Some Common Mistakes in Ramadan
By Guest Blogger • Jul 20th, 2012 • Category: Misc, Politics, Worth A Second Look • 20 CommentsForbidden to you (for food) are dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which has been invoked the name of other than Allah- (Quran 5:3)
Some Common Mistakes in Ramadhaan
Taking Ramadhaan as a ritual
For many of us Ramadhaan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual ( Stereotyped behaviour) than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie (living dead)just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that its a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil. We forget to make Dua, forget to beseech Allah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire. Sure we stay away from food and drink but that’s about all ?
Too much stress on food and drink
For some people, the entire month of Ramadhaan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Quraan and other acts of worship. All they can think of is FOOD so much so that they turn the month of ‘fasting’ into the month of ‘feasting’.
Spending all day cooking
Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Quraan. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!
Eating too much
Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor (Sehree) until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to ‘make up for the food missed.’ However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything. The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah. saheeh by al-Albaani).
Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless.
Sleeping all day
Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) ’sleeping away their fast’. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot ‘bear’ to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.
Wasting time
The month of Ramadhaan is a precious, It is so much precious so that Allah calls this month “Ayyamum Ma’doodaat“ (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music. Subhaan Allah! Trying to obey Allah by DISOBEYING him!
Fasting but not giving up evil
Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam, buying lotto tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allah.
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” [al-Baqarah 2:183] The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.” (Bukhaari)
Smoking
Smoking is forbidden in Islam whether during Ramadhaan or outside of it, as it is one of al-Khabaa’ith (evil things). And this includes ALL kinds of ’smoking material’ eg.cigars, cigarettes, pipes,’Sheesha’, hookah etc.“he allows them as lawful At Tayyibaat (all good and lawful things), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaa’ith (all evil and unlawful things) [al-A'raaf :157]
It is harmful, not only to the one smoking, but also to the ones around him.It is also a means of wasting ones wealth.
The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “There should be no harming or reciprocating harm.” This is especially true during fasting and it invalidates the fast.(Fatwa -Ibn ‘Uthaymeen)
Skipping Suhoor (Sehree)
The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing.”(Bukhaari, Muslim). And he (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor.” (Muslim)
Stopping Suhoor( Sehree) at ‘Imsaak’
Some people stop eating Suhoor 10-15 minutes earlier than the time of Fajr to observe ‘Imsaak’. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: This is a kind of bidah (innovation) which has no basis in the Sunnah. Rather the Sunnah is to do the opposite.
Allah allows us to eat until dawn: “and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)” [al-Baqarah 2:187] And the Prophet (pbuh) said: “….eat and drink until you hear the adhaan of Ibn Umm Maktoom, for he does not give the adhaan until dawn comes.” This ‘imsaak’ which some of the people do is an addition to what Allah has prescribed, so it is false. It is a kind of extremism in religion, and the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: ”Those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed.” (Muslim)
Not fasting if they missed Suhoor ( Sehree)
Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor. However, this is a kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few morsels of food? It’s not like you will die. Remember, obedience to Allah overcomes everything.
Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up
Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss Maghrib. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, then he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.
Missing the golden chance of having your Dua accepted
The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast. The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler.” (al-Bayhaqi, saheeh by al-Albaani).
Instead of sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it….Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Duas.
Fasting but not praying
The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr
as the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.” (Muslim) In fact, NONE of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled.
“Whoever does not pray ‘Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.” (Bukhaari)
Fasting and not wearing Hijaab
Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women. (See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away enormously from the rewards of fasting, even if does not invalidate it.
Not fasting because of exams or work
Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allah is much more important than ‘good grades’. Besides, if you will fulfil your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allah will make it easy for you and help you in everything you do.“Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him.” (Surah at-Talaaq 2-3)
Mixing fasting and dieting
DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (esp. sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.
Fighting over the number of Rakaah of Taraweeh
8/20 There is no specific number of rak’ahs for Taraweeh prayer, rather it is permissible to do a little or a lot. Both 8 and 20 are okay.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: “No one should be denounced for praying eleven or twenty-three (raka’ah), because the matter is broader in scope than that, praise be to Allah.”
Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th
Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan.” (Bukhaari, Muslim). only 27th?
