What is fasting?
Fasting is an act of worship in which a person abstains from food, drink, sexual intercourse and other bodily pleasures from sunrise to sunset. This worship is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory upon every adult, sane, healthy and independent Muslim.
Obligation of fasting
The obligation of fasting is described in the Holy Quran. Allah Almighty said:
“The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, it is a bright book for guidance. So whoever fasts in this month strictly for the sake of piety with faith.” (Al-Baqarah: 185)
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Islam is based on five things: the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving Zakat, performing Hajj and fasting Ramadan.” (Bukhari)
Allah’s Commandments
“And the month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, it is a bright book for guidance. So whoever fasts in this month strictly for the sake of piety with faith.” (Al-Baqarah: 185)
“Fasting is a shield, so do not lie and slander the fasting person and do not quarrel. If someone quarrels or abuses you, say that I am fasting.” (Bukhari)
“Fasting is my right and I will reward it.” (Bukhari)
“Fasting is a shield, so do not lie and slander the fasting person and do not quarrel. If someone quarrels or abuses you, say that I am fasting.” (Bukhari)
Hadiths
“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and hope of reward, his sins are forgiven.” (Bukhari)
Virtue of fasting
There are many benefits of fasting, some of which are:
Fasting forgives sins.
Faith is strengthened by fasting.
By fasting, the pleasure of Allah is obtained.
Fasting improves physical health
Persons exempted from fasting include:
- Children
- The old
- ill
- the traveler
- Pregnant women
- Lactating women
- Patients for whom fasting is harmful
- A woman who is in the state of menstruation or nifas
- A person who cannot fast under any compulsion
- Etiquette of fasting
These etiquettes should be kept in mind while fasting:
Eat breakfast well.
Be patient and persevere during fasting.
Make the intensity of hunger and thirst a source of patience for Allah Ta’ala.
Engage in good deeds during fasting.
Iftar should be done well after fasting.
Virtues of the first Decade of Ramadan
All the ten days of Ramadan are blessed, but the first ten days have special virtue, because in this ten days, the doors of mercy, forgiveness and closeness to God are opened.
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Virtues of the first decade of Ramadan in the Holy Quran
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah Almighty said:
“And the month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a bright book for guidance.” (Al-Baqarah: 185)
From this verse, it is known that the month of Ramadan is the month of the revelation of a bright book for guidance, i.e. the Holy Qur’an. And since the Holy Quran is the source of mercy and forgiveness, the first decade of Ramadan is called the decade of mercy and forgiveness.
Virtues of the first decade of Ramadan in hadiths
In a hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The first decade of Ramadan is for mercy, the second decade for forgiveness and the third decade for protection from punishment.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
From this hadith, it is known that the doors of mercy are opened in the first decade of Ramadan, the doors of forgiveness are opened in the second decade and the doors of protection from punishment are opened in the third decade.
Topics of the first decade of Ramadan
Decade of mercy
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah Almighty said:
“And the month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a bright book for guidance.” (Al-Baqarah: 185)
From this verse, it is known that the month of Ramadan is the month of the revelation of a bright book for guidance, i.e. the Holy Quran. And since the Holy Quran is the source of mercy and forgiveness, the first decade of Ramadan is called the decade of mercy.
The decade of closeness to God
In a hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The first decade of Ramadan is for mercy, the second decade for forgiveness and the third decade for protection from punishment.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
From this hadith, it is known that the doors of mercy are opened in the first decade of Ramadan, the doors of forgiveness are opened in the second decade, and the doors of protection from punishment are opened in the third decade.
What should be done in the first decade of Ramadan?
In the first decade of Ramadan, we should do the following:
Recite Quran as much as possible.
Obey the prayers.
Give charity.
Repent and seek forgiveness.
Engage in prayers.
In the first decade of Ramadan, we should try to bring our lives closer to Allah. In this decade, we should repent from our sins and seek forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala. In this decade we should be more busy in our worship.
Other topics of the first decade of Ramadan
Decade of Renewal
Ramadan is a great opportunity to renew our faith. In this decade, we should try to strengthen our relationship with our Almighty God.
Decade of piety
Ramadan is also the month of piety. In this decade we should try to develop piety in our lives.
Ten years of repentance and forgiveness
Ramadan is also the month of repentance and forgiveness. In this decade, we should repent from our sins and seek forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala.
Decade of charity
Ramadan is also the month of charity. In this decade, we should give charity and charity in the way of Allah Ta’ala from our wealth.
Decade of recitation of the Holy Quran
Ramadan is also the month of recitation of the Holy Quran. In this decade we should recite the Holy Quran as much as possible.
Ten years of fasting prayers
Ramadan is also the month of fasting prayers. In this decade we should observe our prayers.
Decade of prayers
Ramadan is also the month of prayers. In this decade we should engage in more and more prayers.
