Archive for August 2013

Fast Three Days a Month, Okay? (Hadith No. 1697)

beed

Published on August 29, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 202:

Narrated Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu):

My friend (the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)) advised me to observe three things:

(1) to fast three days a month;

(2) to pray two Rakat of Duha prayer (fore-noon prayer); and

(3) to pray Witr before sleeping.

it is mustahabb to fast three days each month, and it is best to fast the ayaam al-beed, which are the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th of the month.

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me:

“It is sufficient for you to fast three days every month, because for every good deed you will have (the reward of) ten like it, so that will be like fasting for a lifetime.”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1874); Muslim (1159).

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked:

It was narrated in the hadeeth that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) advised Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) to fast three days of each month. When should these fasts be observed, and should they be one after the other?

He replied:

It is permissible to fast these days one after the other or separately, and they may be at the beginning of the month, or in the middle, or at the end. The matter is broad in scope, praise be to Allaah, because the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not state any specific days. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) was asked: Did the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fast three days of each month? She said: Yes. It was asked: In which part of the month did he fast? She said: He would not bother in which part of the month he would fast. Narrated by Muslim, (1160). But the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th are better, because these are al-ayyaam al-beed.

Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 10/ question no. 376.

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/29/fast-three-days-a-month-okay-hadith-no-1697/

The Fast of David (Ahadith 1690 - 1696)

bukhari

Published on August 26, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 195:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (radiallaahu `anhu):

"Once Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) came to me," and then he narrated the whole narration, i.e. your guest has a right on you, and your wife has a right on you. I then asked about the fasting of David (`alayhissalaam). The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) replied, "Half of the year," (i.e. he used to fast on every alternate day).

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 196:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to me, "O 'Abdullah! Have I not been informed that you fast during the day and offer prayers all the night." 'Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu) replied, "Yes, O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)!" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Don't do that; fast for few days and then give it up for few days, offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on you, and your wife has a right on you, and your guest has a right on you. And it is sufficient for you to fast three days in a month, as the reward of a good deed is multiplied ten times, so it will be like fasting throughout the year." I insisted (on fasting) and so I was given a hard instruction. I said, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! I have power." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Fast like the fasting of the Prophet David (`alayhissalaam) and do not fast more than that." I said, "How was the fasting of the Prophet of Allah, David?" He said, "Half of the year," (i.e. he used to fast on every alternate day).

Afterwards when 'Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu) became old, he used to say, "It would have been better for me if I had accepted the permission of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) (which he gave me i.e. to fast only three days a month)."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 197:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was informed that I had taken an oath to fast daily and to pray (every night) all the night throughout my life (so Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) came to me and asked whether it was correct): I replied, "Let my parents be sacrificed for you! I said so." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "You can not do that. So, fast for few days and give it up for few days, pray and sleep. Fast three days a month as the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times and that will be equal to one year of fasting." I replied, "I can do better than that." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to me, "Fast one day and give up fasting for a day and that is the fasting of Prophet David (`alayhissalaam) and that is the best fasting." I said, "I have the power to fast better (more) than that." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "There is no better fasting than that."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 198:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (radiallaahu `anhu):

The news of my daily fasting and praying every night throughout the night reached the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam). So he sent for me or I met him, and he said, "I have been informed that you fast everyday and pray every night (all the night). Fast (for some days) and give up fasting (for some days); pray and sleep, for your eyes have a right on you, and your body and your family (i.e. wife) have a right on you." I replied, "I have more power than that (fasting)." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Then fast like the fasts of (the Prophet) David (`alayhissalaam)". I said, "How?" He replied, "He used to fast on alternate days, and he used not to flee on meeting the enemy." I said, "From where can I get that chance?" ('Ata' said, "I do not know how the expression of fasting daily throughout the life occurred.") So, the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, twice, "Whoever fasts daily throughout his life is just as the one who does not fast at all."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 199:

Narrated Mujahid from 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (radiallaahu `anhu):

The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said (to 'Abdullah), "Fast three days a month." 'Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu) said, (to the Prophet) "I am able to fast more than that." They kept on arguing on this matter till the Prophet said, "Fast on alternate days, and recite the whole Qur'an once a month." 'Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu) said, "I can recite more (in a month)," and the argument went on till the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Recite the Qur'an once each three days." (i.e. you must not recite the whole Qur'an in less than three days).

