In fact, scholars have different views on whether or not swallowing mucus breaks the fast. But, the opinion that says it doesn’t break the fast seems to be the most correct.
In this context, Sheikh Ibn Uthaymin says,
Phlegm and mucus that do not reach the mouth do not break the fast. This is the only opinion expressed on the matter in the (Hanbali) school of law.
If the phlegm and mucous reach the mouth and then the person swallows it back down, there is disagreement among the scholars regarding whether it breaks the fast or not:
One opinion is that it does break the fast. Scholars who hold this view compare swallowing phlegm and mucus to eating and drinking.
The other opinion is that it does not break the fast. Scholars who hold this view regard phlegm and mucus to be comparable to saliva. Even if a person gathers saliva in his mouth and swallows it, this will not break his fast.
In a case where the scholars are divided in their opinions, then the matter must be referred back to the Quran and Sunnah. Since we are in doubt about whether swallowing phlegm and mucus invalidates the fast, we must consider that the default assumption in Islamic Law in the absence of other evidence is that it does not do so.
Based on this default assumption, we would say that swallowing phlegm and mucus does not break the fast.
Yahya related to me from Malik that Ziyad ibn Abi Ziyad quoted Abu’d-Darda as saying, “Shall I not tell you the best of your deeds, and those that give you the highest rank, and those that are the purest with your King, and are better for you than giving gold and silver, and better for you than meeting your enemy and striking their necks?“
They said, “Of course.” He said, “Remembrance (dhikr) of Allah, the Almighty” (Hadith Bukhari Book 15:7.24).
Towards this goal many Muslims carry a sibhah, or prayer beads. Traditionally, prayer beads are used to keep track of how many times one has recited Subhan Allah, Alhamdulliah and Allahu Akbar. The most popular way is using them after the obligatory prayer to recite the dhikr [remembrance of] Allah:
Narrated Abu Ma’bad: (the freed slave of Ibn ‘Abbas) Ibn ‘Abbas told me, “In the lifetime of the Prophet it was the custom to celebrate Allah’s praises aloud after the compulsory congregational prayers.” Ibn ‘Abbas further said, “When I heard the Dhikr, I would learn that the compulsory congregational prayer had ended” (Bukhari Vol.1: Book 12: 802).
However, although the dhikr of Allah has been recited from the time of the Prophet, the sibhah as we now know it today has not been recorded as being in existence at that time.
Some accounts of history show that Muslims adopted the sibhah from India in the 2nd Islamic century and through them, in 1214, that the Christians adopted the idea and started using the rosary (Gulik).
Even though, methods of assistance have always been employed in religious devotion even before the sibhah.
Tradition states that before the sibhah, stones were sometimes used to recite. Other religions used knotted cords or woven shawls to keep track of recitations.
Modern technology, however, has added a new dimension to prayer beads when electronic sibhah were invented. Many people even prefer not to use a sibhah at all.
Even though, using a sibhah is not only helpful in keeping track of remembrances, but can be healing as well, depending on which wood or stone has been used to make the beads.
At the Islamic Shopping Network many kinds of prayer beads are available from Turquoise and Tiger Eye stone to Sandalwood and Rosewood beads.
A search of other sites reveals a number of sites dedicated to making custom stone beads for all religions. A search of the local markets of the Middle East reveal an even larger selection of sibhah.
And just as using beads for prayer is a long-standing tradition, so is healing with beads. Throughout history cultures have used gemstones and wood for healing.
Dr. Robert Frost, a physician in Basel, Switzerland, recently studied the scientific properties of these gems and woods and created a method of testing woods and gemstones that reveals their healing properties in scientific terms (Frost).
Reducing Pain
In his clinical work, Dr. Frost discovered that using the correct gemstone or wood could reduce pain, prevent allergic reactions, improve coordination and even increase muscle strength.
To give some examples; Tiger-eye is traditionally used to enhance understanding and strengthen belief. It is healing to the stomach area and is often used to assist with problems of the kidney, pancreas, liver, small intestine or stomach. It has also been found to have a calming effect on people who hold it.
Turquoise keeps the feeling of unconditional love in one’s heart and helps one feel more connected with Allah. It also assists in the digestion of proteins and thus aids digestion.
Turquoise also helps draw out negative feelings such as envy or anger from a person. It assists in healing ailments of the thyroid, throat, ears, neck and respiratory system. It can also help to combat allergies or heart problems.
