Ramadan:

The Month
of Mercy
Salam Islam's Special Issue on Ramadan

Ramadan: The Month of Mercy
Salam Islam’s Special Issue on Ramadan
Written and designed by Salam Islam Group
Date Published: April 2020
All rights reserved.
www.salamislam.com
Contents
Introduction............4
3 Things You Should Know About Ramadan............5
8 Things You Should Know about Fasting (Sawm)............14
How to Fast (Sawm)?............24
How Is My fasting (Sawm) Accepted in Islam?............33
What Happens to Fasting in Places with Very
Long or Short Days?............39
Eid al-Fitr: When Muslims Give Thanks to Allah............43
Why is the Feast of Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) Important
for Muslims?............49
The Last Word............56
About Salam Islam............57
 Ramadan is one of the most
important months in the Islamic
calendar, during which Muslims
perform fasting (Sawm), one of
the key practices in the religion of
Islam. However, aside from being a
month of fasting, Ramadan provides
Muslims with the opportunity
to engage more in their routine
religious activities and have a fuller
experience of an Ideal Islamic life.
There is more to this month, then,
that makes it a special time.

In what follows, we will have a

thorough look at different aspects of
this month and pose some questions
that one might face in performing the
ritual of fasting.

3 4
3
1.Ramadan is a Gift from Allah
Ramadan is a door that has
been opened to get Muslims
nearer to Allah and to feel His
presence more in their lives.
This is the time when Allah
forgives most and rains down
His blessings more than any
other time, which can wipe
away our sins and mistakes [i].
If we knew the real value of
this month and were aware of
all its rewards, we would wish
every month to be Ramadan,
as Prophet Muhammad(PBUH)
believed [1].
5 6
We are so close to Allah in
this month and so occupied
with his divine remembrance
that no time will be left for
us to think or do what is not
suitable for us,or what is
against Allah’s command.
So the inward and outward
evil stay far from us in this
month of mercy, and it has
been promised by Prophet
Muhammad(PBUH) that in
Ramadan, «the gates of hell
are sealed, and the gates of
heaven are wide open, and
the devils are chained» [1].
 Ramadan begins with mercy,
continues to bring forgiveness
from Allah, and ends in granting
our wishes and salvation from
what has contaminated our souls
[2]. It is a time to think about our
past mistakes and to make up
for them, to make them right.

One of the prominent attributes

of Allah is His excessive
forgiveness and mercy, which
reveals itself manifestly and in
a fuller sense in the month of
2. Ramadan is Ramadan. It is as if Allah has
held us tightly in His embrace
and washed away whatever has
the Month of separated us from Him, and we
would be like a child who has
Salvation just been born, like a soul united
with its source. So, when is a

and Forgiveness better time to be forgiven than

this month? [3].

7 8
3. Ramadan is the Spring of
the Quran and Celebration
of the Nights of Qadr
In this beautiful month, the whole
content of the Quran was revealed to
the heart of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
in an immediate revelation [ii], [5[ & ]4].
Therefore, this month can be considered
as the birth of the Holy Quran [iii], and
Muslims celebrate this birth through
dedicating more time and attention to
this holy book.

Thus, reading the Quran with careful

consideration and pondering on its
deep meanings is highly recommended
during the month of Ramadan and it is
considered to be more rewarding, to
the extent that reading one verse of the
Quran is equaled to reading all of it [iv]&
[v]. In the month when Allah is closer to
us more than ever, He desires to speak to
us through the Quranic words, just as we
talk to Him through our prayers.

9 10
 What Are the
Nights of Qadr?
There are three nights in this month [vi], called the The night of «Qadr is a celebration to commemorate the
arrival of the final guidance for humans. It is a tribute to the
nights of Qadr [vii], one of which is considered to be
commencement of the message revealed to humankind
the night when the Quran was revealed to the heart of
by their Creator, a message which shows them the way to
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in an immediate revelation by
achieve happiness in both worlds» [8].
the Archangel Gabriel. However, we are not sure which of
these nights is precisely the night of Qadr. Therefore we
Aside from being the night in which our sins are forgiven,
commemorate all of these three nights.
according to some narrations (Hadith), the night of Qadr is
also the night of our destiny, the night in which our fate in
According to the Quran: «The Night of Qadr is better than
the next year is foreseen by Allah [viii], [9].
a thousand months»(97:3); in other words, the reward of
any good deed in this night is a thousand times more than
Finally, life is too short, and chances are slipping away
any other night or occasion [8]. Muslims celebrate this night
from your hands like spring clouds [10]. Ramadan is one of
by staying awake throughout the night until the time of
these chances, to look back and build a better future. It is a
Dawn prayer (Salat al-Fajr), supplicating to Allah and asking
starting point, or shall we say a turning point! So embrace
for His forgiveness of their past deeds and guidance for
this holy month.
their future actions.

