Ramadan is a month of excitement for Muslims. Ramadan is the month the Holy Quran was revealed. It is a month of reading the whole Quran; a month of Tahajjud and prayers, Sadaqah, Zakah al-Fitr and Zakah al-Mal. Ramadan is also a month of social activities among Muslims.
In the month of Ramadan, there are certain things that abruptly spoil one’s fasting and many people might see such things as little things and will think that it is normal during the month.
Not praying in congregation: Praying in a congregation is of great importance in our religion, thus everyone must attend the congregational prayer. It is rewarded twenty-seven times greater than a prayer performed individually as stated in the Quran.
Attending congregational prayer is obligatory on men but the best place for a woman is to pray in her house.
The Messenger of Allah (SallallahuAlaihiWa-sallam) said: “Do not prevent your women (from going to) the Masjid, but their houses are better for them.”
Carelessness in performing other acts of worship: Performing the other obligatory acts of worship is important. Salaat (prayers) is one of such obligatory acts because without it no act of worship is accepted by Allah.
Bad behaviour such as lying, cheating, backbiting, slandering are haraam (forbidden) even out of Ramadan and should be consciously avoided more in this sacred month.
Another thing that is to be avoided is indecent speech. If anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly towards you, then say, ‘I am fasting, I am fasting’.
Reduce watching TV instead spend more time reading the Quran and other Islamic literatures. Avoid looking at indecent pictures, whether magazines, department store catalogues or otherwise.
Avoid going to theaters instead go to Masjid or Islamic organisations and make that a daily habit. Avoid eating too much. Eat only when you are hungry and try not to fill your stomach completely.
Again if you drink coffee or tea be sure to reduce consumption. If you also smoke, try to reduce daily usage otherwise Ramadan will be very difficult for you to observe.
Many of us are fond of listening to music but if you like to listen to music, whether the style of western societies or even those from Muslim countries, reduce it or even eliminate the time you spent on them. Replace such time with reciting and listening to recitation from the Quran.
Others enjoy playing games but if you enjoy playing cards and board games try your best to avoid them and fill your time with something useful.
If you have friends who do not practice the teaching of Islam, try to avoid socialising with them.
If you travel a lot on business, try to do more local business, so you can be closer to your family and community.
If you are used to staying up till midnight, try to go to bed earlier so that you will be able to wake up early for Salat al-Fajr and Tahajjud prayers as well.
“Time is not money or gold; it is life itself and it is limited. You must begin to appreciate every moment of your life and always strive to make the best use of it,” KhurramMurad an Islamic scholar.
Some of the things that invalidate the fast involve things coming out of the body, such as intercourse, deliberate vomiting, and menstruation.
These things come out of the body and weaken it. Hence Allah has described them as things that invalidate fasting. This is apparently due to the fact that a person fasting will not be able to combine the weakness that results from fasting with the weakness that results from these things.
Some of the things that invalidate the fast involve things that entre the body such as eating and drinking. If a person who is fasting eats or drinks, he does not achieve the purpose of fasting.
To prepare ourselves before the month of Ramadan arrives is far better than waiting till it comes. To prepare ourselves for anything in life is a sign of wisdom and maturity. No one is assured of living one day more; tomorrow may not come, so hurry and benefit from blessings and rewards from Allah.