Wasting the last part of Ramadhaan preparing for Eid
Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadhaan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. although, the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadhaan in worship(Ahmad, Muslim) and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadhaan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadhaan to the max.Aa’ishah (RA) said: “When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allah (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family.” (Bukhaari and Muslim).
We say We Love Islam
But, Do we really follow Allah’s and Our Prophets teaching ??
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O People! The shadows of a great blessed month have come over you.
Salman Al-Farisi reported: The Messenger of Allah (Salla Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) delivered a sermon on the last day of Sha’ban, saying:
“O people! The shadows of a great blessed month have come over you. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Allah has made fasting obligatory during it, and night prayer (Tarawih) optional. Whoever performs any good deed in it will obtain the reward of an obligatory act; and whoever performs an obligatory act of devotion will be rewarded seventy times more than in any other month. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Paradise. It is the month of rewards in which provision increases. Whoever provides food for a person to break his fast, his sins will be forgiven, and he will be saved from the Hellfire. He will receive a reward similar to the one for whom he provided food, without diminishing anything from the reward of the former (one he fed).” The people said: Messenger of Allah! Not all of us are capable of providing food for fasting persons. The Messenger (Salla Allahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said: “Allah will reward whoever provides food for a fasting person, even if it be some milk mixed with water, a date or a sip of water. Whoever provides a drink to a fasting person, Allah will provide him a drink from my Haud (Font), and whoever drinks from my Haud, will never feel thirst thereafter until he enters Paradise”.
So be well-prepared to fast in Ramadan and to perform supererogatory night prayer (Tarawih) during it and to compete in righteous deeds. Open yourselves to the gifts of the Generous Lord during the days of Ramadan. Perhaps an hour spent in pleasing Allah raises man to the status of the close servants of Allah.
Allah says which translates as:”That is the Grace of Allah, which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is the Owner of Mighty Grace”. (Al-Juma’ah : 4).
May Allah benefit us by the Qur’anic verses recited in the month of Ramadan. I seek Allah’s Forgiveness for you and I from all sins, so seek His forgiveness, that He may forgive you, for He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
What is the ruling regarding a Muslim who had not fasted for many years …
Question: What is the ruling regarding a Muslim who had not fasted (during the month of Ramadan) for many years, despite carrying out the other obligatory acts of worship upon him? Knowing he had nothing hindering him from fasting, does he have to make up that which he has missed if he makes repentance?
Response: That which is correct is that he doesn’t have to make up that which he has missed if he makes repentance. This is because all acts of worship are enjoined upon the believers at stated times. So, if someone intentionally delays any of them, such that the time passes without a (valid) reason, Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’ala) will not accept this act from him. So based upon this, there is no point in making up that which he missed. However, he should make repentance to Allaah (azza wa jall) and increase in doing good actions and one who seeks forgiveness, Allaah forgives him (inshaa’Allaah).
Source:Shaykh Ibn al-’Uthaymeen| (Fataawa Ramadan, Volume 2/Page 556/Fatwa No. 539), also (Fataawa ash-Shaykh Muhammad as-Saalih al-’Uthaymeen, Volume 1/Page 536).
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The title should have been “Some Common Mistakes in the month of Ramadhaan”, since the Ramadhan word alone refers to Allah swt, as it is one of the names of Allah.
Mixing fasting and dieting
DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (esp. sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.
Yes Batool this is an interpretation of — “Inama - Ama- Lo- Biniyat” — it is by mean - you act is depended upon your intention. HAY Na?
jazakallah khair, nice,though read the headings only, but absolutely right!, we are not given the link of actions and aqeeda, our society, our teachings have no link with islam, a last few years namaz roza has lost its value too… this reminds me the hadith
“The knots of Islam will be undone one by one, each time a knot is undone the next one will be grasped, the first to be undone will be the Ruling and the last will be Prayer (Hakim/ Ahmed)
The hadith indicates that it is the uppermost knot that keeps the subsequent knots safe from being untied. This is since it is the ruler that is responsible to apply Islam in its entirity, to implement the limits proscribed by Allah (SWT) and to protect the society.
Imam Ahmed mentioned without an Imam (for the Muslims as their leader) there would be fitna , and the destruction of the symbols of Islam ending with the Prayer is a great fitna.http://ahadith.co.uk/sixtysultaniyya.php?tid=22
Some Common Mistakes/sins in Ramadan
People make more dramabazzi like amir liaqat, maya khan or dr massod even now in this race veena malik also jumped.
People become more active in making fool people by taking getup of religious themes.
People flourish their business by black marketing and high prices of edibles to get maximum Profit on the name of Prophet .
People do lot of lavish Ifftaris for their rich fiends and family members but forget to see their nearby where poor around them are seeing their religious somersaults.
People do backbiting and tell lies in more faster speed with empty stomachs instead of calling their God to improve their character/habits.
””People become more active in making fool people””
””’People flourish their business by black marketing””
These are fruits of your man made system called democracy!
”””People do backbiting and tell lies in more faster speed with empty stomachs instead of calling their God to improve their character/habits.”””
Bullcr@p! In Ramadhan there’s less crime. Muslims fast because Allah has made it obligatory on them not because of any material benefits. People with faith can see blessings of Ramdhan but people like you would always harp on little bits and miss the big picture.
Pakistan is not a democratic country and if its rulers label it like that then one knows they are compulsive liars.Those who do black marketing are pure born Muslims and know well what is punishment prescribed in Quran for them. but they do it habitually not because some system is not working around them.
Majority Pakistani cosmetically do rituals in Ramadan or other religious occasions.I have no doubt about it mr muslim .
””Pakistan is not a democratic country ”’
Whether you accept it or not, the system in place in Pakistan is a democratic system.
””and if its rulers label it like that then one knows they are compulsive liars”’
to get elected in a democracy, you should excel in the art of lying. the democratic leaders around the world obama zardari sarkozy cameron are all CROOKS and liars. the more crooked the more successful.
”””Those who do black marketing are pure born Muslims and know well what is punishment prescribed in Quran for them.””
There’s no such thing as born Muslim because a person doesn’t bring Islam with him when he’s born. The more you babble the more you expose how little you know about religion.
””Majority Pakistani cosmetically do rituals in Ramadan or other religious occasions.I have no doubt about it mr muslim ””
So you’ve special power to see through people’s hearts and pass judgement on their iman? who gave you that authority? We only fast for Allah. Anyone who fasts and obeys the rules of Ramadhan will become a better person than he was before.There’s no question about it. Your pathetic attempt to associate fasting with increase in corruption is a joke at best. All the things that you mentioned back biting etc, people do that already without fasting.
””but they do it habitually not because some system is not working around them.””
laughable claim! people living in west are more corrupt than us. you only do corruption when you know you get away with it when system encourages corruption.
You believe what people say and do in front of each other to show how modest they are but surely I look for their real intentions, through their acts, words, their dealings specially with persons who are dependent on them or for poor.I am still firm on my practical approach that Pakistani Muslims are Muslims as they are born in muslim families, get circumcised, learn Quran and salat as part of their training without knowing its importance for Allah and their lives, Earn through all ways, give Zakat and on immediate basis go for ummrah hajj to impress nearby and try to cheat Allah.
“………….get circumcised, learn Quran and salat as part of their training without knowing its importance for Allah and their lives, Earn through all ways, give Zakat and on immediate basis go for ummrah hajj to impress nearby and try to cheat Allah.”
Nazia have you ever thought why is that so? According to me this is the net result of focus on MODERNITY instead of catching UN-TOUCHABLE - hay na?
You’re not some supernatural being who can look at real intentions. Intentions good or bad are not for us to judge. We only judge based on the action. Actions depict the intention.Only Allah can judge intention.
As far as hypocrites are concerned, they have existed in all times and they would exist even during end times. Every society has to deal with them. But that doesn’t mean that ALL muslims are hypocrites. There are and there will be people who ‘re true Muslims. Those on righteous path are always lesser in number. You need to understand, world is full of temptations and evil, that is why world is a testing ground for believers.
””’Earn through all ways, give Zakat and on immediate basis go for ummrah hajj to impress nearby and try to cheat Allah.””’
I know thousands of people in Pakistan who give zakat and financial support to poor, pay for hajj of poor relatives & others , give charity from halal rozi and they don’t do it to impress or publicize as you falsely claim. When you are going to just claim and generalize every thing then your claims are worthless.
@11
When we generalize the situation it means majority and I am still sure about my society that here minority only follows the real spirit of religion.Large number gives Zakat but earning through wrong means .You are wrong here society is recognized by its majority actions.Nations are destroyed because of actions of majority and developed on collective efforts of majority. so your this claim is not valid as far as nation or any society is concerned.
