Ramadan Manual; A Guide to its Merits and Practices
By Imam Didmar Faja
Based on the book Al-Kafi fi al-Fiqh Al-Hanafi Written by Shaykh Vehbi Sulejman Gavoci
Disclaimer: Unless stated otherwise, all rulings follow the Hanafi school of Islamic law. Hadiths not specified as weak are either reliable (hasan) or authentic (sahīh).
Definition of Siyām
Siyām means abstaining from something. It is mentioned in the Quran:
“So eat and drink and be contented. And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, ‘Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.” (Maryam: 26)
From the Shariah definition is to abstain from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn until sunset.
In regards to fasting, Allah mentions in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Al-Baqarah: 183)
And also,
“The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month,[1] let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allāh intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allāh for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps
you will be grateful.” (Al-Baqarah: 185)
Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month in the history of the Muslims. Allah Almighty has chosen it as a remembrance that never fades and a blessing that does not end.
1. In it, Allah Almighty chose Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم as a Prophet and Messenger to all of mankind, commanding him to convey the message of Allah to the world and its inhabitants.
2. The month of Ramadan marks the beginning of the revelation of the Noble Qur’an.
Allah Almighty says:
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Al-Baqarah 2:185)
3. Allah multiplies the rewards for those who fast in it and raises their ranks.
- When the first night of Ramadan comes, Allah looks at them (with mercy), and whoever Allah looks at, He will never punish them.
- The smell from their mouths when they fast is more fragrant to Allah than the scent of musk.
- The angels seek forgiveness for them every day and
- Allah commands His Paradise, saying: ‘Prepare yourself and beautify yourself for My servants, for soon they will find rest from the hardships of the world and enter My abode and My honor.’
- When the last night of Ramadan arrives, Allah forgives them ” (Narrated by Al- Bayhaqī in Shu‘ab al-Īmān with a weak chain).
Ramadan is the fourth pillar from the pillars of the religion. For indeed, it breaks the dominance of the nafs that commands evil, and it promotes deeds connected to the heart along with abstaining from food, drink, and desires…