Beads of amber can help lift the heaviness of burdens, amethyst can be spiritually uplifting or heal the stomach or liver, and black onyx helps one to change bad habits. There are many books and websites that speak about the healing power of gems.
Beware in your search, as some sites are mystical and foreboding. But there are an equal number of scientific books and websites that offer information on gems to the general public.
The healing power of wooden prayer beads is often in their scent, which is released and revived with usage. The scent of rosewood is traditionally used for nervous tension, frigidity, and headaches.
It also assists the immune system, helps to fight viruses and regenerate cells. It is good for jet lag and skin inflammations and has the ability to relax a person without making them drowsy.
Beads made of sandalwood emit a scent that has been used for healing since the time of the prophet. Sandalwood is an antidepressant, antiseptic, insecticidal, and sedative wood.
It can assist in the healing of cells and is used to assist the immune system in any healing process or to prevent illness.
In the Tafseer of Ibn Juzayy, it is said that the Prophet Mohammad said in a message from Allah, “I am in my slaves opinion of Me and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself.”
For this reason and the reason of easy transport, prayer beads are a popular gift from one Muslim to another. With a little more thought, this gift can be physically uplifting as well as spiritually.
First and foremost, Allah has said in the Quran that humans have within them weaknesses. It is out of this trait of ours that we humans end up committing sins. Even the best of humans to walk the earth had made errors. Then what about simple laymen?
We may make mistakes left and right, openly and silently. Sister your concern and worry show us that you have much goodness inside of you. Keep seeking Allah and give it your best. It is by God’s infinite mercy that He pardons us over and again. Allah loves His slaves who commit wrong and then turn back to Him. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if you did not commit sin Allah would do away with you and bring people who would commit sin then pray for forgiveness.”
Narrated by Muslim, 2749.
Allah’s forgiveness is vast. At the end of the tunnel, there is still a flicker of hope for a believer, and nothing can extinguish it. Don’t lose confidence in God’s mercy. Anas narrated that Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said:
“All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often.”
Related by At -Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.
Concept of Sin
Many religions have different aspects and thoughts about sin and forgiveness. Such as in Christianity. TheConcept that every Christian is born into sin makes it difficult for that certain individual to do good and be a positive person. From early childhood, Christians believe that they are sinners and that Prophet Jesus died on the cross to compensate for their sins.
Islam, on the contrary, teaches mankind that every individual shall carry their own burden. Which means that all of humanity will be judged upon their own deeds. God is just and it is out of His Justice and Mercy that every single individual will be judged upon his/her own deeds. This concept will help an individual take ownership of his/her actions. A person will have to work hard towards his own salvation.
Having said that, Allah has stressed the importance of staying away from sins. Evil doings such as killing, being disrespectful towards one’s parents, and above all taking partners with Allah are among major sins. One must stay clear of this evil at all times. Allah says,
“if you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden from committing, We will forgive and wipe away from you your [lesser] sins and make you enter a noble entrance Paradise.” (Quran 4:31)
Infinite Forgiveness
Have you ever observed how the moon passes through 28 different phases? Have you noticed the way it waxes and wanes? If you pay particular attention to the new moon stage, the moon disappears and you cannot even see a speck of it. However, is it really gone? No- it’s still there but is hard to see with the naked eye.
Allah is teaching us that nothing in life is constant. Faith will never stay constant. It wavers from time to time. At times one has a very strong faith and sometimes our desires get the best of us. Hence, sister, there is no need to feel guilt or even grieve when you make that sin, then stop everything and make a u-turn towards Allah.
On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah say: Allah the Almighty said:
O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.
It was related by at-Tirmidhi (also by Ahmad ibn Hanbal). Its chain of authorities is sound.
Seeking Pardon
As a parent or a person who has subordinates, when that subordinate or child under your care errors, and comes to ask your pardon, don’t you forgive him/her? Most likely, you will forgive a sincere apology.
Allah is our Creator and His love for us, His creation, is ten folds of a mother’s love. How can you not turn to Him? How can you despair of His mercy? Never, don’t let go. Allah is there to accept all your mistakes and forgive you. On the condition of your sincerity.
There are three conditions for repentance a person must meet. A fourth condition steps in when thesin committed is in regards to another human being. Firstly, when you realize it’s a sin, give it up.