11 12
 Notes:
[i] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
said: «The month of Ramadan is
the month of Allah, and a month in
which Allah highlights the virtues
and wipes away the sins, this is the
month of blessing» [1].
[ii] It is believed that there are
two kinds of revelation for the
Quran, the immediate revelation
that occurred in one of the nights
of Qadr and the gradual revelation
sent down to Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) in the span of twenty-three
years of his prophethood [11].
[iii] Imam Baqer (AS) said: «There
is a spring for everything, and the
spring of Quran is the month of
Ramadan.» [6]
[iv] Imam Reza (AS) said: «Whoever
reads a verse of Allah›s book
[Quran] in the month of Ramadan,
it would be equal to his/her reading
of the whole of Quran in other
months» [7].
[v] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
said: «Read Quran abundantly
during the month [of Ramadan]» [7].
[vi] 19th, 21st, and 23rd of
Ramadan.
[vii]. Qadr literally means measure.
[viii]. Note that the concept of
destiny or Qadr is not in conflict with
human beings› freedom of choice
in Islam. For more information,
see Men and Destiney by Murtada
Mutahari.

References:
[1] Bihar al-Anvar, vol.93, p.,340
348 & 346.
[2] Usul al-Kafi, vol.4, p.67.
[3] Sheikh al-Sadugh, Amali, p.53.
[2:185( ,)97:1( ,)3 :44( ]4)
[5]. For further information, see Al-
Mizan, vol. 8, pp. 134-130; vol. 2, pp.
23-14; vol. 13, pp. 221-220.
[6] Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.360, Hadith
no. 10.
[7] Sheikh al-Sadugh, Fazail al-
Ashhar al-Salasah (the benefits of
three months), p. 95.
[8]. https://www.al-islam.org
[9]. Muhammad ibn Hassan Tussi,
Tahdib al-Ahkam, vol.4, p.332.
[10]. Imam Ali (AS), Nahj al-
Balaghah, wisdom no. 21.
[11]. Shaykh as-Saduq, A Shi’ite
Creed, p. 60.
13 14
 8 Things
You Should
1. The Physical Aspect of
Know Fasting (Sawm) is a Way to
about Reach Spiritual Growth
Fasting(Sawm)
Each year in Ramadan, millions of Wouldn’t it be easier for you to refrain from unlawful acts
when you deliberately avoid doing things which are lawful
Muslims around the world observe
for you on ordinary days? Despite its physical benefits,
one of their religion’s most sacred
fasting is much beyond the mere abstention from foods,
practices, fasting (Swam). During
drinks, and other physical wants. In fact, we have fully
this month, Muslims refrain from
observed the practice of fasting only if we also keep your
eating any food, drinking any
tongue, ears, eyes, hands, feet, and all our other organs
liquid, smoking, and engaging in
away from sin. So, fasting would be the most helpful if our
any sexual activity from dawn to
soul also refrains from worldly desires [i].
sunset. They also try to abstain from
vices in favor of spirituality and
«There are many people who get nothing out of their fasts
seeking closeness to Allah. Here
but hunger and thirst, and many more who get nothing
are some spiritual and social facts
out of their night prayers but exertions and sleepless
about fasting, you might find new:
nights.» [2]

15 16
 2. Fasting (Sawm) 3. Fasting (Sawm) is
Teaches us to Good for Health
Be Patient

Patience is one of the essential virtues in Islam. Muslims Many studies have
shown that fasting can
have always been advised to learn and develop this
have many health benefits.
characteristic in different aspects of their life. There
These include lower
are many verses in the Quran and narrations about the
blood pressure, reduced
significance of patience. The Holy Quran says: «O you
cholesterol, reduction
who have faith! Take recourse in patience and prayer;
in blood sugar levels,
indeed, Allah is with the patient» (2:153). It is also
detoxification of the body,
narrated from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that: «Faith
is composed of two halves: One half is patience and the and brain and Alzheimer’s
other is gratitude» [3] disease prevention, etc.
[4]. That is why fasting has
As through fasting, we endure the pains of thirst and now become one of the
food deprivation patiently. We can also practice self- most popular diet trends
around the world. Prophet
control and tolerance in other situations.
Muhammad (PBUH) says: «fast
to be healthy» [5]

17 18
4. Fasting (Swam) Brings about
Inner Peace
When fasting, we focus more on our inner
selves. We try to free ourselves from worldly
desires, which makes us achieve contentment,
happiness, and inner peace.
5. Allah Bestows His Favors upon
the People Who Observe Fasting
(Sawm)
One aspect of God’s favor upon the fasting
person is that his/her request will always be
fulfilled by Him. Prophet Muhammad(PBUH)
has said: «The invocation of the fasting
person will never be rejected» [6]. It is also
narrated from Imam Ali (AS): «The sleep of
the fasting person is worship, and his/her
silence is deemed as glorifying, his/her prayer
is answered and his/her good deeds are
multiplied» [7].
19
6. Fasting (Sawm) Makes us Experience
How it Feels to Be Poor
By forbidding ourselves from eating, we begin to feel,
although, to a small extent, the pain of poverty a countless
number of our fellow human beings suffer from. And this
taste of hunger will make us feel we are all equals in one
way or another. That is when we will most probably have
mercy on the poor and give in charity to support them.
What’s more, fasting, in a different sense, is a reminder of
the deprivation we will undergo on the Day of Judgement.
7. Fasting (Sawm) Can Strengthen Social
Ties
Fasting is a manifestation of Islamic unity. Muslims around
the world start and end fasting nearly the same day. They
also make visitations and gather together to break their
fast, at Iftar. Inviting friends and relatives for Iftar is so
recommended in Islam, introducing it as one the most
rewarding acts in Ramadan. «The reward of giving Iftar to
a fasting person is the same as the reward of fasting.» [8]
This enhances friendship and family ties among members
of the Muslim community. It also brings them kindness,
brotherhood, sympathy, compassion, and love, as well.
20
 8. Fasting (Sawm) Leads to
Salvation

