The document, presented by ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail, discusses the significance and rules of fasting during the month of Ramadan in Islam, emphasizing the spiritual and moral lessons that arise from this practice. It explains the obligations, conditions for fasting, things that nullify the fast, and the importance of intention and self-restraint. Additionally, it highlights the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr and the recommended prayers and rituals associated with it, reflecting on the guidance provided by the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

1. BY: USTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAIL 8 AUGUST 2010 27 SHA’BAN 1431 (HIJRIYAH) @ GALAXY, GEYLANG “ PREPARING FOR RAMADHAN” IN-HOUSE TALK FOR THE “MABUHAY CLUB” DARUL ARQAM SINGAPORE AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 SURAH AL-BAQARAH:2: 183-185

2. كُلُّ مَا لاَ يَتِمُّ الْوَاجِبُ إِ لاَّ بِهِ فَهُوَ وَاجِبٌ “ Every (knowledge and skill), for which an obligation cannot be fulfilled except by (possessing) it (i.e. knowledge and skill), its acquisition is (therefore) obligatory ( waajib ).” A principle in Islamic jurisprudence. REGARDING OUR PURSUIT OF EDUCATION TOWARDS FULFILLING THAT WHICH HAS BEEN MADE AS RELIGIOUS OBLIGATION ( FARDH ‘AIN ) – CONSIDER: AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

3. "THE BEST AMONGST YOU IS ONE WHO LEARNS THE QUR'AN AND WHO TEACHES IT"- ( HADITH FROM OUR PROPHET S.A.W .) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

4. ” O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint.―” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:183 ) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 يَاأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيكمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكمْ لَعَلَّكُم تَتَّقُونَ Refer to a Mushaf for the Qur’anic Arabic script NOTE: ‘Slideshare’ could not convert the Qur’anic fonts without encountering some errors. Sorry for the technical faults.

5. “ (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship) is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free-will―it is better for him, and it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:184 ) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Refer to a Mushaf for the Qur’anic Arabic script

6. ” Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spent it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:185 ) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Refer to a Mushaf for the Qur’anic Arabic script

7. WHAT IS THE OBLIGATORY FAST? Fasting in Islam is amongst the forms of devotion that provides Muslim with necessary training in the exercise of self-denial, so that he may become truly “ Muslim ” - one who is able to submit himself to the will of Allah. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

8. WHAT IS THE OBLIGATORY FAST? Month of Ramadhan was chosen by Allah for Muslims to observe the daily fasting – the whole month. Exceptions are those who are sick, on a journey, the insane, infants etc. For every fast missed, it is to be re-paid by fasting in other months – or if unable, then to feed the poor or indigent as ransom ( fid-yah ). AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

9. HOW TO OBSERVE THE FAST? AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

10. HOW TO OBSERVE THE FAST? The rule of fasting begins with intention ( Niyyat ), to be formulated on the night before the fast, in a language which one understands. Basically, one must be conscious or aware of the fast to be observed and the reason for doing it (i.e. Must be for the sake of Allah s.w.t. As He commands). The, the intention formulated in the heart or mind is as: “ I resolve to fast tomorrow to observe the (fardh) obligatory Fast of Ramadhan this year, because of (or for the sake of) Allah s.w.t.” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

11. HOW TO OBSERVE THE FAST? It is recommended ( sunat or mandub ) for Muslims to have a meal before dawn called “ SAHUR ”. The Fast begins from Dawn ( Fajr / Subuh ) until sunset ( Maghrib ). During this period, the Muslim must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, sex, or any other acts which can nullify the Fast. The Fast ends with “ IFTAR ” (after the sun has sets i.e. at Maghrib time). Thus, every Muslim must know the rules , as to what will nullify a Muslim’s fast. To wilfully nullify it without Shar’ie justification, is forbidden. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

12. THINGS THAT NULLIFY FASTING AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

13. THINGS THAT NULLIFY FASTING Wilfully introducing any object or substance into any openings of the body. Deliberate eating, drinking or smoking, using suppository, etc. Vomiting, if it is induced. Involuntary vomitting does not nullify the fast. Emitting semen intentionally. Engaging in sexual intercourse (while fasting in the day). This not only renders the fast void, but those committing this breach has to expiate it with a penalty called “ Kaffarah ”- either [1] free a slave; or [2] fasting 2 months consecutively; or [3] feed 60 indigent (poor & needy) people. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

14. THINGS THAT NULLIFY FASTING Becoming indisposed as a result of menstruation or post-natal bleeding (childbirth). Becoming insane. Loosing consciousness throughout the day. Become sick i.e. illness where one is advised by physician, to avoid possible harm if fasting is to continue. Commit apostasy ( murtad ) and then re-enter Islam. NOTE : For every fast missed, it is to be re-paid by fasting in other months – or if unable, e.g. Due to old age, pregnancy or lactating etc. then to feed the poor or indigent as ransom or alternative ( fid-yah ). AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

15. THINGS THAT NULLIFY FASTING NOTE: Although by observing this basic rules, generally one is said to have fasted ( umum ), yet Muslims must aspire to a higher quality of Fasting – either: [1] The quality of Fasting of the Prophets and those Nearest to Allah ( al-Muqor-robeen ) – “most specific” Fast ( khusus-al-khusus ) or, if not then: [2] The “specific” Fast ( khusus ) – i.e. to ensure while fasting, every organs and limbs participate in abstaining from everything which Allah and His Messenger has forbidden ( haram ). AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

16. ” Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:185 ) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Refer to a Mushaf for the Qur’anic Arabic script

17. LESSONS FROM FASTING لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ “ .... that ye may (learn) self-restraint ( having TAQWA – i.e. state of consciousness of God).―” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:183 ) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

18. LESSONS FROM FASTING THE MOST IMPORTANT : – MEANING OF HOW TO BE A “ MUT-TAQEEN “ Begin with submission ( Islam ); exuding meaning of being faithful ( iiman ); inculcating righteous conduct ( Ihsan ); Inculcating sincerity ( ikhlasw ); Learn the essentials of striving ( jiHaad ); patient perseverance ( Swobr ); enhancing feeling of gratefulness ( Shakur ); Compassion for the poor & needy ( Ruhamah );

19. LESSONS FROM FASTING THE MOST IMPORTANT : – MEANING OF HOW TO BE A “ MUT-TAQEEN “ Steadfastness and consistence ( istiqomah ); Heightened remembrance of Allah ( Dzik-rullah ); Purge and purify body and Soul ( mutatohhireen ); Learn the meaning of “to return & repentance” ( Inaabah );

20. LESSONS FROM FASTING THE MOST IMPORTANT : – MEANING OF HOW TO BE A “ MUT-TAQEEN “ Increase interaction with and adherence to Al-Qur’an ( tilaawah wa tadabbur ); Increase in night devotions ( Qiyaam ); Reasserting and strengthening Islamic unity and brotherhood ( ittihaad wa ukhuwwah );

21. EID-UL-FITR (Day of Celebration) وَلِتُكْمِلُواْ الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُواْ اللَّهَ “ .. and that you complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Allah ...” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

22. CELEBRATING THE ‘EID-UL-FITR Pay the “ Zakaat-ul-Fitra ” for yourself and for those whom you are responsible for. This is ‘ wajib ’ (compulsory), to ensure the poor and needy has the means to celebrate, in as much as a condition for Allah’s acceptance of our deeds ( ‘ amal ) throughout Ramadhan. Glorification of Allah “ Takbir ” - inculcation of the true meaning of celebration which is none other than expression of gratefulness ( shakur ) to Allah s.w.t. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

23. CELEBRATING THE ‘EID-UL-FITR Bathing in the morning of ‘ Eid and partaking of food after Dawn is recommended. So also to wear beautiful or new clothes before setting out for a special Swolat- ul-Eid-ul-Fitr prayer in open field or mosques or community halls. This prayer ( Swolat- ul-Eid-ul-Fitr ): 2 raka’at, sunnat (recommended), in congregation (following an Imam); followed by a sermon by the Imam/Khatib . Seeking renewal due to a strengthened Faith, by also reconciling and strengthening bonds of relationship with all. To uphold the lesson on self-restraint and God-consciousness ( TAQWA ). AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

