Ramadan Announcement 2022 AD / 1443 AH

Ramadan Announcement 
2022AD / 1443AH 

The East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre is pleased to announce that 1 Ramadan 1443 is on Saturday 2 April 2022.

The first Tarawih prayers will be in the evening of Friday 1 April. Our Ramadan Timetable is available here.

Start Ramadan with the intention to become a better person! This is a time to be grateful to Allah –

Ramadan Timetables 2021

The East London Mosque and various others have announced that 1 Ramadan 1442 will be on Tuesday 13 April 2021. The first Tarawih prayers will be in the evening of Monday 12 April, straight after Isha prayer.

We congratulate all Muslims in the whole world and want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful and blessed Ramadan. May Allah accept our fasting and good deeds in shaa Allah.  

Below are Ramadan timetables for London & the rest of UK. The timetables are for information only. Please check with your local mosque for clarification.

Please check if your mosque is open before attending for Tarawih, some may have two Tarawih jamats, some will require you book in advance so places will be limited, please follow strict covid protocols to keep everyone safe!

Timetables will vary between cities (cities and towns lie on different latitudes and longitudes and will thus vary in their dawn and evening twilight times). There will also be differences between mosques within the same city ( variations can also occur because of different rulings on the time for Fajr) but please note that in London many mosques have agreed for a unified timetable and thus their Ramadan timetables will be the same insh-Allah.

If you have a timetables that is not listed below please contact me and I shall put it on the list insh-Allah. You can also follow normal salat timetable from your local mosque - as an indicator the start of fasting (or Sehri end time) is usually taken as 5 to 10 minutes prior to Fajar 

LONDON
London Central Mosque (Regents Park Mosque, NW8 7RG)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.iccuk.org/

East London Mosque (Whitechapel Road, E1 1JX)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.eastlondonmosque.org.uk

Brick Lane Jamm Masjid (59 Brick Lane, E1 6QL)
Timetable: Click here: (JPG)
Website: http://www.bricklanejammemasjid.org.uk

Kings Cross Mosque (Sanfield (Basement), WC1H 8DU))
Timetable: Click here: (JPG)
Website: https://www.kingscrossmosque.org/

Holborn Mosque (Baldwin's Gardens, EC1N 7RR)
Timetable: Click here: (HTML)
Website: https://holbornmosque.org/

Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre (West London, W10 5YG)
Timetable: Click here: (JPG)
Website: http://www.almanaar.org.uk/

AbuBakar Masjid (Southall - Middx, UB1 1LS)
Timetable: Click Here: (HTML)
Website: http://www.abubakrmosque-southall.org.uk/

Jamia Masjid Islamic Centre, Southall, UB1 1HE
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.jamiamasjid-southall.org.uk

Hendon Mosque & Islamic Centre (Brent View Road, NW9 7EL)
Timetable: Click here: (HTML)
Website: http://www.hendonmosque.co.uk/

Finchley Mosque (Islamic Association of North London, N12 0DA)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.ianl.org.uk/

Muslim Community and Education Centre (Palmers Green, N13 5JL)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.mcec.org.uk/

Masjid E-Quba (North London, Stamford Hill, N16 6AA)
Timetable: Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/

Harrow Central Mosque (Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2SQ)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.harrowmosque.org.uk/

REST OF UK

Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.aberdeenmosque.org/

Belfast Islamic Centre
Timetable: Click here: (Monthly Timetables)
Website: http://www.belfastislamiccentre.org.uk/

Birmingham Central Mosque (Highgate, B12 0XS)
Timetable: Click here: (JPG)
Website: http://www.centralmosque.org.uk/

Birmingham - Masjid Hamza (Church Road, B13 9AE)
Timetable: Click here: (JPG)
Websiite: http://www.masjidehamza.co.uk/

Blackburn - Jamme Masjid Islamic Cultural Centre (BB1 1JP)
Timetable: Click here: (Prayer Times)
Website: http://www.jaamemasjid.org/

Blackburn - Masjid-e-Anisul Islam (Troy St, BB1 6NY)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.anisulislam.com/

Bolton - Taiyabah Masjid (BL1 8HD)
Timetable: Click here: (Salah Timetable PDF)
Website: https://www.taiyabahmasjid.com/

Cambridge - Abu Bakr Jamia Mosque
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.cambridgemosque.com/

Croydon Mosque & Islamic Centre (London Road, CR7 6AR)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.croydonmosque.com/

Dundee Central Mosque (DD1 5BZ)
Timetable: Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.dundeecentralmosque.org.uk/

Edinburgh Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (EH8 9BT)
Timetable: Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.edmosque.org/

Essex - Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre (IG3 8TD )
Timetable: Click Here! (HTML)
Website: http://www.masjidansar.com/

Exeter Mosque & Cultural Centre (EX4 6PG)
Timetable: See website below
Website: http://www.exetermosque.org.uk/

Glasgow - Al-Furqan Mosque (G4 9AJ)
Timetable: Click here: (Prayer Times)
Website: http://www.alfurqanmosque.com/

Glasgow - Central Mosque (G5 9TA)
Timetable: see website below
Website: http://www.centralmosque.co.uk/

Gloucester - Masjid e Noor (GL1 4LY)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.masjidenoor.org.uk/

Ipswich Mosque (32-36 Bond Street, IP4 1JB)
(also known as Ipswich & Suffolk Bangladeshi Muslim Community Centre and Mosque)
Timetable: Click here: (PNG)
Website: http://www.ipswichmosque.org/