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 200:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (radiallaahu `anhu):

The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to me, "You fast daily all the year and pray every night all the night?" I replied in the affirmative. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "If you keep on doing this, your eyes will become weak and your body will get tired. He who fasts all the year is as he who did not fast at all. The fasting of three days (a month) will be equal to the tasting of the whole year." I replied, "I have the power for more than this." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Then fast like the fasting of David (`alayhissalaam) who used to fast on alternate days and would never flee from the battle field, on meeting the enemy.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 201:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was informed about my fasts, and he came to me and I spread for him a leather cushion stuffed with palm fires, but he sat on the ground and the cushion remained between me and him, and then he said, "Isn't it sufficient for you to fast three days a month?" I replied, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (I can fast more)." He said, "Five?" I replied, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (I can fast more)." He said, "Seven?" I replied, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (I can fast more)." He said, "Nine (days per month)?" I replied, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (I can fast more)" He said, "Eleven (days per month)?" And then the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "There is no fast superior to that of the Prophet David (`alayhissalaam) it was for half of the year. So, fast on alternate days."

Here's another narration (not from this sequence in Bukhari) that helps understand the topic better:

It was narrated from Abu Qutaadah al-Ansaari (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about his fasting. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) got angry, then ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said, “We are content with Allah as our Lord, with Islam as our religion, with Muhammad as our Prophet and with the oath of allegiance (bay’ah) that we have given.” Then he was asked about one who fasts for a lifetime and he said, “He did not fast and he did not break his fast.” [I.e., it becomes a routine for him such that he no longer feels the difference between fasting and not fasting] Then he was asked about fasting two days and not fasting for one day, and he said, “Who is able to do that?” Then he was asked about fasting one day and not fasting for two days, and he said, “Would that Allaah gave us strength for that.” And he was asked about fasting one day and not fasting one day (i.e., fasting alternate days) and he said, “That is the fasting of my brother Dawood (peace be upon him).” And he was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he said, “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which my mission began (or on which Revelation came down to me).” And he said, “Fasting for three days each month and Ramadaan each year is the fast of a lifetime.” And he was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah, and he said, “It expiates for the past year and the coming year,” and he was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Ashoora’, and he said, “It expiates for the past year.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162.

It is clear from this hadeeth that fasting is encouraged, whether it is one or two days each year, one day each week, three days each month, fasting one day and not fasting two days or vice versa, or fasting one day and not the next. The matter is flexible. But the fast of Dawud (`alayhissalaam) is most encouraged because by fasting on alternate days, you never really get used to fasting and/or not fasting. It's not easy, hence the reward.

One important lesson: it's good to commit to great tasks of worship when you have the energy and power to do so. But in lieu of 'continuity and balance', it's advisable to commit to amounts you can continue even when weak or old. Learn this from the experience of Abdullah ibn Amr (radiallaahu `anhu) when he says:

It would have been better for me if I had accepted the permission of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) (which he gave me i.e. to fast only three days a month).

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/the-fast-of-david-ahadith-1690-1696/

Continuity and Balance (Ahadith 1685 - 1689)

balance

Published on August 25, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 190:

Narrated 'Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) used to fast till one would say that he would never stop fasting, and he would abandon fasting till one would say that he would never fast. I never saw Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) fasting for a whole month except the month of Ramadan, and did not see him fasting in any month more than in the month of Sha'ban.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 191:

Narrated 'Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):

The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) never fasted in any month more than in the month of Sha'ban. He used to say, "Do those deeds which you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) till you get bored and tired (of performing religious deeds)." The most beloved prayer to the Prophet was the one that was done regularly (throughout the life) even if it were little. And whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) offered a prayer he used to offer it regularly .

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 192:

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu):

The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) never fasted a full month except the month of Ramadan, and he used to fast till one could say, "By Allah, he will never stop fasting," and he would abandon fasting till one would say, "By Allah, he will never fast."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 193:

Narrated Anas (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) used to leave fasting in a certain month till we thought that he would not fast in that month, and he used to fast in another month till we thought he would not stop fasting at all in that month. And if one wanted to see him praying at night, one could see him (in that condition), and if one wanted to see him sleeping at night, one could see him (in that condition) too.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 194:

Narrated Humaid:

I asked Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) about the fasting of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam). He said "Whenever I liked to see the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) fasting in any month, I could see that, and whenever I liked to see him not fasting, I could see that too, and if I liked to see him praying in any night, I could see that, and if I liked to see him sleeping, I could see that, too." Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) further said, "I never touched silk or velvet softer than the hand of Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and never smelled musk or perfumed smoke more pleasant than the smell of Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)."

