Fasting Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every sane and physically able Muslim, over the age of puberty, must fast all of its days. However, there are certain circumstances in which fasting is not allowed. In these situations certain days of Ramadan are missed. How does a person in these situations make up for the missed fast? Read More
Dear New Muslim Brothers and Sisters,
If you’re feeling anxious about the Ramadan, know that your feelings are completely valid and normal. Many new Muslims experience a mix of emotions as this blessed month approaches, especially if previous experiences have been challenging. Today, let’s have an honest conversation about the realities of fasting and how to navigate them with grace and hope. Read More
Ramadan is a blessed month of fasting, spiritual reflection, and self-discipline for Muslims around the world. While the dry fast from dawn to dusk offers numerous spiritual and mental benefits, it may present a few health challenges. There are some common health issues that can arise during Ramadan or when fasting in general with practical tips on how to prevent them.
1. Dehydration
Since drinking water is restricted during fasting hours, many people do not consume enough fluids in the non-fasting hours, leading to dehydration. Read More
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion. For those who are experiencing their first Ramadan, it can be both exciting and challenging. One of the key aspects of fasting is managing your energy levels throughout the day. Here are some tips, to help you stay energized and focused during Ramadan.
Pure intentions play a very important and crucial role in the life of a Muslim. In a profound statement, the Messenger Muhammad informed us about the different types of people when it comes to religious and worldly life. He said that there are four types of people. Read More
God commands us to reflect upon His creation in the Quran. Nature around us is one of the objects we are supposed to ponder. “Have they not then looked at the sky above them: how We built it and adorned it with stars, leaving it flawless? As for the earth, We spread it out and placed upon it firm mountains, and produced in it every type of pleasant plant – all as an insight and a reminder to every servant who turns to God in devotion.” [50:6-8] This Quranic command is there because in nature there are many signs that point to God’s unicity, supremacy and majesty. These signs indicate God’s power and the beauty in His creation.
God says about Mary in the Quran, “And remember when the angels said, ‘O Mary! Surely God has selected you, purified you, and chosen you over all women of the world.’” [3:42] This passage in the Quran speaks about the status of Mary and how she is celebrated on her own merit. She is not only admired for being the mother of Jesus, but also for her own qualities and devotion to God. Read More
(in the Prescribed Ritual Devotions)
Salah, the five prescribed daily ritual devotions, is the second pillar of Islam. The Messenger Muhammad described it as the main and most important matter of Islam. There are different types of Salah, prescribed ritual devotions, some of which are obligatory, while others are recommended or specific to certain events or circumstances. Salah consists of actions such as standing, bowing and kneeling. It also consists of supplications, verbal devotions glorifying God and the recitation of Quranic passages.
The lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, known as the Sunnah, is the second source of knowledge in Islam after the Quran. It compliments and explains the Quran, and gives practical examples explaining the Quranic commandments in context. This is why God sent messengers throughout history before His revelation of scripture. God says, “God revealed to you the Book and wisdom.” [4:113] Wisdom here refers to the example of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, the Sunnah.
When God commands us to offer daily ritual devotions or perform the pilgrimage to Mecca in the Quran, it is the lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ that shows us exactly how. The lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ teaches us how to offer the ritual devotions, what to say, how many units to offer, the prescribed timings, and the conditions that need to be met beforehand such as ritual washing. The lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ explains how to perform the rites of the pilgrimage, where to go and when; what to do there and how.
The authority of the lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ stems from the many commands throughout the Quran in which God instructs us to follow His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ. Here are some of the fifty references in the Quran related to this subject: God says, “He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed God; but those who turn away – We have not sent you over them as a guardian.” [4:80] God commands us to obey the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ and warns us against disobeying him, “O you who have believed, obey God and obey the Messenger and do not invalidate your deeds.” [47:33]
Accepting the Messenger Muhammad’s ﷺ commands, teachings and rulings is an integral part of faith. In fact, the very testimony of faith that brings one to Islam includes the declaration that one would believe in what Muhammad ﷺ brought, obey his instructions, refrain from his prohibitions, and only worship God in compliance with his example. His words and teachings are sanctioned by God and thus must be obeyed as if God Himself commanded them. God says, “By your Lord, they will not truly believe until they make you, (O Muhammad), judge over their disputes, after which they should not find within themselves any discomfort from what you have judged, rather they should submit to it in full willing submission.” [4:65]
Without the lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, we wouldn’t be able to understand the Quran correctly. This would lead to each person misunderstanding the Quran according to their ideas and desires. which would lead to much confusion and would result in a way different from Islam as intended by God. The Messenger Muhammad ﷺ explained and demonstrated how to understand the Quran and live by it. This is why, when his wife Aeysha was asked to describe his character, she replied that it was the Quran, meaning he embodied its teachings.
The lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ is divinely inspired. God says, “He, i.e. Muhammad, does not speak of his own desire, it is nothing less than a revelation sent to him.” [53:3-4] This means that everything he says in terms of God’s way is mandated by God and has the authority of having come from God. This is why his disciples memorized details of his example and narrated it to others. In properly following the Sunnah, we can understand the Quran and practice Islam the way God wants. May Allah enable us to do so.
Note:
ﷺ – This symbol is a prayer that is written using Arabic calligraphy. It is said/written whenever the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ is mentioned, as per the command in the Quran 33:56. It means “May Allah honor, bless, and protect him.”
In the depths of faith, a whisper flows,
A phrase profound, where true surrender grows,
La Hawla wa la Quwata illa Billah, we say,
In every breath, in every prayer, it stays.