I’tikaf spending the last ten days of Ramadan in the Masjid is a beautiful tradition of the Prophet. It is like a spiritual retreat. It is reported by Aisha may Allah be pleased with her that the Prophet peace be upon him used to observe i’tikaf during the last ten days of the month of Ramadan and he continued this practice till his death. After him his wives carried on this practice of observing i’tikaf regularly. (Reported in Sahih al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
It is recommended that every Muslim make at least one i’tikaf in his/ her life. There must be at least few people in every community who should do it in every masjid every year to keep this tradition alive. Men should do I’tikaf in the masjid so that they can pray in jama`ah and also offer the Friday prayers. Women can also do i’tikaf, but theirs must be at home for reasons of modesty and for their own convenience. There is a great blessing in I’tikaf and people who do it bring blessings upon themselves, upon their families and upon the Muslim Ummah at large.
The sunnah of i’tikaf is that one make its intention and begin the i’tikaf on the evening of the 20th of Ramadan from sunset time and continue until the sighting of the moon for Idul Fitr. During I’tikaf men should stay in the masjid day and night and should not leave it except for the use of toilet or shower. They are allowed to eat also inside the masjid, but if it is not convenient they may go outside and come back as soon as they finish.
During i’tikaf one should spend most of one’s time in prayer, reading of the Qur’an, zikr and reflection. Engaging in business and other worldly conversation and activities is not allowed during I’tikaf. However, attending a janazah or visiting a sick person or leaving for any emergency is permissible.
Sadaqatul Fitr: A Special Charity of Ramadan
Sadaqatul Fitr is a special charity of the month of Ramadan. This charity should be given during the month of Ramadan anytime before the Idul Fitr prayer. Because it can be given until the Idul Fitr time it is called Sadaqatul Fitr. The Prophet peace be upon him urged Muslims to pay this charity in the month of Ramadan.
Various reasons are given by scholars for this charity. Some say that this charity helps the poor and needy and takes care of their needs in the month of Ramadan and also makes it possible for them to celebrate the Id festival with other Muslims. Another view is expressed that this charity is to atone (as a kaffara) for any mistakes or omissions a person might have done during this blessed month. Ibn ‘Abbas said: The Prophet peace be upon him enjoined Sadaqatul Fitr so that those who fast are purified of their errors and the poor and needy people are enabled to arrange for their basic needs of food, clothing etc. Therefore the Sadaqa of the person who gives before the Id prayer is the real Sadaqa, but if someone delays and gives it afterward his charity will be an ordinary charity (reported by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah).
Sadaqatul Fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or major, who possesses property over and above his basic needs and requirements, amounting to the Nisab for Zakat, whether it is subject to Zakat or not. The amount of Nisab for Zakat is about 80 grams of gold or its equivalent in cash value. The head of the household must pay this amount on behalf of his/her own self and on behalf of their spouse, children and even servants.
The amount of sadaqatul fitr was fixed by the Prophet peace be upon him. It is about 5 pounds of wheat, flour, barley, dates or raisins. Jurists also allow paying cash to the poor and needy. The head of the household must pay this amount on behalf of all the members or the dependant, males or females, adults or children.
This sadaqa should be given during Ramadan any time but before the Idul Fitr prayers. The sadaqa should be given to the poor and needy. Individuals can also make the payments to Islamic charitable organizations that collect this fund. These organizations then should distribute these funds as soon as possible so that they reach to the needy people in time.
Days & Dates of Islamic Significance in the Year
The Islamic religious year is known as Hijri year. It began with the Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him- from Makkah to Madinah in the year 622 of the common era. The twelve-month year is based on a purely lunar cycle of 354 days. Thus Islamic dates have no fixed relation to the seasons of the 365 day solar year. Over the course of years all Islamic events may occur in spring, summer, autumn or winter. Twelve Islamic months are as follows:
1. Muharram 7. Rajab
2. Safar 8. Sha’ban
3. Rabi’ul awwal 9. Ramadan
4. Rabi’u thani 10. Shawwal
5. Jumadal ula 11. Dhul qi’dah
6. Jumadal ukhra 12. Dhul hijjah
Following are the most important religious days in Islam:
Friday: This is the main day of weekly religious service in Islam. Mosques are usually filled to capacity with worshippers on this day. Worship service which consists of sermon and congregational prayer is held around noon time. In most Muslim countries Friday is also a weekly holiday. Government offices and schools are closed on this day.
Muslims respect Friday because, according to Islamic tradition, it was the first day of creation when God created the heavens and earth. It is also believed to be the day when the resurrection will take place and so it will be the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe that Friday has a special cosmic significance and it is a very blessed day of the week.
Ramadan (9th month): Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims consider this whole month a blessed month. They fast during the days of this month and make special prayers at night. People also give more charity and do extra righteous deeds.
During the month of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation. The angel Gabriel came to him while he was in the cave of Hira, near Makkah, and told him that God had appointed Muhammad as His last Messenger and Prophet. Muhammad began his prophetic mission from that time and started preaching the divine message that continued coming to him at different intervals during the rest of his life for 23 years. Ramadan is thus the month of celebration as well as the month of discipline and self control.
