Aug 29 2008
Fiqh of Fasting- Hanafi (Part 3)
Assalamualaykum;
This is the final part, if there are anymore questions please feel free to ask.
I’tikaaf
I’TIKAAF means to enter the Masjid with the Niyyat of residing therein.
(MU’TAKIF: One who makes I’TIKAAF).
Types of I’tikaaf
1. Wajib – To Vow or pledge to make I’TIKAAF (on a fixed day) for the sake of Allah upon the fulfilment of some wish or desire. The least duration of a WAJIB I’tikaaf is one day and night and it must be accompanied by a fast.
2. Sunnat-e-Muakkeda – To reside the last ten nights and days of Ramadhaan in the Masjid is SUNNATE MUAKKADAH ALAL KIFAYAH i.e. If a person from the community fulfils the obligation of I’tikaaf the entire community will be absolved of this sacred duty. Otherwise all the residents will be sinful of neglecting this SUNNAT of our NABI .
3. Mustahab or Nafil – This I’tikaaf can be for any amount of time, even for a few minutes. No fast is conditional for MUSTAHAB or NAFL I’tikaaf.
1. Islam.
2. Sane i.e. a person should not be mad.
3. Taharat. To be free from HADASE AKBAR (major impurity).
4. Niyyat. Intention.
Things permitted during I’tikaaf
1. Eating.
2. Sleeping.
3. Discussing matters of Deen or necessary talk.
It is MAKROOH to observe complete silence as a form of IBADAT (worship).
One is permitted to leave the Musjid
1. For WAJIB Ghusl.
2. For Wudhu.
3. To answer the call of nature (toilet).
LEAVING THE MUSJID without a valid Shar’ee reason will nullify the I’tikaaf.
Things to do during I’tikaaf
1. A Mu’takif should engage himself in Ibaadat.
2. Recital of the Holy Quraan. NAFL Salaat and Zikr.
3. Durood Sharif and Istighfaar.
4. Remembrance of Allah Ta’ala.
5. Learn or teach the knowledge of deen.
I’tikaaf for Women
A woman should perform I’tikaaf in her home at the place where she performs her daily Salaat or any suitable place.
Niyyah for Nafl I’tikaaf
Nawaytul I’tikaafa lillahi Azza Wajjal Ma Dumtu Fil Masjid
I intend making I’tikaaf for Allah till the I remain in the Masjid
Tarawih
Tarawih Salaat is SUNNATE MU’AKKADAH for both men and women.
To perform Tarawih with Jama’at is SUNNATE MU’AKKADAH for men.
If a person performs Tarawih at home whilst Tarawih is being performed at the Masjid, he will NOT be sinful. However, if all the neighbours perform their Tarawih alone at home, then all will be sinful because of neglecting the Jama’at.
- The time for Tarawih is from after Esha Salaat to a little before Subha Sadiq. It can be performed before and after the Witr Salaat also.
- If one has missed a few Rak’aats of Tarawih and the Imam has commenced the Witr then this Muqtadi may join for the Witr and complete the remainder of his Tarawih thereafter.
- 20 Rak’aats with 10 Salaams are MASNOON i.e. one should have a Niyyat for 2 Rak’aats of Tarawih each time. After every four Rak’aats it is Mustahab to sit a while and take a rest.
- One may remain silent or recite the Quran Sharif or Tasbih in a low voice or say Nafl Salaat separately during the period of rest after every four Rak’aats.
- lt is MAKROOH to perform Tarawih sitting if one has the strength of Qiyam (standing).
- While performing Tarawih some do not join the Jama’at from the beginning but join the Imam when he prepares to go into Ruku. This is MAKROOH. They should join at the beginning.
- If one does NOT get the Jama’at for Fardh, he should perform his Fardh alone and then join the Jama’at for Tarawih.
Virtues of Fasting
1. Abu Hurairah reported that the Apostle of Allah said, “When Ramadhaan comes, the doors of Heaven are opened and the doors of Hell are closed and the devils are put in chains and the doors of Mercy are opened.”
2. The Prophet Muhammad said, “The fragrance of the mouth of a fasting person is more pleasant to Allah than the smell of musk.”
3. Sahl bin Saad reported that Rasulullah said, “In Paradise there are eight doors of which there is a door named RAYYAAN. None but those that fast will enter it.”
4. Abu Hurairah reported that Rasulullah said, “Whoever breaks fast on one day of Ramadhaan without excuse or illness, his fasting of his whole age will not compensate it.”
5. Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah said, “Partake of Suhoor before dawn because in this Suhoor there is Barakah (blessing).”
6. Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever fasts during Ramadhaan with faith and is hopeful of reward, all his past sins will be forgiven and whoever stands up in salaah with faith and is hopeful of reward all his past sins will be forgiven and whoever stands up in salaah during the blessed night with faith and is hopeful of reward all his past sins will be forgiven.”
There are six duties in fast known as Sunnats
1. To partake of Suhoot or predawn meals.
2. To break fast immediately after sunset.
3. Te read Tarawih Salaat at night.
4. To feed the poor and hungry.
5. To increase the reading of the Holy Quraan.
6. To observe I’tikaaf within the Masjid during the last ten days of Ramadhaan.
Fasting teaches sympathy for the hungry
Fasting is the only method whereby the pangs of hunger, the ever present companion of the poor, are experienced by the rich. Thus this experience kindles a spirit of kindness to the poor and distressed. It also gives rise to the thought of how people will fare on the Day of Resurrection, when the greatest urge of hunger and thirst will be felt.
Don’ts of Ramadhaan and at all times
1. Don’t speak without purpose.
2. Don’t be vulgar or rude.
3. Don’t be irritable.
4. Don’t tell lies.
5. Don’t backbite.
6. Don’t argue or fight.
7. Don’t be boastful and arrogant.
8. Don’t swear.
9. Don’t eat doubtful food at Iftar.
10. Don’t look at undesirable things.
11. Don’t listen to objectionable speech.
12. Don’t gossip.
13. Don’t commit any sins.
Radiant Light