Reality of Hajj Everything Makes Tawaf (Circumambulation)

 

Entering to Makkah al Mukarramah Haking a bath is desirable for a pilgrim to enter the holy city of Makkah. Entering to the Sacred Mosque through the gate called 'Bab As-Salam' is also a Sunnah. On seeing the holy Ka'aba, it is 'Sunna'(desirable action) to stop his walk and supplicate to Allah for His bounties. Then he should directly proceed to the Black Stone, kiss it quietly, put forehead on it, touch it with his hand. If this is not possible and cannot reach the Black Stone, one may just point toward it with his right hand from a distance and kiss it. These actions are recommended before and after Thawaf and at the beginning of each round.

The Thawaf In accordance with the Hajj or Umrah rituals there are three types of Thawaf named as (1) Tawaf-ul-Qudum; the voluntary Thawaf performed by those who come out of holy Makkah, when they enter the sacred Mosque as a gift to holy Ka'ba. (2) Thawaf-ul-ifada; the essential part of Hajj. It can be performed after the midnight of 10th Dulhijja. (3) Thawaf-ul-wada'; the Thawaf performed before leaving holy Makkah as a farewell. Performing thawaf is a desirable action at any time and it is a 'Thahiyyath' to the Sacred Mosque. The Thawaf of the Sacred House consists of making seven circuits around it. Each circuit must be begun at the Black Stone. Chanting Thakbeer with the name of Allah (saying Bismillahi Allahu Akbar), is Sunnah at the beginning of each circuit. If the Muhrim (a person in the state of Ihram) is able to do so, he might kiss the Black Stone with his lips or alternatively, he can wipe over the Black Stone with his hands or any other object and then kiss that object or if the crowds are too heavy, merely pointing in its direction with his right hand and kissing it is sufficient. Do not oppress or cause harm to those around you in your attempt to kiss or touch the Black Stone. There is no specific statement or supplication legislated to be said during each circuit. Make du'aa from your heart, for that which will benefit you. Recite whatever you wish from Qur'an, supplicate to Allah by asking for good, and utter dhikr (glorificaton) of Allah. The completion of seven circuits means you have completed the Thawaaf. The first three circuits are performed as "Ramal", i.e. taking short quick steps, not running with long strides. The remaining four circuits are completed by walking at your normal pace. When beginning the Thawaf, the Muhrim should adjust his Ridaa (top piece of fabric) by lowering the right side under his right armpit and throwing the end over his left shoulder, thus exposing his right shoulder. This manner of wearing the Ridaa and walking "Ramal" in the first three circuits is recommended only for the Thawaf that precedes with sa'i and the sa'i. From the time the Muhrim puts on his Ihram garments at the Meeqaath until he reaches holy Makkah and is about to begin his Thawaaf, he should wear his Ridaa covering both shoulders. It is also recommended in every round to touch and kiss the Yemeni Corner (The Southwestern Corner) or rise up his hand toward it and kiss it. When the Thawaaf is completed, with all of its components, the Muhrim goes to the Station of Prophet Ibrahim (A) in compliance with the command of Almighty Allah "And take the Station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer" (Qur'an 2:125). ), where he performs a two-rak'aath prayer of Thawaaf. From here, the Muhrim drinks the water of Zam- Zam until he fills his stomach completely and also pours it over his body. Verily, Zam-Zam water is not only a nutrient, but it is also a cure from disease. Conditions of Thawaf (1) To be clean from major and minor ritual impurities (2) To be clean the body, cloth and place from filth (3) To hide the intimate parts from navel to knee for men and all the body of women except the face and hand (4) Intention (when performing Thawaf not along with Hajj or Umrah) (5) Starting from Blackstone (6) Walking in between Safa and Marwa (Sa'e) (7) Making the left part of the body always to holy Ka'ba (8) Assuring eight rounds (9) To be performed from inside the Sacred Mosque (10) To become his entire body outside of the holy Ka'aba.