Laylat al Qadr: This is a special night of the month of Ramadan. The Qur’an has spoken about this night in Surah 97, al Qadr. It is mentioned that the Qur’an was sent down in the Night of Qadr. The Night of Qadr is better than one thousand months. The whole night is blessed, it is full of peace and angelic presence. Although it is not told exactly which night of the month of Ramadan is the Night of Qadr, Muslim make special prayers in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan, hoping that one of it is the blessed Night of Qadr.
Popularly the night of the 27th of Ramadan is celebrated with special prayers and vigils. Mosques are full of worshippers and special prayers services, readings from the Qur’an and religious chants are performed in mosques or private gatherings.
Idul Fitr (1st of Shawwal, 10th month): At the conclusion of the month of Ramadan, on the first day of the 10th month of Islamic lunar calendar occurs Idul Fitr. This is one of two main festivals of Islam and is celebrated by all Muslims throughout the world
The ceremony of Idul Fitr starts early morning with a worship service. This service is generally held in a large open place and is attended by thousands of Muslims. After the prayer the leader of the prayer (Imam) delivers a short sermon and then people greet each other. The rest of the ceremonies are held generally privately with families and friends.
The significance of Id is that it is a day of thanksgiving to God that He gave the opportunity to Muslims to benefit from and enjoy the blessings of the month of Ramadan.
The Day of Hajj ( 9th of Dhul Hijjah, 12th month): Pilgrimage (Hajj) is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every adult Muslim who can afford it physically and financially must perform Hajj at least once in his/her life. The Hajj takes about five days, beginning from the eighth day until the twelfth . The twelfth month of Islamic year is named after Hajj and is called Dhul Hijjah.
Hajj ceremonies take a pilgrim from Makkah to its surrounding historical places Mina, `Arafah and Muzdalifa. The main day of Hajj is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah. On this day all pilgrims must gather in the valley of `Arafah from mid day until sunset. Muslims in other places who are not on pilgrimage often observe this day of `Arafah with fasting. It is an optional fasting and is considered very meritorious.
Idul Adha (from 10 12 of Dhul Hijjah, 12th month): Following the day of Hajj comes Idul Adha. It begins from the 10th day of the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This is the second main annual festival in Islam. On this day also exactly like the previous celebration, festivities begin with a prayer service held in an open place in the morning of the first day. This prayer is attended by a large number of Muslims. Since this festival occurs immediately after the Day of Pilgrimage those who go to make pilgrimage celebrate it in Mina, near Makkah. Other Muslims around the world also join with the pilgrims in their joy and thanksgiving.
Another significance of Idul Adha is that it is a time of sacrifice. Muslims commemorate Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. Since God gave Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) a lamb to sacrifice instead of sacrificing his only son, Muslims also offer the sacrifices of animals. The sacrifice can be done after the prayer on the 10th until the 12th before sunset. The meat of the animals is given to needy people and friends and a portion of it is also kept for one’s own consumption. Often people cook this meat during the holidays, make feasts and enjoy the celebration.
Other important days: The above days are universally recognized by all Muslims. There are some other important days that are often celebrated by Muslims with varying degrees of enthusiasm and devotion. Some Muslims do not consider them as religious holidays at all.
New Year Day (First day of Muharram, 1st month): The New Year Day of Hijrah reminds Muslims of the Hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him - from Makkah to Madinah in the year 622. It is well known that the Hijrah did not take place on the first day of Muharram, it probably occurred in the month of Rabi’ul Awwal (3rd month). Also the Hijri calendar was instituted some time in the reign of Caliph ‘Umar (634 644 C.E.). However, due to the association of Islamic calendar with Hijrah, new year day becomes an important day to remember the meaning and significance of Hijrah.
In modern times, some Muslims also began using it to send greeting cards and celebrate new year. There are, however, no religious services associated with this day.
`Ashura(l0th of Muharram, 1st month): After his arrival in Madinah in the year 622, Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him instituted fasting on the 10th of Muharram. A year later this fasting was replaced with the mandatory fasting in the month of Ramadan. However, fasting on `Ashura’ remained a voluntary fasting. Many Muslims usually fast on this day also.
This day is also associated with the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Husain ibn Ali. He was killed in the battle of Karbala’ on the 10th of Muharram in 61 A.H. (October 10, 680 C.E.). It is a day of sadness for all Muslims. Shi’ahs in particular attach a great significance to this day and mark this day and the whole month of Muharram with mourning. Special gatherings (majalis) are held to remember the suffering of the Imam and his family and the events that led to Karbala’.
Maulid al Nabi (12th of Rabi’ul Awwal, 3rd month): This day is remembered as the Birthday of the Prophet peace be upon him. It is a very popular day of celebration. It, probably, began early in the Fatimid Egypt (beginning of tenth century C.E.) where people began distributing sweets and making special chanting and festivities on this day.
There are no special prayers or religious services associated with this day, but many Muslims use this day to talk about the Prophet, his life and example. They use it as a time to express their love and devotion for Prophet Muhammad. It is now celebrated with varying degrees of enthusiasm throughout the Muslim world and wherever Muslims live. Some people, however, criticize it because it has no sanction in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet and the early community (salaf) did not mark this day with any special festivities.