After reading all these narrations, the one who wants to overdo fasting and praying at night (or any other form of worship), and give up all the good of this world (zuhd) needs to answer one question: Is he more righteous than the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)?

Continuity and balance. These two things will take you a long way inshaAllah. Whatever little/more you do of worship, continue it. And don't overdo anything - not even worship. :)

As for the fiqh of fasting in Sha`baan, a summary has been posted here.

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/25/continuity-and-balance-ahadith-1685-1689/

Continual Fasting: Al-Wisaal (Ahadith 1677 - 1683)

hadith no 1677

Published on August 21, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 182:

Narrated Anas (radiallaahu `anhu):

The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Do not practice Al-Wisal (fasting continuously without breaking one's fast in the evening or eating before the following dawn)." The people said to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam), "But you practice Al-Wisal?" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) replied, "I am not like any of you, for I am given food and drink (by Allah) during the night."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 183:

Narrated Abdullah bin Umar (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) forbade Al-Wisal. The people said (to him), "But you practice it?" He said, "I am not like you, for I am given food and drink by Allah."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 184:

'Narrated Abu Sa'id (radiallaahu `anhu):

That he had heard the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) saying, "Do not fast continuously (practise Al-Wisal), and if you intend to lengthen your fast, then carry it on only till the Suhur (before the following dawn)." The people said to him, "But you practice (Al-Wisal), O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)!" He replied, "I am not similar to you, for during my sleep I have One Who makes me eat and drink."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 185:

Narrated Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) forbade Al-Wisal out of mercy to them. They said to him, "But you practice Al-Wisal?" He said, "I am not similar to you, for my Lord gives me food and drink. "

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 186:

Narrated Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) forbade Al-Wisal in fasting. So, one of the Muslims said to him, "But you practice Al-Wisal. O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)!" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) replied, "Who amongst you is similar to me? I am given food and drink during my sleep by my Lord." So, when the people refused to stop Al-Wisal (fasting continuously), the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) fasted day and night continuously along with them for a day and then another day and then they saw the crescent moon (of the month of Shawwal). The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to them (angrily), "If It (the crescent) had not appeared, I would have made you fast for a longer period." That was as a punishment for them when they refused to stop (practising Al-Wisal).

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 187:

Narrated Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu):

The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said twice, "(O you people) Be cautious! Do not practice Al-Wisal." The people said to him, "But you practice Al-Wisal?" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) replied, "My Lord gives me food and drink during my sleep. Do that much of deeds which is within your ability."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 188:

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Do not fast continuously day and night (practise Al-Wisal) and if anyone of you intends to fast continuously day and night, he should continue till the Suhur time." They said, "But you practise Al-Wisal, O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)!" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "I am not similar to you;. during my sleep I have One Who makes me eat and drink."

Fasting continually means that a person fasts for two or more days without breaking the fast, i.e., the fast continues all night and the person does not eat or drink.

Ibn Qudaamah said in al-Mughni, 4/436:

Continual fasting is makrooh according to the majority of scholars.

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’, 6/357:

With regard to the ruling on continual fasting, it is makrooh, and there is no difference of opinion among us concerning that. But is it makrooh in the sense of being forbidden or makrooh in the sense of being disliked? There are two opinions concerning that … (the more correct of which) according to our companions and the apparent meaning of the statement of al-Shaafa’i is that it is makrooh in the sense of being forbidden.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 6/443:

It appears that the ruling with regard to continual fasting is that it is haraam.

And Allaah knows best.

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/continual-fasting-al-wisaal-ahadith-1677-1683/

Children Fasting (Hadith No. 1676)

Published on August 20, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 181:

Narrated Ar-Rubi' bint Mu'awadh (radiallaahu `anhaa):

"The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) sent a messenger to the village of the Ansar in the morning of the day of 'Ashura' (10th of Muharram) to announce: 'Whoever has eaten something should not eat but complete the fast, and whoever is observing the fast should complete it.' "She further said, "Since then we used to fast on that day regularly and also make our boys fast. We used to make toys of wool for the boys and if anyone of them cried for, he was given those toys till it was the time of the breaking of the fast."

The Right Age

Fasting is not obligatory for young children, until they reach the age of adolescence, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“The pens have been lifted from three: from one who has lost his mind until he comes back to his senses, from one who is sleeping until he wakes up, and from a child until he reaches the age of adolescence.”

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4399; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

Nevertheless, children should be told to fast so that they can get used to it, and because the good deeds that they do will be recorded for them.

The age at which parents should start to teach their children to fast is the age at which they are able to fast, which will vary according to each child’s physical makeup. Some scholars have defined this as being ten years of age.

Celebrate to Motivate

There is nothing wrong, in sha Allah, with the family celebrating the first time a boy or girl fasts, so long as it is limited to this occasion only, and will not become something that is repeated. There is nothing wrong with expressing happiness when the child reaches the age to observe this act of worship, or to encourage him and help him understand that this is an important event in his life. It is also a blessing for which thanks should be given to Allah. Some of the scholars regard it as mustahabb to make food for every happy occasion, and they specifically mentioned making food when a child completes the Qur’an.

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/20/children-fasting-hadith-no-1676/

Breaking the Fast Before Sunset in Uncertainty (Hadith No. 1675)

break

Published on August 19, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Question: if a person breaks their fast before sunset thinking that it was time for iftaar, do they have to make up for that fast?

A simple and straight-forward answer is "no", provided it wasn't intentional. For details and proofs, read on.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 180:

Narrated Abu Usama from Hisham bin 'Ursa from Fatima:

Asma bint Abi Bakr (radiallaahu `anhaa) said, "We broke our fast during the lifetime of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) on a cloudy day and then the sun appeared." Hisham was asked, "Were they ordered to fast in lieu of that day?" He replied, "It had to be made up for." Ma'mar said, "I heard Hisham saying, "I don't know whether they fasted in lieu of that day or not."

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said:

Those who say that the fast is not broken if a person makes a mistake or forgets at the beginning or end of the day said: our evidence is stronger, and the evidence of the Qur’aan and Sunnah concerning what we say is clearer. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error”
[al-Baqarah 2:286]

Forgetting and falling into error are mentioned together, because the one who does things that are forbidden in Hajj or prayer by mistake is like one who does them out of forgetfulness. It was proven in al-Saheeh that one day at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) they broke the fast and then the sun appeared, but it does not say in the hadeeth that they were ordered to make up that fast. But Hishaam ibn ‘Urwah said: It must be made up, but his father was more knowledgeable than him and he said, They do not have to make it up. And it was proven in al-Saheehayn that a group of Sahaabah used to eat until one of them could distinguish the white thread from the black. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to one of them, “Your pillow is wide [if the white thread (of dawn) and the black thread (of the night) are underneath your pillow], rather that is the whiteness of the day and the blackness of the night.” But it is not narrated that he told them to make up their fasts; they were ignorant of the ruling so they were making a mistake. And it is proven that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab broke his fast then it became clear that it was still day, but he said, “We will not make it up because we did not deliberately commit sin.” And it was narrated that ‘Umar said: “We will make it up,” but the isnaad of the first report is stronger. And it was narrated from him that he said, “It is not a serious matter.” So some of the scholars understood this as meaning that it is not essential to make it up, but the wording does not indicate that.

In conclusion, this view is stronger in terms of reports and reasoning, and is more strongly supported by evidence from the Qur’aan and Sunnah and analogy (qiyaas).

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 20/572, 573

[Taken from IslamQA]

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/19/breaking-the-fast-before-sunset-in-uncertainty-hadith-no-1675/

Iftaar Time (Ahadith 1670 - 1674)

break

Published on August 17, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 175:

Narrated Umar bin Al-Khattab (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "When night falls from this side and the day vanishes from this side and the sun sets, then the fasting person should break his fast."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 176:

Narrated Abdullah bin Abi Aufa (radiallaahu `anhu):

We were in the company of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) on a journey and he was fasting, and when the sun set, he addressed somebody, "O so-and-so, get up and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (Will you wait) till it is evening?" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (If you wait) till it is evening." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "It is still daytime." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He got down and mixed Sawiq for them. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) drank it and then said, "When you see night falling from this side, the fasting person should break his fast."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 177:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Aufa (radiallaahu `anhu):

We were traveling with Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and he was fasting, and when the sun set, he said to (someone), "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (Will you wait) till it is evening?" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) again said, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! It is still daytime." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." So, he got down and carried out that order. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) then said, "When you see night falling from this side, the fasting person should break his fast," and he beckoned with his finger towards the east.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 178:

Narrated Sahl bin Sad (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast."

