The month of Ramadan is around the corner and as believers, we should be preparing for it. The preparation for this month can only be done with sound knowledge. We present to you some facts about Ramadan and misconceptions about it. Facts.
1. The fast of Ramadan starts with the sighting of the new moon. If the new moon can not be seen due to cloud cover, then we should count Shaban to be thirty.
2. It is compulsory for every person who is a Muslim and has reached the age of puberty or has attained the age of fifteen to fast in the month of Ramadan.
3. It is obligatory for us to have an intention to fast in the month of Ramadan. We do not need to pronounce it on our tongue.
4. The fast for each day begins when the fajr (dawn) appears and it ends immediately the sun sets.
5. Allaah has exempted the old, sick person, traveller, pregnant woman, breastfeeding woman, menstruating woman and the old person from fasting in this month.
6. As for the old person, pregnant woman and the breastfeeding woman, they should feed a poor person for each day.
7. The sick, traveller. and the menstruating woman must pay back as soon as they can.
8. It is better to delay our sahur(predawn meal) and hurry to terminate our fast as soon the sun sets.
9. It is forbidden for us to fast on the "day of doubt" (30 day Shaban). But if we hear the news that the moon has been sighted before the sun sets we should stop eating.
10.Eating, drinking and sexual intercourse in the day of Ramadan vitiate the fast.
11. If a woman is fasting and she sees her menstrual period before the sun sets then, she must break her fast and pay back later.
12.lf someone forgetfully eats or drinks in the day of Ramadan he should continue his fast and he does not need to pay back.
13. If someone is eating the predawn meal (sahur) and the adhan is made, one should finish the meal.
The following does not vitiate fast.
1.Having a bath in the afternoon of Ramadan.
2.Swallowing saliva, phlegm or tears.
3.Sleeping in the afternoon of Ramadan.
4.Not praying the Taraweeh prayer the previous night.
5.Kissing ones spouse (of course, For the married only!).
6. Brushing the teeth or using siwaak (without swallowing the water) in the afternoon of Ramadan.
7. Using puffers, inhalers, ointment (on the body).
8.Havingdental fillings or tooth extractions.
9. Having a wet dream in the afternoon of Ramadan.
10.Tasting for salt in the afternoon of Ramadan.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited