelling are given the option of fasting or not. Those who choose not to fast during their journey must make it up after reaching their destination. This applies to all types of travel; for business, for personal reasons, or due to one's job (i.e. long distance haulers).

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Rules Of Fasting - Roza - Ramadan

• Rules Of The Fast - Roza
• 
  
• A person can state his intention to fast while he is ritually impure. After he has performed the necessary aboutions, he may begin his fast for the day. This must all be done before daybreak, when the daily fast starts.
• A woman coming out of her menses or child-birth bleeding before dawn must fast, even if she washes herself after dawn.
• It is permissible for a fasting person to apply ornaments, lotions, perfumes, and similar items to his head or body while he is fasting. However, he should avoid inhaling the smoke given off by burning incense. The use of ointments or medicine for medical reasons (i.e. tooth extraction, eye-drops, ear-drops) is also allowed, even if they can be tasted.
• Brushing one's teeth a siwak ( this is a twig from a certain kind of tree found in the Middle East and widely available in Muslim communities). The prophet said that it is desirable to use a siwak while fasting.
• A fasting person can cool himself with water, an air conditioner, or similar methods.
• It is permissible to use sprays designed to relive the pressure of asthma or similar afflications that cause difficulty in breathing.
• It is allowed to wet one's lips or rinse the inside of one's mouth with water without gargling.
• It is desirable to delay slightly the pre-dawn meal and to hasten to break the fast at sunset. This is in accordance with the practice of the Prophet, whose actions serve as models for the pious Muslims to imitate. The fast is usually ended by eating several dates or, if dates are not available, by drinking some water. If no permitted food or drinks is available, the individual should simply make intention to break the fast and then actually do so as soon as he finds something that is permissible to eat or drink. For example, he cannot break his fast by eating pork or drinking alcohol, as these foods are prohibited in all circumstances, with the exception of those that are life-threatening.
• While he is fasting, he should make a greater effort to draw closer to Allah by increasing his level of adherence to what Allah has asked of him.
• One who is fasting should also perform his obligations and abstain from that which is prohibited. He should offer his daily prayers on time and in congregation (if it is obligatory upon him) and avoid lying, backbiting, deceiving someone, dealing in interest(usury), or indulging, either mentally or physically, in that which is prohibited. The prophet said:"One who does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink."

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Ramadan -Golden Hours

The blessed month of Ramadhan is like ‘golden hours on angel wings’ it will descend upon us it’s blessed moments. It will summon Muslims, as individuals and as a corporate body, to an intense and sustained month of fasting and prayer, of worship and obedience, of devotion and discipline – all centred on the Qur’an which was sent down in these very moments in the custody of ‘noble and trustworthy’ angels. Call will go forth to every believer to take to prolonged companionship with the Book of Allah

, to a life of redoubled endeavour to become what Allah desires Muslims to be. Joyfully and dutifully the Muslim will respond. Every day will be spent in fasting from dawn to sunset, not a morsel of food, nor a drop of water, indeed nothing shall pass down the throat; nor will intimate relations be indulged in. Each night, hours will be devoted to standing in Prayers before Allah, reciting and reading His words sent down in the Qur’an.

Ramadhan is no trivial event. It is the month ‘in which was sent down the Qur’an; the guidance for mankind, the Criterion (by which to judge the right from wrong) (2:185) Its sole purpose is to prepare us for the Dive guidance, for living the Qur’an, for witnessing the Truth and Justice that it perfects, for striving to make the word of Allah supreme. Fasting generates Taqwa (God conscious) which becomes directed to the supreme goal of entering the world of the Qur’an and of living therein. It is the key which unlocks all the doors leading to the blessings which the Qur’an has to offer: honour, prosperity and freedom from fear and anxiety in this world; success, Paradise and Allah’s good pleasure in the life to come. No time for Fasting other than Ramadhan could have made Taqwa such a potent force.