Al-Nawawi said:

This hadeeth means that we are encouraged to hasten to break the fast after ascertaining that the sun has indeed set. What this means is that the ummah’s affairs will continue to be in order and they will be fine so long as they adhere to this Sunnah. But if they delay breaking the fast, that will be an indication of some misguidance that they are following.

Sharh Muslim, 7/208

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 179:

Narrated Ibn Abi Aufa (radiallaahu `anhu):

I was with the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) on a journey, and he observed the fast till evening. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to a man, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for me." He replied, "Will you wait till it is evening?" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for me; when you see night falling from this side, the fasting person should break his fast."

The Sunnah is to hasten to break the fast, which means breaking fast straight after the sun has set. Delaying the fast until after the stars have come out is the practice of the Jews, and the Raafidis (Shi’ah) followed them in that, So it is not correct to delay it deliberately until later in the evening or to delay it until the end of the adhaan. All of that is contrary to the teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/17/iftaar-time-ahadith-1670-1674/

Making Up Missed Fasts (Ahadith 1666 - 1669)

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Published on August 16, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 171:

Narrated 'Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):

Sometimes I missed some days of Ramadan, but could not fast in lieu of them except in the month of Sha'ban." Said Yahya, a sub-narrator, "She used to be busy serving the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 172:

Narrated Abu Said (radiallaahu `anhu):

The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Isn't it true that a woman does not pray and does not fast on menstruating? And that is the defect (a loss) in her religion."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 173:

Narrated 'Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "Whoever died and he ought to have fasted (the missed days of Ramadan) then his guardians must fast on his behalf."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 174:

Narrated Ibn Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu):

A man came to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and said, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! My mother died and she ought to have fasted one month (for her missed Ramadan). Shall I fast on her behalf?" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) replied in the affirmative and said, "Allah's debts have more right to be paid." In another narration a woman is reported to have said, "My sister died..."

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu): A woman said to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) "My mother died and she had vowed to fast but she didn't fast." In another narration Ibn 'Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu) is reported to have said, "A woman said to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam), "My mother died while she ought to have fasted for fifteen days."

How can he make up missed fasts?

If he did not fast for a reason, such as sickness or travelling, or menstruation in the case of women, then he must make it up after Ramadaan, and he must make up the number of days that he did not fast, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days”[al-Baqarah 2:185].

‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: That (i.e., menstruation) would happen to us and we would be told to make up the fasts, but we were not told to make up the prayers. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (321) and Muslim (335).

The time for making up the fasts lasts until the next Ramadaan begins; he can make them up at any time during this period, on consecutive days or separately.

It is not permissible for him to delay making them up after the following Ramadaan, unless he has an excuse.

But if he did not fast deliberately, with no excuse, then one of two scenarios must apply:

He did not decide not to fast from the night before, and he did not intend to fast. In this case making up the fast is not valid, because fasting is an act of worship that is linked to a specific time, and if a person fails to do it, it is not valid after that time, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever does an action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours will have it rejected. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2697) and Muslim (1718).
He did intend to fast from the night before, and he started the day fasting, then he broke his fast during the day with no excuse. He has to make up this day, because he started to do it, which makes it like a vow that he must fulfil. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded the one who had intercourse during the day in Ramadaan to make up that day, and he said to him: “Fast one day in its place.” Narrated by Ibn Majaah (1671), classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Ibn Majaah.

In addition to that, if he broke the fast during the day without any excuse by having intercourse, he must make it up and also offer expiation.

The one who breaks his fast with no excuse also has to repent to Allaah, regret what he has done, resolve never to do it again, and do a lot of righteous deeds such as observing naafil fasts and so on. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them (till his death)”[Ta-Ha 20:82].

And Allaah knows best.

[Taken from IslamQA]

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/making-up-missed-fasts-ahadith-1666-1669/

The Various Stages of Fasting & Fidyah (Hadith No. 1665)

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Published on August 15, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 170:

Narrated Nafi:

Ibn 'Umar (radiallaahu `anhu) recited the verse: "They had a choice either to fast or to feed a poor person for every day, and said that the order of this Verse was cancelled.

This ayah is 184 of Surah al-Baqarah:

Fast for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know.

In the Tafsir, Ibn Kathir says:

The Various Stages of Fasting
Al-Bukhari and Muslim recorded that `A'ishah said, "(The day of) `Ashura' was a day of fasting. When the obligation to fast Ramadan was revealed, those who wished fasted, and those who wished did not.'' Al-Bukhari recorded the same from Ibn `Umar and Ibn Mas`ud.
Allah said:

﴿وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ﴾
(...those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day).)
Mu`adh commented, "In the beginning, those who wished, fasted and those who wished, did not fast and fed a poor person for each day.'' Al- Bukhari recorded Salamah bin Al-Akwa` saying that when the Ayah:

﴿وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ﴾
(...those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day).) was revealed, those who did not wish to fast, used to pay the Fidyah (feeding a poor person for each day they did not fast) until the following Ayah (2:185) was revealed abrogating the previous Ayah. It was also reported from `Ubaydullah from Nafi` that Ibn `Umar said; "It was abrogated.'' As-Suddi reported that Murrah narrated that `Abdullah said about this Ayah:

﴿وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ﴾
(those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day).) "It means `those who find it difficult (to fast).' Formerly, those who wished, fasted and those who wished, did not but fed a poor person instead.'' Allah then said:

﴿فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا﴾
(But whoever does good of his own accord) meaning whoever fed an extra poor person,

﴿فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ وَأَن تَصُومُواْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ﴾
(it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you) Later the Ayah:

﴿فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ﴾
(So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasting) that month) (2:185) was revealed and this abrogated the previous Ayah (2:184).

The Fidyah (Expiation) for breaking the Fast is for the Old and the Ailing
Al-Bukhari reported that `Ata heard Ibn `Abbas recite:

﴿وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ﴾
(And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day).)
Ibn `Abbas then commented, "(This Ayah) was not abrogated, it is for the old man and the old woman who are able to fast with difficulty, but choose instead to feed a poor person for every day (they do not fast).'' Others reported that Sa`id bin Jubayr mentioned this from Ibn `Abbas. So the abrogation here applies to the healthy person, who is not traveling and who has to fast, as Allah said:

﴿فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ﴾
(So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasting) that month.) (2:185)
As for the old man (and woman) who cannot fast, he is allowed to abstain from fasting and does not have to fast another day instead, because he is not likely to improve and be able to fast other days. So he is required to pay a Fidyah for every day missed. This is the opinion of Ibn `Abbas and several others among the Salaf who read the Ayah:

﴿وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ﴾
(And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man)) to mean those who find it difficult to fast as Ibn Mas`ud stated. This is also the opinion of Al-Bukhari who said, "As for the old man (person) who cannot fast, (he should do like) Anas who, for one or two years after he became old fed some bread and meat to a poor person for each day he did not fast.''
This point, which Al-Bukhari attributed to Anas without a chain of narrators, was collected with a continuous chain of narrators by Abu Ya`la Mawsuli in his Musnad, that Ayyub bin Abu Tamimah said; "Anas could no longer fast. So he made a plate of Tharid (broth, bread and meat) and invited thirty poor persons and fed them.'' The same ruling applies for the pregnant and breast-feeding women if they fear for themselves or their children or fetuses. In this case, they pay the Fidyah and do not have to fast other days in place of the days that they missed.

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/15/the-various-stages-of-fasting-fidyah-hadith-no-1665/

Fasting while Travelling (Ahadith 1657 - 1664)

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Published on August 14, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 162:

Narrated Ibn Abi Aufa (radiallaahu `anhu):

We were in the company of Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) on a journey. He said to a man, "Get down and mix Sawiq (powdered barley) with water for me." The man said, "The sun (has not set yet), O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) again said to him, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for me." The man again said, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! The sun!" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to him (for the third time) "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for me." The man dismounted and mixed Sawiq with water for him. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) drank it and then beckoned with his hand (towards the East) and said, "When you see the night falling from this side, then a fasting person should break his fast."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 163:

Narrated 'Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):

Hamza bin 'Amr Al-Aslami (radiallaahu `anhu) said, "O Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! I fast continuously."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 164:

Narrated 'Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):

(the wife of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)) Hamza bin 'Amr Al-Aslami (radiallaahu `anhu) asked the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam), "Should I fast while traveling?" The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) replied, "You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 165:

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) set out for Mecca in Ramadan and he fasted, and when he reached Al-Kadid, he broke his fast and the people (with him) broke their fast too. (Abu 'Abdullah said, "Al-Kadid is a land covered with water between Usfan and Qudaid.")