24. OUR DU’A اَللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْنَا وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْنَا فَتَقَبَّلَ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيْعٌ الْعَلِيْمٌ ALLA-HUM-MA – LAKA- SwUM-NAA – WA- ‘-LAA – RIZ-QI-KA AF-TwAR- NAA – FA-TA-QAB-BA-LA - MIN-NAA – IN-NAKA AN-TAS-SA-MEE- ‘UN – ‘A - LEEM “ O Allah! For You we fast, and with Your provision we break our fast; therefore accept (all acts of devotion) from us - for You (O Allah) Hears and Knows (all things)” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

25. DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) WELCOMING RAMADHAN A Tradition from a Salafus- Soleh & Ah-lil-Bayt –(the great grandson) of Rasulillah Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Praise belongs to Allah who guided us to His praise and placed us among the people of praise, that we might be among the thankful for His beneficence and that He might recompense us for that with the recompense of the good-doers! A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons From “Sahifah-Sajjadiyah”

26. 2. And praise belongs to Allah who showed favour to us through His religion, singled us out for His creed, and directed us onto the roads of His beneficence, in order that through His kindness we might travel upon them to His good pleasure, a praise which He will accept from us and through which He will be pleased with us! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

27. 3. And praise belongs to Allah who appointed among those roads His month, the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, the month of submission, the month of purity, the month of putting to test, the month of standing in prayer, in which the Qur'an was sent down as guidance to the people, and as clear signs of the Guidance and the Separator! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

28. 4. He clarified its excellence over other months by the many sacred things and well-known excellencies which He placed therein, for He made unlawful in it what He declared lawful in others to magnify it, He prohibited foods and drinks in it to honour it, and He appointed for it a clear time which He (majestic and mighty is He) allows not to be set forward and accepts not to be placed behind. DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

29. 5. Then He made one of its nights surpass the nights of a thousand months and named it the Night of Decree (Layla-tul-Qadr); in it the angels and the Spirit descend by the leave of their Lord upon every command, a peace - constant in blessings until the rising of the dawn upon whomsoever He will of His servants according to the decision He has made firm. DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

30. 6. O Allah, bless Muhammad and his Household, inspire us with knowledge of its excellence, veneration of its inviolability, and caution against what Thou hast forbidden within it, and help us to fast in it by our restraining our limbs from acts of disobedience toward Thee and our employing them in that which pleases Thee, so that we lend not our ears to idle talk and hurry not with our eyes to diversion, DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

31. 7. we stretch not our hands toward the forbidden and stride not with our feet toward the prohibited, our bellies hold only what Thou hast made lawful and our tongues speak only what Thou hast exemplified, we undertake nothing but what brings close to Thy reward and pursue nothing but what protects from Thy punishment! Then rid all of that from the false show of the false showers and the fame seeking of the fame seekers, lest we associate therein anything with Thee or seek therein any object of desire but Thee! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

32. 8. O Allah, bless Muhammad and his Household, in it make us attend to the appointed moments of the five prayers within the bounds Thou hast set, the obligations Thou hast decreed, the duties Thou hast assigned, and the times Thou hast specified; DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

33. 9. and in the prayers make us alight in the station of the keepers of their stations, the guardians of their pillars, their performers in their times, as Thy servant and Thy messenger set down in his Sunna (Thy blessings be upon him and his Household) in their bowings, their prostrations, and all their excellent acts, with the most complete and ample ritual purity and the most evident and intense humility! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

34. 10. Give us success in this month to tighten our bonds of kin with devotion and gifts, attend to our neighbours with bestowal and giving, rid our possessions from claims, purify them through paying the alms, go back to him who has gone far from us, treat justly him who has wronged us, make peace with him who shows enmity toward us (except him who is regarded as an enemy in Thee and for Thee, for he is the enemy whom we will not befriend, the party whom we will not hold dear), DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

35. 11. and seek nearness to Thee through blameless works which will purify us from sins and preserve us from renewing faults, so that none of Thy angels will bring for Thee the kinds of obedience and sorts of nearness-seeking unless they be less than what we bring! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