@10 aaqilmand babay’( look at my respect level how much you call me with bad names but still lam giving you FULL respect.This is my modern vision of handling backward people.
All this is called hypocrisy or deceitful living it has no concern with modernity.Holy Prophet and his teaching iwas sign of modernity in backward and hypocrite society.
I think you mean modernity what your maria sultan is practicing for last years and giving you no importance even after your many tries..
is it true? tu pher khusa mejh par koin utarthy hoo
Ap farmain tu Islmabad main us ay time lany kee koshsi karoon themary liya.A counseling session from her might cool down your 24/24 anger on me
Ap farmain tu Islmabad main us ay time lany kee koshsi karoon themary liya.A counseling session from her might cool down your 24/24 anger on me.
Tum aisa karo - Oss ko kaih dou Jo woh kaihay gi waisa hee hoga. Mera Kamm tu honay dou, Mein Bay Kar Baithay Baithay Thak gia honn.
Aur hann jehan jehan mera kamm oss nay rokwaiya osko wahin say shoro kerwaiy — Oss say kaho - Wadah Kamm honay kay badd — Woh Mohsina samjh ker ju kuch kersakay ga - Sab say pehlay Ossko Yadd rakhay ga. Iman Say. ju Qasam Laiy Lo.
@10 aaqilmand babay’( look at my respect level how much you call me with bad names but still lam giving you FULL respect.This is my modern vision of handling backward people.
Because U’re unmatched lady at all over Pakistan yes this is great fruit of concept of MODERNITY so I must respect you also. Strongly hop you will also consider to remove all hurdles such sole caused/reason I can-not move from this city to Lhr. Isd. & Abbotabad.
Baji/Aapa — Behan Ji — Intahi Mohtarm - Izzat Mabb - Nazia - Aap nay Butlaiya nahi kay - Maria Sultan - Jub - ROKWASAKTI - Tu - KHOLWA Kub rahi hein.
Behan Ji - Meharbani karien - Aur - Bila kisi Takhir kay Aab Ajizana Darkhawst Per Ghour Farmien.
Ap farmain tu Islmabad main us ay time lany kee koshsi karoon themary liya.A counseling session from her might cool down your 24/24 anger on me
Mein AAM as a Guarantor — Guarantee daita honn - Inshallah Jaisay hee MS nay Jo Kamm Rok Rakhay hein - Phone Kerwaker Yah Telephonic Conversation jo apnay qabzay mein ker rakhi hein Kamm hotay hee - BJ Khi. Ko Counseling session ki zarorat nahi paray gi - Phir Jub voh ijazat dein gi - Amann MS sahiba tub hee koi guftago hogi. Varnah Izat or Aihtram ka rishta.
@12 you’re just repeating the same old rhetoric like a stubborn kid. don’t have something to do with your life?
””’When we generalize the situation it means majority ””
Don’t lie you said “Pakistani Muslims’ which is a broad generalization and categorizes all. When you generalize a society without complete set of evidence that generalization becomes a stereotype. Stereotypes are highly exaggerated view of reality. People like you resort to stereotypes because you’re quick to ridicule those who’ve different views from you.
There are many good Muslims but you’re maligning them as well. Again, don’t paint whole society as bad. I can list far worse vices prevalent in other societies. Your claims of being all-knowing has little worth because an ordinary person doesn’t have the powers to see through intentions.
””You are wrong here society is recognized by its majority actions.Nations are destroyed because of actions of majority and developed on collective efforts of majority. so your this claim is not valid as far as nation or any society is concerned.””
Quran tells us majority is always misguided. It’s always a minority that is on righteous path and take action to lead others. There’s no society on earth where majority are righteous or do not practise hypocrisy. Majority of Pakistani are oppressed and have no faith in leader or system. first give masses their due rights and then talk about their conduct.Even when people come out for justice and protest they’re brutally crushed so blaming them is preposterous.
@17,18
oh main kihidhar jaoon after seeing such kind of respect level
I never thought you are so desperate of meeting her
is she your dr pinky?
why not to you try by yourself if she can be right hand if dr rehman malik than I am sure you can ask her to be your left hand.
if you allow me then I would give her detail of net walay baba who just looks near 40s with all your credentials and social activities.