Recommended deeds while fasting

Breaking one’s fasting quickly is a recommended (sunnah) action, while he is sure the sun set. It is good to break one’s fast on dates, and if not available then by drinking water. As well, it is good to delay Suhur meal (Pre- dawn meal) to the extend in which one can complete 50 holy verses of Quran before the dawn. Once the Prophet (PBH) said: “Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month), shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time”.

Abstaining from backbiting or cursing a Muslim and other sins is more emphasized while fasting. As committing such sins,  the reward of one’s fasting might be lessened or lost. If someone curses another, let him abstain from responding by a similar curse. Let him say, "I am fasting, I am fasting." 

There are a lot of rewarding actions in the Ramadan such as paying  much optional charity to the poor,  reciting the holy Qur’an, seclusion in the Masjid (itikaf) especially during the last ten days of Ramadan, praying the Tarawih Prayer (for more details of Tarawih look on the article The Prayer Tharawih), inviting others to break their fast on food which you provided even if only with a sip of water, keeping good relations with kinfolk and visit others for the sake of Allah Most High, taking a bath [ghusl] every night of Ramadan, especially if one attends the group prayer and so on. It is also recommended to make extensive supplication on this night.  Aysha (May Allah please with her) reported that she asked Allah’s Messenger (PBH) “O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?” And he instructed her to say: “Allahumma innaka afuwwun thuhibbul afwa fa’fu annee – O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me.”  (Reported by Ahmed, Ibn Majah and at Thurmudhi).  Abandoning Worldly Pleasures for the Sake of Worship, it is further recommended to spent more time in worship during the nights on which Laylt ul-Qadr is likely to be.  This calls for abandoning many worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping Allah.  

 

Aysha (R) reported: “When the last ten days of fasting started, the Prophet (PBH) would tighten his izar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives and spent the time in the Masjid in order to have more time for worship), spent the whole night awake (in prayer), and wake up his family” (Bukhari & Muslim). And she said: “Allah’s Messenger (PBH) used to exert more (in worship) on the last ten that on other nights” (Muslim). 

In nutshell, the month of Ramadan is a great opportunity for heaping up the rewards from the Almighty. Because, performing this is an obligation in worship and obedience to Allah. Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haram, buying lottery tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things. 

'Oh! You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)' [al-Baqarah 2:183].

The Prophet (PBH) said: 'Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink' (Bukhari). Hence we should realize that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allah. 

WHAT'S NEXT AFTER RAMADAN

While leaving the blessed month of Ramadan from us, the eagerness of the believers for offering devotional service and attaining spiritual excellence was not yet satiated, the call rising from their hearts still demanded “More, can I have more of Ramadan”, and even the commoners were becoming increasingly attached to fasting that the moon of the next month rises in the sky. The delightful days and fragrant nights are coming to an end. The month of  salvation, mercy, compassion, repentance, Tharaweeh, Prayers and fasting going to leave us. With it the month of Ramadan bids farewell to Muslims with a promise to come again next year.  It is the time we must take a look at our efforts we made through. As well, it is the time to make a decision how to stay steadfast and live after Ramadan. In deed, here are some questions to be asked to our own selves. 

We must do a thorough introspection as to what and how much we gained during these blessed days? What was the level of sincerity in our prayers and actions? As sincerity of intention, that it’s only for Allah’s pleasure, is necessary for acceptance of a deed. Have we fulfilled the requirements of piety (Thaqwa) and developed God-fearing?  To gain piety is the main objective of this 30 days training, Ramadan. While fasting, we don’t eat ,drink, refrain from forbidden things, even when no one is there to watch us, because we know our Allah is seeing us every where. This develops and should develop in us God fearing (Thaqwa) that, we even after Ramadan, all our life long, never do evil deeds, as no human might be there to watch us, but Allah always keep an eye on us, what we are doing or even thinking to do. Have we left one or all of our sinful habits for ever? Have we become successful in crushing the undying and lusty desires of our body? Have we fought our souls and desires and defeated them? As Satan was chained during Ramadan, so whatever wrong we did, we should blame our own selves.  Do we see the love of Allah increased and the love of worldly things decreased in our heart? Indeed we should thank Allah if our answers are positive. Thank Him for enabling us to make the prayers and keep fast. 