36. 12. O Allah , I ask Thee by the right of this month and by the right of him who worships Thee within it from its beginning to the time of its passing, whether angel Thou hast brought nigh to Thee, prophet Thou hast sent, or righteous servant Thou hast singled out, that Thou bless Muhammad and his Household, make us worthy of the generosity Thou hast promised Thy friends, make incumbent for us what Thou hast made incumbent for those who go to great lengths in obeying Thee, and place us in the ranks of those who deserve through Thy mercy the highest elevation! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

37. 13. O Allah, bless Muhammad and his Household, turn us aside from deviation in professing Thy Unity, falling short in magnifying Thee, in Thy religion, blindness toward Thy path, heedlessness of Thy inviolability, and being deceived by Thy enemy, the accursed Satan! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

38. 14. O Allah , bless Muhammad and his Household, and when in every night of this month's nights Thou hast necks which Thy pardon will release and Thy forgiveness disregard, place our necks among those necks and place us among the best folk and companions of this our month! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

39. 15. O Allah, bless Muhammad and his Household, efface our sins along with the effacing of its crescent moon, and make us pass forth from the ill effects of our acts with the passing of its days, until it leaves us behind, while within it Thou hast purified us of offenses and rid us of evil deeds! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

40. 16. O Allah, bless Muhammad and his Household, and should we go off to one side in this month, set us aright; should we swerve, point us straight; and should Thy enemy Satan enwrap us, rescue us from him! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

41. 17. O Allah, fill this month with our worship of Thee, adorn its times with our obedience toward Thee, help us during its daytime with its fast, and in its night with prayer and pleading toward Thee, humility toward Thee, and lowliness before Thee, so that its daytime may not bear witness against our heedlessness, nor its night against our neglect! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

42. 18. O Allah, make us like this in the other months and days as long as Thou givest us life, and place us among Thy righteous servants, those who shall inherit Paradise, therein dwelling forever, those who give what they give, while their hearts quake, that they are returning to their Lord, those who vie in good works, outracing to them! DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

43. 19. O Allah, bless Muhammad and his Household in every time, in all moments, and in every state, to the number that Thou hast blessed whomsoever Thou hast blessed and to multiples of all that, through multiples which none can count but Thee! Surely Thou art Accomplisher of what Thou desirest. AA-MEEN YA ROB-BAL – ’AA-LA-MEEN ! (Grant us these O Lord of all the worlds!) DU’A OF IMAM ‘ALI IBN HUSSAIN ZEIN-AL-’ABIDEEN ( al-Sajjad ) A Beautiful Supplication containing lessons AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

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45. OUR DU’A اللَهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ رِضَاكَ وَالْجَنَّةَ وَ نَعُوْذُبِكَ مِنْ سَخَتِكَ وَالنَّارِ ALLA-HUM-MA IN-NAA NAS-A-LU-KA RI- DwAA -KA WAL JAN-NATA, WA-NA-’UU- DzU- BI-KA MIN SA-KHA-TI-KA WAN-NAAR O Allah! We ask that You be pleased with us and (grant us) the Paradise, and we seek refuge (in You) from Your wrath and the Hell-fire.” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

46. OUR DU’A جَزَى اللَهُ عَنَّا مُحَمَّدًا صَلَّى اللَهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَمَ مَاهُوَ أَهْلُهُ JAZALLAA-HU ‘AN-NAA MUHAM-MADAN SWOL-LAL-LAAHU ‘ ALAY-HI WA- AA-LIHI WA-SAL-LA-MA – MAA HU-WA AH-LUHU “ (May) Allah grant His Reward upon Muhammad, salutations of Allah and Peace be upon him and his family, in accordance with what he deserves (in Allah’s knowledge & estimation).” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

47. OUR DU’A سُبحَـٰنَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ ٱلعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ وَسَلَـٰمٌ عَلَى ٱلمُرسَلِينَ وَٱلحَمدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلعَـٰلَمِينَ ” Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)! And Peace on the Messengers! And praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.” ( Qur’an : Saffat: 37 : 180-182 ) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

48. http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/ http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/ http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/ http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/ http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/ http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/ http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/ http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/ السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُاللّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُه All welcome to visit my web-blog: AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010