Let us look at Taqwa. What it is? Literally saving ourselves from harm. In moral life, therefore, Taqwa must primarily mean, firstly, accepting that some actions and beliefs are harmful, that is to say, right and wrong do exist, and secondly, having the resolve and will to avoid the wrong and do right. Thirdly as a consequence, conduct should reflect this consciousness and resolve, if we are not a hypocrite.

To have Qur’anic Taqwa, which will entitle us to its guidance, we must know that these are realities and values beyond matter, beyond what we are incapable of perceiving by our physical senses, beyond this world, that man needs to be guided to what is right and away from what is wrong. We should also be prepared to submit, willingly all that we possess – mind, body, and wealth – to the truth that we know and believe.

Every moment in Ramadhan engraves these lessons on our hearts, integrates them in our practice. The most elementary physical needs – food, water and sleep – are readily and joyfully sacrificed. Hunger and thirst are no more harmful; Allah’s displeasure is. Physical pleasures no more hold any lure; Allah’s rewards do. The scale of values is turned upside down. The measures of comfort and pain, success and failure are radically changed. Without this change, none is entitled to take up Allah’s cause. To the uninitiated, or an outsider, the regimental devotion of Ramadhan may appear harsh and austere, but, in fact, it is eagerly awaited by believers.

The sight of the new moon, the crescent that signals the beginning of Ramadhan is met with celebration and jubilation. Even children who are not required to fast look forward to their first experience of Ramadhan fasting. The sick to, remain restless for having been deprived of this blessing. Such jubilation and eagerness, to sacrifice time, wealth, and life in submitting to what ever God asks of us, and regret and sorrow if prevented from doing so for reasons beyond our own control, is highly desirable in the way of Allah. Whatever the physical discomfort, the mortification of flesh is certainly not a desired object in Islam. The gifts of Allah are there to be enjoyed, but limits by Him must also be strictly observed.

As the sun sets, the fast must be broken, and sooner the better. All that became forbidden at His command becomes permissible again at His command. Similarly eating before dawn is strongly urged, even though the hour can be, depending on the time of year, unearthly, for it provides the necessary strength for the rigours of the day ahead. Fasting and praying are obvious acts of worship, but eating, and sleeping too, constitute forms of worship. The month long regime of dawn to sunset abstinence from food, drink and intimate relations with ones spouse, for the sake of Allah alone, internalises the lesson that one must never touch, acquire or enter that which does not belong to one under the law of Allah. A man can no more remain a slave to his own self-indulgence as he prepares for the arduous journey on the road to His Lord. For many it is difficult to see the value of long hours of hunger, thirst and sleeplessness. Productivity losses are difficult to accept in an age that has tried to make gods of gross national product and economic growth. According to Islam, however, man is created to live a life of total submission to the One and Only God, and this purpose must be paramount in all scales of values. Ramadhan fasting is crucial to this understanding. It shows that its purpose, like Allah’s guidance through His prophets and Books and all other rituals of worship, is to train the believer in how he must live totally and unreservedly, at all costs, in submission to Allah.

Obedience is not limited to mere outward conformity with the letter of the law. The law must be observed, but evil, in all its forms must be eschewed. Ibn Maja, the great Hadith scholar, reports that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘When the month of Ramadhan arrives, the gates of paradise are flung open while those of Hell are closed. All the satans are put in chains and a herald cries out, O you who seek good come here and those who desire evil desist’.

Imam Bukhari, the most renowned Hadith scholar narrated: Eyes should refrain from seeing evil, ears from hearing evil, heart from reflecting evil, and tongue from speaking evil. The prophet (pbuh) said ‘For One who does not give up speaking false words and acting by them it is not required by Allah that he give up only his food and drink’.

On another occasion the prophet (pbuh) said ‘Many are the observers of fast who gain nothing from their fast but thirst and hunger’.