Leeds Grand Mosque (LS6 1SN)
Timetable: (Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.leedsgrandmosque.com/

Leeds Makkah Masjid (LS6 1JY)
Timetable: Click here (JPG)
Website: https://makkahmosque.co.uk/

Leicester Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (LE2 0JN)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.islamiccentre.org/

Leicester - Masjid Umar (Evington Muslim Centre, LE5 5PF)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.masjid-umar.org/

Liverpool - Al Rahma Mosque (Hatherley Street, L8 2TJ)
Timetable: Click Here (Prayer Times)
Website: http://www.liverpoolmuslimsociety.org.uk

Maidenhead Mosque (SL6 8AW)
Timetable:Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.maidenheadmosque.org/

Manchester Central Mosque (also known as Victoria Park Mosque, M14 5RU)
Timetable: Click here (Facebook)
Website: http://www.manchestermosque.org/

Manchester - Shahjalal Mosque and Islamic Centre (2 Eileen Grove, Rusholme, M14 5WE)
Timetable: Click here (HTML)
Website: (facebook) https://www.facebook.com/Shahjalal.Mosque.Manchester
http://shahjalalmosque.org/

Manchester - Makki Masjid (Beresford Road, M13 OTA)
Timetable: Click here:(PNG)
Website: http://www.makkimasjid.org.uk/

Milton Keynes Jamee Masjid (Duncombe Street, MK2 2LY)
Timetable: Click Here! (Facebook)
Website: http://www.mkjameemasjid.org/

Oldham Central Majid and Islamic Centre (Featherstall Road, OL9 6BX)
Timetable: Click here! (Facebook)s
Website: http://www.ocmic.org.uk/

Oldham Muslim Centre (Neville Street, OL9 6LD)
Timetable: Click here (Facebook)
Source: https://www.facebook.com/OldhamMuslimCentre
Website: www.oldhammuslimcentre.co.uk

Newcastle Central Mosque (NE4 6SU)
Timetable: Click Here! (PDF) 

https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleCentralMosqueOfficial/
Website: https://www.newcastlecentralmosque.com/

Nuneaton - Nuneaton Masjid (CV11 5RB)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.nmsuk.org/

Reading - Central Jamme Mosque (Waylen Street, Reading, RG1 7UR)
Timetable: Click here (PNG)
Website: http://www.bagr.co.uk/

Sheffield Islamic Centre - Madina Masjid Trust (Wolseley Rd, Sheffield, S8 OZU)
Timetable: Click here (JPG)
Website: http://www.madinamasjid.org.uk/

 https://en-gb.facebook.com/madinamasjidsheffield/

Stoke On Trent - Markaz At-Tawheed (Rectory Road, ST1 4PW)
Timetable: Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.attawheedfoundation.co.uk

Southampton - Abu Bakr Masjid (Argyle Road, SO14 0BQ)
Timetable: Click here (Facebook)
Website: http://www.abubakrmasjid.net

https://www.facebook.com/Abu-Bakr-Jamia-Masjid-554217887934560/

Southampton Medina Mosque (Compton Walk, SO14 0BH)
Timetable: Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.medinamosque.org.uk/

Woking: The Shah Jahan Mosque (149 Oriental Road, Woking GU22 7BA)
Timetable: Click here (Facebook)
Website: http://www.shahjahanmosque.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/TheShahJahanMosque/

Wolverhampton Mosque Trust (197 Waterloo Road, WV1 4RA)
Timetable: Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.jamiamasjid.com/

 

 

Last 10 days of Ramadan!!!

Assalamualikum,

I hope you are enjoying the benefits of the month of Ramadan.

1. Last 10 days of Ramadan
As you are aware we are in the last 10 days of Ramadan. It is not uncommon to find brothers and sisters taking the month of Ramadan or the last 10 days of Ramadan off as holiday. Take a vacation for Allah - We take a break from our jobs for almost everything in life. Why not this time to focus on worshiping and thanking our Creator. I did this last year and it was the best 10 days I spent.

If this is not possible at least take a few days off if you can. This can make it easier to stay awake at night to do extra Ibadah, not having to worry about getting to work the next day. It will also facilitate doing Itikaf. It was a practice of the Prophet (pbuh) to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the masjid for Itikaf. Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim). Allah's peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet.

2. Laylatus Qadr
Although there are different reports in different traditions regarding the exact night, it is almost unanimous that the blessed night occurs in one of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan and more probably in one of the last ten odd nights i.e. 2lst, 23rd, 25th 27th or 29th night. The popular opinion is, however, in favour of the 27th Night of Ramadhaan but that is not absolutely certain.

Hazrath Aisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) reported that the Apostle of Allah said: "Search for the Blessed Night in the odd (nights) from the last ten (nights) of Ramadhaan" (Bukhari).

Hazrath Aisha has narrated another saying:"I asked: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I were to find a Night of Power, what should I recite therein?" Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised her to recite:

Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
O Allah! You are Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me. (Bukhari).

Special attention should therefore be given to the excessive recitation of this dua on the blessed night. Furthermore one may engage in lengthy rakaats of Tahajjud salaat, Tilaawat of the Qur'an, Dua, Zikr, etc.

Surah Al-Qadr (97) - To Listen (Click Here!)

Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem

1: Transliteration: Inna anzalnahu fee laylatialqadr
Muhsin Khan: Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree)

2: Transliteration: Wama adraka ma laylatualqadr
Muhsin Khan: And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?