In a somewhat spiritual sense, fasting

will grant us protection from the wrath of
Allah and lead to salvation from hellfire
in the hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
has said: «Fasting is a shield that protects
against hellfire» [9].

There is still more to fasting than the

eight points mentioned above. Fasting is
one of the most important practices the
religion of Islam has been built upon. In
short, it is a sign of faith, to see which one
of us is sincerely obedient to Allah. It is
a way to renew our faith in Allah. To be
more observant of our deeds, to get in
touch with our inner self and our Creator
once again. What other lessons do you
think we can learn from Ramadan?

21 22
Notes:
[i] Imam Ali
(AS): «The most
advantageous
form of fasting is
the abstinence of
soul from worldly
desires» [1].

References:
[1] Tasnif al-Ghurar
al-Hikam. Wa Durar
al-Kilam, p. 176,
Hadith 3346
[2] Nahjul Balagha
(Peak of Eloquence),
Sobhi Saleh, p. 495,
Saying. 145
[3] Nahj al-Fasaha,
Hadith 1070
[4] https://
authoritynutrition.
com/-10health-
benefits-of-
intermittent-fasting/
[5] Nahj al-Fasaha, p.
547, Hadith 1854
[6] Nahj al-Fasaha, p.
547, Hadith 1856
[7] Da›wat, p. 27,
Hadith 45
[8] Muhammad ibn
Ya›qub al-Kulayni,
Kitab al-Kafi, vol.4,
p.68, hadith no.1.
[9] ibid, p. 62.

23 24
 There are nine actions that would void your fast:
Fasting (Sawm) in Islam is not a very complicated
task- just like many other tasks in this holy religion.
However, having a general knowledge of its rules •Eating and drinking (if you forget you are
and regulations is essential for all Muslims. fasting and ate or drank something
unintentionally, your fasting won’t be voided)
Fasting is generally defined as the act of voluntarily
preventing oneself from eating and drinking during •Having sexual intercourse
a particular period in the day – from the time of
dawn prayer(Salat al-Fajr) until dusk prayer (Salat
•Masturbation
al-maghrib). According to the Sharia of Islam, there
are seven types of fasting, which are obligatory for
Muslims to perform [1], one of the most important •Insulting Allah and his holy prophets
of which is fasting during the month of Ramadan.
•Inhaling thick dust

How to Fast? •Immersing your head entirely into the

water
The process of fasting is quite an easy one; first,
you will need to make your intention (Niyyah) clear
for your fasting: «I will fast today seeking Allah’s •Not having performed the obligatory
contentment and closeness to him.» Note that you ablutions before sunrise
should make your intention- whether in your mind
or by saying the actual words- before the time of •Doing enema using liquids
dawn Prayer (Salat al-Fajr). The next step is to avoid
doing specific actions during the time of fasting. •To vomit intentionally [2]

25 26

Who Should Not Fast?
In some instances, fasting would lose its obligation. If you
are a traveler, you won’t need to fast, if you have become
temporarily ill and by fasting your illness would worsen,
fasting will be forbidden for you, and if you fast, you have
sinned.
Nevertheless, you will have to fast before the coming of
the next Ramadan, instead of the one(s) you have missed.
However, if you have a chronic sickness – e.g., diabetes-
and according to your doctor’s view fasting is harmful
to you forever, instead of fasting you will have to pay a
certain amount of money to be given to underprivileged
people in society called atonement (Kaffareh) [3].
27
Eid al-Fitr
Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Fitr, Feast of Fast-Breaking, at
the end of Ramadan, which falls on the first day of the
Islamic month of Shawwal. This religious Eid is a single
day during which Muslims are not permitted to fast.
Many Muslims attend a particular congregational
prayer (Salat al-Jama’ah) to thank the Almighty, who
enabled them to fast and to remember the needy and
the destitute. It is also compulsory for Muslims to pay
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrah) during Eid al-Fitr, preferably before
offering the Eid prayers.
Zakat al-Fitr
Zakatul-Fitr is a mandatory religious tax paid by those
who can afford it as a kind of charity at the sunset of Eid
al Fitr night (i.e., the night preceding Eid day). Whoever
is an adult, sane, neither unconscious, nor poor, nor
the slave of another, should give, on his own behalf as
well as all those who are his dependents, about three
kilos of wheat, barley, dates, raisins, rice or millet, etc.
per person. It is also permissible if he pays the price of
one of these items in cash. Fitrah should be given to
deserving believers whose income is not sufficient to
spend on their families for one year [4].
28
 Spiritual Effects of Fasting
It is noteworthy that fasting is not a
mere act of depriving oneself of foods
or drinks; in fact, the most important
aspect of fasting is its spiritual impact
upon man. It makes the human›s soul
kind, strengthens his determination,
and moderates his instincts. Trying to
avoid foods and drinks in Ramadan,
which are allowed on regular days,
fasting helps people keep away from
forbidden deeds (Haram) more easily.

