1. Ahlan wa Sahlan, ya Ramadan!

2. What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the Ninth month of Islamic calendar Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam Muslims fast between dawn & dusk, during which you cannot eat or drink anything

3. What is Ramadan? It is during this month that Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad (S) It provides an annual training opportunity meant to fulfil the character-building needs for the rest of the year

4. O ye who believe, fasting has been prescribed to you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that ye may learn self-restraint (Quran 2:183) Objective of Fasting-1?

5. What is Taqwa? Taqwa is The love and fear that a Muslim feels for Allah, and to stay away from those things that would displease Allah Umar (RA) once asked Ibn Kaab (RA) the definition of Taqwa. In reply Ibn Kaab asked, Have you ever had to traverse a thorny path? Umar replied, Yes. Ibn Kaab continued, How do you do so? Umar said that he would carefully walk through after first having collected all loose clothing in his hands so nothing gets caught in the thorns hence injuring him. Ibn Kaab said, This is Taqwa, to protect oneself from sin through lifes dangerous journey so that one can successfully complete the journey unscathed by sin

6. Objective of Fasting-2? "Ramzan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right &wrong).... And to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful" [2:185]

7. Objectives of Fasting? Taqwa: Self-restraint and Piety Takbir: glorifying Allah because of being guided (Quran) Shukr: being thankful

8. Do you know this about Quran? And we have indeed made the Quran easy to understand and remember, then is there any one who will receive admonition? (Quran 54:17)

9. Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr) "Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the night of Al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is? The night of Al-Qadr is better than a Thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn (Quran 97:1-5)

10. Few Ahadith on Fasting When to start fasting - Do not start fasting unless you see the new moon, and do not end fasting until you see it. If the weather is cloudy then calculate when it should appear (Bukhari) The Suhoor meal -Take the Suhoor meal, for there is blessing in it (Bukhari) Breaking your fast - Break your fast with dates, or else with water, for it is pure (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi) Fasting during a journey - Fast if you like, or postpone it if you like (Bukhari) Behavior while fasting - If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during fast, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink (Bukhari). Forgetfully eating or drinking - If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks he should complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink (Bukhari)

11. In Paradise there is a gate al-Rayyaan, through which those who fast will enter, and no one will enter it except them; when they have entered, it will be locked, and no- one else will enter through it Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and with the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven Fasting will intercede for a person on the Day of Judgement, and will say, O Lord! I prevented him from his food and physical desires during the day, so let me intercede for him. Allah said, All the deeds of man are for himself, except for fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward it MYSELF Prophet Muhammad (S) said:

12. These are familiar images from Africa. But poor & hungry people may be present in your neighbourhood! Do you feel how the hungry & thirsty feel? The condition of hunger gets highlighted on each fasting person leading to: Care and concern for the poor and hungry Helping attitude towards have-nots Charity and donations Refrain from wasting food and drinks. Social responsibility

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