Second, a person must feel remorse within the heart. Third is to make a genuine promise to Allah that he will not repeat thesin.
Fourth, to repay the other person. For instance, if you stole money, then you shall return it back, if you spoke ill of him you should ask pardon from the person.
Acceptance of Repentance
When these conditions are fulfilled by the person who is repenting, then there is hope that his repentance will be accepted, by Allah’s leave. After that, he should not worry about whispers suggesting that his repentance is not accepted. That doubt is from the Shaytaan and is contrary to what Allah and His Messenger have told us. Which is that repentance is accepted if it is sincere.
“Will they not turn with repentance to Allah and ask His forgiveness? For Allah is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Quran 5:74)
As long as you seek the truth with sincerity Allah will guide and protect you. Don’t let the whispers of shaytan hinder you from the correct path.
Life is a struggle for a believer. Somewhere on the path you will fall and have to pick yourself up. You will break down so have the courage to put yourself together. This is the test of a believer. Allah says,
“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Saabiroon (the patient).” (Quran 2:155)
Fasting is a topic that fascinates many who are not Muslim.
It is also one of the questions most often on the minds of those who are new to Islam, because they have not fasted before and they don’t know what to expect.
I remember the first time I fasted during Ramadan. Actually, I wasn’t Muslim at the time, but I fasted with my pupils in school.
It was the least thing I thought I could do to show my solidarity and support for them.
Little did I know that the following year, I would be Muslim myself, fasting as a Muslim during Ramadan during the hours of daylight.
What did it feel like to fast for the first time?
Well, in fact, you hit the nail on the head by asking about water, because I found that it was not the lack of food that was a problem, but the desire for something to drink.
Muslims read in the Quran what means:
{And we send down water from the sky according to (due) measure, and We cause it to soak in the soil; and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease). With it We grow for you gardens of date-palms and vines; in them have you abundant fruits: and of them you eat (and have enjoyment)} (Al-Mu’minun 23:18-19)
Water is just one of the many gifts we take for granted in this life. Just think how many times we have recourse to water during the day.
One of the effects of fasting during Ramadan is that it brings all of these things into focus, helping us to remember all the many blessings we receive and take for granted, such as food and water, and the love of the people who are dear to us.
In Ramadan, we give thanks for these things. We can even thank Allah Almighty for the rain, which is so often a nuisance to us, yet which during those fasting days of Ramadan, would be most welcome to trickle down our faces.
We also remember all of those in this world who do not have the good fortune that we have of being able to drink or eat whenever we wish.
There are many people who will not end the days of Ramadan with a special meal of celebration, but will go hungry because they have neither food nor drink.
All of this, though, is just a prelude to telling you about why Muslims fast. They don’t do it to feel good, or to soar to great heights of spirituality, or for any other reason than the fact that Allah Almighty has commanded them to do so.
{Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, and also clear signs for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting.} (Al-Baqarah 2:185)
By the way, despite what anyone may claim, Islam is eminently sensible and practical.
It is also very reasonable, so you will see that fasting is for those who are at their homes.
In other words, those who are travelling are not required to fast.
So what, then, is the fast about?
Why do Muslims fast at all? Again, we have recourse to the Quran:
{O You who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint.} (Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Pleasing Allah
Muslims fast because Allah has commanded them to do so. Why else would anyone choose to do such a thing?
In fasting, they give up not only food and drink. In fact, the fast is total. Between the hours of daylight, Muslim men and women refrain from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouse.
They also refrain from such things as smoking, bad language, and even bad thoughts.
What use would it be to fast all day if a person was thinking ill about others?
The only thing he would gain by doing this, according to our Prophet, is that at the end of the day he would be hungry and thirsty.
So, yes, water is included in the fast. For some it is easy. For others (like myself) this is the most difficult part of the fast.
The lack of water means that towards the end of the day, about one or two hours before it is time to break the fast, I tend to get a headache or feel drowsy.
However, knowing that we do this for Allah and by doing so we please Him, is enough for any Muslim to carry on the fast willingly.
When we consider the terrible sufferings which have just been undergone by our brothers and sisters in countries under attack and in apartheid as we see in Gaza, who have not only lost their homes and their own limbs, but also their children and family members, it is nothing to go without water for a few hours.
When we see how heroically they endured this suffering, giving thanks to Allah even while the bombs were falling around them, it encourages all Muslims to do this small thing in giving up food and water for Allah’s sake.
