21 August 2009


  • Pray 5times a day on time
  • Pray Taraweeh/Sunnah
  • Go to Jummah every Friday
  • Finish the Quran 4 times
  • Give Charity
  • Give Dawah
  • Completely stay away from T.V, Music, Magazine etc.
  • Reflect on the purpose of life
  • Keep a positive attitude
  • Be in a constant state of Taqwa
  • Giving Zakat on time and energy
  • Always renew my intentions

What does the word "Ramadan" mean?
Ramadan is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The original meaning of the word was "scorching heat".
What is the purpose of the fast?
Quran Surah al-Baqarat verse 183 states that the purpose of the fast is to develop a quality called in Arabic "taqwa". Taqwa may be defined as, "Worshiping God as if you see Him because if you don't, He sees you." It is thus a kind of awe or God-fearingness, an awareness that God is always watching. Nobody but God and the person fasting know if that person actually observed the entire fast or secretly cheated. Thus, in order to resist the temptation to cheat, one has to remember that God is always watching and will see any lapse.
What does the fast entail?
The fast is from dawn to sunset each day of Ramadan. The fast involves refraining from food, drink, and (for married people) sexual relations during the daylight hours.
Who has to fast?
The fast is obligatory on all sexually mature adult Muslims. Those who are mentally handicapped or insane are not considered "adult" and do not have to fast. People who are ill do not have to fast if it would further damage their health; however, they should make up the missed fasts later when they become well again. Women who are pregnant or nursing are considered "ill" because fasting would harm their babies. As well, women who are having their menstrual period or who are experiencing post-partum bleeding should refrain from fasting during the days of their bleeding; the combination of blood loss and fasting could damage their health. Children who have not yet reached puberty are not required to fast. However, it is good for them to practice, and for this reason many Muslim children do fast starting from age seven or nine. A doctor should be consulted about how much fasting is safe for a growing child. People who are traveling may also break their fast if they feel that keeping it would harm them; as well, soldiers on guard duty for whom maximum readiness is a must may break their fast. In all cases of illness or fear of illness, the missed days need to be made up later.
What's Eid al-Fitr?
The name Eid al-Fitr means "feast of the fast-breaking". It takes place on the first day of the month that follows Ramadan. There is a special salat (prayer) which the whole community should come together for. As well, those who can afford to do it should provide a small amount of food for the needy so that everybody can celebrate. The value of this gift is about $15 today. Most communities have a variety of festive celebrations and meals to mark the day.

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