Fasting is a particular act of worship

that is only between humans and God
since no one else knows for sure if
this person is actually fasting. Imam
Ali (AS) explains the philosophy of
this act as below:
«Allah ordered the observance of
fasts for fostering (the attribute of)
sincerity within the people» [5].

27 28
Social Effects of Fasting

Fasting is also a practice for

human beings to be more
observant of their actions and
to experience, even for a very
short period, what poor people
go through in their lives. God
has obliged humans to fast to
convey the message of equality
between the rich and the poor;
the rich experience the pangs
of hunger and thus fulfill their
obligations to the destitute.

If the wealthy nations of the

world were to fast for just a few
days in the year and experience
hunger, pain, and trouble poor
people suffer from, they would
probably exhibit mercy upon
them, and there would not still
exist any hungry people in the
world [6].

29 30
The miraculous effect of abstinence (from food) in curing goal of fasting in Islam is to
redirect our attention toward
various diseases has been ascertained in modern as well our inner selves. Also, it serves
as ancient medicine. Lots of articles have been written on as a reminder for us of our
the medical and therapeutic effects of fasting. superiority to other creatures
In a well-known tradition, the Noble Prophet (PBUH) says: concerning our power of will,
«Fast so that you become healthy.» our capacity to choose to fight
against evilness, and to refuse
It is a fact that the cause of a significant number of diseases to be driven by our desires.
is extravagance in the consumption of various types of food. In consequence, we would
finally be prepared to reach
The prophet (PBUH) also says: the summit of humanity and
«The stomach is the house of all maladies, and abstinence become the perfect human who
(from food) is the best of all cures» [7]. is worthy of God’s attention and
reward.
When we eat or drink, we inevitably enter many toxic
substances into our body; consequently, organs should May Allah bless you and accept
always be working to get rid of these harmful materials. your fasting as well as all your
The detoxification process of the body will be considerably other good deeds.
accelerated during the time of fasting.
References:
Since our body does not receive any substance externally, [2 ,1]. http://farsi.khamenei.ir
the materials that had been stored in the body will be [1:184,185 .]3
[4]. http://www.sistani.org
used to produce sufficient energy; thus, the infections [7 ,6 ,5]. http://shiastudies.net
and microbes that were accumulated in our body will be [8]. Reza Paknejad. The First University and
released along with those materials and our blood will be the Last Prophet. Vol. III. Tehran: Islamic
Bookselling, 1346.
purified noticeably. It has been claimed that fasting will [9]. Herbert M.C. Shelton. Fasting can save
balance the hormones in our body and will result in better your life. Trans. Masha Allah Farkhonde. 1st.
functioning of our organs [9[ & ]8].To conclude, the ultimate Tehran: No Andish Publication.

31 32
 How Is My fasting
(Sawm) Accepted in
Islam?
Ramadan is the time when Muslims are
required to fast. But we might wonder:
Is our fasting accepted? Do we really
observe the conditions that are essential
for fasting? After all, what are these
conditions? Can the fast (Sawm) of those
who do not perform the prayer (Salat), talk
behind other people’s back, drink Alcohol,
etc. be accepted? Does it bring all the
benefits of fasting on body and soul, in its
real sense of the word?

Or even sometimes, some non-Muslims

show interest in performing fasting
(Sawm). They might want to know what
it feels like to fast. To understand why
Muslims are so enthusiastic about this
act, or as they say to put themselves in
Muslims’shoes. Indeed they are welcomed
to take part in this beautiful ritual. Yet,
they should note that Islam has specified
some conditions for fasting (Swam) to be
accepted.