There was a painter who decided to make a marvel. He started painting that picture from dawn to dusk. For days and days he thought and pondered, changed and amended, his picture was getting into a masterpiece of all times. One morning, when he was to give a finishing touch to that marvelous painting, he somehow or someone’s suggestion poured some water over it. Everything was washed away nothing visible or lovely. Instead of that painting, there was more of a horrible and dreadful remainder. The one who suggested became happy, as he wanted the same. So is the case with a Muslim who strives hard for the whole of a month, Ramadan, to become a true human being, a true Muslim but at the very onset of Shawwal we see him, letting go all what reward he accumulated throughout the month, because of Satan’s suggestions. So, we should beware, as Stan is set free again to mislead us, soon after Ramadan, with new zeal and enthusiasm.

Soon after the end of Ramadan, a few of people leave the five prayers in congregation, even leaving obligatory ones. Women neglect the prayers until they become Qaza,. Return with a bang to the forbidden musical entertainment, filthy songs are played aloud over the streets. Return to the depraved forbidden films, dirty TV channels and all nasty stuff. 

Deliberately, time and money is spent against the commands of Allah. Thus, they demolish what they had constructed and destroy what they have established. This is an indication of deprivation. Is this the result of the practice of 30 days? Is this what Allah requires of us after a training of 30 days? Is this what we are going to show our Lord on the day of Eid?  Is this the way we thank our Lord for letting us go through all those blessed days and nights?  Are we making Allah happy or Satan? 

Definitely, this is not a way for showing our thankfulness towards His blessings and favors. As like, it is not a sign of accepting one's actions, rather this is opposition to favors and absence of thankfulness. 

Anyone who truly fasts rejoices on the occasion of `Eid, praises his Lord for helping him complete the fast, and remains fearful that Allah may not accept his fasting, just as the predecessors would continue asking for acceptance of their actions in Ramadan. 

We can make out the acceptance of one’s deeds through his/her improvement in expressing obedience to Allah. “And remember when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” [Ibrahim, 7]. 

Thankfulness is leaving sins. Who do so is increased in good, faith and righteous actions. So if the servant is truly thankful to his Lord, you will see him guided to more obedience and distanced from sinfulness. The Companion, Wahab bin Munabbih (May Allah please with him) said that when Eid comes Satan starts weeping loudly (as he was chained during Ramadan, so he couldn’t mislead people and gets rescued on night of Eid). Looking at his nervousness, all devils gather together and ask, “O master! Why are you mad and sad! “He replies, “It is sad! Allah has forgiven the followers of Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of Allah be upon him) on this day. 

Satan orders his pupils that: you distract the Muslims by keeping them after their selfish worldly desires. He urges that we do such evil deeds that destroy all good we have gathered in Ramadan. Ah! Nowadays Satan looks very successful in this attack of his. 

Aysha (R) said: "I asked the Messenger of Allah concerning the ayah: 'And the one who give what they give and their hearts tremble with fear.' Are they the ones who drink alcohol and steal?" He said: "No, o daughter of as-Siddeeq. Rather, they are the ones who fast and pray and give in charity yet fear that it won't be accepted from them. They are the ones who rush to do good deeds and they are the first to do them" [Thurmudi 3/79-80]. 

Righteous actions are for all times and all places, so let’s strive and beware of laziness. And guard our obligatory actions, not delaying them, such as the five daily prayers, in congregation etc. 

Abstaining from these evils is only through the grace and help of Allah. "Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower" (3:8).Moosa Sonkal

Getting the best out of the last ten days of Ramadan

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of  Allah be upon him) said, “If any Muslim comes out of Ramadan without gaining forgiveness and goodness, he is a real loser” (Ibn Hibban and Thabarani). 

The last ten days of Ramadan are very special days in the life of every Muslim. According to Muslims, they are the most blessed days in the blessed month of Ramadan, the month the Qur’an was revealed. Muslims believe that although the Prophet Muhammad (PBH) was promised Paradise , he used to exert himself even more in worship during these last ten days, hoping to draw closer to Allah. The Prophet’s wife `Aysha (May Allah please with her) said: “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e., work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers” (Bukhari). 