As a collective experience Ramadhan suffuses the entire life of communities with the spirit of Taqwa; even the air, it seems, is changed with a new fervour. In Ramadhan, we can see a beautiful example of how Islam unites the individual and the society under One Lord alone. Therefore, the demands of Allah take precedence over all other demands; no part of personality; no aspect of our life remains out-side His writ, even aspects as mundane as timings for eating and going to bed. Thus, will is strengthened, determination is reinforced, spirit of sacrifice is intensified, self-control is heightened.

That is why the Fasting is placed in Ramadhan. In this technological age, when the clock has become the only measure of time and every concept of sacredness of time has been erased from human memory, some may find it difficult to visualise how every moment of Ramadhan encompasses centuries within it, how it allows us to draw nearer to Allah at a much faster pace. Acts of virtue during the month are especially rewarded: an obligatory acts increases seventy times; a voluntary one is rewarded like the obligatory. Each of its moments offers immense possibility of great spiritual journeys.

The end of Ramadhan brings Eid-al fitr, the feast of breaking the fast, which celebrates the revelation of the Qur’an. The Qur’an makes it clear: ‘that you complete the number, and proclaim the greatness of Allah for His having guided you, and that you render your thanks. (2:185). Man’s response to the Divine initiative of guidance must be gratitude and ex-tolling Him as the Greatest. That is why constantly on the lips is the tasbih: Allahu Akbar…Walillahil hamd - God is great and only He is to be Praised!

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Taraweeh Prayer timings in Ramadan

Taraweeh Prayers

Muhammed (s.a.w) never prayed any prayer called Taraweeh prayer nor did he pray any prayer after the Isha prayer except the usual nawafil prayers, which he regularly prayed throughout the year and which for us is the Sunnah prayers (two rakayats). But Rasool (s.a.w) always prayed Tahjath prayers consisting of eight Rakayats and three rakayat witr. Tahjath prayer was Farl for Rasool (s.a.w) and for us it is sunnah. The below hadees very clearly states that Rasool (s.a.w) never prayed any special prayers in Ramadan.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith

Hadith 4.769 Narrated by

Abu Salama bin Abdur Rahman

That he asked 'Aisha "How was the prayer of Allah's Apostle in the month of Ramadan?" She replied, "He used not to pray more than eleven Rakat whether in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to offer four Rakat, let alone their beauty and length, and then four Rakat, let alone their beauty and length. Afterwards he would offer three Rakat. I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Do you go to bed before offering the Witr prayer?' He said, 'My eyes sleep, but my heart does not sleep.' "

Since Tahjath was farl for Rasool (s.a.w), he prayed it as four rakayats but we cannot pray it as four rakayats; we can pray it as only 2 + 2 and so on and it would be sunnah for us. Only Farl prayers we can pray 4 Rakayats at a stretch; all other sunnah or nawafil prayers should be prayed 2 Rakayaths or 2+2 and so on. At this juncture, we should remember that Muhammed (s.a.w) though he did not pray any extra prayer in Ramadan, he advised us to pray as much prayer as possible each night to the extent that if anyone wants to pray the whole night, it is permissible only in Ramadan, in all other months it is a must that we should sleep for some time. And Allah is ready to pour-forth His Blessing on that person. So, the question does not at all arise whether one should pray eight rakayats or twenty rakayats; one can pray as many rakayats as is possible for him. As to how this prayer; i.e, the special night prayer in Ramadan was innovated, the hadees below clearly explains it:

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith

Hadith- 3.227 Narrated by

Abu Huraira

Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, "Allah's Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of 'Umar's Caliphate." 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abdul Qari said, "I went out in the company of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, 'Umar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one qari (reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, 'Umar remarked, 'What an excellent Bid'a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night (Tahjath prayer). (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night."