When the day’s fast is over, all Muslims will join with their family and friends, to break the fast and to give thanks for the gift of food and water, which we so often take from the hand of Allah without even a thought.
It feels good to have fasted during the days of Ramadan, most importantly because it has reminded us that we have been called to be Muslim and that we have carried out this fast for Allah’s sake.
We’re continuing our discussion about the beautiful Names of AllahAlmighty and today let’s talk about His Name Al-Ghafoor – The Most Forgiving.
Allah’s Names come from intensity in meaning; they indicate that He embodies the most intense form of the meaning of the word.
The Most Forgiving
So with the name Al-Ghafoor, it means that He’s intensely forgiving, the Most forgiving, in fact He’s constantly forgiving.
There are other forms of this word found in the Quran one of that indicates that Allah is immediately forgiving, He forgives immediately, not like us, get upset or insulted and we need time to cool down and to finally come around and say “ok I forgive you”.
Allah Almighty Al-Ghafoor, He forgives immediately. He forgives abundantly; there is absolutely no limit to His forgiveness.
In the Hadith, we find that if one of us were to come seeking forgiveness would come to Allah with sins that fill the entire earth or from the earth to the limits of the heaven, Allah would match that amount of sins with His forgiveness; He would forgive all of it, His forgiveness is limitless.
There is a chapterin the Quran that is entitled Ghafir (the Forgiver), Allah said in the third verse describing Himself {The forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance} (48:3)
Then He goes on to say that He is severe in punishment, and that He mentions that He is the owner of abundance. There is no deity except Him and to Him is the final destination.
So He affirms that He is the Forgiver here, but He reminded us in this verse that this is not our final destination. We’re all travelling back to Allah and this worldly life has a purpose, therefore there are consequences.
The Concept of Sin
The concept of sin, I think is not fully grasped in some aspect of the society, especially the secular side that lack religious knowledge. They say: “why would God care about what I wear or what I say, or how I live my life?”
But in Islam we understand that we have not been created aimlessly, we are not here for no reason; we do have a purpose and it must be fulfilled in order to be successful.
Sins are not haphazard, Allah Al-Ghafoor, describes sin as being against ourselves. When we sin, we are the only ones to get harmed.
Allah Almighty is free of need, we can’t harm Him, we can’t hurt Him, we can’t do anything to Him, or take anything away from Him and He doesn’t gain anything by us doing good deeds or by us staying away from sin.
In chapter Az-Zumar verse 3, Allah says:
{Say, O my servants who have transgressed against themselves by sinning, do not despair by the mercy of Allah. Indeed Allah forgives all sins. Indeed it He who is the forgiving the merciful.} (39:3)
Here, He’s commanding us. First of all, He’s pointing out that when we do wrong then that we are transgressing against our own souls. But He’s commanding us that do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Do not give into those sins. Do not give into losing hope.”
Hope in Allah’s Mercy
Always have hope in the mercy of Allah Almighty so as we turn to Him. He goes on in the chapter to talk about returning to Him in repentance submitting to Him and following the guidance that He revealed.
So it’s a very simple recipe basically. We just stay in contact with our Lord and constantly come back to Him, seeking His forgiveness, being aware of our actions, and then we submit to His Will and we follow the guidance that we have so graciously, generously, and mercifully revealed.
If we deny this generous gift that He’s giving us in this guidance and this opportunity and the countless of opportunities that He gives us to turn back to Him and instead we decide that we want to turn away, then we’re ultimately destroying ourselves, and that’s the ultimate loss.
When I think about turning to Allah and when I think about the idea of fleeing to Him, it reminds me of my daughter. She’s just 4 years old, she’s really cute, and when she does something wrong and she realizes she’s in trouble, she runs to me, crying, usually tears streaming down her face. Her face is getting red and she hugs my legs and she would say “I love you mommy” or she told me that she’s sorry… so adorable, so sincere and genuine and it’s so endearing and honestly it’s quite affective.
So comparing that a child runs to his or her parent in remorse out of love wishing and hope that their love would not be removed.
The child is fearing that the love of their parent, their affection will somehow be taken away from them, that it would be changed. They’re crying from that fear, that the beautiful relationship they have will be altered…
Comparing that to us, as believers, we need to run to Allah Almighty Al-Ghafoor in a similar way to this.
In fact we should be running to Him with more love than a child would to their parents and with more fear.