For Muslims, the last ten days should be a time to perfect one’s fast and avoid anything that may break it. It is a time to give more charity and to settle disputes and forgive one another. It is also a time for soul searching, evaluating one’s life, supplicating, and asking forgiveness. This should be done sincerely because if Allah accepts the supplications, the reward is the remission of one’s sins.

The best time to do it is in the last part of the night. Abu Hurayrah (R) reported that the Prophet (PBH) said: “When the last one third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One, (His mercy and kindness) descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything, so that I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so I forgive him?” (Bukhari and Muslim). 

During the last third of Ramadan, one should read more Qur’an and remember Allah more often, even constantly. 

The last ten days are also known for i`tikaf (spiritual retreat). The Prophet (PBH) used to perform i`tikaf in the Masjid during the last ten days of Ramadan, barely sleeping during that time. I`tikaf requires a total devotion to Allah; it is a sort of vacation with Him. The time is spent worshiping, performing ritual Prayers, reading the Qur’an, making Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and du`a’ (supplication).

Lailathul Qadr

The great value of the Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr) has been emphasized in the Qur’an and in the traditions of the Prophet (PBH), at various places. In the Qur’an, a whole chapter is devoted to this theme: We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of power: And what will you know what the Night of Power is? The night of Power is better than a thousand months.  Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah permission, on every errand.  Peace! ..... This until the rise of morn! {Qadr}. 

The Prophet (PBH) is reported to have said:  “The past sins of a person who remains engaged in acts of worship in the night of Power with faith and awareness of Reckoning will be forgiven” (Agreed). 

It is, indeed, Allah’s wisdom and kindness that He has left this night unrevealed and has simply referred to it as one falling in the last ten days of Ramadan. This, as a matter of fact, encourages Muslims to adorn all the last ten nights of Ramadan with acts of worship, supplication and invocation in search of this night. 

Most traditions agree that Lailathul Qadr falls in the last ten days of Ramadan, probably in the last seven days, and is one of the odd nights.  Ibn Umar (May Allah please with him) narrates: “Lailathul Qadr was shown in dream to some of the Companions of the Prophet as occurring in the last seven days (of Ramadan).  On it the Prophet remarked that as their wishing to find it should search for it in the last seven days”.  Aysha (R) narrates: “The Prophet of Allah (PBH) used to observe seclusion in the Masjid (I’thikaf) in Ramadan in its last ten days and told (us) to search for Lailathul Qadr in the last ten days of Ramadan”.  In another Tradition related again by A’ysha, may Allah be pleased with her, the prophet of Allah, blessings and peace be on him, said: “Search Lailathul Qadr in the odd night of the last ten days of Ramadan” (Bukhari).Moosa Sonkal

Islamic legal rules of fasting

If we take any rituals of Islam, we can find out that it related with some rules and regulations, such as its Sharths (conditions), Fards (integrals), Sunnaths (desirable), Mubthilaths (Nullifiers) and so on. Hence, the fasting has also suchlike things as follows: 

Integrals of fasting

In fact, the fasting has two integrals (fards): 1. the intention (Niyya’th) i.e. each night to make the intention to fast the following day 2. To abstain from all things those make the fasting in futile such as the sexual intercourse, masturbation, and inserting anything with a volume into the head or the body cavity through an open inlet, excluding one’s pure saliva while still inside the mouth, during the time from the dawn until the sunset.

 The intention (Niyya’th)

Its intention is to bear the fasting in mind but it isn’t necessary to chant it. But it is important to put each intention for each fasting. Its shortened form: “Navaithu sawma ramadana” I bore the fasting of Ramadan in the mind. Its full form: Navaithu sawma ghadhin a’n adhai’ fardi ramadani hadihi ssanathi lillahi tha’ala (I bore in mind to perform the fasting of this year tomorrow for the sake of the God Almighty as in its fixed time (ada’). One should make the intention at night to fast the following day. It means that to have the intention to fast in one’s heart during the night preceding the fasting day i.e. after the sunset and before the dawn of the following day. As related by at-Thurmudhi, an-Nasa’i, and others, the Prophet (Pease and Blessing of Almighty be upon him) said: “The intention is in the heart and does not have to be uttered with the tongue. If one slept at night without making the intention to fast and woke up after the dawn, then he is obligated to abstain from whatever a fasting person would abstain. Afterwards, he should fast a make up for that day. In the matter of woman, if her menstrual or postpartum bleeding stopped at night, then she must intend to fast the following day. The purifying bath is not required to start fasting, but rather to start praying. 