Here we should note that though Umar (r.a.) innovated this practice, he also said that it would be much better to sleep in this time; i.e., at the time when they pray the Ramadan special night congregational prayer, and pray the Tahjath prayer during which the people usually sleep. And we should also note that Umar (r.a.) did not join in the congregational prayer. For, he knew it would be best to emulate the Prophet, who prayed only Tahjath prayers. But if one is to pray the whole night also, it is permissible as Rasool (s.a.w) has permitted to do so. In the below hadees, it is clearly understood that during the time of Ramadan, for a few days, Rasool (s.a.w) conducted this Tahjath prayer in the Mosque and in congregation, but he did not make a practice of the same.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith

Hadith 2.229 Narrated by

Aisha(r.a) - mother of the faithful believers

One night Allah's Apostle offered the prayer (Tahjath) in the Mosque and the people followed him. The next night he also offered the prayer and too many people gathered. On the third and the fourth nights more people gathered, but Allah's Apostle did not come out to them. In the morning he said, "I saw what you were doing and nothing but the fear that it (i.e. the prayer) might be enjoined on you, stopped me from coming to you." And that happened in the month of Ramadan.

We know that the congregation conducted by Rasool (s.a.w) was during the time of Tahjath prayer as in another hadees, the Sahabas say Rasool (s.a.w) conducted the congregational prayer and recited long suras to the extent they feared that the suhr meals time (pre-dawn meals) would be over.

Allah's Apostle(s.a.w) said, "When it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends every night to the (1st) heaven of the world and says, 'Is there anyone who invokes Me (demand anything from Me), that I may respond to his invocation; is there anyone who asks Me for something that I may give (it to) him; is there anyone who asks My forgiveness that I may forgive him?' "

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith

Hadith 8.333Narrated by

Abu Huraira(r.a)

At this juncture, it is very very important to bring it to your kind notice that praying Taraweeh prayers is allowed but it is absolutely useless when prayed behind an Imam, who takes payment for conducting the prayer and also behind an Imam, who belongs to divided or segregated groups for in either case it is HARAAM – i.e to take payment or gifts for the recitation of the Quran or to divide Islam into different groups – the one and only acceptable group is to be a MUSLIM and nothing else; like, - Hanafi, shafi, Maliki, Hanbali, JAQH, Tawheed, Shia, Sunni, etc. etc. and when Haraam is involved then Satan is involved and when Satan is involved you do not get any virtues for your ammals (deeds). It is far better to pray alone or form a Halaal Jamath and pray and benefit from the tremendous amount of virtues that Allah(swt) gives for every good deed in Ramadan.

To conclude; pray as much as you can and do as much good deeds as you can in Ramadan, but do not miss the Tahjath prayers. For, Tahjath prayer is the most pleasing to Allah after the Farl prayers. May Allah accept all our good deeds and make us perform the good deeds with utmost ease and comfort (ameen).

Please pass it on to as many Muslims as possible.

To clarify your doubts in the light of Quran and Hadees kindly read the article Halaal & Haraam and Insha Allah you would be able to see the truth of what I have said : This is totally in the light of Quran and Hadees. Please read the above article and Insha Allah you would thank Allah profusely for having opened your eyes while you are still ALIVE!!!!!