3: Transliteration: Laylatu alqadri khayrun min alfi shahr
Muhsin Khan: The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, (i.e. 83 years and 4 months).
4: Transliteration: Tanazzalu almala-ikatu warroohufeeha bi-ithni rabbihim min kulli amr
Muhsin Khan: Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allah's Permission with all Decrees,

5: Transliteration: Salamun hiya hatta matlaAAialfajr
Muhsin Khan: Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.
It is best to utilise the last 10 days as much as possible. More information about the Night of Power can be found below...(please read these two articles)

- Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)

- 16 things you can do on the Night of Power

3. Holy Qur'an
Ramadan has a special relationship with the Qur'ân, of course: "The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'ân was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." (Soorah al-Baqarah 2:185)

Ibn 'Abbaas( R.A) narrates "That the Messenger of Allah(SAW) was the most generous person, and he would be at his most generous in Ramadan because Jibreel would come to him every night and he would rehearse the Qur'ân with him." (Bukhari)

This Ahaadeeth contains recommendation of the following: * Studying the Qur'ân in Ramadhaan * Coming together for this purpose * Checking (one's memory/knowledge of) the Qur'ân with someone who has preserved it better * Increasing recitation of the Qur'ân in Ramadan * Appreciating that the night time is the best time to recite, when other preoccupations decrease and it is easier to concentrate, as in (Soorah Al-Muzzammil 73:6).

Further, Fatimah(Ra) narrated from her father(SAW), who told her that Jibreel would rehearse the Qur'ân with him (in Ramadan) once every year, and he did so twice in the year of his death. (Bukhari 6/485)

There are various website you can read, listen and learn to read about the Holy Qur'an. One of the best websites is ...

http://www.quranexplorer.com/Quran/Default.aspx

For those who want to start learning Arabic again - this site is a good start...
http://www.searchtruth.com/arabic/lessons/unit1_writing.php

I have put many other links on the blogsite (right hand side) - so do check it out.


If you have found any of this information useful please make Dua for myself and my family, and all those who contributed to this article, as well as those who contribute to this blogsite and the Ummah in general.

Fasting Six Days of the Month of Shawwal

The month of Ramadan has ended but did you know that you can fast 6 additional days in the month of Shawwal

Q: What is the significance of fasting in the month of Shawwal?
Taken from islamonline.net

Answered by Mufti: Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi,
President of the Fiqh Council of North America (29/Oct/2006)

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Fasting six days of the month of Shawwal is mentioned in a Prophetic hadith. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said:

"Whosoever fasted in Ramadan and then followed up with six fasting days of Shawwal, it is like fasting every day." (Muslim)

The meaning is that the reward is like the reward of a person who is always in fast every day of his/her life. [Note: some scholars may interpret this as like fasting for the whole year rather than whole lifetime]

It is highly recommended to fast six days of the month of Shawwal, but it is not obligatory.

Those who want to fast can fast after `Eid Al-Fitr any six days during Shawwal.

It is not required to fast six days continuously without any interruption. One can fast according to convenience any time during the month.

-------------------------------------

In additon to the above - just to let you know that you can use normal prayer timestables to indicate the start of fasting (make it ten minutes before Fajr to be safe) and when to break the fast (when it is time for Magrib).

What After Ramadan?

Taken from islaam.com
Adapted from "Wa maadha ba`da Ramadaan",
by Dar Al-Watan (120)

AlHamdulillahi wa kafaa, was-Salatu was-salamu `alaa `ibaadihi-lladheena Stafaa

We leave the blessed month of Ramadan, its beautiful days and its fragrant nights. We leave the month of the Qur'an, taqwa, patience, jihad, mercy, forgiveness and freedom from hellfire…

Have we fulfilled the requirements of taqwa and graduated from the Ramadan school with the diploma of the god-fearing?

Have we fought our souls and desires and defeated them, or have we been overtaken by our customs and blind imitations?

Have we performed our actions in a way that fulfills the conditions for receiving mercy, forgiveness and release from the Fire?

Many questions and numerous thoughts come to the heart of the sincere Muslim, who asks and answers with truthfulness.

What Have We Gained From Ramadan?

Ramadan is a school of iman and a 'stop to recharge one's spiritual batteries' - to acquire one's provision for the rest of the year...

For when will one take a lesson and change for better if not in the month of Ramadan?

The noble month is a true school of transformation in which we change our actions, habits and manners that are in variance with the Law of Allah 'azza wa jall. “Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” [Ar-Ra`d, 11]

If you are from those who benefited from Ramadan, fulfilled the requirements of taqwa, truly fasted the month, prayed in it with truthfulness, and strove against you soul, then praise and thank Allah, and ask Him for steadfastness upon it until you meet your death.

Be not like one who has sewn a shirt and then destroyed it... Have you seen one who sewed a shirt or thawb, so when she looked at it, she liked it. Then she destroyed it pulling a thread by thread for no reason. What would people say about such a person?! Or have you seen one who earns a fortune trading throughout the day, then when the night comes, he throws away all that he earned, dirham by dirham. What would people say about such a person?!

This is the condition of one who returns to sinning and evildoing after Ramadan and leaves obedience and righteous actions. So after he was favored with the blessing of obedience and enjoyment of communicating with Allah he returned to the blaze of sins and evil actions. How evil are the people who know Allah only in Ramadan!