33 34
What Are the Conditions that
Make Fasting Meaningful
and Pleasurable?
•Converting to Islam
•Having faith in the pillars of Islam
•Being in sound mind and Not being
unconscious [i]
•Having the intention (Niyyah) of fasting
•Avoiding whatever renders fasting void
Note that the one who is traveling, a menstruating
woman, and the person who would receive harm by
fasting are not required to fast.
35
Fasting Is a Whole Series of Actions
As stated earlier, fasting is not the mere act of not
eating and drinking. Instead, it is a multi-dimensional
practice. Aside from being a bodily endeavor, fasting is
the spiritual effort of Muslims to elevate their souls and
reach Allah’s satisfaction. So, not eating and drinking
will not necessarily bring about the many spiritual and
psychological effects of fasting. It is a process that
influences the manner and the soul of the person over
time.
It is a whole series of actions that are accepted only
when one has embraced Islam previously, believes in the
Oneness of Allah, and performs other practical principles
of Islam such as prayer (Salat) as well.
In other words, if there were no spiritual and divine
side to this action, it would not be called fasting (Sawm)
anymore. As Imam Ali (AS) puts: «It is possible that a
person who fasts, does not receive any benefit from his/
her fasting other than hunger and thirst» [2]. Why would
anyone want to bear hunger and thirst just for the sake
of it? There must be something to motivate one going
through such a challenging practice.
36
 «The Actions Depend
on Intentions»
Intentions are the driving
forces for actions, which
determine their value and
their expected effects. This
is true for fasting as well, the
same as any other obligatory
practice in Islam.
Fasting is, first and foremost,
an act of worship and not a
mere physical practice. Thus
the first prerequisite for this
act is to be done with the
intention of serving Allah.
There may be someone
only interested in the health
effects and physical benefits
of fasting. Yet without a
divine intention, his/her
37
practice cannot be called
fasting in Islam. This does
not mean that you need
to perform a special ritual
before fasting; you should
only be aware of your own
will to fast and the reason
why you fast.
Muslims believe that they
fast for Allah [ii]. And what
they have for breaking their
fast is given by Allah, as a
manifestation of His infinite
mercy [iii]. With this in mind,
Muslims feel inner joy and
bliss after a long day of
fasting with all its hardships.
Since they find a meaning
for their efforts. Then, they
ask Allah to accept their act
of worship [iv], regardless of
its physical benefits or any
other worldly attitude. At last,
they whisper their needs and
wishes to Allah, knowing that
He is «all-hearing and all-
knowing» [3].
I Fast, Therefore
I Am
We are born free, and Allah
has endowed us with the
power of choice. We choose
to refrain from eating and
drinking consciously. We
choose to secure our tongue,
38
eye, and ear from any vices.
We choose to surrender
to the will of Allah, and we
choose to get closer to our
divine Creator.
If any circumstances
undermine our power of
choice (e.g., not being
mentally sound, being
unconscious, not having
the intention for fasting),
fasting loses its meaning and
necessary function. That is to
emphasize human being›s
free will to be better, to go
forward and prove his/her
value.
 The hours of fasting in Ramadan vary
Notes:

[i], i.e., one

must be aware
based on the geographical position of
of what he/she the city where one lives. In some regions,
is doing, or be the fasting hours might be extremely
in control of
his/her actions.
long, while in other places, it might
[ii] A Hadith be too short such that one wonders if
from Prophet the goal of fasting (Sawm) has been
Muhammad
(PBUH) [1].
accomplished or not. Extended fasting
[iii] ‫اللّ ُهـ َّم ل ََك ُص ْم َنا‬: might cause difficulties.
«O Allah: For
You have we
fasted» [3]
Some might complain that there is no
[iv] ‫َو َع َل ِر ْز ِق َك أَفْطَ ْرنَا‬ advantage in fasting long days. Others
:»and with Your might find excuses to avoid fasting
sustenance
have we broken
altogether. But, Islam does not want
our fasting» [3] Muslims to suffer. There are, therefore,
[v] ‫ فَتَ َق َّبـ ْـل ِم َّنا‬: «so, some rulings on how to fast on very long
(please) accept
form us» [3].
days and very short days, that we review
them all next.
References:

[1] Bukhari,
Sahih al-
Fasting in Ramadan on
Bukhari, vol.1,
p.17-18. Extremely Short Days
[2] Nahj
al-Balaghah,
Wisdom no.
What Happens to Fasting in In the case where the days are very short,
one should perform fasting in its typical
Places with Very Long or
145.
[3] Dua after way, from dawn to sunset, according to
breaking the
the prayer times. Hence, short fasting

Short Days? hours do not change the default time

fast (Iftar)

rulings on fasting (Swam) [1].

39 40

Fasting Is Not
to Suffer
Fasting is not a mere act
of depriving oneself of
depriving oneself of foods or
drinks. Still, it aims at spiritual
growth and salvation, inner
peace, exercising patience,
strengthening social ties,
and experiencing how poor
people live their lives [2].
Hence, the obligation on
fasting is not to make people
suffer, as it is stated in Surah
Baqarah: «Allah intends
for you ease and does not
intend for you hardship»
(2:185). So, there are some
rulings on long fasts which
make them less difficult.
41
Fasting in Ramadan
on Very Long Days
Long fast (Swam), especially One should fast according
in hot summer days, is tough. to the prayer times in a
In this case, one should fast «moderate region,» with the
according to the prayer times normal day length, that is on
of his\her city of residence. the same meridian as his\her
But, if it is extremely difficult, city of residence.
whenever during the day he\
she feels unable to continue,
he\she is allowed to break
the fast (Swam) and have to Conclusion
fast (it is obligatory, Wajib)
later on for those missing F asting is obligatory due
(Qaza) fasts in shorter days of to its spiritual and physical
the current year and before benefits. It is not to put
the next Ramadan [1] pressure and make people
suffer. If it is tough to fast
However, different religious in very long days, one can
experts (Mujtahids) have fast according to the rulings
different opinions on this stated above.
matter. We explained one
of those views above. There References:
are two other opinions as
follows, and one of them [1] http://www.leader.ir
might be the opinion of your
religious expert (Mujtahid):
In any case, one should fast
according to the prayer times
of the city of residence;
42
 Eid al-Fitr:
«O ALLAH, bless Muhammad (PBUH) and his Progeny!
Bless us in this day of our festival and our fast-breaking,
make it one of the best of days that have passed over
us.» Imam Sajjad (AS) - Sahifa Al-Sajjadiyya