He’s the one who’s given us life. He’s the one who provides us with every single bit of sustenance and happiness and family that we have and it is to Him that we’ll return and if we fail, we have a lot more to lose than a child would by losing in their parent.
Turn to Him
The fact that Allah has promised us His forgiveness no matter how many times we come back asking for it. It reminds me of a psychologist of parenting, they tell parents even “don’t tell your child that you are ungrateful, you are stupid, for example…” you never tell the child that they are the embodiment of a bad action. Instead, you correct them by pointing out the action that they did, like when you say that, you are ungrateful, to say that or it was not a wise decision when you did this.
Instead of saying: “you’re not wise, you’re stupid, you’re ungrateful…” you don’t characterize the child by their actions, instead you pick the action out and you explain why it is incorrect.
So what I learn from the fact that Allah Almighty is Al-Ghafoor, that He’s constantly forgiving, it means that we don’t embody our sins, we’re not characterized by our sins. Our sins are actions that we may do, but we can break free from them, we can rid ourselves from them, we can be netter than that.
So if I did something wrong, it doesn’t mean that I’m that way, that means we’re separate from our actions, that we can change, we can go forward in life and we can be better.
It means that the doors to self improvement are always open as we are alive and well. Isn’t that beautiful?
Forgive Others
I want to make one last point, in chapter An-Nour, Allah Al-Ghafoor says:
{Part and overlook, would you not like that Allah should forgive you. Allah is the Most Forgiving Most Merciful} (24:22)
He’s pointing out, reminding us that our state that we desire to be forgiven. When one we love doesn’t like to forgive us, it causes us pain and turmoil. The thought of running to Allah seeking His forgiveness and then not being forgiven! Just imagine if that were the case… it would be devastating.
But that’s not the case, instead He wipes away our misdeeds and covers them up. So this needs to translate into our own actions and the way that we deal with our fellow human beings.
This verse basically points out that we should be treating others as we hope to be treated. We desire forgiveness from Allah, therefore we should strive to also be pardoning and lenient with people, and avoid wishing any less on anyone than we would hope for ourselves.
By striving to be more forgiving and merciful ourselves, we can completely alter what kind of energy we are in the world. Imagine how it would change your life if you were to let things go more easily, if you were to turn to people you love most especially with mercy instead of anger and resent.
I pray to Allah that we might be of those people who constantly remember and turn back to Allah Al-Ghafoor, knowing with certainty that He is the Most Forgiving, the most abundantly, constantly forgiving.
I pray that each one of us, you and I, can ponder over this Name as we read it throughout the Quran, in our prayers, in duas, supplication such that it transforms us into more forgiving, loving and merciful people. Ameen.
You first need to know that a Muslim is the one who submits his will to that of Allah and obeys His orders, stipulated in the glorious revelation of the last testament, which is the Noble Quran.
A Muslim chooses – by his Islam – to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet said in a hadith (tradition) that Islam is built on five pillars:
Declaring that there is no god but Allah (God the creator) and that Muhammad is His messenger
Establishing prayers
Giving charity (Zakah)
Fasting the month of Ramadan
Performing pilgrimage to Makkah (by those who are able physically and financially).
Thus, the fourth pillar on which Islam is built is fasting the month of Ramadan. Therefore, a Muslim fasts in obedience to the order of Allah.
Every Act of Worship in Islam has an Outcome and a Fruit
According to the belief of Muslims, Allah is the All-Powerful and Sustainer of all creatures on earth, in the skies and heavens, under the sea and everywhere in the universe. Allah is no need of His creatures, but they all need Him.
When Allah asks human beings to perform an act of worship, He does so to purify him/her and help him/her to lead a happy life in both worlds; this world and the one to come. The only beneficiary of these five pillars is attained by the one who abides by them.
Every act of worship in Islam has an outcome and a fruit. So, when human beings performs such an act, sincerely, and only for the sake and pleasure of Allah, he/she gets that fruit.
You have mentioned in your question that it is normal that a Muslim prays for God, but you did not ask why should he/she pray? Will such prayers add anything to Allah? Is Allah in need of such prayers? What will happen if people stopped praying? Will this affect Allah?
Why do Muslims Pray?