My dear ones,

falling short in one's commitment to Islam after Ramadan is manifested in many ways, including:

• Men leaving the five prayers in congregation, after they filled mosques for Taraweeh prayers, thus going to the masjid for recommended prayers and leaving obligatory ones.
• Return to musical entertainment, forbidden films, women displaying their adornment beyond that which ordinarily appears thereof, free mixing etc.

This is not thankfulness for blessings and favors, nor is it the sign of acceptance of one's actions, rather this is opposition to favors and absence of thankfulness.
These are from signs of one's deeds not being accepted – and Allah's refuge is sought – for one who truly fasts rejoices on the occasion of `eid, praises his Lord for helping him complete the fast, and remains fearful that Allah may not accept his fasting, just as the Salaf would continue asking for acceptance of their actions in Ramadan for six months after it.
From signs that one's deeds are accepted is that he or she has improved in his or her obedience to Allah `azza wa jall. “And remember when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” [Ibrahim, 7] Increase you in good, faith and righteous actions. So if the servant is truly thankful to his Lord, you will see him guided to more obedience and distanced from sinfulness. Thankfulness is leaving sins, as the early Muslims said.
“And worship your Lord until there comes you to the certainty [i.e. death].” [al-Hijr, 99]
The Muslim must continuously be in the state of obedience of Allah, firm upon His Sharee`ah, steadfast upon His Deen, so that he or she is not of those who worship Allah only during one month or only in one place. Rather, the believer knows that the Lord of Ramadan is also the Lord of other months, and that He is the Lord of all times and places, so he is steadfast upon the Sharee`ah of Allah until he meets Him while He is pleased with him. Allah ta`ala said, “So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah].” [Hud, 112] And, “So take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness.” [Fussilat, 6] And the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Say 'I believe in Allah', then be steadfast.” [Muslim]

• If the fasting in Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary fasting, such as fasting six days in Shawwal, on Mondays and Thursdays, the three days in the middle of the month, the days of `Aashoora and `Arafat, and others.
• If standing in prayer at night during Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary night prayer throughout the year. “They used to sleep but little of the night.” [Adh-Dhaariyaat, 17]
• If the charity in Ramadan and zakat ul-fitr have ended, then there is the obligatory Zakat, and also there are many other open doors to charity, voluntary actions and jihad.
• Reading of the Qur'an and contemplating it is not only for Ramadan, rather it is for all times.

Righteous actions are for all times and all places, so strive – O my brother and sister – and beware of laziness. And remember that it is not allowed for us to leave the obligatory actions or delay them, such as the five daily prayers on time, in congregation etc.
And do not fall into forbidden actions, such as forbidden sayings, food and drinks, or by looking at or listening to what is forbidden.
Be steadfast and upright upon the Deen of Allah at all times, for you do not know when you'll meet the Angel of Death. Beware of him taking you while you are in a state of sin. “O Allah, Who turns the hearts, keep our hearts steadfast upon Your Deen.”

I ask Allah to accept from us and you our fasting, our prayers and other righteous actions, that our condition after Ramadan be a better one, that the state of our Ummah improves, that we are granted honour and that we truly turn to our Lord… Ameen

Ramadan Announcement 2015

Announcement from Central London Mosque (Regents Park Mosque) & East London Mosque:

The Coordination Committee of Major Islamic Centres and Mosques of London have agreed that 1st Ramadan 1436 will be on Thursday 18th June 2015.

Thursday 18th June will be the 1st of Ramadan 1436 Hijri.

The First Taraweeh Prayer will be on Wednesday 17th June after Isha Prayer







We would like to welcome in Ramadan 2015/1436AH. Ramadan Karim! 

We pray everyone has a beneficial and rewarding Ramadan, insha'Allah.

Common Mistakes Made During Ramadan

As-salamu `alaykum.

Please take few minutes to read this article as it highlights where we as muslim are not taking this beautiful opportunity to make the most out of Ramadan. Unfortunately I have misplaced the source of the article.

Common Mistakes Made During Ramadan

Most Muslims who fast Ramadan focus on the benefits and rewards of it. But in doing so, we often make mistakes that instead of adding to our experience actually detract from it. Mistakes that can make us commercialize Ramadan as so many other religions have commercialized their sacred days. Insh'Allah the following serves as a reminder to myself first and to all Muslims. May Allah help us to spend our time wisely this Ramadan and help us to avoid these mistakes. ameen

Taking Ramadaan as a ritual

For many of us Ramadaan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that its a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil.. we forget to make dua, forget to beseech Allaah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire. Sure we stay away from food and drink but that's about all.

Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Jibreel said to me, 'May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person to who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven,' and I said, 'Ameen'. Then he said, 'May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by not serving them) and I said, 'Ameen'. Then he said, 'May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,' and I said, 'Ameen.'' (Tirmidhi, Ahmad, others. Saheeh by al-Albaani)
Too much stress on food and drink

For some people, the entire month of Ramadaan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Quraan and other acts of worship. All they can think of is FOOD. So much so that they turn the month of 'fasting' into the month of 'feasting'. Come Iftaar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. It is also a kind of waste & extravagance.

'...and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance) ' [al-Araaf :31]

Spending all day cooking

Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Quraan. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!

Eating too much

Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to 'make up for the food missed.' However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.' (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah. saheeh by al-Albaani).

Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless.

It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full? He said, I do not think so.