Eid al-Fitr is the most important festival in the Islamic

calendar. It provides us with an opportunity to offer
thanks to Allah for having given us the will and strength
to observe fast during the holy month of Ramadan. This
Eid falls on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal
and marks the end of Ramadan.

On the day of the celebration, a typical Muslim family

gets up very early to perform the following tasks:

1. Reciting Takbirs
It is recommended to recite the following Takbirs after
When
completing the Dawn prayer (Salat al-Fajr):
Muslims Give
‫اللَّـ ُه أَك َ ُْباللَّـ ُه أَك َ ُْبالإِلَـ َه إِالاللَّ ُه َواللَّ ُه أَك َ ُْباللَّ ُه أَك َ ُْب َولِلَّ ِه الْ َح ْم ُدالْ َح ْم ُدلِلَّ ِه َع َل َما َه َدانَا َولَ ُه الشُّ ـ ْك ُر َع َل َما أَ ْوالنَا‬
Thanks to
It means: «Allah is Great. Allah is Great. There is no god Allah
but Allah. And Allah is Great. Allah is Great. (All) praise
be to Allah. (We) sing the praises of Allah because He
has shown us the Right Path. (We) gratefully thank Him
because He takes care of us and looks after our interests.»

43 44

2. Giving Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrah)
Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory religious tax paid by those who
can afford it as a kind of charity at the sunset of Eid al-Fitr
night (i.e., the night preceding Eid day), which is about
three kilos of the item commonly eaten per person in the
house (e.g., wheat, barley, dates, raisins, rice or millet, etc.).
You can also pay the price of one of these items in cash.
Fitrah should be given to deserving believers whose
income is not sufficient to spend on their families for one
year. It is better to give it before the Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid).
45
3. Performing Eid Prayer
The Eid prayer is performed in the morning, between
sunrise and the Midday prayer (Salat al-Zuhr). It can be
performed either individually or in a congregation and
consists of two Rak’ahs (units). During the first Rak’ah,
you should recite the first chapter of the Holy Quran
(Surah al-Fateha).
After that, you can recite another chapter
of your choice. However, it is
recommended to recite Chapter
91 (Surah al-Shams) in the first
Rak›ah and Chapter 8 (Surah
al-Ghashiya) in the second one
following Surah al-Fateha; or
alternatively, recite Chapter 87
(Surah al-A’ala) in the first Rak’ah
and Chapter 91 (Surah al-Shams) in
the second (following Surah al-Fateha).
After reciting the Quranic chapters, there
are five Takbirs-i.e. ’Allahu Akbar’- that needs
to be said in the first Rak’ah and four in the
second one - and along with each of these, you
should recite a Qunut (raising hands in prayer).
After the fifth Qunut of the first Rak’ah, you should
recite a Takbir (Allahu Akbar) and then perform the
Ruku’(bowing) and continue with the Sujud (prostration)
twice. In the second Rak’ah, actions of the first Rak’ah
are repeated with four Takbirs. At the end of the prayer,
upon the completion of the second Sujud, you should
recite the Tashahhud and complete the prayer with the
Salutations (Salam).
46
 Translation:

