By Mallam Harun Umar
All praises are due to Allah, the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family, his companions, and all those who follow his righteous path.
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
We thank Allah (SWT) for granting us yet another blessed Friday and for the opportunity to gather in His house, seeking knowledge and guidance.
As is our custom, we convene to remind ourselves of the core tenets of our faith, particularly as we find ourselves amidst the sacred month of Ramadan. Indeed, the blessed month has graced us with its presence, making it imperative that we delve into its essentials, ensuring that our fast is performed with sincerity and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
Today, we will embark on a comprehensive exploration of the essential aspects of Ramadan fasting, focusing on four critical areas: the sighting of the crescent moon, the intention (niyyah) to fast, the duration of the fast, and the specific times for suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking the fast).
The Sighting of the Crescent Moon, a Gateway to Ramadan
The commencement of Ramadan is intrinsically linked to the sighting of the crescent moon. This is not a matter of arbitrary decision but a divinely ordained practice rooted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When questioned about the significance of the crescent moon, the Prophet (peace be upon him) relayed the divine wisdom, stating that the moon serves as a means of calculating time, marking the beginning and end of months, and determining the time for Hajj.
Some may mistakenly perceive this practice as a form of moon worship. However, Islam unequivocally rejects such notions. Allah (SWT) clarifies in Surah An'am (6:76-79) that neither the moon nor the sun is worthy of worship. Rather, they are signs of His power and instruments for measuring time. This highlights the importance of the crescent moon in establishing the beginning of Ramadan.
During the Prophet's time, the sighting of the crescent was primarily reliant on direct observation. However, in our present era, advancements in technology, such as telescopes, have facilitated the process. Nevertheless, the fundamental principle remains unchanged, which is the commencement and conclusion of Ramadan are contingent upon the sighting of the crescent moon. We are not permitted to arbitrarily decide the start or end dates; we must adhere to the established practice of seeking the crescent.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed that if the sky is overcast and the crescent cannot be sighted, then the month of Sha'ban should be completed as thirty days. This clear directive removes any ambiguity and ensures that we follow a consistent and unified approach. Those who lack knowledge may harbor doubts or engage in speculation, but we, as believers, rely on the clear guidance provided by Allah and His Messenger.
In Nigeria, we are blessed with a moon sighting committee, headed by the Sultan of Sokoto with members from accross the country, which diligently works to determine the beginning and end of Ramadan. This practice is in complete accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who encouraged collective observation and reporting of the crescent sighting. This ensures unity and avoids unnecessary discord within the Muslim community.
The Intention (Niyyah): The Heart of the Fast
The intention (niyyah) is the cornerstone of every act of worship, including fasting. It is the sincere resolve in the heart to perform an act for the sake of Allah (SWT). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Verily, actions are by intentions, and every person will have that which he intended." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
The intention for fasting must be formed before the break of dawn (fajr). While it is commendable to express the intention verbally, it is primarily a matter of the heart. One should have a clear and sincere intention to fast for the sake of Allah (SWT), seeking His pleasure and reward.
Some scholars hold the opinion that a single intention at the beginning of Ramadan suffices for the entire month, while others recommend renewing the intention each night. The most important aspect is that the intention is present in the heart before the start of the month of fasting.
It is crucial to emphasize that the intention must be pure and free from any form of hypocrisy or showmanship. The fast is an act of worship between the individual and Allah (SWT), and it should be performed with utmost sincerity and devotion. Every believer should take the time each night to ensure that their intention is firm and sincere, seeking Allah’s acceptance of their fast.
The Duration of the Fast: From Dawn to Dusk
The duration of the fast is clearly defined in the Quran. Allah (SWT) says, "And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread; then complete your fast till the night." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)
This verse delineates the boundaries of the fast, which begins at the break of dawn (fajr) and ends at sunset (maghrib). The month in which the fast is observed is none other than Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The number of days to be fasted is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which can be either 29 or 30 days.
Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal): A Blessed Practice
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of suhoor, the pre-dawn meal. He said, "Take suhoor, for there is blessing in it." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Suhoor is not merely a meal; it is a blessed practice that strengthens the believer for the day of fasting. Even a small amount of food or water is sufficient to fulfill this Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged delaying suhoor until just before the break of dawn.
The blessings of suhoor are manifold. It provides physical sustenance, enabling the believer to endure the day's fast with greater ease. It also fosters a sense of unity and community, as families and friends gather to share this blessed meal. Furthermore, it is a time for supplication and seeking Allah’s forgiveness, as the last part of the night is a time when prayers are readily answered.
Iftar (Breaking the Fast): Hastening to Allah's Bounty
Just as suhoor is a recommended practice, so is hastening to break the fast at sunset. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "People will continue to prosper as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Breaking the fast at the appointed time is a sign of obedience to Allah (SWT) and His Messenger. It is also a manifestation of gratitude for the blessings of food and drink. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to break his fast with fresh dates, if available, or with water.
It is recommended to break the fast before performing the Maghrib prayer. This practice demonstrates the importance of adhering to the appointed times and fulfilling our obligations to Allah (SWT). Breaking the fast is a time for supplication and expressing gratitude to Allah for enabling us to complete another day of fasting.
The Significance of Ramadan: Beyond Abstinence
While abstaining from food and drink is a fundamental aspect of Ramadan, the true essence of this blessed month extends far beyond mere physical abstinence. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, self-purification, and increased devotion to Allah (SWT).
It is a month of increased Quran recitation, prayer, and charity. It is a time for strengthening family bonds, fostering compassion, and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT) and our fellow human beings. Ramadan is a period of intense spiritual training, where we strive to control our desires, purify our hearts, and draw closer to Allah (SWT).
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim) This hadith highlights the immense rewards that await those who observe Ramadan with sincerity and devotion.
Embracing the Blessings of Ramadan
In conclusion, we have explored the essential aspects of Ramadan fasting, from the sighting of the crescent moon to the importance of intention, the duration of the fast, and the recommended practices of suhoor and iftar. Let us strive to observe this blessed month with utmost sincerity, devotion, and adherence to the teachings of Islam.
Let us remember that Ramadan is not merely a month of abstinence but a month of spiritual growth and transformation. Let us seize this opportunity to purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and draw closer to Allah (SWT). May Allah accept our fasts, forgive our sins, and grant us the blessings of Ramadan. Ameen.
May Allah grant us all the ability to observe Ramadan in the way that pleases Him. May He accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds. May He grant us His forgiveness and mercy. And may He make us among those who are successful in this world and the Hereafter.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
Mallam Harun Umar writes from the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board's Central Mosque, Benin City.