Sleeping all day

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) 'sleeping away their fast'. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot 'bear' to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.

Wasting time

The month of Ramadaan is a precious, precious time, so much so that Allaah calls this month 'Ayyamum Ma'doodaat' (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allaah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music. Subhaan Allaah! Trying to obey Allaah by DISOBEYING him!

Fasting but not giving up evil

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam, buying lotto tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allaah.

'O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)' [al-Baqarah 2:183]

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allaah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.' (Bukhaari)

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden in Islam whether during Ramadaan or outside of it, as it is one of al-Khabaa'ith (evil things). And this includes ALL kinds of 'smoking material' eg.cigars, cigarettes, pipes,'Sheesha' , hookah etc.

'he allows them as lawful At Tayyibaat (all good and lawful things), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaa'ith (all evil and unlawful things) [al-A'raaf :157]

It is harmful, not only to the one smoking, but also to the ones around him. It is also a means of wasting ones wealth.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'There should be no harming or reciprocating harm.' This is especially true during fasting and it invalidates the fast. (Fatwa -Ibn 'Uthaymeen)

Skipping Suhoor

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing.'(Bukhaari, Muslim). And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor.' (Muslim)

Stopping Suhoor at 'Imsaak'

Some people stop eating Suhoor 10-15 minutes earlier than the time of Fajr to observe 'Imsaak'.

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen said: This is a kind of bidah (innovation) which has no basis in the Sunnah. Rather the Sunnah is to do the opposite. 

 

Allaah allows us to eat until dawn: 'and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)' [al-Baqarah 2:187]

And the Prophet (pbuh) said: '..eat and drink until you hear the adhaan of Ibn Umm Maktoom, for he does not give the adhaan until dawn comes.'

This 'imsaak' which some of the people do is an addition to what Allaah has prescribed, so it is false. It is a kind of extremism in religion, and the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

'Those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed.' (Muslim)

Not fasting if they missed Suhoor

Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor. However, this is a kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few morsels of food? It's not like you will die. Remember, obedience to Allaah overcomes everything.

Saying the intention to fast 'out loud' or saying a specific dua to start fasting

The intention is an action of the heart. We should resolve in our heart that we are going to fast tomorrow. That is all we need. It is not prescribed by the Shari'ah for us to say out loud, 'I intend to fast', 'I will fast tomorrow' or other phrases that have been innovated by some people. Also, there is no specific dua to be recited at the time of starting the fast in the correct Sunnah. Whatever 'dua' you may see on some papers or Ramadaan calendars, etc. is a Bid'ah.

Delaying breaking fast

Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after that, just to be 'on the safe side'. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to break the fast, which means breaking fast whenever the adhaan starts, right after the sun has set.

Aa'ishah (RA) said: This is what the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to do. (Muslim)

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'The people will continue to do well so long as they hasten to break the fast.' (Bukhaari, Muslim)
Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul on Allaah and break your fast exactly on time.

Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss Maghrib. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, them he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.

Missing the golden chance of having your Dua accepted

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler.' (al-Bayhaqi, saheeh by al-Albaani).

Instead of sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it..Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Duas.

Fasting but not praying

The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.'(Muslim)

In fact, NONE of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled.

'Whoever does not pray 'Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.' (Bukhaari)

Fasting and not wearing Hijaab

Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women.

(See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away enormously from the rewards of fasting, even if does not invalidate it.

Not fasting because of exams or work

Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allaah is much more important than 'good grades'. Besides, if you will fulfil your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allaah will make it easy for you and help you in everything you do.

'Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him.' (Surah at-Talaaq 2-3)

Mixing fasting and dieting

DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (esp. sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.

Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th

Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan.' (Bukhaari, Muslim).
Wasting the last part of Ramadaan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadaan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. although, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadaan in worship (Ahmad, Muslim) and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadaan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadaan to the max.

Aa'ishah (RA) said: 'When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family.' (Bukhaari and Muslim).

Iftaar parties

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is something good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish 'Iftaar parties' with all sorts of disobedience to Allaah, from flirting, mixing of the sexes and hijaab-less women, to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah, and Taraweeh to even music and dancing.

It's not too late to rectify ones mistake and do good for the sake of Allah.

[15:49] Inform My servants that I am the Forgiver, Most Merciful.

RAMADAN MUBARAK

What type of dates are you breaking your fast with?

With the exception of Ajwa dates (those favoured by the Prophet Muhammad - P.B.U.H), Medjool dates are probably the most expensive but also the most delicious dates in the world. They stand out compared to other dates mainly because of their size.

Last Ramadan I ventured to a halal grocery store (in a predominantly Muslim area) and was about to purchase some of these delicious dates until I saw the sign "produce of Israel" on the box – I was really angered and left the store immediately. Again a couple of days ago I ventured to a local supermarket and noticed the same dates – this time labelled produce of West Bank - again I did not purchase these dates.

The reason for this is mainly due to the fact that produce from Israel (fruit and vegetables) such as dates are mainly produced in occupied Palestinian land such as the West Bank (these are some of the most beautiful and fertile lands in the Arab world) – but most of these lands are run by illegal settlers who employ Palestinians with some of the harshest working conditions. Investigative reporting by Israeli newspapers such as Haaretz had exposed these findings.

The European Union and some of our largest supermarkets in Europe turn a blind eye towards this. An even greater worry is the ignorance set by owners of halal grocery chains who in one way during the month of Ramadan might have a collection box from charities to help oppressed Palestinians yet at the same time will be financing their oppressors by selling profitable crops such as dates from Israel and occupied Palestine in their shops!