«O Allah, (belongs to You only) pride, glory,

excellence, omnipotence. (You) grant amnesty
and show kindness, (You are) Holy and Oft-
forgiving, (so), I ask You in the name of this day
which You have ordained as a day of happiness
for the Muslims. An occasion for Muhammad
(blessings of Allah be on him and his progeny)
to plan ahead and grow strong to send
blessings on Muhammad and on the progeny of
Muhammad. And introduce me to every good
that had been made available to Muhammad
and Muhammad’s progeny. Educate me to keep
from every evil as You kept safe Muhammad and
Muhammad’s progeny from it. Your blessings be
on him and on them. O Allah, I ask you to give
Qunut Recitation me the good which Your pious servants had
asked for. And I take refuge with You from that
Although any recitation or Dua will which caused Your pious servants to seek refuge
suffice in Qunut of the Eid Prayers, with you.»
it is recommended to recite the
following Dua: This is how Muslims joyfully celebrate the
achievement of enhanced piety on this day
،‫وت‬ ِ ‫ــر‬ ُ َ ‫ــا لْ ُجــ ْو ِد َوالْ َج‬َ ‫ َوا َ ْه‬،‫َهــا لْ ِک ْ ِبيَــا ِء َوالْ َعظَ َم ِة‬
َ ‫ا َللّ ُهــ َّم ا‬ of forgiveness, moral victory, and peace, of
‫ا َْسـاَل َُك ِب َح ِّق‬،‫َوا َ ْهـ َـا لْ َع ْفـ ِو َوال َّر ْح َم ِة َوا َ ْهـ َـا لتَّ ْقـ ٰوی َوالْ َم ْغ ِف َر ِة‬ fellowship, brotherhood, and unity. Muslims not
‫َّــذی َج َعلْتَــه لِلْ ُم ْســلِ ِم ْ َي ِعيْ ًدا َولِ ُم َح َّم ٍد َصلَّــی‬ ِ ‫ٰهــذَا الْيَــ ْو ِم ال‬ only celebrate the end of fasting but also thank
َ ‫شفًــا َو َم ِزيْــدا ً اَنْتُ َصل‬
‫ِّــی‬ َ َ ‫اللــ ُه َعلَيْــ ِه َوآلِــ ِه ُذ ْخرا ً َوكَ َرا َمــ ًة َو‬ God for the strength that He gave them during
‫ـت‬ َ ‫َعلٰــی ُم َح َّمـ ٍـد َوآ ِل ُم َح َّمـ ٍـد َوا َ ْن ت ُ ْد ِخلَ ِنــی ِفــی ک ُِّل َخ ْ ٍيا َ ْد َخلْـ‬ the previous month to help them practice self-
control.
‫ َوا َ ْن تُ ْخ ِر َج ِنــی ِمــ ْن ک ُِّل ُســ ْٓو ٍء‬،‫ــد‬ ٍ ‫ِف ْيــ ِه ُم َح َّمــدا ً َو َآل ُم َح َّم‬
References:
‫ـت ِم ْنـ ُه ُم َح َّمـ ًدا َو َآل ُم َح َّمـ ٍـد َصلَواتُـ َـك َعلَ ْيـ ِه َو َعلَ ْي ِهـ ْم‬ َ ‫ا َ ْخ َر ْجـ‬
‫ا َللَّ ُهــ َّم اِنِّــی ا َْســاَل َُك َخ ْ َي َم َاســاَل ََك بِــ ِه ِعبــا ُد َك‬.‫ا َ ْج َم ِع ْ َي‬ [1]. http://www.duas.org/Iddduas.htm
[2]. http://www.theshiapedia.com/index.php?title=Salat_al_Eid
‫ َوا َ ُع ْو ُذب َِك ِمـ َّـا ْاسـتَعا َذ ِم ْنـ ُه ِعبــا ُد َك الْ ُم ْخلِ ُصـ ْو َن‬،‫الصالِــ ُحو َن‬ َّ
47 48