Night of Isra’ and Mi`raj (27th of Rajab, 7th month): Night journey of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him from Makkah to Jerusalem and then his ascension to Heavens occurred in the year 620 C.E. It is mentioned briefly in the Qurán (Surah 17 and 53). The Hadith literature gives much more details of this experience of the Prophet.
Muslims remember this day as a day of great miracle and honor of the Prophet. On the eve of the 27th of Rajab, gatherings are held in the mosques and homes to remember the event and the whole story is told in poetry, chants or lectures. Sweets are distributed and great happiness and joy is expressed.
There are also no special prayers associated with this night. Muslims remember this day with varying degrees of enthusiasm and devotion. Some people do not celebrate it at all.
Night of the Middle of Sha’ban (15th of Sha’ban, 8th month): There are all kinds of legends associated with this night. In some countries it is celebrated with firework.
People make special prayers at night and consider it a “night of destiny”. There are no authentic ahadith about this night. There are, however, a number of weak (da`if) ahadith that mention that the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him - used to make special prayers on this night. He used to visit the Cemetery of Muslims and pray for those who passed away and used to fast the following day. The cumulative effect of these ahadith make them acceptable to some. On the basis of these reports some consider fasting on this day a blessed act. Again, this night and its following day are not universally accepted by all Muslims.
Lessons of Fasting in Ramadan
“Blessed be He in whose hand is the Sovereignty, and He is able to do all things. He created death and life that He may try which of you is best in deed. He is the Exalted in Might, oft Forgiving.” (67:1 2)
Allah also says in the Qur’an: “It is HE who made the night and day to follow each other for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude.” (25:62)
Life and death and the succession of nights and day have a purpose and that is to test us and to give us an opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude to our Creator and Sustainer. The month of Ramadan comes and goes. We must examine ourselves now and see what we have learned and achieved during this month. The test of success of this month lies in the effects it has left upon us.
Discipline:
We learned in this month how to discipline ourselves for the sake of Allah. In our morning and evening, we follow a strict schedule of eating and drinking. We were constantly aware that even in our such mundane activities as eating and drinking, we must remain under divine injunctions. We changed our habits in our daily routines because we learned that we were not the servants and slaves to our habits, but always the servants of Allah. Then after Ramadan, we have to keep this spirit of discipline in other modes of our life and must continue with our submission to the commands of Allah.
Renewal of Devotional Life: Ramadan renewed our enthusiasm for worship and devotion to Allah. In this month we were more careful of our daily prayers and had special prayers at night. There is no religion without prayer and Muslims learnt in this month how to strengthen and deepen their religious life.
Renewal of Contact with the Qur’an: Ramadan and the Qur’an are linked together from the beginning. It was in this month that this divine message was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). We are told that the Prophet peace be upon him was fasting when he received the first revelation. Fasting prepares the faithfuls’ heart to learn the Word of Allah. It is the most suitable condition for our spiritual and mental communication with the Qur’an. The Muslim Ummah pays more attention to the Qur’an in this month. This renewed contact with the Qur’an must help us in following its message.
Renewal of Identity with the Ummah: Ramadan is not an individual experience only, but it is an experience in community. The whole Muslim Ummah fasts together in one and the same month. We identify with one another in our obedience to Allah. This gives us a new sense of togetherness and association. Ramadan teaches us that the Muslim Ummah is the community of piety and devotion to Allah and its members derive their strength from each other in deeds of piety and virtue.
The bonds that are based on piety and virtue are the strongest bonds and it is these bonds that prove good for mankind. The strength of the Muslim community lies in its commitment to the values of goodness, morality and piety. Ramadan leaves an imprint of all these values upon the Muslim Ummah.
A Fresh Sense of Care and Sympathy: Fasting in the month of Ramadan helps us to understand the suffering and the pains of the poor and needy. By our voluntary hunger and thirst we realize what it means to be deprived of basic necessities of life. Ramadan is called the month of charity and sympathy. We learn how to be more kind and generous in this month. Many Muslims also pay their Zakat in the month of Ramadan.
Jihad or Struggle: Fasting in Ramadan and Jihad both of them were prescribed in the same year, that is, the second year of Hijrah in Madinah. Fasting prepares for hardships and sacrifice. These are two important things without which Jihad is not possible. Muslims learn in Ramadan how to struggle against the forces of evil in their own selves, in the society around them and in the world at large.
Taqwa: To summarize all the moral and spiritual gifts of Ramadan, we can say that Ramadan has given us the great gift of taqwa. Taqwa is the sum total of Islamic life. It is the highest of all virtues in the Islamic scheme of things. It means, God consciousness, piety, fear and awe of Allah and it signifies submission to Allah and total commitment to all that is good and rejection of all that is evil and bad.
A community that has experienced Ramadan is a different community. It is not the same community morally, spiritually, and existentially as it was before Ramadan. Now, after Ramadan, we must use this training to strengthening our community centers and organizations, strengthening our moral and material resources and investing more in Islamic future of ourselves and our coming generations.