It’s time for an ethical campaign – a campaign on the type of food we buy. Innovative Minds and the Islamic Human Rights Commission are calling on campaigners to create awareness in their communities about the boycott of Israeli goods, and in particular Israeli dates, this Ramadan.

BOYCOTT ISRAELI DATES

Most of the Israeli date crop – up to 80%, is exported, mainly to Europe where it has around 10% market share. In 2005, dates were Israel’s leading fruit export. The two major Israeli companies involved are Agrexco and Hadi-klaim.

Agrexco, half owned by the Israeli government, handles 60-70% of all goods produced in the illegal Settlements. Its dates have brand names Carmel, Jordan Plains and Jordan Valley.

Hadiklaim sells 65 percent of the all dates produced in Israel. Its dates have brand names King Solomon and Jordan River. They also supply Israeli dates to supermarkets and retail chains who market them under their own brand names. These include Marks & Spencer's, Sainsbury's, Tesco's, and Waitrose.



In order to educate our communities on this issue two videos had been produced by Innovative Minds (see below). There are also leaflets and posters available from their website. Click here http://inminds.co.uk/boycott-israeli-dates.php

Boycott Israeli Dates 1 of 2


Boycott Israeli Dates 2 of 2


If you find this information useful please pass this to other brothers and sisters. It’s time to start campaigning with our wallets – its time we stopped trading with these oppressors. Make sure you look before you buy. If you find a halal grocery store that sells dates from Israel then notify them of their error and if they don’t change then find alternative places to shop.

If you want to break your fast with delicious dates from Palestine as well as sample other produce then there are various shops listed on the Zaytoun.org website. Zaytoun is an ethical business established to support marginalized farming communities in Palestine. Zaytoun helps Palestinion farmers access the UK market and ensures that the money made from sales goes back to the right people.

More info: http://www.zaytoun.org/files/2009/03/palestinian-agricultural-relief-committees-media-pack.pdf

Numbers of rak’ahs in Taraaweeh prayer

Numbers of rak’ahs in Taraaweeh prayer
Source: Islam Q&A by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (islam-qa.com)

Question:
It has been authentically reported that Muhammad SAAW prayed Taraweeh 3 times in Ramadan and it consisted 11 Rakah. Also the book by Shaykh Naasir-ud-Din Al-Albani (May Allah have mercy on him)، Qiyam and Taraweeh states that Taraweeh should be 11 Rakah. The sunnah is 11 Rakat. Now the question which is confusing and often becomes a discussion among brothers is whether the number of Rakat in Taraweeh should be 11 Rakat or 20 Rakat. People are very sentitive about this issue and those who pray 20 Rakat blame the other groug praying 11 as being wrong and vice vera. This leads to disunity. People always quote that in Prophets Mosque the Imam prays 20 Rakats and also in Masjid-ul-Haraam in Mecca the Imam prays 20 Rakat. Also those who during Ramadan go to Saudi Arabia for Umrah say that the Imam prays 20 Rakat.

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

We do not think that the Muslims should be so sensitive with regard to issues that are the matter of scholarly differences or make them the cause of division and fitnah among the Muslims.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, when speaking about the matter of one who prays ten rak’ahs with the imam, then sits down and waits for Witr and does not complete the Taraaweeh prayers with the imam:

It grieves us deeply that we find in the Muslim ummah a group which differs concerning matters in which differences of opinion are acceptable, and they take these differences as a means to cause division. Differences within the ummah existed at the time of the Sahaabah, yet they remained united. The youth in particular and to all those who are committed to Islam must remain united, because they have enemies who are laying in wait.

Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 4/225

Two groups have gone to extremes with regard to this matter. The first group denounced everyone who prays more than eleven rak’ahs and said that doing so was bid’ah. The second group denounced those who do only eleven rak’ahs and said that they are going against scholarly consensus (ijmaa’).

Let us listen to what Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Here we say that we should not go to extremes or be negligent. Some people go to extremes in adhering to the number mentioned in the Sunnah, and say that it is not permissible to do more than the number mentioned in the Sunnah, and they aggressively denounce those who do more than that, saying that they are sinners.

This is undoubtedly wrong. How can they be sinners, when the Prophet SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), upon being asked about night prayers, said that they are to be done two by two, and he did not specify any particular number? Of course the one who asked him about the night prayer did not know the number, because if he did not know how to do it, it is even more likely that he did not know the number. And he was not one of those who served the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so that we might say that he knew what happened inside his house. Since the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told him how to do it but did not say how many times, it may be understood that the matter is broad in scope, and that a person may pray one hundred rak’ahs then pray Witr with one rak’ah.

With regard to the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Pray as you have seen me praying”, this does not apply in absolute terms even for these people. Hence they do not say that a person should pray Witr with five rak’ahs sometimes and with seven rak’ahs sometimes and with nine rak’ahs sometimes. If we understand it in absolute terms, then we would have to pray Witr with five rak’ahs sometimes and with seven rak’ahs sometimes and with nine rak’ahs sometimes. But what is meant by the hadeeth is pray as you have seen me praying with regard to how to pray not how many rak’ahs, unless there is a text to state what the number is.