Jazzakallah Khairan

Day	Ramadan	Gregorian	Fajr	Sunrise	Dhuhr	Asr	Maghrib	Isha
Sat	1	22/8	5:08	6:19	12:56	4:36	7:32	8:44
Sun	2	23/8	5:09	6:20	12:56	4:36	7:30	8:43
Mon	3	24/8	5:10	6:21	12:56	4:35	7:29	8:41
Tue	4	25/8	5:11	6:21	12:55	4:35	7:28	8:40
Wed	5	26/8	5:12	6:22	12:55	4:34	7:27	8:38
Thu	6	27/8	5:13	6:23	12:55	4:33	7:25	8:37
Fri	7	28/8	5:14	6:24	12:55	4:33	7:24	8:36
Sat	8	29/8	5:15	6:24	12:54	4:32	7:23	8:34
Sun	9	30/8	5:15	6:25	12:54	4:31	7:21	8:33
Mon	10	31/8	5:16	6:26	12:54	4:31	7:20	8:31
Tue	11	1/9	5:17	6:26	12:53	4:30	7:19	8:30
Wed	12	2/9	5:18	6:27	12:53	4:29	7:17	8:28
Thu	13	3/9	5:19	6:28	12:53	4:29	7:16	8:27
Fri	14	4/9	5:20	6:28	12:52	4:28	7:15	8:25
Sat	15	5/9	5:20	6:29	12:52	4:27	7:13	8:24
Sun	16	6/9	5:21	6:30	12:52	4:26	7:12	8:22
Mon	17	7/9	5:22	6:30	12:51	4:26	7:11	8:21
Tue	18	8/9	5:23	6:31	12:51	4:25	7:09	8:19
Wed	19	9/9	5:24	6:32	12:51	4:24	7:08	8:18
Thu	20	10/9	5:24	6:33	12:50	4:23	7:07	8:16
Fri	21	11/9	5:25	6:33	12:50	4:23	7:05	8:15
Sat	22	12/9	5:26	6:34	12:50	4:22	7:04	8:13
Sun	23	13/9	5:27	6:35	12:49	4:21	7:02	8:12
Mon	24	14/9	5:28	6:35	12:49	4:20	7:01	8:10
Tue	25	15/9	5:28	6:36	12:49	4:19	7:00	8:09
Wed	26	16/9	5:29	6:37	12:48	4:18	6:58	8:07
Thu	27	17/9	5:30	6:37	12:48	4:17	6:57	8:06
Fri	28	18/9	5:31	6:38	12:47	4:17	6:55	8:04
Sat	29	19/9	5:31	6:39	12:47	4:16	6:54	8:03

Note 1: Fajr means both Fajr Athan (Azan) and Imsak (starting fast) and Maghrib means both Maghrib Athan (Azan) and Iftar (breaking fast).

Note 2: Ramadan starting date is according to Makkah.

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Zakaat al-Fitr - Ramadan Articles

• Zakat al-Fitr :  which is part of the fast of Ramadan, is characterized by the following elements:
• 
  
• It consists of approximately 2.5 kilograms (slightly more than one pound) of rice, wheat, dates, or similar food or items.
• 
  
• It is not proper to give the Zakat al-Fiter in the form of money, clothes, or any other non-food items. However, one school of Islamic law-the Hanafites-say that one is allowed to give the Zakat al-Fiter in monetary form if he wishes to do so.
• 
  
• It must be given on the day of Eid, which is known as Eid al-Fiter, and signifies the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. It can also be paid one or two days before Eid al-Fitr.
• 
  
• It cannot be given after the Eid prayer, unless one has a valid reason for such a delay.
• It should be given on behalf of every Muslim whether male or female, adult or minor.

ZAKAT MEANING

Zakaah al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr. The word Fitr means the same as Iftaar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same root word as Futoor which means breakfast. Thus, Islamically, Zakaah al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadaan.

CLASSIFICATION

Sadaqah al-Fitr is a duty which is Waajib on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.The proof that this form of charity is compulsory can be found in the Sunnah whereby Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [collected by Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]

The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allaah's Messenger's (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or raisins". [collected by Muslim - English transl. vol. 2, p. 469, no. 2155]

SIGNIFICANCE

The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Sadaqah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Sadaqah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Sadaqah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community.

The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor. This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.

PURPOSE

The main purpose of Zakaah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Eed al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims. Ibn

Abbaas reported, "The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah has given Sadaqah." [collected by Abu Dawood - Eng. transl. vol. 2, p. 421, no. 1605 - rated Saheeh by Shaikh Naser Al-Albanee]

Hence, the goal of Sadaqah al-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.

CONDITIONS

Zakaah al-Fitr is only Waajib for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaah al-'Eed' (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day).