The time of having intention

The intention for any obligatory fasting, must take place at the night before the fast. However, it is not conditioned upon one who is performing an optional fast. Because, It is valid for him to make the intention that same day during the morning, before the sun moves from the center of the sky towards the west, as long as he had not committed any of the invalidators of fasting since the dawn appeared. 

Nullifiers of fasting (Mubthilaths)

The fasting person must abstain from all sorts of invalidities of fasting. He must abstain from taking into his body cavity any material like food or drink or other than that which has a tangible volume from an open inlet such as the mouth, nose, anus, vagina and other. If a person deliberately did so, while remembering he is fasting and knowing that it is unlawful to do so and not because one threatened him to kill (or the like) if he did not break his fast, then this invalidates his fast; besides he has to make it up. Materials which are absorbed by the pores of the skin do not invalidate the fast, because it is not an open inlet to the body cavity. For instance, rubbing oil into the skin does not invalidate the fast 

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If some saliva was spit outside the mouth separating from the tongue, even to the lips, then was taken back in and swallowed, it would invalidate the fast. However, if the saliva is mixed with something else and then swallowed, it also invalidates the fasting. So, someone whose gums bleed must obligatorily wash his mouth thoroughly with water.  Spitting is not sufficient. 

If one rinses the mouth during ablution [wudu] without exaggeration and some water reaches the body cavity, one’s fast is not nullified.  But if one rinses the mouth for other than the ablution (such as to cool off or for cleanliness) and water reaches the body cavity, one’s fast is nullified even if one did not exaggerate.  Similarly, one rinses the mouth during ablution and exaggerates in doing so (by gargling, for example); then one’s fast will be nullified if any water reaches the body cavity. 

If one performs an obligatory purifying bath [ghusl] (such as for major ritual impurity or menstruation) or a recommended one (such as for the Friday prayer) and water reaches the inside of the ears, one’s fast is not nullified (if it is without exaggeration and without diving in river). One’s fast is not broken, if it is too hard to protect himself from swallowing, like the dust of the street or the flour and the like. 

Like wise, It is permissible (although disliked) to taste food with the edge of one's tongue, provided nothing reaches the body cavity.  The cigarette smoking breaks the fast of the smoker himself, but not breaks the fast of the person nearer to him who breathes in some of that smoke. Nose-drops nullify the fast. An anal suppository will nullify the fast so, if one is able to delay it until after sunset, it is obligatory to do so.  If one needs it during the day, however, and is unable to delay it, one may take it and it is obligatory to perform a make up fast instead of that day. Entering a stick in order to clean the inside of the ear nullifies the fast. The inhaler used by asthma patients nullifies the fast because particles like drops of water come out of it and mix with his saliva, after which the patient swallows it, causing him to break his fast.

 

Likewise, he must abstain from sexual intercourse during the day of fasting. If he did not know the abstaining from sexual intercourse during the fasting or he forgot that he was fasting and he performed this act, then it does not invalidate his fast. However, if one, whether it is man or woman, does sexual intercourse during the fasting while knowing this is unlawful and remembering he is fasting, then it would invalidate his/her fasting. More over, they should pay the expiation (Kaffara) for invalidating their fasting by sexual intercourse. Their expiation is in the following order: 1) to set a Muslim slave free. 2)  If he was unable (like India in which the slaves are unavailable), then to fast two consecutive months, other than making up the day which was invalidated by his sexual intercourse. 3) If unable (by sick or old age), then to feed each one of 60 poor people two cupped average-sized handfuls of the most common staple food of the country 

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One’s fasting is broken by masturbation or making the semen come out of one using his own hand or the hand of his wife or because of a kiss or because of other physical contacts. In other hand, if a person experienced a wet dream or semen exited from him because of certain thoughts, then it wouldn’t invalidate his fasting.
To vomit deliberately invalidates the fasting by inserting one’s finger into his mouth or by other methods. Besides, he has to make it up. However, the one, who vomited unintentionally, does not break his fast as long as he does not swallow any of the vomit or saliva mixed with the filth (Najas).