Whatever the case, a person should not be strict with people with regard to a matter that is broad in scope. We have even seen some brothers who are strict on this matter accusing the imams who pray more than eleven rak’ahs of following bid’ah, and they leave the mosque, thus missing out on the reward of which the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever stands with the imam until he finishes (the prayer), the reward of qiyaam al-layl will be recorded for him.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 806; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 646). Some of them even sit down after completing ten rak’ahs, thus breaking up the rows of worshippers by sitting there, and sometimes they start talking and disturb the people who are praying.

We have no doubt that their intentions are good and they are doing their best to come to the right conclusion, but that does not mean that they are correct.

The other group does the opposite. They sternly denounce those who pray only eleven rak’ahs and say that they have gone against scholarly consensus. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way, We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell — what an evil destination!”

[al-Nisa’ 4:115]

All the generations who came before you only knew the number as twenty-three rak’ahs, and they denounce anyone who says anything different.

Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 4/73-75

With regard to the evidence quoted by those who say that it is not permissible to do more than eight rak’ahs in Taraaweeh, they quote the hadeeth of Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan, who asked ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), “How did the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) pray during Ramadaan?” She said: “He did not pray more than eleven rak’ahs in Ramadaan or at other times. He would pray four, and do not ask how beautiful and long they were, then he would pray four, and do not ask how beautiful and long they were, then he would pray three. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, will you sleep before you pray Witr?’ He said, ‘O ‘Aa’ishah, my eyes sleep but my heart does not.’”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1909; Muslim, 738

They said: This hadeeth indicates that the Messenger of Allaah was consistent in his prayers at night in Ramadaan and at other times.

The scholars refuted this use of the hadeeth as evidence by saying that this is what the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did, but the fact that he did something does not imply that it is obligatory.

The evidence that there is no set number for prayers at night – which include Taraaweeh – is the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar according to which a man asked the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about prayer at night. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Prayers at night are to be offered two by two (two rak’ahs at a time). If any of you fears that the time of dawn is approaching then let him pray one rak’ah as Witr.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 846; Muslim, 749)

If we look at what the scholars of the prominent schools of thought said, you will clearly see that this matter is broad in scope and that there is nothing wrong with doing more than eleven rak’ahs.

Al-Sarkhasi, who is one of the imams of the Hanafi school, said:

It is twenty rak’ahs, apart from Witr, in our view.

Al-Mabsoot, 2/145

Ibn Qudaamah said:

The favoured view according to Abu ‘Abd-Allaah (i.e., Imam Ahmad, may Allaah have mercy on him), is that it is twenty rak’ahs. This was the view of al-Thawri, Abu Hanfeefah and al-Shaafa’i. Maalik said it is thirty-six.

Al-Mughni, 1/457

Al-Nawawi said:

Taraaweeh prayer is Sunnah according to scholarly consensus. Our view is that it is twenty rak’ahs with ten tasleems, and it is permissible to pray it individually or in congregation.

Al-Majmoo’, 4/31

These are the views of the four imams concerning the number of rak’ahs of Taraaweeh prayer. All of them said something more than eleven rak’ahs. Perhaps the reasons why they said something more than eleven rak’ahs include the following:

1- They thought that the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah did not mean that this was the specific number.

2- A greater number was narrated from many of the salaf.

See al-Mughni, 2/604; al-Majmoo’, 4/32

3- The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray eleven rak’ahs and make them very lengthy, so much so that it used to take him most of the night. Indeed, one night in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) led his companions in praying Taraaweeh, he did not end his prayer until just before dawn, and the Sahaabah feared that they would miss suhoor. The Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) loved to pray behind the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and they did not feel that it was too long. The scholars thought that if the imam made the prayer so long, this would be too difficult for the members of the congregation and that might put them off. So they thought that the imam should make the recitation shorter and increase the number of rak’ahs.

The point is that the one who prays eleven rak’ahs in the manner narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is doing well and is following the Sunnah. Whoever makes the recitation shorter and increases the number of rak’ahs is also doing well. A person who does either of these two things is not to be denounced. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said:

If a person prays Taraaweeh according to the madhhabs of Abu Haneefah, al-Shaafa’i and Ahmad, with twenty rak’ahs, or according to the madhhab of Maalik, with thirty-six rak’ahs, or with thirteen or eleven rak’ahs, he has done well, as Imam Ahmad said, because there is nothing to specify the number. So the greater or lesser number of rak’ahs depends on how long or short the qiyaam (standing in the prayer) is.

Al-Ikhtiyaaraat, p. 64

Al-Suyooti said:

What is narrated in the saheeh and hasan ahaadeeth is the command to observe night prayers during Ramadaan, which is encouraged without specifying a particular number. It is not proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed twenty rak’ahs of Taraaweeh, rather that he prayed at night, with an unspecified number of rak’ahs. Then he delayed it on the fourth night lest it become obligatory for them and they might not be able to do it. Ibn Hajar al-Haythami said: There is no saheeh report that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed twenty rak’ahs of Taraaweeh. The narration which suggests that he “used to pray twenty rak’ahs” is extremely weak (da’eef).

Al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 27/142-145

So you should not be surprised that people pray Taraaweeh as twenty rak’ahs. There have been generation after generation of those imams (who used to pray twenty rak’ahs), and all of them are good.

And Allaah knows best.