However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ) used to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr a couple days before the `Eed. Naafi reported that the Prophet's companion Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Eed. [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, Vol. 2, p.339, no. 579] Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaah al-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (al-'Eed). And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Whoever gives it before the Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah (will not, for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity." Therefore, one who forgets to pay this Zakaah al-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaah al-Fitr.

RATE

The amount of Zakaah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa` (two handfuls ) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family. This calculation is based on Ibn `Umar's report that the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory and payable by a Saa` of dried dates or a Saa` of barley. The Sahaabee, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakaah al-Fitr) as a Saa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese". [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English vol. 2, p. 340, no. 582]

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About Ramadan - History of Ramadan

Ramadan

A crescent moon can be seen over palm trees at sunset in Manama, Bahrain, marking the beginning of the Muslim month of Ramadan

Observed by Muslims

Type Muslim, cultural

Begins 1 Ramadan

Ends 29, or 30 Ramadan

Date Variable (follows the Islamic lunar calendar)

2012 date 19 July–18 August

Celebrations Communal Iftars

Observances Sawm (fasting), zakat (almsgiving), Tarawih prayer, reading the Qur'an

Related to Eid ul-Fitr, Laylat al-Qadr

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان‎ Ramaḍān, IPA: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn]; variations Persian: Ramazan‎; Urdu: Ramzān; Turkish: Ramazan) is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days according to the visual sightings of the crescent moon according to numerous authenticated (Sahih) Hadiths.[2][3][4] It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which Muslims hoping for reward from Allah will -- only from dawn until dusk -- refrain from eating & drinking, sexual relations, forged speech & evil actions,[5] such as fighting and quarreling,[6] and increased recitation of the Qu'ran.[7] The benefits of fasting are many, but in this month, they are amplified.[8][9] Muslims fast in this month for the sake of demonstrating submission to God (Arabic: الله‎, trans: Allah)[10] and to offer more prayer than usual, as was the tradition of Muhammad (SAAW).

In the Qur'an

Chapter 2, Revelation 185 of the Qur'an states:

The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur'an; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.

Thus, via the Qu'ran Muslims are informed that the unlettered prophet, Muhammad, first received Revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the months of the lunar Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.

The beginning of Ramadan

Hilāl (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan. However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. Nevertheless, the consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Muhammad.

Fasting

Main article: Sawm

In the Qu'ran

The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down - right Guidance to mankind, and clear signs of Guidance and Distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfil the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.

Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara), translation by Tarif Khalidi see:[17][13]

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouses is allowed after one has ended the daily fast. During fasting, intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, and resistance of all temptations is encouraged. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,[14] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat).[15]

It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.[16] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.[17] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day are exempt.[15]

[edit]

Increased prayer and recitation of the Qur'an

In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz', which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month. However it is not required to read the whole Qur'an in the Salatul Tarawih.

Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar.

Iftar

Main article: Iftar

Iftar in Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul,Turkey Muslims all around the world will abstain from food and drink, through fasting, from dawn to sunset. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar. The meal starts with the eating of three dates — just as Muhammad used to do. Then it's time for the Maghrib prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.[18]

Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time.[19]

[edit]Charity

Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadan. According to tradition, Ramadan is a particularly blessed time to give in charity, as the reward is 70[20] times greater than any other time of the year. For that reason, Muslims will spend more in charity (sadaqa), and many will pay their zakat during Ramadan, to receive the blessings (reward). In many Muslim countries, it is not uncommon to see people giving food to the poor and the homeless, and to even see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.

[edit]Laylat al-Qadr

Main article: Laylat al-Qadr

Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year.[21] Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Also, it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th.

The end of Ramadan

Eid ul-Fitr

Main article: Eid ul-Fitr

The Muslim holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر‎), sometimes spelled in English as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month called Shawwal in Arabic. This first day of the following month is declared after another crescent new moon has been sighted or if no visual sighting was possible due to weather the completion of 30 days of fasting. This first day of Shawwal is called Eid ul-Fitr or the Celebration of Breaking The Fast or The Day of The Feast. Eid Ul-Fitr, may also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition (fitra) of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day.