 

The scholars have different opinions in the matter of the phlegm or congestion that drips from the head into the throat. According to Imam Shafi (May Allah Mercy upon him), if the phlegm reached upto the middle of the throat ( i.e. above where the exit of the sixth Arabic letter ha’) and the person swallowed it, then it would invalidate his fasting. However, according to Imam Abu Hanifah (May Allah Mercy upon him), even if the phlegm reached to the tongue and the person swallowed it, his fasting is not invalidated, as long as he does not swallow it after separating from his mouth.Moosa Sonkal

For Whom Fasting is Mandatory?

To be a Muslim is the first condition for the obligation of fasting. In this  world, the non-Muslim is not requested to fast, however, in the Hereafter, he will be punished for showing negligence towards the fasting, as like he will be punished for his blasphemy. But here, the ‘Murthadd’ (one who went out from Islam) comes under the concern.  If he embraces the Islam again, then he should perform the fasting that lost to him on the time of disbelief. 

Secondly, its obligation is upon the pubescent Muslim. Wisdom and maturity are the main stipulations for being the fasting obligatory. So, the child is not requested to perform the fasting. Nevertheless, the parents or the guardians of the child are obligated to order him to fast once he is 7 (lunar) years old, with the condition that the child’s body should be capable of fasting, in addition, he would not be harmed by it. 

 As well, he must be of sound mind for being the fasting obligated to him. Accordingly, the Fasting is not obligatory upon the insane. For, the permissions and prohibitions of the Almighty will not be related with them. But the fasting will be obligatory upon one who deliberately used the intoxications. 

As well, the Fasting is not obligatory on a person whose body cannot tolerate fasting, either due to old age or because of a severe illness. Moreover, the fasting is prohibited for a person who frightened by fasting that his sickness would get worse or he would die. Here, we have to understand a matter that the person who can’t fast because of his old age or an illness which isn’t hopeful to be cured, in such a condition; he does not have to make up the missed days of fasting. Instead, he has to pay the expiation to a poor Muslim concerning each day he missed of fasting. The expiation for each day is two average-sized, cupped hands of the most common staple food of the country (Approximately 800 ml.).

 

Like wise, the menstruating woman or the woman who is in her postpartum bleeding period doesn’t have the obligation of fasting. Instead, it is unlawful for them to fast. But these women have to make up each missed day.  As well, if the pregnant woman or the breast-feeding woman fears that harm would come to her or her baby from her fasting then she has the permission to abstain from the fast. But, here both must make up every one of the missed days of fasting. Whereas, if the reason behind their abandoning of fasting was solely the fear of harming their baby, then in addition to make up the missed days of fasting, they must pay the above mentioned expiation for each day they missed. The one who is traveling a distance of two or more walking days (about 132 kms) is allowed to avoid the fast unless his traveling is sinful. This traveler is permitted to break his fast even though he would not encounter hardship in his trip, such as if he crossed this distance quickly, by plane, or comfortable, in a car or a train. The matter of traveling is not based on the hardship; rather it has to do with the distance. This facility for the traveler was mentioned in the Qur’an. 

Allah said in Surat al-Baqarah: “If, however, anyone of you be sick or on a journey, he should fast the same number of other days. As for those who can not fast (by extremely old age or sick not hope full of curing), the expiation of this shall be the feeding of one needy person for one fasting day, and whosoever does more than this with a willing heart does it for his own good. But if you understand the thing, it is better for you to observe the Fast” (2:184).Moosa Sonkal,http://sonkalsunniblogspot.com