Ramadan - Foods that Harm and Foods that Benefit

Ramadan - Foods that Harm and Foods that Benefit

It is recommended to break the fast with fresh dates, rutub, and in odd numbers, or tamr, regular table or supermarket dates, or water. If dates are not available, any fruit will do. If there is no food or drink to break the fast with, intend in your heart to break fast, and whenever food is available you should eat. Source: usc.edu/MSA

But what about when we are NOT in a fast. What would be a good diet plan? Below is some useful information I obtained a few years ago.

The following has been extracted from Ramadan Health &; Spirituality Guide by the Department of Health &; Communities in Action, UK, 2007. Thanks to Bodrul Ali for forwarding this information. A link to the latest booklet can be found below as well as a kik to the NHS Ramadan webpage.

Health is the key to happiness, and what we consume directly affects our health. Islam encourages Muslims to ensure that they are mindful of their health. The blessed Prophet said: “Take advantage of the good health before illnesses afflict you”. He also encouraged Muslims to try their best to take up a healthy living lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular mental and physical exercise and a balance between material and spiritual needs.

The fasts of Ramadan can improve a person’s health, but – if the correct diet is not followed – can possibly worsen it! The deciding factor is not the fast itself, but rather what is consumed in the non-fasting hours. To fully benefit from fasting, a person should spare a great deal of thought to the type and quantity of food they will indulge in through the blessed month. Overeating can not only harm the body but it is thought also to interfere with a person’s spiritual growth during the month. A diet that has less than a normal amount of food but is sufficiently balanced will keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan. The diet should be simple and not differ too much from one’s normal everyday diet. It should contain foods from all the major food groups, as shown below.

Complex carbohydrates are foods that will help release energy slowly during the long hours of fasting. Complex carbohydrates are found in grains and seeds, like barley, wheat, oats, millets, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, basmati rice, etc.

Fibre-rich foods are also digested slowly and include bran, cereals, whole wheat, grains and seeds, potatoes with the skin, vegetables such as green beans and almost all fruit, including apricots, prunes, figs, etc.

Foods to avoid are the heavily-processed, fast-burning foods that contain refined carbohydrates in the form of sugar, white flour, etc., as well as, of course, too much fatty food (eg cakes, biscuits, chocolates and sweets, such as Indian Mithai).
It may also be worth avoiding the caffeine content in drinks such as tea, coffee and cola. (Caffeine is a diuretic and stimulates faster water loss through urination.)


Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, should be a wholesome, moderate meal that is filling and provides enough energy for many hours. It is therefore particularly important to include slowly-digesting foods in the suhoor.

Iftar is the meal which breaks the day’s fast. This meal could include dates, following the Prophetic traditions. Dates will provide a refreshing burst of much-needed energy. Fruit juices will also have a similar, revitalizing effect. The meal should remain a meal and not become a feast! Try to minimise the rich, special dishes that traditionally celebrate the fast and keep to the advice included in the table above.

Many of the foods which are mentioned and encouraged in this booklet are in the Holy Qur’an, and the Sunnah (the Prophetic traditions) also correspond to modern guidelines on a healthy diet and will help to maintain balanced, healthy meals in Ramadan. The most commonly consumed foods by Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) were milk, dates, lamb/mutton and oats.

Healthy foods mentioned in the Holy Qur’an are fruit and vegetables, such as olives, onions, cucumber, figs, dates, grapes as well as pulses such as lentils. The encouragement of fish can be seen in the fact that Islamic law spares fish from any specific slaughter requirements, making it easy to incorporate fish in a meal.



Spirituality and Food
Food has a great significance in Islam. It is associated with one’s relationship with God. Chapter 20, verse 81 of the Qur’an states: “Eat of the good and wholesome things that We have provided for your sustenance, but indulge in no excess therein.”

The physical body is a gift from God; it is given to humans as an amanah (in trust) to take care of for a fixed period. How much food is consumed and the choice of food has a direct impact on the physical and spiritual well-being of the person. The food that you consume affects your behaviour and personality. Wholesome, natural and healthy food assists the development of a good personality. Overeating has long been frowned upon in Islam as it is thought to increase worldly appetites and cause sluggishness, thereby ‘dulling’ the soul, hampering spiritual growth and increasing physical ailments.

The blessed Prophet said: “The children of Adam fill no vessel worse than their stomach. Sufficient for him is a few morsels to keep his back straight. If he must eat more, then a third should be for his food, a third for his drink, and a third left for air.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhî)

Islam sees health and ‘well-being’ as much more than just bodily health: well-being or tranquillity requires a strong relationship with one’s spirituality, good physical health, mental happiness, a sense of purpose and good character and relationships. Islam makes a strong connection between food and worship and teaches that all forms of worship have a deeper purpose and impact and contribute in some way to individual and social well-being.

In chapter 7, verse 31 the Qur’an is categorical: “Eat and drink freely: but waste not by excess, for He does not like the wasters.”

The booklet also contains more information on the following* The spiritual side of Fasting and what you gain from fasting ( Heightened consciousness of God, Healthy lifestyle, Compassion and charity, Community spirit, A fast without the spirit is empty of blessing)
* Information on Potential Health Complications and Possible Remedies e.g. Heartburn (Indigestion), Poor Control of Diabetes, Headache, Dehydration, Complications to any Common Chronic Diseases, Constipation, Stress, Obesity)
* There is also a Frequently Asked Questions regarding the health side of ramadan & useful contact list and much more. I would recommend you read this booklet.

# Here is a link to the latest booklet: Click here!

# Also the new NHS Ramadan webpage: Click Here!