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 166:

Narrated Abu Ad-Darda (radiallaahu `anhu):

We set out with Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) on one of his journeys on a very hot day, and it was so hot that one had to put his hand over his head because of the severity of heat. None of us was fasting except the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and Ibn Rawaha (radiallaahu `anhu).

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 167:

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu):

Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was on a journey and saw a crowd of people, and a man was being shaded (by them). He asked, "What is the matter?" They said, "He (the man) is fasting." The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, "It is not righteousness that you fast on a journey."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 168:

Narrated Anas bin Malik (radiallaahu `anhu):

We used to travel with the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and neither did the fasting persons criticize those who were not fasting, nor did those who were not fasting criticize the fasting ones.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 169:

Narrated Tawus:

Ibn 'Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu) said, "Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) set out from Medina to Mecca and he fasted till he reached 'Usfan, where he asked for water and raised his hand to let the people see him, and then broke the fast, and did not fast after that till he reached Mecca, and that happened in Ramadan." Ibn 'Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu) used to say, "Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) (sometimes) fasted and (sometimes) did not fast during the journeys so whoever wished to fast could fast, and whoever wished not to fast, could do so."

Lessons from the above narrations:

It is permissible to fast while travelling.
If fasting is a burden while travelling, it's better to avoid it because it's not righteousness.
Whether a person fasts while travelling or does not, they should not be criticized. It's their own personal choice.
If the fasts of Ramadan are missed due to travelling, they have to be made up later. This will be discussed in future posts as well inshaAllah.

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/14/fasting-while-travelling-ahadith-1657-1664/

Intimacy during Fasting (Ahadith 1644 - 1648)

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Published on August 03, 2013 By

Bismillah.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 149:

Narrated 'Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):

The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) used to kiss and embrace (his wives) while he was fasting, and he had more power to control his desires than any of you. Said Jabir, "The person who gets discharge after casting a look (on his wife) should complete his fast."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 150:

Narrated Hisham's father:

Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa) said, "Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) used to kiss some of his wives while he was fasting," and then she smiled.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 151:

Narrated Zainab (daughter of Um Salama) (radiallaahu `anhaa) that her mother said, "While I was (lying) with Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) underneath a woolen sheet, I got the menstruation, and then slipped away and put on the clothes (which I used to wear) in menses. He asked, "What is the matter? Did you get your menses?" I replied in the affirmative and then entered underneath that woolen sheet. I and Allah's Apostle used to take a bath from one water pot and he used to kiss me while he was fasting."

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 152:

Narrated 'Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):

(At times) in Ramadan the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) used to take a bath in the morning not because of a wet dream and would continue his fast.

Volume 3, Book 31, Number 153:

Narrated Abu Bakr bin 'Abdur-Rahman:

My father and I went to 'Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa) and she said, "I testify that Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) at times used to get up in the morning in a state of Janaba from sexual intercourse, not from a wet dream and then he would fast that day." Then he went to Um Salama (radiallaahu `anhaa) and she also narrated a similar thing.

The Muslim has to protect his fast from things that may invalidate it, and he has to seek reward by giving up his desires for food, drink and intercourse, as Allaah says in the hadeeth qudsi concerning the virtues of fasting: “He gives up his food, his drink and his physical desires for My sake.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, al-Sawm, 1761). But if he can control himself and not slip into that which would cause his fast to be invalidated, by the emission of maniy (semen) or by having intercourse, or would make his fast imperfect by the emission of madhiy (prostatic fluid), then it is permissible for him to embrace his wife in this case, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fondle ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) but he used to control his desire.

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz said:

A man may kiss, embrace and touch his wife, without having intercourse, when he is fasting. This is permissible and there is nothing wrong with it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to kiss and touch his wives when he was fasting. But if there is the fear that he may do something that Allaah has forbidden because his desire is aroused quickly, then it is makrooh for him to do that. If he ejaculates he still should not eat or drink for the rest of the day, and he has to make up the fast, but he does not have to offer kafaarah (expiation) according to the majority of the scholars. But madhiy (prostatic fluid) does not invalidate the fast, according to the more correct of the two scholarly views, because the basic principle is that the fast remains valid, and because it is too difficult to avoid. And Allaah is the Source of strength.

Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, part 4, p. 202

Taken from: http://ilookilisten.wordpress.com/2013/08/03/intimacy-during-fasting-ahadith-1644-1648/

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