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“This
fasting is not accepted from one who does not make the intention (to
fast) before fajr (dawn)”.
However, some people get confused about the intention. They are in
doubt whether they have made it at night or not. This is the result
of Satan’s deception and the fasting Muslim should ignore it. The firm
determination shown by the Muslim at the start of Ramadhaan, to fast the
whole of it, suffices as a firm intention.
Suhoor :It is the meal the Muslims
have just before dawn; the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam,
commanded the Muslims to take Suhoor. He,
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “Take Suhoor, as there is a blessing in it”.
He further said: “The difference between our
fast and that of the People of the Book is the act of taking
Suhoor.” Apparently the Jews and the Christians do not
take Suhoor and it is to differ from them that the Prophet recommended
that we take Suhoor. It is therefore highly recommended to have Suhoor
even if it is only a sip of water in case there is virtually nothing to eat.
Iftaar :It
is breaking the fast at sunset. It is recommended to hasten the
iftaar and defer the Suhoor as the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam,
said: “My nation will remain on the right
path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast and defer the
Suhoor.” It is therefore a blessing to hurry and break fast
when the sun has set, taking ripe dates or sips of water as Anas, may
Allaah be pleased with him, reported that such was the practice of the
Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The fasting Muslim follows
the Sunnah by saying his fast: “Thahaba At-Thama’
Wabtallatil-'Urooq Wa Thabata Al-Ajru, Inshaa Allaah (the thirst is
quenched the veins are moistened and the reward is confirmed if Allaah
wills)
WHAT TO
SAY AT IFTAAR TIME
The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam is reported to have said the following supplication when he, sallallaahu
'alayhi wa sallam would break his fast: “Thahaba
At-Thama’ Wabtallatil 'Urooq, Wa Thabata Al-Ajru, Inshaa' Allaah"
(Abu Daawood)
Authentic Du’as meanings of: “The thirst is quenched, the veins are moistened, and
the reward is confirmed if Allaah wills”.
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