For the manner in which the Eid is celebrated, see Eid ul-Fitr and Salat al Eid.

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Considered the most sacred Muslim occassion, Ramadan is observed throughout the ninth month (also known as Ramadan) of the Islamic calendar. Held since ancient times, this holy event has pious Muslims fasting, practicing extreme self-restraint, praying, doing charitable activities and all such actions that are recommended by Islam. Go through our informative article on the "History of Ramadan" to know when Ramadan originated and how it came to be established. If you like reading about the fascinating history of Ramadan and want to share it with your friends and loved ones, please click here and refer it to the. Wish you a sacred Ramadan!

The origin of "Ramadan", the sacred Muslim occassion, can be traced partly to historic accounts as well as the various holy Islamic texts. A great part of the history of Ramadan depends on ancient Islamic folklore.

According to the Islamic texts, Ramadan began with Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam who was born in 570 CE in the Arabian city of Mecca. Orphaned at a young age, Muhammad was reared by his uncle Abu Talib. The boy grew up to be a merchant, as well as a shepherd. He was first married by age 25.

Gradually Muhammad began to be dissatisfied with his life in Mecca. Having an idealistic and religious temperament from his very early days, he retreated to the caves in the surrounding mountains of Mecca for meditation and reflection.

According to Islam, one night during the month of Ramadan in the year 610 A.D. when Muhammad was 40 years of age and was passing the month in meditation in Mount Hira, he had a vision of an angel appearing before him. This angel introduced himself as Jibril and revealed that Muhammad was the messenger of Allah and was born to be a prophet to his people. The angel asked Muhammad to recite what he said:

"Recite in the name of your Lord Who creates.

Creates man from a clot.

Recite: And your Lord is the Most Bountiful

Who teaches by the pen,

He teaches man what he does not know."

With a confounded mind, Muhammad descended from Mount Hira and told everything to his wife Khadijah. He feared that he had had an encounter with an evil spirit. But Khadijah allayed his fears reminding him of his good conduct until then and that it was impossible for him to be visited by a demon. She took him to her old cousin Waraqa ibn Nawfal and told the latter everything about Muhammad's meeting with the angel. Waraqa ibn Nawfal was a much learned man and was well-versed in various sacred texts concerning different religion. The lettered man convinced Muhammad that he was indeed a messenger of God and the angel who visited Muhammad was the same divine messenger Gabriel who had also visited the Hebrew prophet Moses.

In the following twenty-three years, Muhammad was visited many times by Jibril who taught him the holy knowledge in verses. This sacred knowledge consists of the code of conduct that Allah wants his people to maintain on earth. It is inscribed in verses which are compiled in the holy Qur'an, the most sacred book in Islam.

It is said that the sacred knowledge was revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. "Laylat al-Qadr" - a night of the month is symbolically regarded as the same night on which the holy knowledge was gifted to Muhammad and mankind. The followers of Islam consider "Laylat al-Qadr" as the "Night of the Power", the holiest night of the year.

As a mark of respect to Allah and to show gratitude to him for the true knowledge that he gifted to his sons and daughters, the prophet asked his followers (and therefore the followers of Islam) to pass the month of Ramadan in fasting, prayers and other austerities and end the month-long non-indulgence with festive celebrations.

The Quran instructs us:

"Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. Allah wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify Allah for guiding you, and to express your appreciation." [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:185]

Thus was born the sacred occassion called Ramadan, a month-long period of austerity that sees devout Muslims across the world keep themselves away during the entire daytime, offering prayers and abstaining from almost every kind of enjoyment including drinking and abstaining from sex. For Muslims all over, it is a very special time - of introspection, meditation, self control, charitable activities, spirituality and of course, devotion to God.

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