If you ask me why do Muslims pray, I will refer you to Allah Himself to give you the answer, which is revealed in the Glorious Quran:
{[…] establish regular prayer: for prayer restraints from shameful and evil deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest [thing in life] without doubt. And Allah knows the [deeds] that you do […]} (Quran 29:45)
Thus, prayers help the Muslim to stay away from evil deeds. It is quite illogical that a person who establishes a good relation with Allah via prayers and seeks His pleasure all the time, would engage himself in acts that lead to His dissatisfaction such as, backbiting, stealing, committing adultery, etc.
Why Zakah (Charity)?
Likewise, when Allah made charity an obligation and one of the 5 pillars, there must be some wisdom behind it. Allah says in the Quran what means:
{Of their wealth take alms, that so you might purify and sanctify them […]} (Quran 9:103)
Thus, zakah (charity) purifies the person from his sins and cures his heart from obsession with money and miserliness. Again, this act of worship is meant to better the behavior of the Muslim.
Why Fast the Month of Ramadan?
The same principle applies to fasting. The fruit of fasting is stated in the Quran as follows:
{O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may [learn] self-restraint.} (Quran 2:183)
Since Allah is the Creator of human kind, then He is the best One to know what is beneficial for us and what makes us develop ourselves for the better. When a person fasts from dawn to sunset, he/she abstains from food and drink, along with sexual intercourse if he/she is married.
Thus, he stops eating or drinking what is lawful, in obedience to his Creator and he/she would be the one who gets the benefit too.
Fruits of Fasting: Self-restraint
The first and most important benefit of fasting is, as stated in the verse, self-restraint. Because if you can refrain from your lawful pleasures for God’s sake, with full freedom to do so, it would be easier for you to stop doing what is unlawful and forbidden.
The institution of fasting is a unique form of worship prescribed as part of an overall system of Islam. Its uniqueness mirrors the uniqueness of the human being, a creature of both physical and spiritual natures, whose excellence depends on the right balance between these two natures.
Fasting orients the observer to the art of balancing the spiritual essentials with physical needs. It is a vivid proof that there is – in all of us – the will power, a pivotal element that controls our actions.
This will is needed to help us curb the animalistic tendencies originating from the stomach, in full. It makes us forget about our beginning, it awakens the mind and kindles clear thinking and consciousness of Allah.
Fasting is the sobering of a mind and reconstruction of our spiritual faculties. It has instilled in food and beverages a religious legitimacy, as its amount and the hour taken are expressed in terms of religion. Chewing and sipping at proper intervals equals praise and glorification of Allah.
This is due to several considerable obstacles obstructing our view, mainly ignorance, multiple images or double vision, passive will power, time, place, culture, upbringing and prejudice. Fortunately, the gates that lead to the nearness of Allah swing both ways with the help of fasting!
Fasting cures the double vision that many people suffer in the realm of spirituality. Its inauguration eliminates the middleman, a spiritual broker, an insidious opinion held by some that a believer can only gain access to nearness to Allah through another, who is endowed with superpowers to reach Allah more easily.
Allah is Ineffable… Yet, Approachable
No, indeed, Allah is Ineffable… Yet, Approachable.
It is the sum and scope of our worship of Allah that clarifies all the acts of worship including prayers. Fasting renders this magnificent and beautiful idea of Oneness of Allah, there being no deity but Allah, and Muhammad being His messenger, into an effective power charge.
It becomes a potent and effective concept for focusing and organizing one’s worldview and epitomizing the religious and psychological orientation of the believer.
Thank you, Marco, for reminding us again about the previous logic of fasting, as we always need reminders … so that we do not lose the spirit of Ramadan, after it has come to a close. Thank you again.
It is not permissible for the Muslim to swallow blood, whether it is a little or a lot, in Ramadan or at other times, because blood is haram, unless it is swallowed by mistake or involuntarily, in which case there is nothing wrong with it. Allah says in the Qur’an:
{He has forbidden you only the maytah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols, on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.} (Al-Baqarah 2:173)
The scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas were asked:
Sometimes an individual may get a cut and he licks the blood that is coming out, which results in his swallowing the blood, or his gums bleed, so he swallows the blood that comes out. Is there anything wrong with that?
They replied: It is not permissible to swallow blood deliberately because it is haram. Allah says:
{Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al‑maytah (the dead animals — cattle — beast not slaughtered), blood…} (Al-Ma’idah 5:3)
With regard to swallowing it unintentionally, there is no blame in that case. (Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Da’imah, 22/272)