Why is the Feast of Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) Important
for Muslims?
Feast of Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) is celebrated on the first day of
Shawwal [i]. It marks the end of Ramadan, the month in
which Muslims practice fasting (Sawm). This Feast (Eid) is
considered one of the most prominent occasions in the
Islamic calendar and is celebrated by all Muslims around the
world. But what is it that makes this feast (Eid) a special day
for Muslims?
What Does Eid signify in Islamic culture?
E
« id» is derived from the verb «‫ َعـ َو َد‬: Avad’ah» in Arabic, which
literally means «to go back.» In Islamic culture, days in which
people have been relieved of hardships and catastrophes,
and go back to good days of prosperity and happiness, are
called Eid.
49
Why is the first of Shawwal called Eid al-Fitr for
Muslims?
Two features make The First of Shawwal, Eid or as we
call it the Feast of Fitr:
1.The Physical Hardship of Fasting (Sawm)
Is Over
On this day, Muslims are again allowed to eat and
drink, and the obligation to fast is lifted from them.
In fact, the word «Fitr» literally means «beginning to
eat and drink.» And «Iftar» means to start eating and
drinking after some time. Now consider Eid al-Fitr
something like daily Iftar, but on a grander scale. This
is Iftar after a whole month of fasting.
2.Your Efforts Are Rewarded by Allah
Feast of Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) is a special day. A day that
is chosen by Allah. After a month of submission to
His will and doing what it takes to get nearer to Him,
and win His satisfaction, now is the time to enjoy
the outcome. Allah pardons our sins, spreads His
forgiveness, and rains down His blessings.
As He has promised in the Quran, «…forgiveness
and a great reward» (35:33) are prepared for those
who fast. This is, indeed, a blessing that comes true in
this world. A pleasure that Muslims experience in this
world, as well as Hereafter.
50
 So why not be happy on
this day? This is a new day
for Muslims, in which they
go back to the time when
they had not committed any
sins yet. Feast of Fitr (Eid al-
Fitr) is a chance for them to
start over.
A New Person, A New Life
To start fresh, one should
put behind old habits,
those actions that harmed
one›s self, or were harmful
to others. Now that we are
relieved from the burden
of our mistakes, sins, and
regrets, born again, pure
and innocent, we should
protect this gift dearly. From
this day on, what counts is
our future actions [ii].
Zakat al-Fitr: The Lesson
of Fasting in Practice
On the day of Eid, Muslims
are required to pay a certain
51
amount of money if they can
afford it, that is called Zakat
al-Fitr. Giving Zakat al-Fitr
is obligatory, provided that
the person him/herself is not
poor. It marks the fulfillment
of the act of fasting.
The amount of this kind
of charity depends on the
type of usual main food
consumed by the believer
during the year, which
may be rice, wheat, barley,
dates, etc. [2]. This amount
is given to the poor people
of society or those who are
underprivileged.
Feast of Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) is
the realization of the lessons
Muslims have learned
during the 30_day fasting
of Ramadan. Muslims give
away part of what they
consume daily of food
or drinks to the poor and
destitute. And they learn that
in this world there are things
that are far more important
than bodily desires. That is
humanity and the love for
human beings.
Moreover, Ramadan is a
time for Muslims to wash
away themselves from the
vices of this world. Similarly,
Zakat frees the soul from
the weakness of depending
too much on material
matters and, thus, is a way
to complete the effect of
fasting.
Give Thanks to Allah for
this Happiness and Relief
Allah has given us the
chance to become a new
person and mark a turning
point in our lives. Shouldn›t
we be grateful for this
reward? We praise Allah, «for
He has shown us the Right
Path.» And give thanks «to
Him for that which He has
conferred upon us» [iii]. This
is where the prayer of Eid al-
Fitr finds its meaning.
52
Eid al-Fitr Prayer (Salat): A Great Social
Occasion
One of the recommended acts on this day is to
perform a two-unit (Raka’a) prayer. Muslims all
around the world gather together in their mosques
and form a great and unified social occasion. In the
Qunut [v] of this prayer, we give thanks to Allah for
pardoning our previous sins. And we ask for His
help in doing what is right and in protecting our
newly gifted purity in the future.
Imam Ali (AS) believed that Muslims should be
reminded of the Day of Judgment, at the time of
standing for the prayer of Eid al-Fitr. As if they are
standing in front of Allah [iv].
Any Day Can Be an Eid, only if…
Eid is a going back, a change to a better self. So
whenever one keeps him/herself from committing
sins, from lying, backbiting, slandering, offending,
etc. he/ she is celebrating an Eid. Similarly, the
day of Eid loses its meaning if one goes on to do
whatever wrong, he/she used to do. As Imam Ali
(AS) puts: «Any day that you do not disobey Allah
(or commit sins) is your Eid»[4].
53
Notes:
[i] Tenth month of the Islamic Calendar.
[ii] Imam Ali (AS) said: « O’servants of Allah! Beware that the least outcome for the fasting men
and women is that on the last day of Ramadan, an angel would call upon them that ‹O› servants
of Allah! I bring you the glad tidings of Allah›s pardon of your past sins, so be careful how you
act from now on» [1].
[iii] It is a famous invocation from Imam Reza (AS) remained from Prophet Muhammad’sSunnah:
«‫ـر ال إِلَـ َه إِال اللَّـ ُه َو اللَّ ُه أَك َ ُْب اللَّ ُه أَك َ ُْب َو لِلَّ ِه الْ َح ْم ُد الْ َح ْم ُد لِلَّ ِه َع َل َما َهدَانَا َو لَ ُه الشُّ ـ ْك ُر َع َل َما أَ ْوالنَا‬
ُ َ ‫ـر اللَّـ ُه أَكْـ‬
ُ َ ‫»اللَّـ ُه أَكْـ‬
«Allah is Great. Allah is Great. There is no god, save Allah. And Allah is Great. Allah is Great. All
praise be to Allah. All praise be to Allah, for He has shown us the Right Path. All thanks be to Him
for that which He has conferred upon us.»
[iv] Imam Ali (AS) said: «when you leave your houses to perform Eid’s prayer, remember the time
when you are resurrected from your graves and go toward Allah. When you stand to perform the
prayer, think of the time, you are facing divine justice and are examined for your actions. When
you go back to your houses from the prayer, remember the time when you go back to your
dwelling places in heaven» [3].
[v] The action of reciting a supplication while keeping the hands in front of the face, turning
the palms facing upwards, and keeping both the hands and the fingers close together in the
standing position of prayer (Salat).
References:
[1] Sheikh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.100, hadith no. 10.
[2] Yasin T. Al-Jibouri, Fast of the Month of Ramadhan: Philosophy and Ahkam, p. 111.
[3] http://www.hawzah.net
[4] Nahj al-Balaghah, wisdom no. 428.
54
 The Last Word
Finally, Ramadan is the
time when we feel closer to
Allah and find the chance to
appreciate what He has kindly
bestowed to us. The act of
fasting in this month is not
merely refraining from eating
and drinking but a practice to
go beyond our physical desires
and find our true self, which
makes us worthy of being called
a human being. This is the time
of going deep, cleansing our
souls of all the worldly filth
that keeps us from becoming
the worthiest servant of Allah.
Ramadan is the month of Allah,
and we are invited to enjoy this
unparalleled opportunity, which
has generously offered to us
by our One and Only Allah, the
Beneficent, the Merciful.

55 56
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